YouSaid · the spoken record

Durrant

lines on the record: 1,042
first: 1999-03-19
most recent: 2002-05-20
sittings or episodes: 119
sources: un-security-council

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“My delegation wishes to draw attention to a concern that we raised at the last briefing, and that is the proliferation of arms in Kosovo, in particular small arms. At that time, Mr. Haekkerup responded to our question by stating: "Basically, I do not think that there is any great trafficking in heavy weapons through Kosovo, but with regard to small weapons, I think that there is". (S/PV4296, p. 35) We would once again request detailed reports on what is being done inside Kosovo by UNMIK and by KFOR to confiscate illegal weapons and to enforce the regulation on weapons that was recently passed. We would also be interested in hearing what is being done by KFOR to prevent weapons entering the territory and what steps the sanctions Committee could take to assist in that process.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“But that will take place only in a secure environment and in an atmosphere of reconciliation among the different ethnic groups. We hope that, prior to the Kosovo-wide elections, Kosovo Serbs can be persuaded to participate in the municipal assemblies and in municipal government, and we would wish to ask Mr. Guehenno whether any steps have been taken in that regard. We are disturbed at the report that there is polarization in civil administration along political as well as along ethnic lines, and we believe that this must be firmly discouraged. Kosovo remains a direct responsibility of the Security Council, and in that regard my delegation would support the proposal for another Council visit to Kosovo at a time mutually convenient to members of the Council and to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“My delegation would wish to ascertain whether or not UNMIK has the personnel required to do that testing and, if not, whether they have sought international assistance. A matter of fundamental concern for my delegation is the process leading up to elections and to the development of institutions of self-governance within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999). Other speakers have addressed that issue and I will therefore not repeat what they have already said. But we would wish to underline the importance we attach to that process, to the elections being well prepared, and to their being held as soon as possible. We see the decision to register internally displaced persons as another confidence-building measure, and we hope that this will encourage the return of Kosovo Serbs.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“Those discussions, as well as the opening of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) office, can, we believe, lay the basis for further dialogue and action on the situation of missing and detained persons, on internally displaced persons and returnees, and on organized crime and the trafficking in persons. We hope that early action will be taken on the establishment of a joint commission, as we agree with Mr. Guehenno that such a commission could be mutually beneficial and could act as a confidence-building measure. We note that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has agreed to take action to determine the fate of the 3,000 persons missing in Kosovo and has raised the question of DNA testing.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“I too wish to thank the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Guehenno, for updating us on developments in Kosovo since the Council was briefed last month by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and particularly for giving us his own impressions following his recent visit to Kosovo. When we met last month, my delegation expressed support for the priorities outlined by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and we wish to thank Mr. Guehenno for briefing us on the establishment of a legal framework for provisional self-government, on the development of an effective law enforcement and judicial system, and on economic reconstruction. We were pleased to learn of the results of the discussions that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General held last week in Belgrade with President Kostunica.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“In conclusion, Jamaica continues to support the work of the High Representative, the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Stabilization Force aimed at establishing a firm foundation for effective and sustainable democracy.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“While some progress has been made in the return of refugees, the overall number remains low. The reluctance of refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their homes is related to the political and economic situation, as well as to the need to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We agree with Mr. Petritsch that indicted war criminals must be brought to justice. We see the recent judgement of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia involving the war crime of rape as sending a strong signal to those who believe that they can continue to escape justice.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“We remain hopeful that, despite the activities of the forces of separation, the High Representative will continue to focus in his talks with the different parties and political representatives on cooperation in various areas, including in effective border monitoring and in fostering and promoting multi-ethnic institutions. Another area of concern for us it the slow pace of economic development. In his recent report to the Secretary-General, the High Representative confirmed that economic and social conditions remain precarious for most of the population, and that unemployment is extremely high. We encourage the building of economic capacity and sustainability, and call on the international community to continue to supplement these efforts by providing the necessary resources.