YouSaid · the spoken record

Desta

lines on the record

38

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2008-04-16

most recent

2013-06-19

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6

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un-security-council

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1. “As a country that has emerged from the ashes of war and is endowed with natural resources, Eritrea has recently reached a stage where it is able to develop and exploit its mineral resources in close cooperation with its international partners. In Eritrea, all mineral resources are designated as public property and the conservation and development of such resources must be ensured for Eritrea's present and future generations. Let me conclude by stressing that Eritrea is of the view that natural resources should promote cooperation, not conflicts. We are firmly convinced that pursuing policies for the sustainable use of resources with the aim of creating a win-win solution is critical within and between countries and corporations.”

   2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source

2. “This is an inalienable right and is also unambiguously reflected in the landmark General Assembly resolution 1803 (XXVII) of 1962. Secondly, in recent years, the Security Council has acted on several occasions to curb the negative consequences of the illicit trade in natural resources by targeting non-State actors. It must, however, be stressed that, when such actions are taken, it is important for there to be full consent of the State concerned. More importantly, no resolution of the Council should undermine a State's right to exploit its natural resources or be used as a tool for political pressure. In that connection, it is important to underscore that United Nations organs dealing with social and economic development are best suited to discuss the issue of international cooperation on natural resources.”

   2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source

3. “It is equally important to underscore the negative impact of exploitative interference by external Powers and transnational companies, which undermine the sovereign rights of many Member States over the use and management of their natural resources. More often than not, this has become a recipe for international conflicts, with grave consequences for international peace and security. While we agree with some ofthe remarks regarding intra-State conflicts, including measures to prevent the illicit exploitation of natural resources by non-State actors, I would like to stress the following. First, States have the primary responsibility to develop and exploit their natural resources for the benefit of their respective societies.”

   2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source

4. “However, fierce and aggressive competition over access, illegal exploitation and mismanagement of natural resources are among the most important factors that are linked to several situations of civil strife in African States, both causing and perpetuating conflicts. Ensuring good governance in the control, management and trade of natural resources and equitable access to natural resources is therefore imperative in ensuring the inclusive economic and social well-being of all the people in a given country. That would in itself be critical to maintaining and creating a cohesive and harmonious society.”

   2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source

5. “I would like to thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for organizing this open thematic debate on the prevention of conflicts and natural resources. I would also like to commend today's briefers for their informative introductory remarks. Today's attack against the United Nations compound in Mogadishu was appalling. My delegation wishes to extend its deep condolences to the victims and their families and expresses its solidarity with the people and Government of Somalia. My delegation views endowments in natural resources as an asset to lift millions of people out of poverty.”

   2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source

6. “In this regard, let me stress that we are prepared to actively cooperate with the good offices of the Secretary-General and all Member States in the search for peace and stability in Somalia.”

   2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source

7. “The emerging consensus on the imperative of an inclusive Somali-led political process has been long in coming and is the outcome of frank assessments of past and current realities. Eritrea readily acknowledges that, even with a new approach, there will be no easy and quick solution to the Somali crisis. But everything else has not worked, and we owe it to the Somali people to provide them with the space and opportunity to resolve their own problems and to protect the process from negative and destructive interference. Eritrea welcomes the emerging consensus on the need for an inclusive Somali political process and stands ready to make its own modest constructive contribution.”

   2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source

8. “As my delegation sees it, a growing consensus is emerging on how best to approach the crisis in Somalia. Taking cognizance of the realities on the ground, and having made realistic assessments of the situation in Somalia, many Member of the United Nations, including members of the Security Council, are now calling for a Somali-led and owned inclusive political process to bring peace and stability to Somalia. My delegation realizes that such a positive approach is meeting with some resistance, which is only to be expected, from parties that want to cling to policies and arrangements that have clearly failed to lead to any tangible improvement. We also cannot but notice that concerted efforts are being made to maintain the status quo, even while the military involvement of external actors continues unabated in Somalia.”

