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

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

“My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Tajikistan, and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Ivo Petrov, for his briefing. Jamaica applauds the resolution of the conflict and the establishment of peace in Tajikistan. This is an important step towards achieving stability in Central Asia. We commend the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) for the implementation of its mandate, in accordance with the 1997 Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan. The Mission has reached a successful conclusion. We wish to acknowledge the contribution of the Secretary- General and his Special Representatives, and of those countries and international organizations which supported the peace efforts of the United Nations.”
2000-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4140 (2000) · source
“As I said earlier, civilians are again on the move in Sierra Leone, becoming refugees in their own country, and have moved into neighbouring countries. International humanitarian agencies have had to scale down their activities and normal life has been disrupted across the land. In the next few days and weeks, this Council and the international community must display its resolve, stated in this very Chamber just three months ago, to support the people of that war-tom country who yearn for peace. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to pay tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to the Force Commander and to the men and women of UNAMSIL and to those humanitarian workers who serve in Sierra Leone for their dedication to the cause of peace.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“We also look forward to the outcome of the meeting of the Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Staff of ECOWAS, to be held in Abuja on 17 May, to consider practical modalities. We cannot forget that it was the troops of ECOMOG who acted to stabilize the situation and to bring peace to the people of Sierra Leone, which allowed for the signing of the Lome Peace Agreement. The Council will also benefit from the report of the Under-Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Bernard Miyet, who was just in Sierra Leone to assess the political and military realities. There is one option that we do not have, and that is to abandon the people of Sierra Leone, who are looking to this Organization in their hour of need.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“We wish to take this opportunity to express appreciation to the troop-contributing countries, including Bangladesh, India and Jordan, which have pledged to rapidly increase the troop strength of UNAMSIL to its authorized level, and also to thank those countries which are providing strategic airlifts. We also commend the action of the British Government in stabilizing the situation in the Lungi airport area, as this has provided a valuable complement to the work of UNAMSIL. While we are fully aware that there is no clear-cut solution, my delegation fully endorses the options put forth by ECOWAS, which call, inter alia, for the integration of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) troops into UNAMSIL, and call upon the international community to commit the necessary funding and logistical expertise as required.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“Our priority must be to obtain the release of those detained and held hostage and to stabilize the situation so that order can be re-established throughout Sierra Leone. The present outbreak of hostilities has again put the lives of civilians at risk and threatens the stability of the neighbouring States. It is against this background that my delegation strongly supports the call of the heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for UNAMSIL's mandate to be revised under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and for the troops to be equipped to carry out such a mandate.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“We commend those troops which went to Sierra Leone to serve the cause of peace and we wish to take this opportunity to express our condolences to the families of those who have given their lives. We join in condemning Mr. Foday Sankoh and the forces of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), which have not only tried to scuttle the Lome Peace Agreement, but have attacked and taken hostage those who sought to bring peace to the people of Sierra Leone. We join the call for the unconditional release of those detained and taken hostage and hold Mr. Sankoh fully accountable for the actions of the members of the RUF. The Security Council and the international community have few options.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“After several years of civil strife, which wreaked untold havoc on the people of Sierra Leone, the Lome accords held out the hope of peace and stability in which the country could at long last address its serious economic and social needs. It was only in February of this year that the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was mandated by the Security Council to undertake the tasks of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; to coordinate and assist in the provision of security in and at all sites in common areas of deployment with the Sierra Leone security forces; and, above all, to monitor the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement, which had been subscribed to by all parties concerned.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“The Jamaican delegation joins others in thanking you, Sir, for convening this meeting on the situation in Sierra Leone. We all agree that such a meeting is not only timely, but an imperative, given the urgency of the situation. We therefore commend the African Group for taking the initiative in calling for this meeting. The statements of the Secretary-General and of the Permanent Representative of Algeria, acting as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity, only served to underline the gravity of the threat that the crisis in Sierra Leone now poses to the people of that country, to the neighbouring countries and to the resolve of the international community.