YouSaid · the spoken record

DiCarlo

lines on the record: 1,676
first: 2008-08-08
most recent: 2023-12-18
sittings or episodes: 218
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

“The OSCE is also an important forum for helping States adapt to the changes of the twenty-first century, including expanding our support for and protection of fundamental freedoms in this digital age. We look forward to the results of the June Dublin conference for OSCE States on this important issue. Thirdly, the OSCE has demonstrated capacity in the fields of early warning, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and response to atrocities. We encourage progress in the Geneva Group process, co-chaired by the United Nations, the OSCE and the European Union, to resolve outstanding issues between Georgia and Russia. In Moldova, we welcome the resumption of the official 5+2 talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement with regard to the Transdniestria issue.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“For example, the mission helped to establish municipal offices in Kosovo to protect the rights of displaced persons, returnees and community members - a crucial element in supporting the United Nations efforts. Secondly, we strongly support the OSCE's efforts to protect human rights and promote tolerance and non-discrimination through its Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The United States remains focused on gender issues, particularly discrimination and violence against women, and we greatly appreciate the OSCE's support, through its Forum for Security Cooperation, for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“In the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the OSCE's 16 field missions and offices support a wide range of United Nations priorities and specialized agencies, particularly the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. For example, the OSCE supported the creation of regional security centres in Central Asia and the Caucasus through its field missions. The OSCE office in Baku is working with the United Nations Economic Commission in Europe to promote an agreement between Azerbaijan and Georgia on shared water resources. The OSCE mission in Kosovo plays a critical role in assisting the development of Kosovo's democracy and new institutions.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“In this regard, I have several points I wish to make. First, the United States appreciates the crucial role the OSCE plays in democratic institution-building, including by observing elections and providing technical assistance to Governments and civil society. The United States also welcomes the OSCE's commitment to supporting transition in North Africa and to working with Governments that seek to build pluralistic and democratic societies. We welcome continued close cooperation between the United Nations, the OSCE and other regional organizations in assisting this transition.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“I would like to welcome Deputy Prime Minister Gilmore to the Security Council and congratulate both him and Ireland on having assumed the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I also thank him for his comprehensive briefing today. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has unique capabilities to assist the 56 OSCE participating States and 12 OSCE partner States in addressing a range of security concerns. As the world's largest Chapter VIII regional organization under the United Nations Charter, the OSCE is a key partner in implementing the international legal obligations, as called for in Security Council resolutions. It is an effective regional multiplier for the United Nations and contributes meaningfully to advancing peace and stability.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“Many multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, NATO and the EU, have worked to promote peace, stability and reconciliation in the region. Now is the time for Serbia and Kosovo to put the past behind them and work towards their future in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The United States has full confidence in the leadership of the Special Investigative Task Force led by Ambassador Clint Williamson. We categorically reject attempts to cast aspersions on the impartiality of Ambassador Wiliamson and the Task Force, such as those we heard in the Chamber today. Such assertions are irresponsible and baseless. Attempts to politicize the investigation, to duplicate its efforts or to conflate it with other investigations - including the ongoing Medicus case, which involves criminal activity during the 2006-2008 period - do a disservice to the alleged victims and their families. They also risk calling into question the impartiality of any decisions reached. The international community is committed to long-term peace and stability for Kosovo and for the entire Balkan region.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Given that all three countries aspire to be members of the European Union, we expect that they will fully cooperate with the EU investigation. Also, the assertion that all investigations into war crimes in the former Yugoslavia have taken place under Security Council auspices is not correct. Cases outside the United Nations mandate have been developed by national prosecutors and are being handled by domestic courts in the region. Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia all have active war crimes prosecutors offices and war crimes chambers in their court systems that deal with not only cases referred to them by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, but other cases as well. The Cuska case, which concerns the massacre of Kosovo Albanian citizens by Serbian forces, is currently before courts in Serbia.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Finally, the United States takes very seriously any allegations of serious crimes committed in connection with the 1999 conflict. Such allegations must be thoroughly investigated. EULEX is the appropriate body to conduct an investigation into allegations of serious criminal activity, including organ trafficking. EULEX assumed rule-of-law responsibilities in Kosovo in 2008. That was a key point in the Secretary- General's November 2008 report on UNMIK (S/2008/692), which the Council welcomed in its presidential statement of 26 November 2008 (S/PRST/2008/44). EULEX has the full support of all stakeholders in the region. We note that President Jahjaga of Kosovo and other Kosovo authorities have pledged full support and cooperation with the investigation, as have Prime Minister Berisha of Albania and President Tadie of Serbia.