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“We see the recent political changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including last November's elections and the revision of election rules and procedures, as positive and essential to the process of establishing a firm, multi-ethnic political and judicial basis for progress. It is against this background that we join others in seeing the bid by the Croat National Congress to establish Croat self-rule as a dangerous move away from the multi-ethnic political structure envisioned in the Dayton Accords. My delegation attaches importance to the need for all parties to work within the established legal institutions and constitutional framework. The pace of progress can only be hampered by the continued promotion of national and ethnic differences.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“When the Council last discussed the situation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, my delegation expressed the view that recent democratic developments, particularly in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, could have a profound impact on reconciliation and regional stability and growth. We expressed the view that the international community should take advantage of these opportunities to advance the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Petritsch's briefing today, however, demonstrates just how fragile the situation is, and how necessary it is for the international community to continue to provide sustained support for the implementation of the Dayton Accords within a regional framework in order to ensure that the gains made over the past five years are not threatened.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“I wish to join others in welcoming our new colleagues from Tunisia and from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look forward to working closely with them on issues before the Security Council. My delegation wishes to thank Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his candid and extremely useful briefing. We commend him and the staff of his Office for their continued hard work and the initiatives taken aimed at creating a multi-ethnic society. We encourage his continued focus on the imperatives of post-war reconstruction and on achieving sustained economic growth and sustainable development.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“We encourage them to remain steadfast in spite of the many challenges they face in assisting the people of Kosovo in achieving reconciliation and coexistence among the different ethnic groups and in providing the basis for their economic and social development.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“At the same time, a number of Kosovo Albanians have been released from Serbian prisons under the new amnesty law. We expect that adequate measures will be taken to ensure the absorption of these and all returnees into the society. On another matter, my delegation notes that the report of the United Nations Environment Programme on the environmental impact of depleted uranium ammunition used in Kosovo is now complete and has been released. We are heartened by the news that there is no widespread ground contamination, although precautionary measures still need to be taken. In conclusion, I wish to assure Mr. Haekkerup and the men and women of UNMIK and KFOR of Jamaica's continued support for their work.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“We urge the Special Representative to continue his dialogue with the neighbouring Governments to determine how this can be addressed. The conflict on Kosovo's borders has resulted in the influx of a large number of refugees into Kosovo. We understand that nearly 1,000 persons have entered Kosovo in the last few weeks. We commend UNMIK's efforts to cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian agencies in the provision of temporary shelters and basic humanitarian needs for these persons. At the same time, we are pleased that the framework on the return of Kosovo Serbs was adopted in January. We must continue to work towards the creation of an environment conducive to the safe return of the Kosovo Serbs.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“We welcome the cooperation between UNMIK, KFOR and the Governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In particular, we welcome the signing of the recent agreement on the Presevo Valley and the agreement with the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia regarding changes in the ground safety zone. We note that NATO and the Yugoslav authorities have agreed to allow Yugoslav troops to return to a small section of the buffer zone on the border between Kosovo and Macedonia. We would like to urge consideration of the reopening of the border crossings. We appreciate the need to contain the violence but note that closing the border has had negative economic consequences for the people of Kosovo.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“Are we to assume that all these illegal weapons have been in Kosovo since prior to the establishment of the arms embargo? It is our view that continued vigilance to ensure adherence to Security Council resolution 1160 (1998), which remains in effect and which assumes greater relevance in the light of the violence that threatens the region, is imperative. The developments in southern Serbia and on the Kosovo border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have complicated the security situation in Kosovo and make it clear that we must have a regional perspective in addressing the situation. We agree that the continuing violence remains the single most important threat to the attainment of the international community's goals.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“Haekkerup has met with the Serb and Albanian communities in order to ease the tensions in this area. It is also important that UNMIK police enjoy the full confidence of both communities as they seek to promote law and order. On previous occasions, the Jamaican delegation called for increased surveillance by the Kosovo Force (KFOR) of the administrative border in order to put an end to extremist activities and to stop the traffic in illegal weapons. We have since seen reports that indicate the existence and use of large amounts of illegal weapons in the territory. We understand that only last week a house search disclosed an anti-aircraft cannon and a fire-thrower. We wish to know whether UNMIK police have conducted investigations to determine the origin of these weapons.