YouSaid · the spoken record

Drobnjak

lines on the record: 486
first: 1993-04-19
most recent: 2019-07-23
sittings or episodes: 54
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

“That important exercise was organized by the Croatian Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the ICTY Registry. Another similar programme will run until October of this year and will involve approximately 60 Croatian legal professionals. Recently, a conference including the ICTY Victims and Witnesses Section and health and welfare professionals from Croatia was organized with a View to discussing the physical, emotional and psychological needs of witnesses. The purpose of the conference was to discuss how the establishment of health and welfare networks throughout Croatia could assist in providing preparation and follow-up services for witnesses who testify at the Tribunal. Croatia has also adopted the Witness Protection Act.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The past must not be forgotten, but it should not overshadow the future. In 2010, when the Tribunal is scheduled to complete all its work, the issues of European integration, regional cooperation, economic prosperity and lucrative investments ought to entirely dominate headlines throughout the region. The transferral of cases to competent national jurisdictions for trial is one of the pillars of the completion strategy. Croatia is ready to take a number of cases from the Tribunal and is preparing Croatian judges and prosecutors for that serious task. I would like to inform the Council that in May and June of this year, ICTY representatives, together with Croatian legal experts, took part in training programmes for the Croatian judiciary.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Regarding the case of General Ante Gotovina, where the indicted person still remains at large, the Croatian Government, as stated in paragraph 42 of the Prosecutor's report, is currently doing everything it can to locate and arrest him. Croatia is especially pleased that the Government's efforts in this particular regard did not go unnoticed by the Tribunal. Fulfilling the completion strategy for meeting the 2004, 2008 and 2010 deadlines, as outlined in Security Council resolutions 1503 (2003) and 1534 (2004), must remain the Security Council's priority. Croatia stands ready to contribute to that goal as much as possible. The Tribunal's work and its significance for long- lasting post-conflict stability in South-East Europe should be judged not only by its judicial work but also against the background of its timely closure.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Let me begin by expressing Croatia's deepest condolences at the tragic loss of life in the line of duty in Sierra Leone. Croatia highly commends the reports of the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and of the Prosecutor (S/2004/420). The two documents provide a solid, well researched base for further work towards the successful implementation of the completion strategy. Their reports also accurately take note of the major effort Croatia has made for full and unconstrained cooperation with the ICTY. I take this opportunity to thank the ICTY President and the Prosecutor for their words of praise for Croatia's cooperation with the Tribunal. Today, I am happy to state that Croatia has fulfilled all its obligations to the Tribunal, including its financial obligations, save one.”
2004-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4999Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The strengthening of the conditions for further economic development, full respect for the rule of law, attracting foreign investment and the build-up of civil services and State institutions are the clear path that Bosnia and Herzegovina has to follow. Croatia is ready to extend all available help to make that difficult road as short as possible for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Furthermore, Croatia is ready to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina to succeed in seizing the historic opportunity of membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Partnership for Peace in the near future. Croatia is equally prepared to help Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfil its ambitions regarding membership of the European Union. We are confident that Croatia's own advancement towards the European Union, about which we feel optimistic, will benefit the well-being of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. In conclusion, let me reaffirm that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a neighbouring and partner State, remains high on Croatia's list of priorities.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“The well-being of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the full protection of all of their rights remain a strategic interest for the Republic of Croatia. When it comes to the current position of Croats within Bosnia in Herzegovina, one must say that there is considerable room for improvement. In that context, we hope that the international community will act even more effectively to ensure the equality of all constituent peoples. While lending its strong support to the Croatian people in this neighbouring State, Croatia will simultaneously continue to support the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the efforts to pursue all required economic, legal and political reforms.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“That is a positive development, which Croatia fully supports. The process of assuming ownership of one's own future is a daunting task, but it is the only way to move forward and create a viable State ready to perform successfully in the European and global arenas . The political commitment of the leaders of all three constituent nations of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and to institution-building remains essential. In that respect, Croatia believes that the issue of constitutional change through the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a legitimate interest and the genuine right of key political actors. Croatia's assistance to the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina is transparent and is primarily oriented towards economic, cultural and social programmes.