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Kosovo's Constitution affords Serbs and other minorities extensive rights and protections, including enhanced local self-governance through the creation of new Serb-majority municipalities, special emphasis on returns of minorities displaced during the 1999 conflict, special ties to Serbia in education, health and social services, and protection of religious and cultural heritage. However, the efforts of the government of Kosovo are made vastly more difficult by the presence in northern Kosovo of illegal Serb parallel institutions, including local government structures, police and courts financed by Belgrade, which exercise a campaign of intimidation against anyone willing to engage constructively with Pristina institutions. Serbia must cease its support for those parallel structures.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“We reject all actions that seek to undermine Kosovo's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. That includes the parallel structures and Serbian security forces still present in northern Kosovo, nearly 13 years after the Council mandated the withdrawal of such forces enacted under resolution 1244 (1999), to supersede Serbia's legal order in Kosovo. Thirdly, we commend the efforts of the government of Kosovo to reach out to Kosovo Serbs by establishing a trust fund dedicated to support for the north.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The northern Kosovo Serb population and the Serbian Government should cooperate fully with KFOR and EULEX in the immediate removal of all roadblocks and in supporting the rule of law through actions such as cooperating in the arrests of key criminal suspects. As noted in the report on EULEX (S/2012/72, annex I), Serb hardliners man barricades that block lawyers and EULEX judges and prosecutors from accessing the Mitrovica District Court, paralysing the only legitimate institution in northern Kosovo. Similarly, illegal roadblocks along the border continue to impede commerce and movement. We welcome President Tadie's public call on Serbs in northern Kosovo to dismantle such barricades, and we hope that his words will lead to actions on the ground to achieve freedom of movement for all.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“We continue to support EU efforts to encourage both countries to be flexible in reaching agreements on such issues as implementation of integrated management of their border crossings and Kosovo's participation in regional forums. We look forward to the full implementation of all previously negotiated agreements. Secondly, we renew our call for unconditional and unfettered freedom of movement throughout Kosovo. The current so-called conditional freedom of movement afforded the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) in northern Kosovo is simply unacceptable. While we are pleased that some barricades and checkpoints have been relaxed, obstructions to freedom of movement remain and are attributable to the actions of Serb hardliners, with the support of illegal Serb parallel institutions.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“I want to thank Assistant Secretary-General Mulet for his briefing and Special Representative of the Secretary- General Zarif for participating today. I also welcome Foreign Minister Hoxhaj and Foreign Minister Jeremic' back to the Council, and I thank them for sharing their perspectives with us. I would like to make four points. First, although the situation in northern Kosovo remains tense, the United States is encouraged by the progress Kosovo and Serbia have made in the dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU). Both countries aspire to EU membership, and it is appropriate that this EU initiative be the forum for the parties to resolve their differences. Through practical arrangements, Kosovo and Serbia are expanding possibilities for their citizens to travel, work, study and trade.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“We must all keep in mind the potential humanitarian crises that could emerge should the region become destabilized and terrorists able to operate with impunity. My Government is working with the leaders of the Sahel countries to address that challenge through a number of political, social and economic reform efforts, including managing successful democratic transitions and countering terrorism, and we look forward to the Council's continued vigilance on these complex issues.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“Families now have more months to feed in a situation where food security is becoming more problematic and remittances have decreased. The United States is mobilizing resources to address the food shortfalls. Last year, we provided over $23 million in humanitarian assistance to affected communities in the Sahel for agriculture and food security, economic recovery and nutrition programmes. In addition, we provide close to $77 million a year for food assistance, economic recovery and livelihood support in the Sahel. At the end of last year, the United States made an additional $58 million pledge to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Chad and a $7.5 million contribution to WFP in Niger, as well as over $2 million to Catholic Relief Services in Mali, to meet the emergency food needs of more than half a million people in the region.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“Last year we provided more than $27 million through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for returnees from Libya. We note that the report recommends support for lOM's continued efforts to assist Governments of the region with the reintegration of their citizens, and we urge Governments to help in this time of need. Regarding food insecurity, we agree with the report's recommendation that greater steps need to be taken to address the deteriorating food situation in the region in both the short and long terms. UNICEF is warning that more than 1 million children across the Sahel may face severe malnutrition in 2012. We recognize that the return of individuals from Libya into the Sahel only exacerbates the issue.