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

“We are aware of how seemingly intractable the problems are, but no matter how difficult it might seem to find solutions, the suffering of the people involved impels us to use our best efforts to put an end to their misery. We believe that, even where there appears to be doubt and pessimism, the strength and determination of a few can become a catalyst for the movement towards peace. My delegation has therefore been heartened by the expressions of hope and the pledges of political will and commitment made by all the African leaders in their statements before the Council. We agree that it is vital to create the conditions for lasting peace based on the full implementation of the Lusaka Agreement.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“Their presence here underscores the important role which the United Nations can play in bringing peace to the Great Lakes region. My delegation further wishes to thank the United Nations Secretary-General for his comprehensive and detailed report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and for his valuable introductory statement. In particular, we welcome his analysis and recommendations, which should form the basis for action by the Council. My delegation also wishes to express appreciation to the Secretary-General and his special representatives for their efforts to move the peace process forward. My delegation recognizes only too well the difficulties and complexities that must be overcome in order to achieve a durable peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“By convening this meeting, the United States presidency has provided the Security Council with an opportunity to reinvigorate the process for peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, by extension, in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Last week, the Council heard from former President Nelson Mandela, who apprised us of the developments in the Arusha peace process for Burundi. We recognize only too well the interconnection between the Lusaka and the Arusha processes and commend you, Sir, for your foresight in making the linkage between two crisis situations as the Council focuses on Africa this month. It is against this background that we join previous speakers in welcoming the participation in this meeting of so many African leaders and the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“We hope that the upcoming plenary meeting of heads of State or Government within the framework of the Arusha peace talks will yield positive results. My delegation is keenly aware that, for a durable peace to take hold, it is essential that the root causes of insecurity be addressed. We therefore support the call for the long-term economic needs of Burundi and its neighbours to be tackled with the support of the international community, as a part of the peace process. Finally, it is our sincere hope that, under the inspired and wise leadership of President Mandela, the parties to the conflict will demonstrate their commitment to bring peace, security and democracy to the people of Burundi.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“It must be made clear to all parties that it is in their interest that humanitarian assistance reaches vulnerable civilians, particularly women and children, who are the real victims of the conflict. We are deeply concerned about the recent murders of members of the staffs of the United Nations Children's Fund and of the World Food Programme, and we urge that the perpetrators be speedily brought to justice. Due recognition must be given to the fact that the crisis in Burundi is deeply intertwined with the general situation in the Great Lakes region. My delegation believes that what is really needed is a strategy that will address the crisis in the Great Lakes region in a comprehensive and holistic manner.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“Only last week, the Council was reminded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees of the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons in the Great Lakes region, largely fuelled by the ongoing conflicts in Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And, as the Secretary-General reminded us, some 500,000 persons from Burundi have been affected in this manner. In this regard, the international community owes a debt of gratitude to the Governments of the region, particularly that of the United Republic of Tanzania, which have had to bear the socio-economic burden of hosting refugees from the conflict in Burundi. The status and protection of humanitarian workers in conflict situations must be given equal attention.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“Against that background, my delegation welcomes the internal consultations which have already begun in earnest. We support President Mandela's determination that the process should be made as inclusive as possible, and we are pleased to learn of his offer to visit Burundi. The reports of renewed violence, including attacks on civilians, must compel us to act decisively and quickly in resolving the conflict. We must emphasize that there can be no viable military solution. We therefore urge all parties to work towards a peaceful settlement. The appalling humanitarian situation prevailing in Burundi must be the focus of immediate attention.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“As the draft resolution on which the Council will take action at this meeting reflects the sentiments of my delegation, I wish simply to highlight some points. First, this meeting sends a positive signal from the Security Council of our support for former President Mandela and of our willingness to embrace his initiatives to move the Arusha peace process forward. As we have heard from him, there have been some positive developments which could lay the groundwork for a peaceful solution. Secondly, it recognizes the important role in Burundi of the Secretary-General, his representatives for the Great Lakes region and the United Nations in general. Thirdly, it stresses the importance of national dialogue leading to national reconciliation, and emphasizes the need for the immediate cessation of hostilities.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“My delegation wishes to thank you, Sir, for having convened this meeting on Burundi as part of the Council's focus on Africa under your presidency. We also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his important introductory statement. I wish to take this opportunity to express Jamaica's appreciation to former President Mandela for his decision to take on the onerous task of Facilitator for the Arusha peace process. We wish to thank him for his insightful analysis, in which he emphasized the reasons why the situation in Burundi must be of concern to us all. At the same time, I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere for the tremendous efforts he made to bring peace to Burundi.”