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Croatia and its institutions, notably the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, will continue to encourage private-sector investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to strengthen development and to increase mutual exchange. Investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina are much more than a mere financial operation or the targeted implementation of a profitable economic strategy. They are also high-return investments in the stability, cooperation, development and democracy of South- East Europe. Croatia strongly supports the reforms that have been initiated, particularly in the strengthening of the judiciary system, reform of the military sector and creation of a single market. A new dynamic seems to be emerging within Bosnia and Herzegovina's political body, one that is ready to embrace ownership of the reform process.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Croatia wishes to have an integral and unified Bosnia and Herzegovina for its neighbour and partner: a stable and prosperous State, with strong institutions and uniform economic mechanisms, that successfully cooperates with all other States in the region. Mutual political relations between our two countries open promising prospects for the advancement of economic cooperation. The bilateral free trade agreement between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has been applied since 2001. Since then, trade exchange has grown by 30 per cent annually; it totalled $1billion last year. Croatia is among the largest investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Croatia's most important markets.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“As a country irreversibly committed to the European integration process, Croatia understands that a clear and unambiguous prospect of European Union membership for all the countries of South-East Europe is the best incentive for the reform processes in each of those countries and in the region in general. The direct result of this is the extension of democratic stability and the expansion of the European zone of peace, cooperation and development to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the rest of Croatia's broader neighbourhood. We are aware of the opportunity unfolding before us and of the responsibility that comes with it, and we stand ready to act on both.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“I will deliver a shortened statement, the full version of which is being circulated and is available on the Croatian Mission's web site. Let me begin by joining others in thanking Lord Ashdown for his comprehensive, substantive and encouraging briefing. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been on the Security Council's agenda for years now, and I would be remiss not to recognize the significant successes achieved under the aegis of the United Nations, ranging from the military stabilization by the Implementation Force and the Stabilization Force to police reform through the International Police Task Force and refugee return. This exemplary record of the international community's achievements in stability, confidence- building and post-conflict reconciliation has to be followed by a similar effort in the field of economic opportunities.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Justice well and justly served fortifies a country's political stability by creating a new moral climate centred around the rule of law and respect for human rights, while avoiding denial about the past and the causes of conflict. In conclusion, let me emphasize that Croatia remains determined to continue promoting confidence- building and good-neighbourly relations throughout South-East Europe. In this respect, I would like to conclude by quoting the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr. Ivo Sanader, who recently stated: "It is with renewed courage that we build a more tolerant society, a society of patience and trust, so as to achieve the victory of forgiveness and compassion over the challenges of divisions and disparities."”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Justice is often referred to as a parent to peace. It is indisputably an essential part of confidence-building and reconciliation. In addition to that, amnesty and forgiveness are equally important elements of the healing process in fragile post-conflict societies. However, we must be aware of the fact that, as much as they can reconcile, these approaches can add to the polarization of societies. That is why any external influence has to be carefully measured in order to strike the right balance between judicial and non- judicial means in achieving confidence-building. Justice has to be served, but a historical record that leaves no room for misinterpretation must be preserved as well. Forgiveness does not necessarily include forgetfulness. History should not dictate the course of the future or be pushed into oblivion.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Because of the strategic importance of this prospect for every individual and for the country as a whole, it is of the essence not to blur it or put it beyond reach. The prospect has to be clearly defined and the road towards it must be cleared of moving benchmarks and ever-growing conditionalities. Over the last decade, it has become evident that the issue of justice tops the agenda that has to be addressed in post-conflict societies. When respective countries are unwilling or unable to face the responsibility of crimes themselves, the international community has to be ready to step in. On the other hand, we should encourage domestic judicial systems to deal with this pivotal issue and, once the conditions are fulfilled, to transfer to domestic courts as many war crimes-related files as possible.