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“In concluding, I wish again to pay tribute to the leader of our mission and to the other members of the mission, because I believe that this visit gave us an opportunity not only to see for ourselves but also to bring back to the Security Council our findings, and we hope that these findings will be acted on in the near future.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Before concluding, I wish to address the issue of Security Council resolution 1160 (1998). As Chairperson of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1160 (1998), I wish to draw attention to paragraphs 15 and 34 of the report. These paragraphs highlight the discussions that were held with KFOR on the strengthening and monitoring of the implementation of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1160 (1998). As the report points out, there have been improvements in the situation, and KFOR has continued its recovery of arms inside Kosovo. We wish to emphasize the need for the monthly information on KFOR's activities to be presented to the Committee, as this will greatly assist the Committee in its work.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Although this process is fraught with difficulty, we urge them to continue. This process demands the cooperation of those with a stake in the long-term development of Kosovo - namely, the people of Kosovo of all ethnic groups. Ethnic hatred and prejudice are unacceptable and will seriously undermine any attempts at creating a sustainable and peaceful Kosovo. This was the message that the mission sought to bring to the people of Kosovo, at all levels, wherever we met them. But we agree that changing attitudes is probably the most daunting task facing the United Nations and the international community in Kosovo. We need to assure the people of Kosovo that the international community will support their efforts to move from a culture of conflict to a culture of peace.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Economic recovery as a means of promoting confidence and reconciliation efforts among the people of Kosovo is another major challenge for UNMIK, because, while there have been some improvements, the overall economic picture continues to be grim. The economic situation, coupled with inadequate physical, social and economic security, further exacerbates the situation. Attracting broad-based donor support and investment is certainly one of the ways to move ahead. Unfortunately, this will be difficult if other issues, such as the question of property rights, remain unresolved. Jamaica wishes to support the work of UNMIK in developing an interim political framework, including the creation of multi-ethnic institutions and a multi-ethnic society, that will lead to peaceful coexistence.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“It is therefore necessary to create the conditions for the participation of all ethnic groups, as they must come to feel a sense of ownership and participation in the democratic process. I also wish to point out that many of the United Nations Volunteers are providing excellent support for the civil and registration process, and we wish to salute the work of the United Nations Volunteers. At the same time, we wish to emphasize the need for the General Assembly to urgently address the question of the staffing table, and we know that this is an issue which will be taken up by the Fifth Committee during its resumed session. I now wish to turn to the economic situation in Kosovo.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“My delegation therefore supports the finding in the report that the issue of the appointment of a special envoy for missing persons and detainees should be addressed urgently. We also note that the report draws attention to the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and to the need for additional funds to support the work of exhumations and identification. As the report points out, for example, the Tribunal's forensic experts are hampered in their work by the lack of resources to finance DNA tests. Another issue of concern to my delegation is the forthcoming municipal elections. We see the civil and voter registration as activities of particular importance, and we believe that all parties must feel that they have a stake in the process.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“There has to be a structured approach that ensures reintegration and will involve close collaboration between UNMIK, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other organizations. We acknowledge the efforts of these organizations and hope that the necessary assistance and cooperation of host Governments will be forthcoming in reintegrating the refugees. We believe that the issue of returns must be dealt with in a measured and humane manner. Tackling the issue of missing persons is one of the most fundamental factors in the reconciliation process. As was alluded to in the report, this is an issue that cuts across all ethnic groups and needs to be addressed urgently and comprehensively.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“I wish to highlight the need to address the critical shortage of judges, prosecutors and correctional officers. In this regard, I express appreciation to the United Kingdom for the announcement it just made. This has to be addressed if the rule of law is to prevail and an end put to the cycle of impunity. My delegation was impressed by the training given to the new police force as a demonstration of capacity-building. But the UNMIK police also need specialized units, and we hope that this matter will be addressed by member States. My delegation believes that it is the right of all refugees and displaced persons to be able to return to their homes in safety and without fear.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“While there has been substantial progress, violence aimed at minority groups is extremely worrying and, if this continues, efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation will be to no avail. We encourage UNMIK and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) to continue their efforts at consultations at the community level. We welcome the high level of coordination between UNMIK and KFOR. Despite their limited numbers, the UNMIK Police continue to do their best to provide security. Confidence, however, has to be established between the various groups. While we realize that this is an extremely difficult task, there is no alternative. The leaders of different ethnic groups must engage in dialogue and must display the requisite commitment to the process of peace and reconciliation.