2000-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4091 (2000) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to emphasize that the Angolan problem remains an international problem and must continue to be addressed internationally if peace and prosperity are to return to that war-torn country.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“My delegation adheres to the view that a continued United Nations presence in Angola can contribute greatly to the promotion of peace, national reconciliation, human rights and regional security, and we therefore hope that the draft Status-of-Mission Agreement can be concluded without further delay so that the UNOA may begin to assume its functions in accordance with resolution 1268 (1999). In this regard, we welcome the appointment of Mr. Gambari as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Africa. We know that he will make a valuable contribution to the efforts of the Secretary-General in restoring trust and confidence between the United Nations and the Government of Angola. We wish him every success.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“It is not only the people of Angola who have been the victims of this war. Among these have been international civil servants, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Blondin Beye, and humanitarian workers, who have given their lives in the cause of peace. There are also families who do not know the fate of their loved ones who have been caught in the crossfire. In this regard, we urge UNITA to give account of the missing persons and those being held captive.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The international community will need to assist the Angolan Government in those tasks which will be of paramount importance upon the cessation of hostilities - namely the reintegration of ex-combatants and the resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees into the mainstream of Angolan life. The rebuilding of Angola's infrastructure will also require close coordination on the part of the international community and various United Nations organizations, many of which have had to curtail their activities due to the war. These programmes must address such areas as employment generation and capacity-building through micro-financing, community recovery and longer-term infrastructure rehabilitation. In this regard, we note the urgent need for a resumption of demining activities and for the rehabilitation of the victims of landmines.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The estimated 3.7 million people who have been affected within Angola's borders, as well as refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries, have little or no access to humanitarian aid, and their circumstances remain dire. The reported situation of malnutrition among children is particularly disturbing. We hope that the recent restoration of stability in those areas where the Angolan Government has resumed control will lead to the resumption of humanitarian aid to the people who are so desperately in need of assistance. We also hope that the international donor community will respond positively to the United Nations Inter-agency Appeal.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The perpetuation of the conflict diverts scarce resources into sterile confrontation, which can only lead to further suffering for the war-weary people of Angola and the further destruction of the country's infrastructure. We were pleased to learn from the Vice-Minister that the Government's plans to hold legislative and presidential elections will be implemented by 2001. We call on UNITA to spare the innocent people of Angola the continued hardship that can be the only result of the continuation of this conflict by ending the fighting and by complying with its obligations under the Lusaka Protocol. In particular, UNITA must demilitarize its forces and allow the return of State administration throughout the country. We cannot fail to acknowledge the precarious humanitarian situation prevailing in the country.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The Secretary-General has, in his report, referred to recent high-level meetings focusing on issues related to security along Angola's borders. We hope that the bilateral understandings and agreements reportedly reached will reduce the threat to regional peace and security. My delegation agrees that the establishment of stability, security and harmony in Angola is largely dependent on the achievement of national reconciliation. We therefore welcome the Angolan Government's recommitment to the Lusaka Protocol as a valid basis for the peace process. We believe that the path to peace can be successful only if all parties commit themselves to national reconciliation.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“My delegation also wishes to thank Ambassador Fowler for his briefing this morning, including the vivid video tape. It is largely thanks to his effective leadership of the sanctions Committee that we now have sanctions that are beginning to yield results and reduce UNITA's ability to obtain weapons to prosecute the war. We look forward to receiving the report of the expert panel in March, which will enable the Council to take further action. While some measure of stability has been achieved in several areas of Angola in which there has been a re- establishment of State authority, the general security situation - with its risk of spillover into the neighbouring countries, particularly into Namibia - must continue to be of concern to the international community.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Allow me to join previous speakers in welcoming the Vice-Minister of External Relations of Angola, and to thank him for his heartfelt statement on behalf of the Government and the people of his country. My delegation is grateful to the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Angola (S/2000/23) - including on the activities of the United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA) - which was introduced to us this morning by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Sir. Kieran Prendergast. The report provides a useful update of political developments, as well as of the military, human rights, humanitarian, socio-economic and other aspects since the adoption of resolution 1268 (1999) in October 1999. My delegation supports the analyses and observations contained in the report.