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“We therefore regret the withdrawal of the Kosovo Serb representative from the process, because we believe that the representation of all ethnic groups is essential. We therefore urge the Special Representative, in his dialogue with the officials of the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to stress the importance attached to the participation of the Serb community in this exercise. We agree with the Secretary-General that the cooperation of Kosovo Serbs is essential for their integration into Kosovo society, the success of future elections and stability in the province. Recent reports indicate an upsurge of violence in Mitrovica, and we are of the view that additional security measures need to be put in place to contain these outbreaks. We are aware that Mr.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“We hope that the establishment of regular dialogue with the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the opening of an UNMIK office in Belgrade will contribute to the implementation of these priorities and will provide a basis for addressing other challenges, including the situation of missing and detained persons and the issue of the internally displaced and returnees, as well as organized crime and the trafficking in persons. My delegation wishes to reiterate its belief that the process of defining substantial autonomy and developing institutions of self-governance must be actively pursued within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999). We are pleased that the joint Working Group on the legal framework has started to discuss UNMIK's working paper and has provided additional input.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“The Secretary-General's latest report, contained in document S/200l/218, provides us with an overview of the direction and new focus of UNMIK. My delegation supports the priorities identified by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General: the establishment of a legal framework for provisional self-government in Kosovo as a precondition for the holding of Kosovo-wide elections, the further development of an effective law enforcement and judicial system, and economic reconstruction.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“Members of the Council have recently had the opportunity to hear from most of the parties concerned, including the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Foreign Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and to meet with the Secretary-General of NATO. We therefore welcome Mr. Haekkerup's assessment of the situation and his views on the progress in the implementation of Security Council resolution l244 (1999). While progress has been made in the economic and political spheres, progress in the area of reconciliation continues to be elusive. Nevertheless, the establishment of a multi-ethnic and multicultural Kosovo must remain paramount. It is important that we move ahead with the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), ensuring that the activities of extremists do not jeopardize our goals.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“The Jamaican delegation is grateful for the opportunity provided by the presence here today of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Hans Haekkerup, to exchange views on the situation in Kosovo. We welcome Mr. Haekkerup to the Council and thank him for his briefing. We wish him every success at the helm of UNMIK. This meeting is timely in light of the recent tragic events affecting the region. Our discussions today take place against the backdrop of a changing political climate in the region, and we must bear in mind how these changes, positive or negative, impact on the activities of the United Nations Mission and the people of Kosovo.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“We join others who support revisiting the issue of the deployment of United Nations observers in Palestine. We join other members of the Council in calling for Israel to act immediately to remove all economic blockades and closures, and to take decisive action to restore the economic viability of the Palestinian territories. We reiterate our call to both sides to bring an end to the violence and to sit down together, face to face, and to resume negotiations. Over the course of the next few days, the Security Council will be working on a draft resolution to reflect the concerns expressed in this meeting and to give meaning to the aspirations for peace in the Middle East. We urge all parties to show the maximum flexibility and to assist us in this endeavour.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We believed then, as we do now, that the deployment of United Nations observers could act as a deterrent to further violence and as a confidence-building measure between the Palestinians and the Israelis. While we delay, the violence rages on, and many lives continue to be lost. As the Permanent Representative of Singapore reminded us, the Council has repeatedly expressed its concern about the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Other members of the Council have spoken today of some of the things that the Security Council should and must do. We are almost in unanimity that action by the Security Council is urgently needed. While we have not yet achieved unanimity on what needs to be done and how, we are working to achieve this.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories and the reported lack of access by humanitarian workers to those in need. We believe that all barriers to humanitarian relief reaching the Palestinian people must be removed without delay. In light of this, and in spite of the intractable nature of the problems facing both sides, we maintain that, if the political will exists to make bold decisions for peace and to carry out those decisions, with the help of the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole, perhaps we can then move forward to bring peace to the peoples of the region. In December, Jamaica supported the sending of United Nations observers to Palestine, a position which did not at that time receive the support of the majority of the members of the Security Council.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Those of us who desire to see peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis welcomed the brave actions contemplated by the parties and dared to hope that, at long last, there was the requisite political will to end the conflict. In the wake of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and the agreement reached, we had hoped that further loss of life would be avoided. The peoples of Palestine and of Israel no doubt saw a glimmer of hope in the decisions taken at that time by their leaders. Needless to say, my delegation has been very disappointed by what has taken place since then. The Sharm el-Sheikh agreement has not been implemented; we have seen a drift further away from peace; many lives, particularly Palestinian lives, have been lost; and economic devastation has descended upon the Palestinian people.