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, we fully support the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to engage on this issue, including its critical work with Libyan and other relevant officials on border security. The report of the assessment mission cites a growing concern regarding the humanitarian and economic impacts the crisis has had on the Sahel region. The impacts are serious and demand the continued attention of the international community. We are interested in hearing ideas for how the United Nations and regional organizations can strengthen their efforts to alleviate these challenges and prevent further humanitarian crises from emerging. The United States has worked to facilitate the return of African migrants from Libya.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“Those weapons in the hands of terrorists could further destabilize already fragile areas of the Sahel and surrounding regions. My Government, in cooperation with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Italy and Germany, is currently expanding assistance efforts for weapons security, which will help to survey and inventory all known weapons and ammunition storage sites in Libya and destroy MANPADS and other weapons and munitions, as approved by the Libyan authorities. We urge regional Governments to support the Government of Libya's efforts to identify, secure and destroy loose MANPADS and other light weapons, which are at risk of being smuggled across the Libyan border into the Sahel region.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“Sahelian countries are making progress in their counter-terrorism capabilities. Algeria, Mali, Mauritania and Niger have increased pressure on AQIM. and developed more effective regional responses to deal with the threat. Additionally, Chad has increased efforts to disrupt AQIM. attempts to transit its territory. We recognize that the Libyan crisis has brought a new set of cross-border challenges relating to security, including increased illicit weapons trafficking, that pose a threat to the stability of the region and must be addressed. We are concerned about the porous nature of the border between Chad, Niger and Libya, and the risk of weapons - including man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) - moving across those borders.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“For example, we are fully committed to working actively in the Global Counter-terrorism Forum Sahel regional capacity-building working group, which we co-chair. Additionally, we are engaged in capacity- building efforts to fight terrorism through the Trans Sahara Counter-Terrorism Partnership, which is designed to support partner efforts to contain and marginalize terrorist organizations. Terrorist operators in the Sahel region, such as Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), continue to concern us. AQIM. has demonstrated its ability to carry out criminal activities and attacks against soft targets across significant distances. AQIM. has also solidified camps in isolated areas in northern Mali. We are also deeply concerned about violence attributed to Boko Haram.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“While there have been measured successes, we remain concerned about the threats posed by the illicit trafficking of arms and by terrorism, and we welcome the recommendations on those challenges put forth in the report of the assessment mission. We concur that we must address the situation at the national, regional and international levels through an overarching framework that includes all of the affected countries. The United Nations, along with the African Union and other relevant organizations, could play a greater role in coordinating those efforts. We will continue to promote improved regional efforts to combat arms proliferation and terrorism, and we will tailor our assistance to facilitate that process.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing. The United States would also like to thank Special Representative Djinnit for his continued leadership in the United Nations Office for West Africa and in the Sahel region. We greatly appreciate the work that went into the United Nations inter-agency mission to the Sahel and its subsequent report (see S/2012/42). The report provides a significant number of recommendations for our collective consideration, and while they are all worthy of deliberation, today I will focus specifically on those that relate to arms proliferation and terrorism, the humanitarian situation and food insecurity.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“We look forward to further discussions of rule of law matters throughout the United Nations system, including future discussions here in the Council, as well as the high- level event on the rule of law to be held in the General Assembly this fall.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The directive mandated the establishment of an atrocities prevention board that will coordinate prevention and response efforts and help the United States to engage early and effectively. The review also focused on how we can work with our international partners to more effectively prevent and respond to atrocities. We look forward to working with them to strengthen the international community's capacities in that area. Those two initiatives exemplify the importance that the United States places on ensuring that we prioritize the rule of law and transitional justice as essential elements in efforts to prevent and respond to conflict and to assist in building peace. As has been pointed out in today's discussion, strengthening the rule of law around the world reinforces peace, progress and security.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“First, in December 2011, President Obama signed an executive order launching the first-ever United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which provides a comprehensive road map for accelerating and institutionalizing efforts across the United States Government to advance women's participation in making and keeping peace. The National Action Plan recognizes that women are not just victims of war; they are agents of peace and essential to building the rule of law in any society. Secondly, the United States Government, under a presidential study directive, undertook a comprehensive review to strengthen the United States' ability to prevent and respond to mass atrocities.