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1999-03-19

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2002-05-20

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un-security-council

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1. “Bearing in mind the responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of peace and security, it is important for the Council to remain actively seized of this matter, to continue to support the diplomatic initiatives of the Secretary-General, and to continue to work to bring about a lasting and comprehensive peace within the framework of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).”

   2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

2. “We continue to believe that this proposal, as well as others that could deter further Violence and act as confidence-building measures and promote dialogue between the parties, deserves the serious consideration of all concerned. Jamaica continues to encourage an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through an active negotiating process that takes into account the right to security of all States in the region, including Israel, as well as the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.”

   2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

3. “The suffering of the people has been further aggravated by the serious humanitarian and economic situation in the Palestinian territories and by the plight of vulnerable civilians, despite the strenuous diplomatic efforts of the Secretary-General and of the leaders of several countries - particularly the Presidents of Egypt and of the United States of America - to bring peace to the region. We urge the parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement reached at Sharm el-Sheikh and to refrain from retaliatory action. The establishment of a fact-finding mission to inquire into the tragic events is an important part of that process. We urge that its work begin forthwith. A proposal has been made for the deployment of a United Nations observer mission.”

   2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

4. “Today's meeting is a signal of the depth of our concern at the deteriorating situation, which now poses a threat to the stability of the region. We are concerned at the almost daily loss of life, in many cases resulting from the use of excessive force; nearly 300 persons, many of them Palestinians, have lost their lives, and more than 6,000 civilians have been injured. Jamaica deplores the deaths and injuries among civilians including innocent children, whether Palestinian or Israeli, and we convey our sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families.”

   2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

5. “My delegation wishes to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. On 7 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 violence ceases, that new provocative actions are avoided, and that the situation returns to normality in a way which promotes the prospects for the Middle East peace process. Since then, the Security Council has had the opportunity to be briefed in private meetings with the President of the Palestinian Authority, with the Permanent Representative of Israel and with the Secretary- General.”

   2000-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4231 (2000) · source

6. “We support his call to alleviate the human suffering, which has been exacerbated by the fighting, and to implement the demining programme. In conclusion, let me again thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of the Netherlands for addressing this issue in such a thoughtful manner. We support the inclusion in a presidential statement of the confidence-building measures suggested by you to the parties and look forward to working with your delegation in completing the statement.”

   2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

7. “The involvement of the United Nations and the OAU in seeking to resolve this dispute is a good example of the relationship between the United Nations and a regional organization in cooperating in the search for peace. We agree, however, that much remains to be done to reach a comprehensive and final settlement. This will involve the delineation and demarcation of the borders, and in this regard we are pleased to note that proximity talks have already begun. Jamaica continues to be extremely concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in both Eritrea and Ethiopia. The Secretary-General, in his remarks, pointed to the large numbers of displaced persons and to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance.”

   2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

8. “We are sure that his diplomatic skill and experience will enable him to gain the trust and cooperation of both parties as he leads the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. We also wish to commend those countries which have provided troops, and we look forward to the full deployment of the Mission. We note that by next Monday, the third phase of the deployment in both countries will be fully under way, leading to the establishment and monitoring of a temporary security zone, in keeping with the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities. My delegation is encouraged by the fact that both countries have, over the past five months, maintained the ceasefire successfully brokered by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and we commend the OAU and its special representative, President Bouteflika of Algeria.”

   2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

9. “Let me thank the delegation of the Netherlands for organizing this open briefing on an issue which is of critical importance to the process of peace in the Horn of Africa and to the African continent as a whole. The fact that you, Sir, have taken this opportunity to brief the Council on your own visit to Ethiopia and Eritrea and to suggest confidence-building measures to give impetus to the peace process clearly reflects the constructive approach which the Netherlands has taken to issues of international peace and security. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report on developments between Ethiopia and Eritrea since the adoption of resolution 1312 (2000). We welcome the appointment of the Force Commander as well as that of Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila as Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”

   2000-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4227 (2000) · source

10. “Kouchner's call on the Governments in the countries of asylum to impose a moratorium on forced and induced returns over the coming winter, and we agree with him that these returns must be dealt with on a gradual basis to give UNMIK and its partner organizations time to prepare for the expected influx of some 60,000 returnees in spring 2001. In concluding, I wish to reiterate Jamaica's unequivocal support for the work of the Special Representative and of UNMIK and for the continuation of the mandate of UNMIK until the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999) are fully implemented.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