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We called upon Israel to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and its responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. We stressed the importance of establishing a mechanism for a speedy and objective inquiry into the violent events. The Mitchell commission was subsequently established, but so far no results have been seen of its inquiry. Yesterday, however, Mr. Peres advised us that the commission had been invited to visit Israel next week. We look forward to positive results from that visit. Last October, the then Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the Palestinian Authority made commitments to Secretary-General Kofl Annan to resolve their differences by peaceful means. We saw this as a very important development.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Jamaica offers its continued support in efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace within the framework of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Last October the Security Council adopted resolution 1322 (2000), which called for the immediate cessation of violence and for all necessary steps to be taken to ensure that the cycle of violence is brought to an end. We urged the parties to refrain from new and provocative actions and to work towards a situation of normalcy in a way that promoted the prospects of peace. We gave full support to the important role of the Secretary-General in the peace process. We condemned the acts of violence, especially the excessive use of force against Palestinians.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“However, for many complex and varied reasons, they have been unable to achieve that peace of which they spoke, and, despite several hopeful attempts, the peace which they have sought for many years has eluded them. My delegation believes that the Security Council must offer its help and its support for the peace process. Jamaica has in the past urged both the Palestinians and the Israelis to seek peace through an active negotiating process, a process which requires them to stay the course, no matter the obstacles that may confront them. As we have stated on previous occasions, recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination must be a principal element of this process. The right to security of all countries in the region, including that of Israel, must also be assured. We reiterate this position today.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Immediately after the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Security Council met with Ambassador Al-Kidwa, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations. He shared with us the Palestinians" perspective on the prevailing conditions in the Palestinian territories. He confirmed for us much of what has been reported over the past few months and gave us reasons why the peace process has been derailed. My delegation expressed the hope that yesterday's meetings would usher in a new era of relations between the United Nations, the Palestinians and the Israelis in the search for peace. While both sides clearly saw the causes and effects differently, they both made it absolutely clear that they both wanted peace and that they wanted to end the cycle of violence and coexist as good neighbours.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs outlined his Government's perspective on the problems bedeviling the people of Palestine and of Israel. He outlined what he saw as the basis for restarting the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and outlined actions contemplated and to be taken by Israel in this regard. The Jamaican delegation welcomes the steps announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs to open up avenues of commerce and to begin to reverse a policy which has revisited economic devastation on the Palestinians. We expect to see early results on the ground, reflected in an improvement in the living conditions of the Palestinians.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. President, let me join others in thanking you for convening this public meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. This has given members and non-members of the Council an opportunity to review developments over the last six months. Today the plight of the Palestinians in the occupied territories has reached desperate proportions, further threatening the stability of the whole region and thereby posing a threat to international peace and security. Yesterday the Council held two very important meetings which provided a useful backdrop to today's discussions. First, the Council met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the new Government of Israel, Shimon Peres, at his request.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are also concerned that when the refugees return to Sierra Leone and become internally displaced persons there will have to be reception facilities and assistance provided for them so that they can be reintegrated into their communities. We recognize that, as Mr. Lubbers said, refugees will not return to areas dominated by the RUF. In conclusion, I wish again to thank the High Commissioner for bringing us this report, for describing his meetings and for providing suggestions for action by the Council. We look forward to working with him as he seeks to carry out his mandate to protect civilians affected by armed conflict.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“We therefore urge the High Commissioner to develop an emergency plan for the relocation of these refugees. As far as a long-term solution is concerned, the fact that the Security Council has not been able to expand the numbers of persons and the troops needed to strengthen the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) is a matter of concern for us. We agree with the High Commissioner that the key for stability and the future of Sierra Leone is to bring the activities of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to an end. We therefore agree with him that it is very important for the Security Council, with ECOWAS and with UNAMSIL, to seek to have the RUF fulfil the terms of the Security Council resolutions.