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Bernard Kouchner, and to the men and women of UNMIK and the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations represented throughout Kosovo for the commitment and enthusiasm which they have brought to the unique, complex and multi-purpose mission. As the report indicates, our visit provided an opportunity not only to meet with the administering authorities, but also to engage with the representatives of all ethnic communities, to listen to their concerns and to better understand their expectations for the future. As my delegation entirely shares the findings of the mission, I will seek to highlight some issues which are of particular concern. These include the volatile security situation and the rule of law, the return of refugees and the issue of missing persons and detainees.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“I wish to thank you, Sir, for convening this open briefing on the mission of the Security Council which visited Kosovo from 27 to 29 April. As a member of the mission, I wish to express my personal appreciation to Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury for his inspired leadership of the mission as we sought to fulfil the terms of reference given to us by the Council. Our visit served to highlight the critical role of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in promoting peace, reconciliation and stability and in creating viable and democratic institutions. My delegation wishes to pay tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“We were interested to learn from the Secretary- General' 5 latest report that the United Nations Development Programme has been seeking to secure funds to support a three-year framework for capacity-building and technical assistance and has also been involved in the village employment and environment programmes. We would appreciate hearing from the High Representative about progress in capacity-building, as we believe that this will be the only real foundation for the creation of an enabling environment. Finally, my delegation wishes to express its support for the work of the High Representative, the United Nations and other organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and we encourage them to continue their efforts to restore peace and stability and to promote sustainable development.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“The inclusion of returnees in reconstruction programmes in a non-discriminatory manner must also remain a priority. As the High Representative reminded us, jobs and a secure economic future are increasingly important issues for the ordinary citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is therefore of concern to my delegation that problems of unemployment, education and administrative integration remain, and we hope that these will be actively addressed in the coming months. Programmes of capacity-building and technical assistance will undoubtedly be useful in helping returnees and internally displaced persons to integrate.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“We urge that efforts at depoliticization of the process continue, and we commend the Office of the High Representative, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, among others, for their work in seeking to remove impediments to the return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons. We are, however, concerned at reports of obstruction to minority returns and urge the Office of the High Representative to continue to target political interventions to unlock refugee potential. The establishment of effective mechanisms that will allow returnees to restore their property and occupancy rights and their access to personal documents is essential and should be actively pursued.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“My delegation also wishes to emphasize the importance that we attach to the cooperation between the Office of the High Representative and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. This has resulted in the apprehension of several individuals. We hope that the lack of funding will not delay action on missing persons and on exhumations. It is encouraging to note that the rate of minority returns has increased. We recognize the efforts that are being made to create the conditions necessary for the reintegration of refugees and returnees. One example is the property law implementation plan launched in October 1999.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“In this regard, we note the efforts of the Office of the High Representative to promote the establishment of a nationwide structure for judicial training, and we would be interested in hearing more about the work of the joint advisory board which was formed under the auspices of the Council of Europe in February of this year. We believe that judicial reform and the restructuring of the police force are linked. In order to effectively promote the rule of law, the judiciary and the police force must work in tandem. It is therefore encouraging to note that there has been movement towards a multi-ethnic police force, as we were advised at the open briefing of the Council in March. These efforts must continue. At the same time, the issues of trafficking in persons and of domestic violence have to be forcefully addressed.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“We believe that the consolidation of efficient State institutions is of fundamental importance to the long-term development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we are therefore concerned at the slow pace of the adoption of legislation, as noted in the High Representative's report. Jamaica continues to attach importance to the rule of law and judicial reform. There have been positive developments in judicial reform, particularly the move towards the creation of an independent and impartial judiciary through the completion of laws regulating the selection of judges and prosecutors. The cooperation of all the relevant domestic organs in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of critical importance in these reform efforts. Training is also important and must be one of the pillars of judicial reform.