11. “Kouchner about the success ofthe unit in bringing perpetrators to justice. Fourthly, the return of refuges to their homes is of fundamental importance in reconstruction and the promotion of peace and in moving towards a sustainable future. The numbers of returnees have been rising. Reportedly, more than 80,000 Kosovars had returned by the end of September. We are, however, concerned about the forced returns, as this intensifies existing problems. We believe that forced returns are counterproductive in light of the existing situation; in the long run, it will only contribute to deteriorating conditions as UNMIK and other organizations find themselves unable to deal effectively with the needs of the returnees for accommodation, social assistance, access to employment, health care and education. We have noted Mr.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

12. “We also welcome the opening of the Pristina Resource Centre for Detainees and Missing Persons by UNMIK, in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). My delegation notes with appreciation the improvement in law and order and security, but we remain concerned about the continuation of ethnically motivated attacks. We also note that aggressive searches by the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and UNMIK police continue to reveal the existence of stockpiles of military weapons in Kosovo. In an earlier briefing, we expressed concern about reports of human trafficking. The unit set up by UNMIK police clearly demonstrates a recognition of the need to address this problem. We support the work of this unit in relation to trafficking, and we would wish to hear further from Mr.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

13. “A few months ago, we welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Henrik Amneus to address this issue. We now welcome the recent meeting of UNMIK and a delegation from Belgrade to discuss concrete steps towards resolving the question of detainees and missing persons. The proposed submission of a law on amnesty to parliament by the Yugoslav authorities will be another significant step forward. In addition we were pleased to learn that visits by international organizations and by family members have been facilitated. We certainly hope that the recent political developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will lay the groundwork for reconciliation between the communities in Kosovo.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

14. “In this regard, we note UNMIK's decision to compile lists of candidates for assemblies in those municipalities where Serbs form the majority. We would like to hear from Dr. Kouchner the latest developments on this matter, as well as on the possibility of UNMIK holding by-elections next year in the municipalities where Serbs are in the majority. In his briefing the Special Representative referred to his meeting with the leaders of the Kosovo Serb community who have agreed to form a high-level committee to discuss how to ensure that Kosovo Serbs are incorporated in the new municipal structures. Secondly, my delegation has consistently maintained that unless the issue of detainees and missing persons is dealt with, there will be no lasting basis for peace and coexistence.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

15. “My delegation continues to stress that the participation of Kosovars of all ethnic groups in the process of reconciliation must remain a priority, as all groups must feel a sense of ownership ofthe process. I now wish to focus on a few issues, specifically the recent elections, the situation of detained and missing persons, the security situation and human trafficking, and the return of refugees. First, my delegation wishes to congratulate the people of Kosovo, UNMIK and the other organizations involved in the successful conduct of the recent municipal elections. These elections, which were virtually free of violence, should serve to enhance the work ofthe municipal assemblies and to ensure that the people of Kosovo participate in governance at the local level. We regret that the Kosovo Serbs did not participate in the elections.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

16. “Nevertheless, we recognize that the task ahead for UNMIK remains challenging, as the Mission continues, in accordance with the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999), to prepare the province for substantial autonomy, to promote civilian and administrative functions, to oversee the development of provisional institutions and to maintain civil law and order. In all these areas, UNMIK has risen to the task in collaboration with its partner organizations in Kosovo. The gains made in Kosovo over the past year must be consolidated in the context of creating a multi- ethnic society with multi-ethnic institutions. A peaceful, stable and democratic Kosovo cannot be exclusionary, or the efforts to secure a sustainable future will fail.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

17. “Let me join previous speakers in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Bernard Kouchner, for his briefing. We commend the men and women of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on their significant achievements. Indeed, the transformation of Kosovo should be viewed as a success story for the United Nations and the international community as a whole. My delegation has noted the many positive developments in Kosovo and in the region since Dr. Kouchner last briefed the Council in September.”

    2000-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4225 (2000) · source

18. “My delegation hopes that the outcome of the recent general elections will serve as a springboard for the consolidation of the gains made over recent years in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will ensure its functioning as an integrated and multi-ethnic State.”