   2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source

9. “It seems that I am nearly the last speaker, and the statement I have prepared is very brief. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. I would also like to thank you for organizing this open debate on the situation in Somalia, an issue to which my delegation attaches great importance, given its grave consequences for the Somali people, the subregion and far beyond. Several pressing issues are involved in the situation in Somalia, and that is why a comprehensive strategy is critical to overall peace and stability in that country. However, in order to respect the time allotted to each speaker, I wish to limit my statement to the political track of the situation in Somalia.”

   2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source

10. “Eritrea takes issues of peace and security very seriously and it will not be discouraged or deterred from participating in meaningful and fruitful discussions that contribute concretely to sustainable peace in its region. In light of the steps taken by Eritrea, together with Djibouti, under the auspices of Qatar's diplomatic efforts, and of Eritrea's firm commitment to peace efforts in Somalia, my delegation appeals to the Security Council to lift the sanctions regime imposed on Eritrea. Let me also express my country's deep grief over the recent bombing in Kampala, Uganda, which claimed several innocent lives, including those of six Eritreans, and many wounded.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

11. “Ever since the issue of Djibouti-Eritrea was brought to the attention of the Security Council, Eritrea has exercised restraint and opted for the matter to be addressed in a calm and quiet manner, preferably at the bilateral level or through a third party acceptable to both sides, taking into account the sisterly relationship of the two countries and the need to ensure peace and security in the subregion. In this context, Eritrea is pleased by the Qatari mediation to restore and cultivate good-neighbourly relations with Djibouti on the basis of full respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Finally, notwithstanding resolution 1907 (2009), which was imposed on Eritrea unjustly and selectively by lumping unrelated issues together, my delegation remains committed to regional peace and security.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

12. “As demonstrated during the Istanbul Conference, Eritrea shall engage officials of the Transitional Federal Government and other key actors. Eritrea shall remain part of a sustained and constructive effort to achieve peace and stability in Somalia. On Djibouti, as noted in the report of the Secretary-General, the agreement signed by the Governments of Eritrea and Djibouti under the leadership of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, was a significant development.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

13. “Eritrea will continue to work with the international community in seeking a sustainable peace in Somalia. It was in this spirit that Eritrea participated in the Istanbul Conference on Somalia by accepting the gracious invitation extended to it by the Government of Turkey and the United Nations in order to end the suffering of the Somalis. Eritrea believes that the efforts of the international community should be guided by certain principles. First, there can be no military solution to the conflict in Somalia. Secondly, the only real prospect for a lasting resolution of the Somali problem lies in an inclusive political process. Thirdly, a lasting solution for Somalia can only be the outcome of a Somali-owned and Somali-driven process.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

14. “Recalling that, under paragraph 6 of that resolution, the Council decided to remain actively seized of the matter, I wish to once again urge the Security Council to discharge its responsibility in a manner consistent with its mandate under the United Nations Charter in order to ensure Ethiopia's withdrawal of its troops from sovereign Eritrean territories. Somalia continues to be the most difficult crisis to resolve in the African region, and that may continue to be the case until the Somalis are allowed to rise to the challenge of the day, which requires determination and a shared vision of a united and stable Somalia. For this to materialize, greater emphasis should be placed on opening a political space that would allow all Somali key actors to engage in meaningful and peaceful discussions.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

15. “Ethiopia's refusal to honour its obligation and its act of arming, training, hosting and financing Eritrean armed elements with the objective of destabilizing Eritrea should not be allowed to continue without a reaction and action on the part of the Security Council. Issues of peace and security must be addressed in a fair and objective way, as the United Nations Charter dictates. The Eritrea-Ethiopia issue was on the agenda of the Security Council for many years, from 1998 until the Council decided to end the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea by resolution 1827 (2008) of 30 July 2008.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

16. “The Eritrea-Ethiopia issue is indeed centred on the occupation of sovereign Eritrean territories by Ethiopia, and it must be dealt with in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and other relevant provisions of international law. This violation needs the urgent attention of the Council and should not be treated differently than others of a similar nature. Let me state frankly that, for the past eight years, the Security Council has declined to address Ethiopia's defiance of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission's final and binding delimitation award of 13 April 2002 and the demarcation decision of November 2007.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