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“My delegation would wish to hear more about the laws on asylum and immigration and on refugees and displaced persons that were passed by the Parliament in November 1999. And we ask whether these laws have contributed to the development of a proper legal framework on refugees and displaced persons. My delegation is pleased that the second municipal elections were held, as scheduled, in April. This should have a positive impact on the democratic process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and should increase the accountability of politicians to the electorate. This, we hope, will lay the groundwork for the eventual development of a multi-ethnic national government.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“Without these, efforts at long-term sustainable economic development will not succeed. The implementation of the New York Declaration of 15 November 1999 is, in my delegation's view, central to the process currently under way in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that declaration, commitment to the Dayton-Paris accords was reaffirmed, as was commitment to the establishment of a permanent election law and to the creation of a national passport and of the framework for the State Border Service. We note that some efforts have been undertaken in respect of the permanent secretariat. Regrettably, there has been limited progress in other areas; indeed, the implementation of the State Border Service had to be imposed in January by the Office of the High Representative.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“Petritsch's two presentations and his written reports indicate that the Office of the High Representative and other organizations responsible for the implementation of the Dayton accords are faced with monumental challenges, particularly as they relate to entrenching a multi-ethnic society with multi-ethnic institutions. My delegation fully recognizes that success is contingent upon the cooperation of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their leaders, as well as on the continued commitment and support of the international community. We therefore need to re- emphasize our expectation that the political will expressed at Dayton will be followed up in practice. My delegation believes that peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina are inextricably linked to peaceful coexistence and reconciliation.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“My delegation joins in welcoming the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We wish to thank him for his very enlightening briefing. We also found his report to the Secretary-General extremely useful and informative. While we appreciate that there have been several positive developments, it is clear that much remains to be done. In his statement to the Council last November the High Representative focused, inter alia, on the issues of property, the development of election law and common institutions, and their implications for the promotion of the national interests of a sovereign State. Today he drew our attention to the areas of economic reform, the acceleration of the return of refugees and displaced persons, and the consolidation of institutions. When looked at as a whole, Mr.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“A holistic approach to maintaining peace and protecting civilians should therefore involve the development of appropriate early warning and information-gathering mechanisms. In his report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the Secretary-General reminded us that the responsibility for the protection of civilians cannot be transferred to others, and that the United Nations is the only international Organization with the necessary reach and authority. The draft resolution before us today, which my delegation is pleased to support, seeks to recommit the Security Council to this task.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“While the action already taken by the Security Council to improve the protection of civilians is a step in the right direction, my delegation believes that there is a further need for ensuring that the international community takes a comprehensive, integrated approach to the problem. This approach must involve not only the improvement of physical and legal protection, but must also be aimed at eradicating the root causes of armed conflict. Prevention of armed conflicts is the best protection and in this regard, the Security Council must place special emphasis on the development of appropriate preventive measures. As highlighted by the Secretary-General in his 1999 report on the work of the organization, long-term prevention strategies must seek to prevent destructive conflicts from arising in the first place.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“In all of these areas, much remains to be done; and increased cooperation between the Security Council, the General Assembly and the rest of the United Nations system, regional bodies and non-governmental organizations will prove essential for achieving progress and for ensuring a comprehensive approach to protection for civilians in armed conflict. These concerns, among others, are at the heart of the Security Council's mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security. The clear connections between large-scale human suffering, systematic and widespread violations of the rights of civilians and the breakdown in international peace and security increase the need for the Council to keep this issue at the forefront of its agenda.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Sixth, every effort should be made to ensure that peacekeeping missions have appropriate mandates and adequate resources in order to strengthen their ability to offer credible and adequate protection to civilians in situations of conflict. In this connection, we must ensure that the civilian nature of refugee camps is maintained and that the issue of protection for internally displaced persons is addressed. Seventh, improving the environment for the safe and secure provision of humanitarian assistance to individuals in need is a major challenge. Attention to legal and physical protection for humanitarian personnel should be given greater priority. Humanitarian workers must be able to offer their services in situations of conflict and should be allowed to do so without being subjected to abuse.