    2000-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4222 (2000) · source

19. “We maintain that the following must be taken into consideration as the various administrations take up their duties: first, the full implementation of the New York Declaration; secondly, the return of refugees and further work on refugee-related matters, including documentation, employment, education, pensions and access to utilities; thirdly, judicial reform, which we see as critical for the creation of a democratic society; fourthly, the creation of a multi-ethnic society with multi-ethnic institutions; fifthly, the importance to the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina of the activities related to the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe, which provides a broad regional framework for further progress, and in this regard, we emphasize the need for continued international support for institution- building in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and last but by no means least, the full involvement of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in charting their own future.”

    2000-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4222 (2000) · source

20. “Those in authority must bear this in mind in addition to the focus on the imperatives of economic reconstruction and on sustained economic and social development. On 26 October, the High Representative, Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, briefed the Council. At that time, my delegation mentioned a number of priority areas which we believe are of critical importance to the process under way in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The points which we stressed in that briefing remain relevant, particularly in the light of the recent general elections. Taken together with the recent positive political developments in the region, they augur well for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2000-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4222 (2000) · source

21. “Let me thank Under- Secretary-General Guehenno for his detailed briefing on developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular on the conduct of the general elections held on 11 November. The smooth conduct of these elections and the fact that they proceeded without incident demonstrate the level of engagement of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their commitment to the development of their country. We see these elections as a positive step forward for Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the further consolidation of democracy. Every effort must now be made to focus on the building of the country and its institutions and on creating a society based on peaceful, multi-ethnic coexistence.”

    2000-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4222 (2000) · source

22. “We recognize that some progress has been made in assisting troop-contributing developing countries, but we believe that much more can be done, and we wish to work with the members of the Council in ensuring that this provides an adequate incentive for involvement in peacekeeping. Finally, my delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report and for the implementation plan. This is evidence of the need for us to take speedy action to translate the words of the Brahimi Report into tangible deeds and we wish to work with the members of the Council and the General Assembly in ensuring that this report does not become a dead letter.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

23. “The next issue to which my delegation attaches importance is the issue of training. Given the complex challenges of peacekeeping, it has become imperative that peacekeepers be adequately trained and equipped for their mission. Not only should peacekeepers be technically prepared, but special emphasis should also be placed on promoting cultural sensitivity to societies undergoing conflict situations. Equally important is the need for a systematic approach to training for civilian police. Also, my delegation wishes to emphasize that there are many developing countries that are willing to provide troops, but that lack the necessary equipment and training.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

24. “Member States must also be provided with training guidelines and materials on the protection, rights and particular needs of women in conflict situations, as well as on the importance of involving women in all stages of peacekeeping and peace- building. I wish to highlight three other issues: first, my delegation agrees with the Brahimi Panel that an effective public information strategy in mission areas is an essential operational necessity for Virtually all United Nations peace operations. It is therefore essential that, in the implementation of the Brahimi Report, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Public Information collaborate in the development of adequate information strategies and in ensuring the assignment of personnel required in the very first days of a peacekeeping mission.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

25. “My delegation welcomes the reference in the resolution to the need to mainstream a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and the mechanisms to do so. This had been overlooked in the Brahimi Report, but has been included in the report of the Secretary-General on the report's implementation. In this regard, the resolution calls for the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), adopted by the Council on 31 October. We expect the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to work with the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Gender Issues to ensure, inter alia, the early establishment of gender units where appropriate, in Headquarters as well as in the field.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

26. “There has been a measure of success in this area, and my delegation believes that this should be encouraged. Conflict prevention is another aspect to which my delegation attaches importance. As was indicated during the open debate in July on the prevention of armed conflict, the United Nations must manage a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to address the root causes of conflict; and, in this regard, early warning, preventive deployment, preventive disarmament and post-conflict peace-building are interdependent and complementary components of a conflict prevention strategy. We look forward to the report of the Secretary- General which is to be presented to the Council in May 2001.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