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“We must applaud the untiring efforts of UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the non- governmental organizations, the donor communities and the United Nations funds and programmes in seeking to meet the humanitarian needs of refugees and displaced persons, often at great risk to the lives of the staff concerned, and Mrs. Ogata referred to that this morning. The international community has a responsibility to assist in ameliorating the economic, social and environmental effects of massive flows of refugees. We cannot turn our backs on Africa. We need to ensure that Africa receives equal treatment in the allocation of resources. Mrs. Ogata has today given us food for thought. The Council must heed her advice and take action now.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We regret the fact that in several instances, refugee camps are potential pools for rebel recruitment and pose a threat to the peace and security of the communities. The health status of refugees is also a cause for great concern, as noted during the debate earlier this week on the impact of AIDS. We also deplore the fact that increasingly, refugees and displaced persons are deprived of necessary amenities such as food, water and shelter, owing to obstacles which are encountered in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We also need to support the consolidation of the reintegration process through various means, including community- based and participatory prograrmnes, reintegration and rehabilitation programmes, and international support and commitment. We must also assist in building Africa's capacity to respond to refugee and internal displacement. The Security Council must also work with the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council to fashion a lasting response from the United Nations. While considerable attention is given to the humanitarian aspect of the refugee crisis in Africa, we cannot ignore the fact that for host Governments, the flow of refugees constitutes a security problem.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“The role of African regional and subregional organizations in seeking to address the problem of refugees and displaced persons must not be underestimated. We commend the OAU for its initiative in 1998 to convene a ministerial meeting on refugees and internally displaced persons, and in making key recommendations for action by the international community. In this regard, my delegation believes that the Council must continue to urge Member States to take measures to address the root causes of conflicts and to recommit themselves to the relevant refugee instruments. Refugee protection, through asylum, protection and security in Africa, must be strengthened, and durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation and reintegration of refugees, provided.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“Another challenge faced by the international community is the need to strengthen compliance with international legal instruments, including the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol and, in the case of Africa, the 1969 Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. It is regrettable that these international instruments are often not adhered to by the parties in conflict, much to the detriment of innocent populations. Refugees and internally displaced persons should be protected by humanitarian laws as members of the civilian population. As such, they must always be treated with humanity and protected from acts of violence.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We were also heartened to take note from Mrs. Ogata's statement of the initiative taken by UNHCR and humanitarian agencies in carrying out a substantial re- integration programme in Rwanda. UNHCR has also provided draft model legislation, assisted Governments in providing structures to deal with refugee issues, and provided training for Government officials. Nevertheless, we recognize that further steps need to be taken to ensure that all refugees and internally displaced persons, notably women and children, are adequately protected.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“Equal attention needs to be given to the security of refugees and the need to allocate resources to assist host Governments cushion the impact of refugees on their economies and societies. It is in this context that my delegation welcomes the proposals made this morning my Mrs. Ogata. We wish to recognize the progress UNHCR has made in recent years in addressing the crisis. Some of the steps taken by UNHCR have included, in some instances, the settling of refugees at a reasonable distance from the areas of conflict and borders and assisting host Governments in maintaining the security and neutrality of refugee camps and settlements. We hope that Mrs. Ogata will tell us more about the progress of the UNHCR initiative to maintain the security and neutrality of refugee camps, especially in the Great Lakes region.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“While we are heartened by the signing of the two peace agreements, in Lorne and Lusaka, dealing with the conflicts in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively, it is evident that this is only a first step in solving the refugee crisis. We agree with Mrs. Ogata that the Council has a vital role to play in preventing and containing conflicts and supporting follow- up to peace agreements. Only by addressing the root causes of conflicts will the international community be able to provide lasting answers to the refugee problems facing Africa. We all agree that several challenges lie ahead, the most compelling being the repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons back into their societies.