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“So, we would wish to ask the High Commissioner exactly what time-frame he expects he will need in order to be able to address the removal and relocation of these refugees. It seems to my delegation that we might again have to call on the good offices and the support of the Guinean authorities to again provide safe havens for these persons further inland. We recognize that for many years Guinea has provided refugees with safe havens, refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries, and that today the situation has worsened and the fighting has intruded into Guinea itself. But, we are concerned that if time is of the essence and if something is not done quickly and speedily, the refugees in the Languette will become more statistics.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“As far as the emergency situation is concerned, we have taken note of the paper provided by the High Commissioner on the relocation exercise and the relocation sites. But, we are concerned particularly about the fact that the paper states that relocating the estimated 135,000 refugees currently in the Languette region will take considerable time and that the UNHCR is looking into various possibilities, including having the most able walk in an organized manner up to Kenema. The paper says that they would use way stations along the way, provided that the security situation remains calm. To us, this is of very serious concern because all reports indicate that the fighting is continuing and that these refugees are at risk.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“That is the most important part of mandate of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We would also need to look at the long-term solution, and, as the High Commissioner pointed out, peace and security can only be brought to the region if we are able to provide a political solution. Therefore, we wish to thank him for the ideas that he has put forward for consideration by the Council and the meetings that he has had with the Presidents of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as with President Konare of Mali, the Chair of ECOWAS, because again we wish to emphasize that a solution will have to come with the full cooperation of the regional organization and the countries concerned.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“The flow of refugees across the Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone borders has fuelled what he himself described as the most serious refugee situation in the world, with some half a million refugees caught up in a spiral of violence, insecurity, inaccessibility and poverty. The indiscriminate attacks, looting and the destruction and burning of civilian property have also affected the ability to distribute food aid in the affected areas. Moreover, the frequency of cross-border attacks poses a constant threat to the security of refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as humanitarian workers. The High Commissioner pointed out to us that we needed to look at this matter in two phases. First of all, we must look at the emergency situation, which is part of the mandate of the High Commissioner for Refugees to protect refugees.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“In fact, yesterday when we were discussing in the Council the follow-up to the Millennium Declaration by the heads of State and Government, I drew attention to the fact that we would be meeting with Mr. Lubbers today to explore just how the international community could assist with the situation in West Africa - particularly the situation in the "parrot's beak" area of Guinea, where some 135,000 persons are facing a severe risk to their lives. The Security Council's mission to the region last October and its meeting with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ministers on 12 February emphasize that a regional approach to the crisis, entailing specific criteria for action, has to be a priority. We are pleased that the High Commissioner has adopted a similar approach.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“On behalf of the Jamaican delegation, I wish to welcome Mr. Ruud Lubbers, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to the Security Council today. I wish to thank him for his very comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in West Africa and for presenting the findings of his mission to Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, as well as for giving us some food for thought. He began with the recognition of today as International Women's Day, and I wish to thank him for focusing on refugee women. Women have become, with children, the largest group of persons affected by armed conflict. And, within the framework of the Security Council's responsibility for international peace and security, the question of the protection of civilians has become a very important problem.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“My delegation believes that this opportunity should not be lost on the members of the United Nations. We look forward to support for a proactive approach to conflict prevention as an important tool in the maintenance of international peace and security. In conclusion, Mr. President, I wish to thank you again for organizing this debate. Our heads of State and Government have entrusted the Council with a major responsibility. It is up to us to deliver the results.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This is one area in which the full support of the entire membership is crucial for effective implementation. Later this year, the Security Council and the General Assembly will have an opportunity to receive and to act upon the Secretary-General's report on conflict prevention, which the Council requested in July 2000. The Secretary-General's report will afford us the opportunity to give due consideration to the role of conflict prevention in the maintenance of international peace and security, and will also allow us the opportunity to examine the negative effects of conflicts on the economic, social and political developments in Africa and elsewhere. It will allow us the opportunity to institutionalize conflict-prevention measures, which will enhance sustainable economic growth and sustainable development.