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The United States, together with its partners, enthusiastically supports initiatives in such States as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire and elsewhere to bolster domestic capacities to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes and to build justice systems that can deliver fair and impartial justice. We can help to deter and prevent future violence through such actions as embedding judicial advisers in local prosecution cells, supporting specialized mixed courts, funding witness protection programmes, training police to investigate sexual and gender-based violence, and training border security officers. Finally, let me end by noting two recent initiatives that the United States has undertaken to make good on its commitment to address many of the issues being discussed here today.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The rule of law also means that States must fulfil their international legal obligations, including Chapter VII obligations, related to sanctions imposed by the Security Council. While all of those international accountability mechanisms play an important role, on their own they are insufficient. We must also catalyse a broader process of long-term prevention. The lessons of international justice must be embraced at the national level and developed locally to ensure that States can protect their citizens' rights. The many rule of law capacity-building initiatives to advance transitional justice deserve the continued support of the international community.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“As we approach justice and the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict situations, we must place special emphasis on the protection of women and children, as well as of other vulnerable groups. That includes persons targeted for violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We must ensure accountability for those responsible for the most serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, and we must deter further violations. Hindering such persons from travelling, accessing funds and arming themselves by the application of targeted sanctions can play an important role in deterring future violations. We have strongly supported targeted sanctions to help combat the threats to international peace and security posed by the most egregious of such Violations.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The United States supported the Security Council's ICC referral regarding Libya, and we are helping to ensure that those charged in that country by the Court face justice consistent with international standards. Although the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, over the past several years we have sent observer delegations to sessions of the Assembly of States Parties and to the Review Conference in Kampala. In December, we co-sponsored a high-level panel at the Assembly of States Parties to highlight the importance of ensuring protection for witnesses and judicial officers. We have engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and with the Registrar to consider ways to support specific prosecutions already underway. We have also responded positively to a number of informal requests for assistance.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“Strengthening the rule of law requires more than technical expertise. It also requires political will and coordinated action by a wide range of international actors. One key way through which the international community has signalled that impunity for the most 12-2096] serious crimes will not be tolerated is the creation of international and mixed tribunals, as well as commissions of inquiry and fact-finding mechanisms. Active support by all States for international and mixed tribunals is crucial. We have supported those international accountability mechanisms across the globe, from the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia to commissions of inquiry in places like Kyrgyzstan, Cote d'Ivoire and Libya. In this regard, the International Criminal Court (ICC) can play an important role in contributing to the fight against impunity.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comments today and for his comprehensive report (S/2011/634*). We welcome this opportunity to join the discussion on justice and the rule of law. As the Secretary-General's report, of October 2011, makes clear, the rule of law and transitional justice are critical in preventing conflict and atrocities and in rebuilding societies that have been torn apart by systemic violence. Today I would like to address three aspects of justice and the rule of law as they relate to conflict and post-conflict situations. The first concerns the importance of support for justice at the international level. The second is the need to build the capacity of domestic justice systems, and the third concerns recent efforts by the United States to institutionalize and deepen our own commitments in that area.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“We want to continue to improve and consolidate service delivery from all United Nations agencies in Afghanistan and to strengthen UNAMA's support for the country through transition and beyond. UNAMA's role will continue to evolve as Afghan ownership increases, but there can be no doubt of the continuing importance of the work of the United Nations. We welcome Special Representative Kubis's input on his priorities and vision for the mission and look forward to discussions on how the international community can best support UNAMA. During the past few months, Afghanistan has demonstrated its vision for the nation's future as a stable country ready to move from transition to transformation and to contribute to peace and stability in the region.