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“These are women, children and men who are deprived of the basic human necessities and who end up being no one's responsibility. Their fate should be of common concern." [A/54/PV.], p. 5] The most recent figures indicate that there are over 6 million people of concern to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Africa. This includes over 3 million refugees, over 1.5 million internally displaced persons and 1.3 million former refugees who have recently returned home. During a similar briefing to the Council in July 1999, Mrs. Ogata underscored that the implementation of political agreements between warring factions was critical to the resolution of some of the worst refugee problems in Africa.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“I would like to express my delegation's appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to address the critical situation of refugees in Africa. I also wish to thank Mrs. Ogata for her comprehensive briefing, in which she addressed the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons and the problems faced by host Governments, as well as how the international community needs to respond to the challenges posed by humanitarian crises in countries involved in, or emerging from, conflicts in Africa. As the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, reminded us last September, "These neglected masses of fellow human beings have been displaced largely by devastating wars, some resulting from ethnic hatred and others from contested borders as well as natural disasters.”
2000-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4089 (2000) · source
“We must provide public health facilities for testing, particularly for women of child-bearing age. We must reduce the cost of medication and treatment and make them widely available. We must provide social and economic support, particularly to those orphaned by AIDS. We have indeed embarked upon an urgent mission that requires the full attention of the international community if we are not to lose the brightest and best of an entire continent.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The recently launched International Partnership against AIDS in Africa - which brings together Governments, the United Nations, civil society and the private sector - is a significant step in the right direction. The Security Council can, and should, provide the moral and political commitment necessary to garner the global financial and technical resources needed to support the work of UNAIDS and of the Partnership in general. While researchers continue to seek a cure for AIDS and to develop vaccines, the international community must build on the experiences and lessons learned from those countries that have successfully reduced the spread of the disease. We must remove the stigma of AIDS through public education, providing information on how the disease is transmitted and changing at-risk behaviour.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Today's debate points once more to the recognition of the fact that peace and security cannot be divorced from the socio-economic root causes of conflict. It further points to the need for greater coordination between the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the specialized agencies, the Bretton Woods institutions and the United Nations funds and programmes. My delegation wishes to thank the Secretary- General, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the President of the World Bank for demonstrating in their statements the commitment of the United Nations system to the fight against AIDS.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We may conclude, from the interrelationship between the AIDS epidemic and peace and security in Africa, that the Security Council has a role - indeed, a responsibility to join with these forces - in seeking solutions to the problem. We therefore call upon the Council to recognize this relationship in its peacekeeping and peace-building mandates and to seek ways of cooperating with all interested parties. Furthermore, the Security Council's role in conflict prevention must be enhanced so as to eliminate the environment that is conducive to the spread of HIV/AIDS. In this regard, increased resources must also be allocated to the preparation of peacekeepers, military observers and humanitarian workers.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Very soon, what may have started out as a local conflict becomes internationalized. Massive flows of refugees, many infected with HIV/AIDS, provide even more opportunities for the spread of the disease. The data further demonstrate that the risk of contracting AIDS in a refugee camp is six times the risk in the general population. We also know that in situations of conflict, HIV/AIDS spreads indiscriminately. It spreads to women, children, humanitarian workers, peacekeepers, soldiers and rebels alike. The cycle of the epidemic seemingly has no end in sight, unless the world community acts in unison to end this scourge. We are cognizant of the efforts undertaken by national Governments and regional and global organizations to respond to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We have heard the grim statistics that point to the conclusion that AIDS can no longer be treated solely as a health crisis. As it continues to take its deadly toll on the population, it has adverse impacts on the social fabric of society. It destroys the productive capacity of the people, significantly reducing life expectancy and per capita gross domestic product. This, in turn, exacerbates poverty, often leading to political unrest and violence, and provides a feeding ground for conflict and rebellion. Marginalized and orphaned children further add to the pool of recruits fuelling violence and, possibly, armed conflict. We know that internal political pressures lead to internal conflicts. We also know that before long, many internal conflicts spill across open, unprotected borders into neighbouring countries.