27. “The use of private meetings between potential and current troop contributors before and after the establishment of a peacekeeping mission is a step which my delegation believes should be pursued in earnest. As past experience has shown, the lack of consultations can lead to misunderstandings about the mandate of a mission and its implementation. Fourthly, my delegation wholeheartedly supports the movement towards cooperation and coordination between regional and subregional organizations and the United Nations from an early stage of negotiations. This, we believe, will facilitate a clearer understanding between the parties of, inter alia, the political objectives, the practicality of the tasks assigned and compliance with the rules and principles of international law.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

28. “At this time I wish to take the opportunity to underscore some of the key elements in the resolution. First, my delegation supports the consensus that clear, credible and realistic mandates must be given and that the Security Council needs to be more scrupulous in this regard. Secondly, the mandate of a peacekeeping mission should ensure that peacekeepers, once deployed, are capable of defending themselves and are able to carry out their mandates professionally. Thirdly, the call for regular consultations between troop-contributing countries and the Security Council is an essential component, especially prior to the definition of a peacekeeping mandate. Access to military technical briefings by the Secretariat should also play an instructive role prior to the formulation of a peacekeeping mission.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

29. “The resolution just adopted by the Council presents no elements of surprise, as it encapsulates many of the key issues with which the Security Council has grappled in recent years, given the paradigm shift in the nature of peacekeeping operations. No longer is the traditional concept of classical peacekeeping applicable to the current realities. In most cases, peacekeeping has become more multidimensional, addressing complex issues ranging from disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants to institution-building, civil administration, policing and rebuilding the administrative structures of a post- conflict society. The cases of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor and the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone clearly attest to this.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

30. “My delegation therefore wishes to pay tribute to Ambassador Brahimi and the members of the Panel for the excellent quality of the analysis and the recommendations in the report. It was against this background that my delegation welcomed the establishment in early October of the Security Council Working Group on the Brahimi Report. The Working Group was tasked with undertaking a full examination of those recommendations in the report that fall within the purview of the Security Council. I wish to express the Jamaican delegation's appreciation, on behalf of the Chairman of the Working Group, Ambassador Curtis Ward, for the cooperation received from the Council members and from the Secretariat in enabling the Group to reach a speedy and successful outcome.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

31. “The effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping has been the object of much scrutiny in recent years. Indeed, over the past year, four reports have been presented by the Secretary-General - namely, his report on the fall of Srebrenica, two reports on the genocide in Rwanda and, most recently, the report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations, the Brahimi Report. All of these speak eloquently to the successes and failures of United Nations peacekeeping. We are reminded also that if we do not commit ourselves to Vital reforms highlighted in these reports, there is a real risk that we will continue to fail to meet the challenge of saving the innocent from the scourge of war. We realize only too well that swift action on the key recommendations of the Brahimi Report is imperative if we wish to seize the present momentum.”

    2000-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4220 (2000) · source

32. “The debate this afternoon must serve as a solid basis for the Security Council to intensify its cooperation and collaboration with UNHCR. We are faced with grim reminders as we witness humanitarian catastrophes, burgeoning crises and staggering human costs. Millions of people continue to be uprooted by conflict and are exposed to extreme hardship, violence and death. It is our collective responsibility to help them. We know that solutions are difficult, but we must be clear and decisive in our actions to help those affected. In conclusion, I wish again, on behalf of my delegation, to thank Mrs. Ogata for her outstanding contribution and for the inspiration she has provided. We wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

33. “The priorities aimed at mainstreaming children's issues into UNHCR's overall protection and assistance activities, as well as increased emphasis on an inter-agency approach, require continued action within the context of the Council's activities related to children and armed conflict. In addition, the formulated policy on older refugees, which was endorsed in February of this year, is particularly welcome, as is the project, Imagine Coexistence, which seeks to promote coexistence in divided communities. We have noted the pilot projects destined for Bosnia and Rwanda. The point made by Mrs. Ogata regarding disarmament, demobilization and reintegration is an important one, and we agree that these programmes require effective action by the Council in collaboration with the humanitarian agencies.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

34. “Ogata gave us a vivid example of the humanitarian situation in West Africa as a result of the Sierra Leone crisis, as well as the resulting humanitarian crisis. These have to be dealt with in a regional context. This was, as Sir Jeremy Greenstock pointed out, forcefully brought to the attention of the recent Security Council mission to West Africa. Sixthly, the continued implementation of a targeted strategy for the advancement of refugee women and the mainstreaming of a gender equity perspective must remain a priority. We recognize the work being done to incorporate this in several key training packages and field guidelines.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