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Fourth, appropriate responses must be developed with the cooperation of other international bodies, regional organizations and civil society during the early phases of conflicts to curb the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons, which contribute to the escalation of conflicts and which result in serious harm to civilians. Supporting initiatives to promote mine action, where appropriate, should also become part of the Security Council's response to civilian tragedies. Fifth, provisions must be made as a matter of course for appropriate training in international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law for personnel involved in United Nations operations, and for sensitizing them about the conditions in the countries concerned.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Adopting appropriate targeted measures, including the imposition of arms embargoes where parties to conflicts deliberately target civilians in violation of international humanitarian law, could represent an important and effective means of achieving this objective. Third, the design and implementation of Security Council sanctions must be improved significantly to increase their effects on targeted groups while minimizing their unintended effects on civilians. During our debate earlier this week on general issues relating to sanctions, my delegation emphasized that the appropriate use of humanitarian exemptions and "smart" sanctions were critical elements in our effort to reduce the unintended humanitarian impacts of sanctions regimes.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“In this regard, we strongly support the inclusion of specific provisions in peace agreements, and in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, particularly of child soldiers. The momentum already gained in this area must be maintained. Further action needs to be taken to offer women and girls special protection, particularly from acts of sexual violence. Second, the question of impunity must be resolutely addressed in the most innovative ways in order to deter future violations of human rights by parties to armed conflict.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The success of our efforts to promote protection for civilians in armed conflict depends largely on our willingness to take bold steps in a number of critical areas. I wish to highlight some of these, which should form part of a broad-based and comprehensive strategy to address the plight of these persons. First, there is an urgent need to ensure that the special protection and humanitarian needs of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, are addressed in the mandates of peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace- building operations. The Council's recognition of the importance of child protection represents an important development in efforts to address the special needs of children.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“More attention must therefore be given to disseminating knowledge of human rights obligations and to encouraging States to fulfil their obligations to respect international law and to take appropriate legal measures to punish offenders. In addition, it is imperative that we develop innovative strategies for addressing violations of international law by non-State actors. It is unfortunate that the legal regimes at our disposal cannot be applied easily to such actors. In the case of internal conflicts characterized by the existence of complex groupings of militias and criminal elements, it is difficult in practical terms to enforce the accountability of these individuals. This is an area which requires serious study to explore possible solutions.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Urgent steps must be taken to follow up on the Secretary-General's recommendations, which are particularly concerned with the need to meet the challenge of inducing States and non-State actors to comply with the provisions of international law. The development of appropriate international mechanisms to prosecute those who commit grave breaches of international law must continue to be given priority. We have begun with the establishment of the International Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Jamaica strongly supports the View that promoting respect for international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law and addressing the current culture of impunity will contribute significantly to the overall protection of civilians in conflict situations.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Indeed, most of the persons affected are now internally displaced persons rather than refugees who have crossed borders. While we recognize the need to proceed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the particular circumstances, there is no doubt that the gravity of the problem resulting from the blurring of the lines between civilians and combatants requires us to redouble our efforts to devise and adopt effective responses. It is in this context that we are pleased with the efforts of the informal working group established by Security Council resolution 1265 (1999) to review the comprehensive recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report. A number of the proposals made in the report aimed at improving the legal protection of civilians warrant detailed attention.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“We also wish to recognize the valuable contribution made by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) over the years and to thank the President of the ICRC for his thought-provoking address. We also wish to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the staff of the humanitarian agencies of the United Nations and of the non-governmental organizations who daily risk their lives to assist civilians in zones of conflict. It is regrettable that despite the continued efforts by the international community to address the deliberate targeting of civilians in conflict areas around the globe, innocent women, children, refugees and other vulnerable groups are targets of warring parties in violation of international law. This has resulted from the fact that most modern conflicts are intra-State in nature.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“It is a pleasure to see you, Sir, once again presiding over the Council's deliberations, especially as we are debating today the issue of protection of civilians in armed conflict. This very important issue, which is at the heart of the mandate of the Security Council, in the light of its relevance to the maintenance of international peace and security, has rightly been given increased attention in recent years. My delegation therefore appreciates the special attention which Canada has given to this issue, and we wish to thank the Canadian delegation for piloting the draft resolution now before the Council. We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his important introductory statement and for the recommendations contained in his report, document S/1999/957.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“We owe it to them to seek to ensure that the riches of their country are used for their economic and social development, and not to perpetuate conflict. The meeting was suspended at 1.45 pm.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129 (2000) · source