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“The percentage of women seeking medical care and advice for their newborns increased from 16 to 60 per cent between 2003 and 2010. Improved maternal health has led to a decline in female adult mortality of about one-third over the past decade. Household living standards have improved, with more Afghan families reporting access to clean water and electricity and to better sanitation facilities. Life expectancy at birth has increased to 62. The death rate among men aged 15 to 59 has approximately been halved over the past 10 years. With donor support, most Afghans now live within two hours' walking distance from a health facility. We look forward to the comprehensive review of the work of the United Nations in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“The post-2014 United States presence will be determined in close consultation with the Afghan Government, but, to make two points clear in advance, the United States is not seeking permanent military bases in Afghanistan, and our strategic partnership is not aimed at any of Afghanistan's neighbours. As we look forward, let us not forget that much has already been accomplished to help improve the lives of Afghan citizens. The recent release of the Afghanistan mortality survey shows very encouraging signs about the work of the World Health Organization, the United States Agency for International Development and other international partners. More children are living past their fifth birthday than at any time in the past.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“The international community also underscored that reconciliation must include the reaffirmation of a sovereign, stable and united Afghanistan, the renunciation of violence, the breaking of ties to international terrorism, and respect for the Afghan constitution. As we look towards the NATO summit in Chicago in May 2012, the international community will continue efforts to support the Afghan people as they begin the second tranche of a security transition. The NATO summit and the foreign ministers' meeting to be held in Tokyo in July will be important opportunities to review progress and clarify plans for supporting Afghanistan into the transformation decade. From a bilateral perspective, we look forward to further progress on the United States-Afghan strategic partnership document.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“In Bonn, 86 countries and 15 international organizations affirmed their commitments to help Afghanistan set out a blueprint for a transformation decade in post-transition Afghanistan. We applaud the international community's resolve to help Afghanistan secure the gains of the past 10 years and to make transition irreversible. It is especially important that, in both Istanbul and Bonn, the region and the broader international community pledged their support to Afghan-led reconciliation that is inclusive and represents the legitimate interests of all the people of Afghanistan, regardless of gender or social status.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Today, I would like to discuss how the Government of Afghanistan is increasingly exercising its sovereign authority. I would also like to say a few words about the United States-Afghan bilateral relationship and how the work of the international community has affected the lives of average Afghans. In the past few months, we saw noteworthy Afghan leadership in the establishment of the Istanbul Process on Regional Security and Cooperation and in chairing the Bonn Conference. We support the Istanbul Process and note the important role of the United Nations in backing regional efforts to implement the commitments and confidence-building measures agreed to in Istanbul.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“I would like to welcome Deputy Foreign Minister Ludin to the Council today and to thank him for sharing his views with us. I would also like to thank Under- Secretary-General Ladsous for his briefing this morning. Let me take a moment to express our deep gratitude to outgoing Special Representative Staffan de Mistura for his dedicated service and able leadership in Afghanistan. Mr. De Mistura will be missed. We are indebted to him and his staff for the important work done under considerable hardship for the benefit of the Afghan people on behalf of all Member States. I would also like to welcome the Secretary-General's decision to appoint Jan Kubis as the next Special Representative for Afghanistan. Mr. Kubis has a distinguished record in international affairs and we assure him of the full support of the United States.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“We look forward to continued discussions on those issues and thank the Portuguese presidency once again for this initiative.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“In that regard, we all face the challenge of balancing the substance with the length of our remarks. All of us, Council members and non-Council members alike, should aim to convey our message succinctly, so that as many Member States as possible can speak with the many other States that are present to hear them. Today's debate offers members the opportunity to share views on whether the practical applications of the innovations listed in the 507 note have helped them to better follow and participate in the Council's work. The United States welcomes constructive comments that will inform future efforts of the Working Group and allow it to assess the effectiveness of measures to enhance transparency, dialogue and efficiency.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“The Council has sought to increase the role that troop- contributing countries play in discussions of the mandates of missions to which they contribute. To highlight the importance that the United States assigns to troop-contributing countries, President Obama met with top contributors in September 2009 to hear their perspective on ways to improve United Nations peacekeeping. The Council has also increased its interaction with non-Council members through informal processes, such as groups of friends. The Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, for instance, informs the Council's actions through inclusive and transparent dialogue between Council and non-Council members. Making the work of the Council more efficient requires constant effort.