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“These prospects go way beyond basic economic categories, although providing steady jobs for the respective population, especially for former combatants, remains an unsurpassed priority. A quest for new vehicles of cooperation and coexistence that will provide a secure framework for democratic and economic prosperity is what former enemies usually have in common. The international community should assist them as much as possible to fulfil this quest fruitfully and in the shortest possible time. Commonly shared goals and interests are at the core of the confidence-building process. The prospect ofjoining the European Union, for example, serves as a strong incentive for all the countries in the area of the former Yugoslavia, initiating a number of far-reaching reforms in the fields of the economy, justice and domestic affairs.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“From our point of view, pivotal confidence- building measures are, among others, the return of refugees and displaced persons, exchange of data on missing persons, strengthening stability along borders, arms-verification mechanisms, joint projects aiming at cross-border cooperation and the fight against organized crime, sport competition, and economic cooperation, based primarily on private entrepreneurship. Allow me to briefly point out, starting from Croatia's experience, two key components that serve as the bedrock for post-conflict confidence-building and consequent reconciliation. These are prospects and justice. Providing the population in war-torn areas with the prospect of a better life is the best possible investment in national and regional stability.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In this highly sensitive process, one must carefully listen to the voices of the region, of the nations and of the individuals concerned and respect them. From the pragmatic point of enhancing the efficiency of our efforts, it would be more than useful to precisely define what the two terms - confidence- building and reconciliation - consist of, and to keep those definitions in mind while conducting the international community's work on the ground.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It can be assisted through political, financial, technical and other means, but it cannot be imposed from the outside. Like a tree, when the moment is right, it will grow and blossom. If it is not yet an opportune time, if it is still early in the process, external pressure can only damage the fragile growth. There is an important distinction between confidence-building and reconciliation. The former is a crucial prerequisite for the latter, and only when the two sides gain confidence in each other can the process of reconciliation begin. To ignore the differences between the two will slow down the process. The respective populations at the grass-roots level are fully aware of these differences. This is a fact no international mediation or assistance effort should overlook.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Croatia aligns itself with the European Union statement on the important topic we are dealing with today. Nonetheless, I would like to add some further points stemming from Croatia's hard-earned experience on the matter. The complexity of post-conflict management could probably be best explained through the metaphor of growing a tree. To grow a strong and long-lasting tree with deep roots and wide branches, many components are required, such as soil, water, sunshine and nutrition. But, above all, time and patience are of the essence. Unfortunately, in many post-conflict areas, the international community's approach sometimes lacks both in trying to achieve too many things in too little time. Like the growth of a tree, post-conflict reconciliation cannot be rushed.”
2004-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4903Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Our deliberations here today and constructive ideas are our joint efforts in that direction. It is encouraging to see the Security Council engaged in this debate. I take this opportunity to commend once again the effort to convene and successfully organize this meeting.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“At the same time, we must strengthen our efforts to improve protection for women in armed conflict, in parallel with the enhancement of their contribution to peace processes and rebuilding their communities. As the Secretary-General has stated "Sustainable peace will not be achieved without the full and equal participation of women and men". (S/2002/IZ54, para. 68) Let me conclude by saying that, although much has been done, we still witness continuous violence against women during conflict, women who are forced to flee their homes for that reason, lack of health care and the accelerated spread of infections such as HIV/AIDS in conflict and post-conflict settings. It goes without saying that we need to do more at the international, regional and national levels.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Strengthening the participation of women in the work of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Development Fund for Women could make a real difference on the ground. Post-conflict transition, recovery and reconstruction cannot be achieved if gender equality and the promotion of women's rights are absent. Croatia welcomes the increased involvement of women in peacekeeping operations, especially among human rights and humanitarian personnel, military observers and civilian police. Along those lines, we strongly encourage the practice of mainstreaming a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Croatia has gained a great deal of experience in this area, and we stand ready to share it with others. The issue of the protection of women in armed conflict and their fundamental role in conflict prevention and peace-building cannot be considered without taking into account the fact that they are among those most affected by the violence and economic instability brought upon society by armed conflict. Yet when it comes to negotiating peace, post- war reconstruction and reconciliation, women are still grossly under-represented. Therefore, we need to enhance the role of the main bodies of the United Nations so that they can streamline their efforts towards the empowerment of women.