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The many reports available to us point to one undeniable fact: the AIDS epidemic has reached catastrophic proportions and has created a serious development crisis, threatening the future growth and prosperity of the affected countries. As the Secretary-General reminded us last December: "Twenty years ago, the global community had not even heard of AIDS. Today, the AIDS pandemic - unexpected, unexplained and unspeakably cruel - presents us, especially in Africa, with a tragedy we can barely comprehend, let alone explain." For us to ignore the effects of the AIDS epidemic on the people of Africa would be an abdication of our responsibilities. It would be morally wrong. Indeed, the AIDS epidemic is a worldwide phenomenon having deleterious effects on all regions of the world, including my own region of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“First of all, I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for the welcome extended to Jamaica as a new member of the Security Council and to commend you and the delegation of the United States for having organized this debate on an issue of importance not only for Africa but for the international community as a whole. My delegation was therefore very pleased that Vice-President Gore opened the meeting and set the tone for our deliberations. I also wish to express our appreciation to your predecessor, Sir Jeremy Greenstock of the United Kingdom, for his effective guidance of the Council during December. Today, the Council is taking a new step forward in recognizing the threat that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa poses to the peace and security of that continent.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the regional diplomatic initiatives taken by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to bring a peaceful solution to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are convinced that a peaceful settlement of the dispute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is dependent largely on the political will of the parties involved to bring about a workable solution. It is necessary, therefore, that there be flexibility of positions and a spirit of compromise among the parties. Only then can durable and sustainable peace be realized.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We call upon all parties involved in the conflict to take the necessary measures to prevent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by forces under their command, and to refrain from inciting ethnic hatred and from persecuting civilians on the grounds of nationality or ethnicity. My delegation wishes to emphasize that peaceful solutions must be found to resolve the current crisis so that the process of democratization and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can proceed. We believe that a solution to the crisis lies in regional and cooperative efforts among African States. An effective regional approach would promote the resolution of fundamental issues which may lead to a lasting peace.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987Resumption1 (1999) · source
“To this end, we support the call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and reaffirm our support for the unity, stability and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of African Unity. Jamaica fully supports the proposal to hold an international conference on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region under the auspices of the United Nations and the OAU. We further encourage the international community to fully demonstrate its commitment to the region by giving more tangible support to peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives on the continent. The very difficult question before us is how to mitigate the suffering of the civilian population who have been the victims of war.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In this respect, we wish to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his continuing efforts in working actively with the Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and with all the parties concerned, to bring about a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict. The current situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indeed alarming, as confirmed by many speakers here today. The conflicts which have erupted in recent months pose a serious threat to security and peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as to the Great Lakes region as a whole. My delegation wholeheartedly believes that in the interest of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the region and Africa, there must be an end to the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The deep-rooted conflicts which manifest themselves today have perpetuated a culture of violence and war, affecting especially the civilian population. The pervasiveness of ethnic strife, the continuing refugee crisis, and the proliferation of small arms in areas of conflict have seriously undermined Africa's efforts to ensure long-term stability, prosperity and peace for its people. My delegation remains concerned about these developments, and we wish to use this forum to express our commitment to international initiatives geared at ensuring the peaceful settlement of conflicts within the region.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, let me thank you and the other members of the Security Council for allowing my delegation to participate in this debate on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I wish also to congratulate you, Sir, on your excellent conduct of the business of the Security Council and would wish to express my delegation's appreciation to the Permanent Representative of Canada for his skilful leadership of the Council during the month of February. Mr. President, Jamaica welcomes your initiative in convening this open meeting of the Security Council on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo brings into sharper focus the wider issue of the need to promote durable and sustainable peace in Africa.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987Resumption1 (1999) · source