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We recognized the importance of women's equal participation and of their full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. The Council urged the Secretariat to incorporate a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and to expand the role and contribution of women in United Nations field-based operations, especially among military observers, civilian police and human rights and humanitarian personnel. As we look towards tomorrow's observance of International Women's Day, we look for further action by the Security Council on these issues. Seventh, the Security Council has been undertaking a critical evaluation of the general issues related to sanctions, and a number of areas in which consensus has already been achieved have been reflected in the recently adopted sanctions regimes.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The one area in which it has been difficult to act is that of the protection of civilians affected by conflict. One case in point is the current situation in the Guinea-Sierra Leone-Liberia region of West Africa, where the lives of thousands of civilians are at risk. Tomorrow, the Council will discuss with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees just what the international community can do to help those who look to us for assistance. I wish to thank those Members States in Africa and elsewhere that have, at great economic and social cost, provided safe haven to large numbers of refugees. Unfortunately, we have to urge them to continue to do so. Sixth, the debate on the subject of women and peace and security sharpened our focus on the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict and in peace-building.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Fifth, the Council has been fully engrossed in seeking solutions to specific conflicts, particularly in Africa, with the conflicts in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo being given high priority on its agenda. Others have referred to the meetings held with representatives of the Economic Community of West African States and the Political Committee of the Lusaka peace process, and to the pledge of cooperation and collaboration made by the Council in seeking to bring lasting peace to those regions. Working with those subregional groups, the Council has sought to advance the peace process in these areas, and there are now visible signs of progress. It is imperative that the Council remain fully engaged in these issues. Other conflicts, such as the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, are reaching desired resolutions.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“While this is true for every region of the world, and has been an integral element of the peace processes in the Balkans and in East Timor, the Council recognized that this approach must be inherent in all peace operations. The Security Council invited participation by other organs of the United Nations, the international financial community, regional and subregional organizations and other key participants in peace-building in examining specific cases such as Guinea-Bissau and the Central African Republic. The Council recognized peace-building as an important and indispensable conflict-prevention tool. It also recognized that the involvement of regional organizations is key to finding and bringing lasting solutions to these conflict situations.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As a result of these discussions, and of the determination to find ways to enhance its role in the maintenance of international peace and security, on 31 January this year the Council established a Working Group on peacekeeping operations, which is now examining as a matter of priority the recommendations offered by troop- contributing countries. Fourth, in an open debate that included participation by the wider United Nations membership, the Council examined the importance of pre- and post- conflict peace-building measures in preventing conflicts from occurring in the first place and from recurring once a peaceful settlement has been achieved. In this context, peace-building was recognized as an important tool in the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Troop- contributing countries and other members of the United Nations community were given an opportunity to share their views with the Council on ways to improve that relationship and in so doing improve the possibility of success in peacekeeping operations. This was in keeping with the doctrine established in resolution 1327 (2000). The troop-contributing countries provided the Council with a number of important recommendations aimed at enhancing peacekeeping operations and involving the troop-contributing countries in a collaborative effort.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Jamaica supported the conclusions that the Council must seek to ensure that peace agreements which require United Nations involvement in peacekeeping provide for a clear political objective; that they meet minimum conditions for United Nations peacekeeping operations; and that such agreements incorporate practical, designated tasks and time-lines for implementation, and criteria for final disengagement. The Council pledged to scrupulously seek to avoid a repeat of past mistakes by defining its exit strategies in the future. Only time will tell whether or not we can fulfil this undertaking. Third, in January of this year the Council took a pragmatic approach to engaging troop-contributing countries in an examination of the relationship between them, the Secretariat and the Council itself.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Council was unanimous in recognizing the need to improve the way peacekeeping operations are designed and implemented and the need to engage all the relevant actors in a meaningful way for successful peacekeeping. Some of these recommendations have been implemented, but while resolution 1327 (2000) established a doctrine on peacekeeping operations, the Council must now establish the modalities and mechanisms to implement institutional changes. Second, the Council followed up with an examination of the need to explore exit strategies when considering the establishment of peacekeeping operations.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288Resumption1 (2001) · source