17. “It goes without saying that such ties go far beyond the countries mentioned. 3 The pacific settlement of disputes among nations is one of the core principles on which the United Nations was founded. In this connection, I wish to commend the Secretary-General for pointing out the need to resolve the Eritrea-Ethiopia border dispute, which was peacefully, legally and technically concluded by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. However, the non-implementation of the Commission's rulings continues to impede collective and common approaches to some of the serious problems of the region, not to mention the huge sacrifices it demands of the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

18. “I wish to congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July, and I wish to thank you and the members of the Council for according my delegation the opportunity to share its views on the agenda item "Peace and security in Africa". Before I address its substance, let me take this opportunity also to welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/327) and its reflection of most of the important developments in our region and some of the concerns of my country. Since Eritrea has already submitted its views on the contents of the report of the Secretary-General, I will limit my intervention to three specific issues: Eritrea-Ethiopia, Djibouti-Eritrea, and Somalia. Each issue is distinct from the others, yet they are all linked by history and geography.”

    2010-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6362 (2010) · source

19. “Eritrea's desire continues to be the restoration and cultivation of good-neighbourly relations with Djibouti on the basis of full mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, Eritrea will not allow itself to be dragged into or invited to engage in a diversionary and fabricated conflict, or to be obliged to have an exchange on a situation designed to foment conflict on the ground.”

    2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source

20. “Members have received the most recent report of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, which identifies the dimensions of the problem with full clarity and will be addressed exhaustively in due time. 08-56550 As far as this manufactured problem with Djibouti is concerned, it must be recalled that the two leaders had spoken about the issue when President Isaias Afwerki took the initiative to call President Guelleh and decided to address it in a calm and quiet manner that takes into account the sisterly ties that existed between the two countries and the need to ensure peace and security in the subregion. This occurred when Eritrea was approached by the Emir of Qatar, to whom Eritrea showed its openness to solve any real or perceived source of problems between the two States.”

    2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source

21. “Although this is not related to the issue at hand, Eritrea has communicated its security concerns about the Eritrea-Ethiopia-Djibouti border area, as stated in document S/2008/446. Ethiopia has set up a new military camp on Mount Musa Ali, perched at the junction of the three countries. Ethiopia has built, from the Djiboutian side, a network of roads winding up the mountain and deployed offensive long-range artillery and heavy equipment directed at Eritrea. Eritrea would also like to take this occasion to remind Council members that Ethiopia continues to occupy sovereign Eritrean territories in violation of the United Nations Charter and the Algiers Peace Agreement.”

    2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source

22. “I do not wish, therefore, to dwell on the genesis of the manufactured problem, but allow me to briefly highlight the following points. There have been no new developments since the brief incident in June that was instigated by the unprovoked attack unleashed by Djibouti against our units inside our own territory. The deliberate design to unleash a new crisis in our region has fortunately been forestalled. Despite the negative campaigns, Eritrea has all along chosen the path of restraint and patience in order to avoid falling into the trap of escalating a crisis not of Djibouti's making but created by others. Contrary to the claims made, Eritrea has not taken any land that belongs to Djibouti, and it does not have any territorial ambitions.”

    2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source

23. “I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and the members of the Security Council for the opportunity accorded to my delegation to 08-56550 participate in this meeting of the Council requested by His Excellency Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, in connection with the so-called Djibouti-Eritrea question, under the agenda item "Peace and security in Africa". On 24 June 2008, during a similar meeting of the Security Council attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti, my delegation expressed its views on how the crisis was instigated and had been internationalized. The series of hostile campaigns waged against Eritrea and the unwarranted statements that followed without any concrete evidence were also addressed.”