35. “We agree that by taking firm positions and supporting decisively, rapidly and substantively the follow-up to peace agreements, and by promoting the mobilization of resources for reconstruction and peace-building, the Council will have made its contribution to averting and stemming humanitarian crises. We must work towards this goal or render ourselves incapable of discharging the mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security. Fifthly, the United Nations system must work towards devising mechanisms to effectively and equitably address the protection of displaced populations, whether displaced within their own countries or as refugees. The international community must find a way to better help those countries that open their borders to vast numbers of refugees, often at tremendous economic and social costs. Mrs.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

36. “Ogata pointed out, that security partnerships are important in order to create a better security environment, and we agree that this is an essential, if complex task. We will recall that the Council recognized the critical importance of the protection of humanitarian personnel during the debates that we held in February and March. The Council must now convert its words into action. Fourthly, my delegation agrees, as Mrs. Ogata so aptly stated to the Council in its debate in January, that "humanitarian action alone will not be able to solve any of the problems leading to forced human displacement." (S/PV.4089, p. 6) The Security Council therefore has a definitive role in preventing, containing and resolving conflicts.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

37. “We maintain that if humanitarian personnel are unable to discharge their duties in an environment free from fear and intimidation, then their efforts will come to nought. Thirdly, the 1994 Convention on the Protection of United Nations and Associated Personnel provides a backdrop for humanitarian work. While States have the primary responsibility to protect and provide for civilians in their territory and to ensure the safe, unimpeded access of humanitarian workers to civilians in need, the Security Council has a role to play in helping to create an environment for such assistance. There must be collaboration on the ground between peacekeepers and humanitarian agencies. We recognize also, as Mrs.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

38. “Ogata has said on previous occasions, "Solutions to refugee problems take time." At this time, my delegation wishes to highlight a few areas to which the United Nations as a whole, and the Security Council in particular, must devote greater attention, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations humanitarian activities. First, we attach importance to the strengthening of UNHCR's emergency preparedness and response capability. As Mrs. Ogata has indicated, UNHCR is now focusing on upgrading its capacity to address refugee emergencies at short notice. Secondly, we see the need for an intensification of efforts to guarantee the safety of humanitarian and associated personnel. Only recently we were saddened at the murders of three UNHCR staff in West Timor and another in Guinea.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

39. “It is a tribute to Mrs. Ogata's leadership and part of her legacy that in all these tumultuous times UNHCR was there, faithfully executing its mandate in seeking to provide international protection to refugees and other persons of concern and in seeking permanent solutions by assisting Governments to facilitate voluntary repatriation and/or assimilation into new communities. It is in this context that I wish to congratulate the UNHCR in advance on its fiftieth anniversary. My delegation recognizes that the task facing UNHCR is a mammoth one. As Mrs.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

40. “Allow me, on behalf of the Jamaican delegation, to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mrs. Sadako Ogata, for her very comprehensive briefing, in which she has certainly given us food for thought. We wish to take this opportunity to commend Mrs. Ogata for her leadership of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and to recognize her unwavering commitment and service to the international community during a very complicated and often difficult decade in which the global population of concern to UNHCR has grown to some 22.3 million persons. We have observed the humanitarian crises and the mass movements of populations in the former Yugoslav republics, in Kosovo, in the Great Lakes region of Africa, in West Africa, in the Horn of Africa, in East Timor and in Afghanistan, to name but a few.”

    2000-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4219 (2000) · source

41. “My delegation recognizes that many of the economic, social and political problems facing Bosnia and Herzegovina can be best addressed from a regional perspective, and for this reason we attach importance to the development of a programme for reconstruction and renewal in South-eastern Europe within the framework of the Stability Pact. We are encouraged by the prospects for better cooperation among the leaders of all the countries in the region. Finally, I wish to thank the High Representative and his staff for their unwavering commitment to the creation of a just, lasting and sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

42. “My delegation would be remiss if it were to conclude its remarks without expressing support for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We recognize the challenge of creating a mufti-ethnic society with multi- ethnic institutions, and we believe that success is contingent on the cooperation of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their leaders. My delegation wishes to stress the need for the full involvement of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in charting their own course. International commitment must be aimed at assisting the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to build local capacity, as it is only through their involvement that a sustainable Bosnia and Herzegovina can be achieved.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