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In addition, I should like to draw the Council's attention to the fact that a Croatian army captain is the first female army officer to take part in the Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. Non-governmental organizations in Croatia are playing an active role in the promotion of the role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace- building. They are carrying out various projects, ranging from awareness-raising and capacity- building activities aimed at increasing the representation of women at all decision-making levels, to specific activities in which NGOs assist women in multi-ethnic areas and areas heavily damaged by armed activities. For the post-war confidence-building process to be successful, it is essential to include women as active participants in post-conflict reintegration and reconstruction.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In July 2003 the Parliament of Croatia adopted the Law on Gender Equality, which, inter alia, stipulates that all State administration bodies and corporate entities with public competences have an obligation to apply special temporary measures and adopt action plans for the promotion of gender equality, thus introducing the principle of gender mainstreaming into Croatian legislation. With respect to Croatia's participation in peacekeeping missions, not only do we support the incorporation of a gender perspective into peacekeeping field operations, but we also implement that rule ourselves. Croatia contributed four female officers to the German contingent of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“That includes the Minister of Defence herself, as well as one of the Assistant Ministers and the Secretary of the Ministry. As an integral part of the modernization of military education and training for the armed forces, the subjects of international humanitarian law and human rights are now included in the school curriculums of the Croatian Military Academy. In the teaching of those subjects, special emphasis will be placed on the promotion and protection of women's human rights and on the introduction of measures aimed at combating violence against women in war, in armed conflict and during post-conflict transitions.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Commission is also entrusted with the task of promoting the participation of women in activities associated with the maintenance of peace at all levels; enhancing knowledge of humanitarian law and human rights; and enabling greater representation of women in bodies dealing with security issues and the defence policy of the Republic of Croatia. Some tangible results have already been achieved in pursuit of the goals set in the National Policy. I am pleased to inform the Council of the following facts. Through the Defence Act, adopted in 2002, the Committee for Gender Equality was established within the Ministry of Defence. Today, in the Croatian Ministry of Defence and in the Croatian armed forces, women constitute about 15 per cent of the workforce.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Commission for Gender Equality, in cooperation with other relevant institutions and organizations, especially non-governmental organizations (NGOs), will inform women, on an ongoing basis, about the work of the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. It will educate women and children about landmines and other types of explosive devices; secure appropriate assistance for displaced persons, refugees and victims of the Homeland War; and participate in the implementation of measures aimed at simplifying their return and reintegration into society.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Government's Commission for Gender Equality - an intergovernmental Commission entrusted with the creation of policies and the coordination of all activities for the promotion of gender equality at the local, national and regional levels - incorporated a chapter on women and armed conflict in the National Policy for the Promotion of Gender Equality for the period 2001-2005 and its implementation programme. Both documents were adopted by the Croatian Parliament. The following activities have been envisaged for implementation by 2005.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“I would like to start by commending the United States presidency for having convened this open debate of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). It is important to proceed along the road paved by that resolution and to prove in practice that it remains an action-oriented, results-producing document. The issue before us is as important as it is complex. One could approach it from various angles yet still leave many of its important aspects untouched. As a country that not so long ago was exposed to armed aggression and went through the horrors of war, Croatia has gained valuable knowledge about some aspects of the field we are debating today. Let me briefly share with the Council some of Croatia's experiences and achievements in that regard.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“But the Tribunal's final record for history must, above all, be just, so that all those - people and countries alike - who suffered so much can find in it eternal solace and not grounds for new controversies or discontent. We are confident that, in the very end, both law and justice will be served well.