    2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source

24. “I wish to call on countries with global reach and influence in the region to take a careful look at their policies to ensure that they become a positive force for development, peace and security for the people in the region. I also wish to draw the attention of the Council to Eritrea's commitment to exercising restraint and remaining politically committed to solving peacefully any problem that might arise between Djibouti and Eritrea.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

25. “Why is an unwarranted skirmish, which Djibouti provoked in the first place, being misconstrued as an act of aggression that deserves prompt consideration and action by the Security Council? Why is the issue being blown up out of all proportion? We could ask endless questions. The Government of Eritrea wishes to underline again that it will not be plunged - through provocations, enticements or other mendacious accusations - into a crisis to become a scapegoat for misguided policies in our region. It will continue to value close cooperation with Djibouti, as demonstrated by the signing of several bilateral ventures recently in the areas of trade, health, fishing and infrastructure. Indeed, if the Security Council is to maintain regional peace and security, it must look elsewhere. It cannot and must not target the Victim.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

26. “That would lead to endless mediation missions and the aggravation of putative regional crises. In that light, the new campaign this week in the Security Council is highly regrettable. Why has Djibouti been prompted to submit an accusation against Eritrea at this level? Why has the Security Council been summoned to discuss a dubious and irresponsible accusation against a Member State with such hastiness? When the Security Council has kept silent or shown little, if any, concern regarding Ethiopia's flagrant violation of international law and its occupation of sovereign Eritrean territories, how has it been persuaded now to discuss a territorial dispute that does not exist and where no territory has been occupied?”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

27. “Djibouti thus did not only launch an unprovoked attack, but levelled a trumped-up and well-orchestrated accusation against Eritrea. What was more surprising was the unbalanced and unwarranted presidential statement that the Security Council adopted on 12 June on the basis of one side's information. In spite of all those adversities, Eritrea did not relax but instead heightened its restraint. As I pointed out earlier, the underlying objective of the military provocation, using Djibouti as a Trojan horse, is to divert Eritrea from the main agenda - its legal pursuit to ensure Ethiopia's eviction from its sovereign territories in accordance with the final and binding determinations of the EEBC - and to embroil Eritrea on another front. The whole idea is to entangle us in mutual recriminations with Djibouti.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

28. “But Eritrea's restraint in the face of that provocation only aroused further frustration in the forces that wanted to stir up trouble by trampling the rule of law. A hostile campaign was set in motion, and on 10 June the Government of Djibouti was pushed to launch a provocative military attack on our units on the border. The attack by Djibouti started at approximately 7 pm. and continued to 11 June. To avoid the attack, Eritrea pulled its forces back. On 12 June, Djibouti again continued its attack, accompanied by helicopters. At that time, Eritrea responded and defended itself. However, Djibouti first cried foul, accusing Eritrea of the very acts that it had perpetrated. As a local proverb says, "a slingshot hits its target and emits a shrill cry first".”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

29. “Ethiopia built a network of winding roads up the mountain and deployed offensive long-range artillery and heavy equipment directed at Eritrea, with the apparent knowledge and acquiescence of its major backers. Musa Ali is perched at the intersection of the borders of the three countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) has, in the course of its delimitation and demarcation awards of the Eritrea-Ethiopia boundary, determined the respective sovereignties of both countries at that trilateral junction. Ethiopia's actions, six years after the EEBC award, are in flagrant violation of those determinations. In spite of those illegal acts of destabilization, Eritrea chose to keep silent so as to pursue its established legal approach with a higher focus.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

30. “Indeed, Djibouti and its people cannot, by any stretch of imagination, have any interest in this affair. The issue is not in reality an agenda or any other matter that regards Djibouti. The fact is there is no territorial or other dispute between Eritrea and Djibouti. Djibouti's unwarranted hostile campaign is underpinned by, and synchronized with, other ulterior motives and regional developments. Allow me to elaborate further on the dimensions and ramifications of this manufactured crisis. On 22 April this year, a few weeks before the onset of this unwarranted campaign, the Ethiopian regime set up a new military camp on Mount Musa Ali.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

