YouSaid · the spoken record

Effah-Apenteng

lines on the record: 66
first: 2001-08-02
most recent: 2004-07-16
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“To conclude, I wish to restate the gratitude of ECOWAS to the Security Council for its continued efforts at seeking enduring solutions to the myriad of problems that have been visited on the West Africa region and have further undermined peace, security and development for the past one and a half decades. ECOWAS stands united with the Security Council in the unrelenting quest for sustainable peace and development in the region.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“Against this backdrop of cautious optimism, justified concern and constructive action aimed at achieving redress of the problems bedevilling the region, we share the Council's sentiments on achieving a coherent strategy for attaining transborder solutions to related issues spanning the whole spectrum of peace operations from conflict prevention to peace-building. ECOWAS is committed to meeting the challenges by ensuring, among other things, full operationalization of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security; the promotion of democracy, good governance and human rights in all member States; the organization of democratic elections and the promotion of economic growth and sustainable development.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“It may be further noted, by way of example, that, prior to the just-mentioned mediation effort, in June 2004 the ECOWAS Defence and Security Commission had approved the establishment of a standby unit of 6,500 highly trained and well-equipped soldiers that could be deployed immediately in response to any crisis or threat to peace and security in West Africa. The unit will include a rapid reaction component of 1,500 soldiers to be known as the ECOWAS Task Force. It is expected that the rapid reaction force will be boosted by a further 3,500 troops, forming a brigade, while the remaining 1,500 would constitute the reserve force.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“The Joint Commissions between Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso on one hand, and Cote d'Ivoire and Mali on the other hand, would be activated. The heads of State of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire and Mali will hold a tripartite meeting to prepare the ground for a successful Accra summit on 29 July 2004. ECOWAS and ONUCI will undertake the necessary follow-up in preparation for the upcoming Accra summit. In this connection, I wish to assure the Council that arrangements are well in hand to hold the summit, and participation is expected to be at the highest level.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“Among other things, the participants decided that a high-level meeting of all Ivorian political forces, including President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Seydou Diarra, will be convened in Accra on 29 July 2004 in order to consolidate consensus over all the essential issues facing the peace process. To ensure the success of the envisaged meeting, the following confidence-building measures were to be undertaken immediately. President Gbagbo would meet with the leaders of all Ivorian political forces to facilitate the resolution of outstanding matters. Legislative texts envisaged under the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement would be enacted before the end of July. If necessary, the President of the Republic should convene an extraordinary session of the parliament.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“As part of mediation efforts deployed by the leaders of ECOWAS, a meeting at the highest level on C6te d'Ivoire, involving the United Nations Secretary-General and several African heads of State, mainly from West Africa, was held in Addis Ababa on 6 July 2004, in the margins of the recent third ordinary session of the African Union. It aimed at building upon previous efforts, the most recent of which was the ECOWAS mini-summit held in Abuja on 20 June 2004, to resume the political dialogue in Cote d'Ivoire and the activities of the Government of National Reconciliation.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“The mission's recommendation seeking appropriate compliance by the parties to the Linas- Marcoussis Agreement converges with ECOWAS's position on the issue. The substantial contribution of ECOWAS in maintaining peace and security in C6te d'Ivoire and the crucial role played by the United Nations Operation in cote d'Ivoire (ONUCI) in support of the Ivorian peace process, through efforts aimed at building confidence among the contending parties and creating conditions conducive to the return of normalcy in Cote d'Ivoire, have continued unabated. In this connection, it should be pointed out that there have been some positive developments since the visit of the Security Council mission.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“For example, reports reaching us indicate that the United Nations brought the number of days devoted to rehabilitation and reintegration to five days instead of three weeks, in spite of the help required with the rehabilitation of drug addicts, criminals, etc. Relatedly, as elections are fast approaching, there are still problems with the repatriation of refugees, and, as things stand, potentially about 300,000 refugees will be disenfranchised. We are informed that so far only a small amount out of the $520 million pledged for Liberia last February has been realized. ECOWAS cannot over- emphasize the imperative need for the international community to redeem the pledges made. The concerns raised in the Security Council mission report over the observed stalemate in the peace process in Cote d'Ivoire should not go without comment.