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“Finally, while once again emphasizing Croatia's determination to continue its cooperation with the ICTY, I should like to make an observation that goes beyond the legalistic framework and the strict letter of law. For the countries in the region, the accurate historical and political record established through the Tribunal's jurisprudence is no less important than the legal record and the very punishment of perpetrators. In the part of the world under ICTY jurisdiction, "law" and "justice" are two similar, but not entirely equal, words. What is in strict accordance with the law is not necessarily always just. The Tribunal must administer the law and make all the guilty pay for their crimes.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“The Croatian judiciary has independently initiated a number of proceedings against the perpetrators of war crimes in Croatia. We are ready to continue to cooperate closely with the ICTY in conducting such trials. Under existing Croatian legislation, ICTY representatives are entitled to follow the proceedings and to have access to Court files, while evidentiary material obtained by the ICTY can be used directly in domestic trials. A readiness for broader, transparent international monitoring of war crimes trials has been indicated. We are pleased that the report notes the positive trends in cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor and the Office of the State Attorney of Croatia with regard to prosecution before national courts.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“Respecting the benchmarks - starting with the completion of all investigation by the end of 2004 and a transparent determination of the final number of new indictments by that date - not only is a question of the effective administration of justice, but also will make not a small contribution to the streamlining of the confidence-building and stabilization process in the region aimed at new challenges and perspectives. The final advance along that road will be marked by the day when ICTY indictees disappear from the front pages of the local print media and are replaced by those who are at the forefront of rapid economic development and full integration into the European Union. Strengthening national legal systems, which figures prominently in resolution 1503 (2003), also contributes significantly to the Tribunal's completion strategy.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“I am authorized to state that the Croatian Government remains determined to take all measures required within its own borders for prosecuting perpetrators of all crimes insomuch as they are within the reach of its judicial system. In addition, the Croatian Government calls upon all States to share any information that might facilitate the successful completion of this case. But Croatia cannot act outside its sovereign territory. Arrests in ICTY cases are the shared responsibility of the international community. In that connection, the case of Radovan Karadzic in particular comes to mind. Resolution 1503 (2003) endorsed a plausible exit strategy for the Tribunal, and Croatia joins others in support for the envisaged timetable for the completion of the ICTY's work.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“Notwithstanding the importance of resolution 1503 (2003) for the timely closure of ICTY operations and the successful completion of its work, and fully respecting the substance of the resolution, we feel disappointed at connotations stemming from its operative paragraph 2 or any consequent attempt to put in equal context the name of the retired Croatian General Ante Gotovina with those of Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. The Tribunal certainly remains the place where the innocence or guilt of any and every indicted person must be determined. And, although technically it might be in conformity with the law - all three of them have been indicted by the Tribunal - putting their names in the same sentence hardly represents an act of historic justice.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“With the exception of the so-called Gotovina case, Croatia has fulfilled all its obligations towards the Tribunal. The fact is that, in the Gotovina case, the indicted person remains at large. The Croatian Government keeps the Office of the Prosecutor updated regularly on the activities it has been undertaking to discover the indictee's whereabouts and to ensure his presence before the Tribunal. Consistent with the Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the Court, on 6 October this year, the Croatian Government submitted its third report pursuant to rule 59, describing the actions undertaken on the matter.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“It is therefore essential not to allow perception to prevail as the guiding framework for evaluation of the cooperation of the countries concerned with the ICTY and all the problems that might arise from it. Bearing in mind the high political importance and sensitivity of the issue, we must insist that any assessment regarding cooperation with the ICTY - regardless of the country involved or the political circumstances surrounding it - must be based on facts proved beyond a reasonable doubt. One such fact is that Croatia has achieved full compliance with respect to the transfer of documents to the ICTY. That was recognized and confirmed by the Prosecutor during her recent visit to Zagreb. We can state with satisfaction that there are no outstanding issues between Croatia and the ICTY but one.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“I should like to begin by re-emphasizing Croatia's full commitment to close and unrestricted cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). We recognize the far-reaching importance of the Tribunal's work and its significance for long-lasting post-war stability in South-Eastern Europe. As an early advocate of the Tribunal and its goals, Croatia continues to maintain a close and constant dialogue with the Office of the Prosecutor and the Tribunal. We commend the accomplishments of the Tribunal, but we reserve the right to state that, when it comes to ICTY efficiency and practice, sometimes there remains room for improvement. Perception is often the only political reality that matters, regardless of facts and arguments.”