31. “The two leaders spoke about the current development and decided to address it in a calm and quiet manner that takes into account the sisterly relationship between the two countries and the need to ensure peace and security in the subregion. However, for reasons that are best known to the authorities of Djibouti, the understanding reached by the highest officials of both countries was put aside and the matter was taken to the public arena, with totally unwarranted hostile anti-Eritrea campaigns. Attempts to drag the Government of Eritrea into animosity continued, but, Eritrea did not respond to the hostile campaign. Instead, it chose the path of restraint and patience. This was for profound reasons, because Eritrea is keenly aware that the provocative campaign originates from - and is designed and packaged - elsewhere.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

32. “In the interests of time, I will read a shortened version of my statement. I kindly request that the full text be circulated in the Council Chamber. I wish to thank the presidency and the Council for according my delegation the opportunity to share its views on the current developments between Eritrea and Djibouti. Eritrea observes with great regret that the Government of the Republic of Djibouti has chosen to engage in the levelling of incessant and baseless accusations against the Government of Eritrea for the past two months. Eritrea has made no incursion into the territory of Djibouti, and it does not have any territorial ambitions in the region. There have been numerous contacts between officials of the two Governments, including at the highest level.”

    2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source

33. “Unless I hear any 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. In favour: Belgium, Burkina Faso, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Panama, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Viet Nam”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

34. “When a peace treaty is breached and international law is violated, the Security Council, as the United Nations body empowered to maintain international peace and security, should exercise its moral and legal obligation to bring the parties into compliance, in the interests of peace and security. The African Union must also add its voice and moral authority to ensure that the rule of law is respected. I would not want to conclude my statement without concurring with the views expressed by many that the support given to the African Union should be predictable and sustainable and that more time and resources should be devoted to preventing conflicts in our region. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

35. “It remains committed to regional peace and stability. In the same spirit and with the same objective as in southern and eastern parts of the Sudan, Eritrea has been working unreservedly in partnership with the United Nations, the African Union and neighbouring countries to bring all stakeholders to the negotiating table, with a view to reaching and concluding a peace agreement in Darfur. It is important to assess every conflict situation objectively, on its own merits. Regional peace and security are maintained not by circumventing peace agreements when their implementation is being prevented, but by maintaining the integrity of those agreements and by accepting and respecting the authority of the bodies empowered by peace accords to carry out their mandates.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

36. “All of that requires strong political and financial commitments on the part of both institutions to resolve many of ongoing conflicts. As the agenda of the Security Council demonstrates, Africa is the region that suffers most from intra-State and inter-State conflicts. Both the United Nations and the African Union are engaged in addressing many of those conflicts. Most of the conflicts continue to cause loss of life and immeasurable suffering to the people of our continent. The progress made in some conflict situations is laudable and promising. Yet, in others the response has been slow, necessitating that efforts be accelerated in order to end the suffering and frustration of the peoples affected. Eritrea, which has risen from the ashes of war itself, is making an effort to contribute to peace and stability in the Sudan and Chad.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

37. “As many speakers who have spoken before me have highlighted the importance of improving the institutional cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, consistent with General Assembly resolution 61/296 of 17 September 2007, I shall limit my statement to a few elements. The challenge is to build on existing cooperation in a manner that tackles crises and conflicts on the ground by means of real tangible commitments: first, by addressing African priorities; secondly, by having a common political and security assessment of a given conflict situation; thirdly, by being able to clearly define the role of each institution; fourthly, by initiating joint operations on clearly defined objectives; and, fifthly, by developing a comprehensive strategy to resolve conflicts and other pertinent issues.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

38. “At the outset, I wish to thank your delegation, Madam President, for convening this important meeting. I also wish to express my delegation's profound appreciation for being invited to this debate on peace and security in Africa, which has been organized by South Africa in its capacity as President of the Security Council. My country holds this issue dear. President Isaias Afwerki has expressed his regret for not being able to attend this meeting due to other earlier commitments. In the interest of time, I will briefly highlight the views of my Government on certain critical issues facing Africa.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source