43. “The establishment of the Coordinating Board for the education of judges and prosecutors is another important addition, as this will offer additional education to judges in both the Republika Srpska and the Federation. My delegation also welcomes the work currently under way to establish an independent judicial commission, as in our view this could provide a focal point for international assistance to judicial reform initiatives and for the identification and design of specific programmes for judicial assistance. In the area of human rights, we welcome the appointment of three Ombudsmen in the Republika Srpska, but we are disappointed that the decision of the Human Rights Chamber regarding the reconstruction of mosques in Banja Luka has not been implemented.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

44. “Those returning and those displaced must be able to reclaim their properties. While the property legislation has begun to make steady progress, much remains to be done. We recognize in this regard the work of the Office of the High Representative, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) and we would wish to hear more about the remaining obstacles to progress in this area. My delegation sees judicial reform as the cornerstone for the creation ofa democratic society and the entrenchment of the rule of law. The recently adopted Law on Courts and Court Service in the Republika Srpska is welcome.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

45. “As Mr. Petritsch pointed out, the rate of returns is even greater than the registered figures show. The fact that minorities feel comfortable and safe enough to return home is a positive indication that the situation there is coming under control and is improving. The report that few if any areas can now be deemed inaccessible because of security considerations, due to the role of the local police, is welcome. Despite this we are cognizant of the need for work on refugee-related matters such as documentation, employment, education, pensions and access to utilities. In some cases other lasting solutions, such as local integration and settlement, may have to be considered for those unable or unwilling to return. The implementation of the Property Law Implementation Plan is closely bound up with refugee return.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

46. “We welcome the fact that general elections will be held in November, and we see the election law as an indispensable dimension of a democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it is disappointing that, due to differences relating to its adoption, the law has not been passed, we commend the efforts of the House of Representatives and the Council of Ministers to establish a working group to overcome the differences in this area. My delegation fully agrees with Mr. Petritsch that any election law must establish principles for all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nearly five years after the Dayton Accords some one million refugees and displaced persons are waiting to return to their pre-war homes. The reported rate of minority return has been encouraging, as numbers up to 31 August were more than double their number for the same period in 1999.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

47. “These developments are encouraging, and we would wish in due course to hear more about the progress on the State-level civil service law and in clearing the backlog of legislation which has to be adopted in accordance with the Peace Implementation Council work programme. The agreements reached on a number ofissues by the Joint Presidency are also encouraging. We are, however, concerned that the Presidency secretariat, which was called for in the New York Declaration, has still not been fully established. We note the need for more dialogue and constructive engagement in decision-making among the three members of the Presidency. It is clear from Mr. Petritsch's briefing that the process can be accelerated only with the firm commitment of the politicians to multi-ethnic cooperation.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

48. “The full implementation of the New York Declaration, adopted on 15 November 1999, continues to be critical to the process under way in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The strengthening of the State institutions along multi-ethnic lines must remain a priority. The Peace Implementation Council, at its meeting in Brussels in May, set one of its main goals as "Fostering functional and democratically accountable common institutions supported by an effective, merit-based civil service and a sound financial basis, based on the Rule of Law." We have noted the holding of regular meetings of the Council of Ministers and the establishment of three new Ministries - of the Treasury, for European Integration and for Human Rights and Refugees.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

49. “I wish to join in the welcome extended to the High Representative, Mr. Wolfgang Petritsch, and in thanking him for his very useful briefing. When he last briefed the Council, in May, the High Representative had focused on three areas, namely, economic reform, the acceleration of the return of refugees and the consolidation of institutions. Today's briefing builds on these developments and paints a comprehensive picture of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina against a background of recent political developments in the region. While progress has been slow, there have been some encouraging developments reported by Mr. Petritsch, particularly in regard to the common institutions, refugee return, judicial reform and human rights institutions.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

50. “Women cannot be left out of the equation. Today, as we celebrate United Nations Day, it is fitting that we draw attention to the role of women as agents for the promotion of peace, security and development. The time has come for us to move from rhetoric to action. The women of the world expect no less from the Security Council.”

    2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source