“The monitoring mechanism is an innovative one, and we believe that it can provide an example for other sanctions regimes. We therefore hope that it will be set up expeditiously in order to allow it to report to the Council by November 2000. We wish to commend the Southern African Development Community countries, and those geographically close to Angola, for the steps they have already taken to tighten the sanctions. The draft resolution before us has been carefully drafted, providing, as it does, an opportunity for those named in the report to respond before any action is taken against sanctions busters, while at the same time reminding States of the mandatory nature of sanctions imposed by the Security Council. Twenty-five years have gone by. A whole generation of Angolans has not known life without war.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129 (2000) · source
“It is reported that over the past 25 years, some 1.5 million people have lost their lives. There has been a dramatic increase in infant mortality, food shortages and starvation, and the number of internally displaced persons was last year estimated at 1.7 million out of a total population of 12.6 million. It is in this context that the Security Council, by its action today, will clearly indicate that the international community strongly repudiates the actions of Mr. Savimbi and is determined to cut off his sources of finance and arms. But the measures in the draft resolution with regard to the trade in arms, petroleum and petroleum products and diamonds, and with regard to travel, representation and financial measures, can be effective only if all Member States adhere to the terms of the draft resolution.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129 (2000) · source
“As the report of the Panel reminded us, the purpose of the sanctions was to provide a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Angola by requiring UNITA to comply with the obligations it undertook and by limiting UNITA's ability to pursue its objectives by military means. The Security Council has given UNITA and Jonas Savimbi all opportunities to bring peace to the long- suffering people of Angola. But we must recall that the leaders of UNITA rejected the results of free and fair elections held in 1992. They took advantage of the Lusaka Protocol to regroup their forces, and they were aided and abetted in evading the arms embargo, the travel and financial sanctions and the embargo on diamond exports. Those who aided and abetted UNITA in violating sanctions are equally culpable, along with UNITA, for the humanitarian tragedy in Angola.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129 (2000) · source
“My delegation joins previous speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. We also wish to welcome Mr. Miranda, Minister for External Relations of Angola, to our deliberations. My delegation pays tribute to Ambassador Robert Fowler for his re-energizing of the sanctions Committee established under resolution 864 (1993) and thanks him for introducing the draft resolution before us today. We fully endorse the draft, as we believe that it is important for us to send a strong message that breaches of the Council's sanctions will not go unpunished. Already the work of the Panel of Experts has borne fruit, as Governments and others have begun to focus on what they could do to improve the enforcement of sanctions and to curtail existing violations.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129 (2000) · source
“The note of the President of the Council of 29 January 1999 contains recommendations which still have to be acted upon. It is important that the working group devise a method for the Security Council to work with the General Assembly to ensure that there is the necessary budgetary support to support the Secretariat and the Security Council in the implementation of sanctions regimes. In conclusion, my delegation looks forward to participating actively in the working group, and again we wish to express our appreciation to the President and the Canadian delegation for the leadership shown on this issue.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Without an effective means of enforcing the arms embargo, and faced with an obvious lack of enthusiasm among the major Powers for implementing more forceful sanctions, the sanctions committee was powerless to do anything about the lack of compliance. In addition to reforms and policy-making, improving the effectiveness of sanctions requires the enhancement of internal institutional mechanisms within the United Nations system, including the development of a more effective monitoring capacity within the Secretariat, adequate staffing, streamlining of procedures and harmonization of guidelines in the working methods of the sanctions committees, visits by sanctions committees, technical expertise and support, and improved cooperation with regional organizations, non-governmental organizations and international financial institutions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The capacity of the United Nations to monitor, enforce and report on violations of arms embargoes must also be enhanced. Sanctions committees must be given the necessary tools to carry out this work. Having said this, sanctions can be effective only if there is the necessary political will. In one case analysed by the International Peace Academy, it was pointed out that the decision to impose a specific arms embargo seemed to reflect the desire by the Council to do something, however modest, in response to the particular worsening crisis. According to the Academy's analysis, it also reflected the minimum consensus that could be achieved within a divided Security Council.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source