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“We also wish to appeal to the Security Council to join forces with the Economic and Social Council in calling on donors to participate in the round table being organized by the United Nations Development Programme, tentatively scheduled for November 2004. The progress made by Liberia since the National Transitional Government took office and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) deployed in October 2003 elicits our commendation. Continued and deepened support by the international community to help consolidate the burgeoning gains and effectively meet the challenges of reconstruction and peace- building cannot be overstressed. It is with concern that ECOWAS notes that rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts appear to have taken a back bench.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“With presidential elections scheduled to take place in a year's time, the international community should continue its support for efforts to promote democratic rule in Guinea-Bissau. Also, the country continues to experience serious problems of payment arrears and faces the challenge of economic recovery. The United Nations system, development partners and the donor community should respond generously to address the fragile situation in Guinea-Bissau by providing requisite support to strengthen its national institutions and address broad and inclusive political and socio-economic needs. We therefore wish to add our voice to the call on the International Monetary Fund to consider the resumption of a programme for Guinea-Bissau.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“In this regard, it should be noted that heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, at a meeting held in Abuja in March 2003, adopted a declaration on a regional approach to peace and security in which they reaffirmed their commitment to abide by the ECOWAS Moratorium on the Importation, Exportation and Manufacture of Small Arms and Light Weapons. They also, inter alia, adopted a code of conduct for the implementation of the Moratorium and the Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security. To date, the implementation of the ECOWAS Moratorium has made considerable advance, even though a lot still remains to be accomplished.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“Such continued support from the international community is needed to enable the State authority of that sister country to effectively assume full responsibility for national security by contributing to the restructuring and strengthening of the security sector, even as the UNAMSIL adjustment, drawdown and withdrawal plan takes its course. On Guinea-Bissau, due notice has been taken of the mission's recommendation that ECOWAS should include that country in its regional policies of containing the proliferation of small arms and other security threats in the region.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“We are of the opinion that the United Nations mandate should not come to an end until all outstanding issues, including the Special Court, have been thrashed out. As is generally known, youth unemployment is especially grave in countries coming out of conflict. Sierra Leone, therefore, needs the assistance of the international community to enable it to provide jobs for the young people who have completed the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme. The absence of jobs for such young people seriously jeopardizes efforts to consolidate peace in the country. We further concur with the mission's recommendation that donors, particularly those who are yet to do so, should make the necessary effort to contribute to support the Special Court for Sierra Leone.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“Although the situation in Sierra Leone has improved considerably, ECOWAS is still convinced of the need to keep a residual United Nations force in the country in order to consolidate peace, enhance security and pursue ongoing capacity-building programmes. After renewed calls by ECOWAS heads of State or Government and the recommendations of the twenty-first report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) (S/2004/228), the Security Council, in resolution 1537 (2004), extended the mandate of UNAMSIL until 30 September 2004. It also decided to keep a residual force in the country with effect from 1 January 2005, for an initial period of six months. The issue of the continued retention of a residual force to consolidate gains merits the appropriate attention.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“It lends further credence to the view that the concerted and dedicated efforts of the international community and the United Nations in peace operations and the provision of development assistance to the region represent a viable prospect of West Africa breaking out of the cycle of conflict and poverty in order to achieve sustainable peace and development. ECOWAS is gratified to note the Council mission's observation relating to the general significant progress in peace-building efforts in the region. The sustained post-conflict peace-consolidation process in Sierra Leone, in spite of continuing challenges, is very much welcome.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“At the outset, Sir, allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. It is the hope of the States members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that you will continue to bring the wealth of your experience and knowledge to bear in steering the affairs of the Council during your tenure. The recent Security Council mission to seven countries in West Africa is yet another manifestation of the support and concern of the Council for matters concerning our region.”