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“The Council has further welcomed the Chairs of the various country-specific configurations of the Peacebuilding Commission, inviting them to participate in Council deliberations. The subsidiary bodies of the Council, such as the Counter-Terrorism Committee, have held more open meetings, and sanctions committee Chairs have organized more open briefings for the broader United Nations membership to discuss sanctions regime objectives and committee activities. Sanctions committees have also invited representatives of Member States to brief them on issues of mutual concern, and we encourage interested Member States to pursue such opportunities. Troop-contributing countries play a critical role in the development of peacekeeping operations.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We should bear in mind the steps taken thus far by the Council to implement those recommendations. With respect to transparency, Council Presidents brief non-Council members shortly after the adoption of the programme of work each month. Each Council President further prepares a published assessment of its month-long term, thereby expanding the information available to all Member States on the problems facing the Council and how those problems have been addressed. The Council has increased its interaction with non-Council members by holding open debates and informal discussions. We are encouraged by the growing number of Member States that choose to participate in open meetings, such as today's, and look forward to subsequent open sessions on a range of issues that are relevant to the Council's agenda.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“It is essential that, in carrying out this role, its work be as effective, efficient and transparent as possible. Article 30 of the Charter mandates the Council to adopt its own rules of procedure. In doing so, the Council recognizes the need for other United Nations Members who are our partners in the maintenance of international peace and security to be informed of and appropriately involved in the work of the Council. To that end, the Council some years ago revitalized its Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. Our discussion today builds upon the Group's extensive work and the recommendations outlined in the annex to note by the President of the Security Council contained in document S/2006/507. In that regard, we would like, once again, to thank Japan for its efforts to develop updates to that note.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“The United States appreciates the commitment of Portugal to improving the working methods of the Security Council, as shown by your initiative, Mr. President, in convening this fourth open debate on the topic. Additionally, we recognize Ambassador Ivan Barbalie of Bosnia and Herzegovina for his work as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, and the excellent management of those issues by the Bosnian Mission. Our discussions of the working methods of the Council are important in order to ensure that the Council remains able to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Acting on behalf of the membership of the United Nations, the Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“The international community has invested extraordinary amounts of time and resources in maintaining peace and security in Kosovo and the Balkan region. The entire region is now on the threshold of fulfilling its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. This opportunity should not be squandered because of actions by a few extremists. In the long term, the multi- ethnic communities in Kosovo will bear full responsibility for their own future. They will decide whether their future will be characterized by deadlock and strife or dialogue and cooperation. In the short term, however, the international community must ensure that physical and political barriers do not prevent them for attaining their goals and obtaining their rights.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“My final point is that the United States fully supports Ambassador Clint Williamson in his new role as lead prosecutor for the international Special Investigative Task Force. The Task Force will continue the EULEX investigation into the allegations set forth in the report of the Council of Europe's Special Rapporteur, Dick Marty. EULEX's mandate is enshrined in Kosovo's Constitution and laws, and the EU Joint Action explicitly provides for EULEX to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, such as those alleged in the Marty report, and to do so independently. Furthermore, neighbouring States, including Serbia, have offered the Task Force their full cooperation. We believe there is therefore no need for the Security Council to interfere with EULEX's ongoing investigations.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“The low number of voluntary returns is not surprising, given difficult economic conditions and still unresolved property disputes. We also note that many potential returnees have integrated into their new places of residence over the past 12 years. Furthermore, we do not agree with the claim that an embargo imposed by the Government of Kosovo has directly caused the supposed hardship in the Kosovo Serb community. Any denial of access to goods or services is a direct result of actions by northern Kosovo Serbs and their parallel institutions, which severely limited freedom of movement for people and goods by installing numerous barricades and using of threats and acts of violence. Neither KFOR nor the Government of Kosovo can be fairly accused of blocking the import of any goods.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“We call on both sides to demonstrate flexibility as they return to the table tomorrow, 30 November. The European Union continues to have our full support in its facilitation of the dialogue. It is the primary - indeed, the only - high-level dialogue between the two countries and should be vigorously supported by all parties. Thirdly, we would like to comment on some assertions in the Secretary-General's report. For example, the Government of Kosovo has substantially increased human and financial resources in support of its returnees, even though their number has decreased. Kosovo's funding for the reintegration of returnees increased tenfold from 2010 to 2011. In addition, the central Government has increased its coordination with municipalities and established new mechanisms for better addressing the needs of returnees.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source