2003-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4838 (2003) · source
“Let us hope that the pooling of resources and common will will allow us to complete our much- desired objective. Allow me once again to express my thanks to you, Mr. President, for your efforts in convening this meeting and my sincere wishes for its success.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Norway's mine-clearance programme, announced at this meeting, sets the right example and should be highly commended. Taking all these factors into consideration, Croatia extends its full support to the initiative calling for a comprehensive international ban on anti-personnel mines. As a first step in this direction, we are pleased to note that Croatia has acceded to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons and is prepared to sign the revised mine Protocol included therein. As the international community is developing its understanding of the land-mine problem, anti-personnel mines are becoming a matter of priority for Governments as well as for inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“In this way, a United Nations coordinating body for demining could facilitate the exchange of data on the various types of mines used, together with the best and most efficient way of approaching the defusing of those mines; the exchange of technical personnel responsible for demining; and the exchange of equipment and other materials that have proved necessary for demining. The demining process in any country is long and arduous, and it becomes more laborious and dangerous if the right technology, equipment, education and training are not present. In this regard, the leading military Powers should also consider making available to less developed countries, by loan if necessary, sophisticated equipment that will make the demining process more efficient and comprehensive.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Through the mine action centre, Croatia hopes to share not only its experiences and successes but also its shortcomings with regard to the mine-clearing process. In this way we believe that others will gain by implementing for themselves, in their national environment, measures that have proved successful and efficient in Croatia, while at the same time avoiding the shortfalls. To this end Croatia is prepared to work with other national mine-clearance programmes so as to improve reciprocity with regard to education and training. We believe that any aid, be it financial or technical, which can expedite the mine-clearing process will be well met. Furthermore, we should like to propose that the United Nations, acting through its current and former peace- keeping operations, become the global coordinating centre for demining activities.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Taking into account the fact that demining is very important not only for the safety of peace-keeping troops and returning civilians, but also in restoring the fabric of a war-shattered economy, the overall success or failure of a peace-keeping operation can hang in the balance if significant progress is not made in demining during that time. Peace-keeping operations cannot facilitate the return of refugees and the displaced and the nominal functioning of civil order, as well as facilitate the distribution of aid, if territories are not demined. Croatia welcomes the efforts of the United Nations and the Secretary-General in establishing international mine-clearance centres where necessary. In this regard, Croatia is now in the process of discussing the establishment of a mine action centre in Zagreb.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Until that time, and to quote the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the International Meeting on Mine Clearance at Geneva on 6 July 1995: "Where villages are mined, refugees and displaced persons cannot return home; where agricultural fields are mined, farmers cannot plant and harvest crops; and where power lines, highways and irrigation systems are mined, development cannot move forwar ." While Croatia is working towards returning its refugees and displaced persons to their former places of residence, it will be some time before these people regain their normal way of life. We should like to point out that demining should become an integral part of the post- conflict restoration process and, therefore, inseparably linked to peace-keeping operations, be they United Nations operations or not.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“According to current estimates, approximately 3 million land-mines were laid on 13,000 square kilometres of Croatia's territory, or 2,300 mines for every square kilometre. This land-mine problem is exacerbated by the mine-like risks of more than 100,000 unexploded artillery shells and ordnance scattered over the same area. For Croatia the eradication of land-mines is not only desirable - it is absolutely necessary. According to rough estimates based on recent experience, it will take 2,000 men directly engaged in mine clearing from eight to ten years to completely demine this territory.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Experts have identified mine-clearance problems, and mine-clearance operations in various countries have enabled us to accumulate a great amount of knowledge, which has in turn been used to outline possible solutions. More extensive prohibitions and restrictions on land-mines have been agreed to, and some countries have gone a step further by banning anti-personnel mines from their weapons arsenals. These are all steps in the right direction which, we believe, will eventually enable us to achieve the common objective of eradicating this weapon completely. Unfortunately, this does not take away from the fact that 85 to 110 million anti-personnel and other mines lie uncleared in many countries around the world. As the Council may be aware, the Republic of Croatia is directly affected by this problem.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“At the outset we should like to congratulate the German delegation, which, in recognizing the urgency and concern the international community has attached to this serious problem, has presented us with some highly expedient proposals and expeditiously convened this meeting. The fact that we have gathered here today demonstrates that we share a high measure of awareness of the problem, as well as a definite political will to find solutions. We believe that although much progress has been made in the field of land-mine awareness, when recalling the many meetings and conferences that have preceded this meeting, much remains to be done.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“In this regard, my Government emphasizes once again that the question of the Prevlaka peninsula can in no way be considered a border dispute. The delineation and location of the international border in the area is well known and has been confirmed by the Badinter Commission. Nevertheless, Croatia is ready to continue to explore all possible ways to peacefully resolve existing problems in the area, centred not on Prevlaka, but on the Boka Kotorska harbour in the area. Croatia supports the View that access to the Boka Kotorska harbour in the neighbouring Republic of Montenegro should be harmless.”
1996-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3619 (1996) · source