2004-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5005 (2004) · source
“Finally, I wish to place on record the deep appreciation of ECOWAS to the United Nations, and to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his personal commitment to seeing the West African subregion emerge from the sad spectacle of civil strife that has plagued some of its countries for more than a decade. Our appreciation, of course, also goes to the Security Council for giving high priority to meeting its responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security in West Africa. As ECOWAS ministerial delegations have often stated in this forum, the region is always ready to cooperate and engage with the Council to promote peace, security and development in our region. I apologize, Mr. President, ifI have exceeded my time limit, but I was speaking on behalf of 15 countries.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“However, that will require the cooperation of its global partners in ways such as those I outlined earlier on the issue of comprehensive DDRR and action by the arms- exporting countries to exercise the highest degree of responsibility on transactions related to small arms and light weapons. ECOWAS fully subscribes to the Security Council's encouragement of international and regional cooperation in tracing the origin and transfer of such weapons in the fight to effectively curtail such arms trafficking. Given the regional dimensions of conflicts in West Africa and the related problem of youth unemployment, we are eagerly awaiting the submission by the United Nations Office for West Africa of the report expressly requested by the Council on the question of youth unemployment.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“In that regard, I wish to emphasize that attention should be focused particularly on the problems related to the prevalence of the armed groups that move from one country to another in West Africa, the existence of a huge number of small arms and light weapons, the use of mercenaries and child soldiers, and youth unemployment. It may be pertinent to emphasize the reality of the linkage between the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts, on the one hand, and the proliferation of and trafficking in light weapons in West Africa, on the other. ECOWAS, through its moratorium on small arms and light weapons, has demonstrated its commitment to curbing that phenomenon.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“We therefore welcome the continued efforts being made to implement the recommendations made by the Security Council mission, including exploring ways to increase cooperation between the international community and ECOWAS, helping to strengthen the United Nations Office for West Africa, mobilizing support for the reactivation of the Mano River Union, providing donor support for security sector reform, combating the use of mercenaries and child soldiers and protecting children and women from sexual violence and exploitation.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Therefore, it is our considered view that there are cogent reasons underlying the figure proposed by the Secretariat with a view to ensuring that the United Nations mission is able to successfully implement a process of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation (DDRR) and to ensure peace and stability as the country moves towards elections. We share the view - stated clearly in the report - that, although encouraging steps have also been taken to address cross-cutting regional issues, several obstacles still stand in the way of efforts to stabilize the West African subregion and to promote good governance and development.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“The Secretary-General has identified the need for a strong United Nations peacekeeping presence in Cote d'Ivoire and has made specific proposals in that regard for the Council's consideration. As regards the recommended size of 6,240 personnel, we trust that, as always, the Secretariat has arrived at that figure in a professional manner. Moreover, the mandate of the proposed force will be completely different from that of MINUCI, which was more of a holding operation covering only a small part of the country. Comparisons are not always appropriate, but the Council may wish to note that Liberia - where the United Nations has approved a mission of 15,000 - is a country with a population of 3 million, while cote d'lvoire is far larger and has a population of about 16 million.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Not to do so could lead to a relapse into conflict. The United Nations should provide credible security guarantees to all major actors and should interpose between the potential combatants. Indeed, it is time for the Security Council to live up fully to its obligations by authorizing a full-fledged United Nations peacekeeping mission for Cote d'Ivoire when MINUCI's mandate expires on 4 February 2004. The Government of cote d'Ivoire has agreed to host such a mission. The rebel group Forces nouvelles eagerly anticipates a strong United Nations presence in Cote d'Ivoire. ECOWAS - which, together with France, is currently shouldering the burden of maintaining peace in Cote d'lvoire - has advocated a full-fledged United Nations peacekeeping mission in that country.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“It would be most regrettable if the Security Council, with its rich experience and varied knowledge in conflict prevention, management and resolution, were to allow itself to be lulled into a false sense of security and fail to take advantage of the momentum generated by recent positive developments in Cote d'Ivoire. I wish to emphasize that, while some appreciable progress has been made in a number of significant areas, the situation is far from satisfactory. As the Secretary-General notes in his progress report, the territory of Cote d'Ivoire is effectively partitioned, with about 60 per cent of the national territory under the control of the Forces nouvelles. What is required at this stage is a strong presence of assurance to seize this moment of respite and constructive dialogue between the belligerents.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Since then, intensified efforts have been made and continue to be made to implement the Linas- Marcoussis Agreement and the Accra Agreement, and the situation has improved considerably. We are happy to inform the Council that, subsequent to the issuance of the Secretary-General's report (S/2003/1147) now under discussion, the standoff between the Government and the Forces nouvelles has given way to a new, healthy engagement between the parties with the return of the Forces nouvelles to the Government of National Reconciliation.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“It is our conviction that that can be best and most expeditiously achieved if the Council heeds the calls by ECOWAS leaders and others for an increase in the troop strength of the United Nations Mission in Cote d'Ivoire (MINUCI) and for its early transformation into a full-fledged United Nations peacekeeping mission that will include troops already serving with the ECOWAS Mission in Cote d'Ivoire (ECOMICI). I wish to recall that, when a ministerial delegation of the African Union's Peace and Security Council met with the Security Council last fall, the situation in Cote d'Ivoire was so precarious that there were some concerns about sending a United Nations force into that environment.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Sierra Leone will particularly need the assistance of the international community in providing additional resources to enable the country to address the twin problems of education and unemployment. As stated in the communique of the ECOWAS Summit, such assistance should focus on resuscitating the economy in order to create more jobs and business opportunities for adolescents and ex-combatants. As a noted figure once remarked, "Youth is the first victim of war and the first fruit of peace. It takes 20 years of peace to make a man; it takes only 20 seconds to destroy him". We must not shirk our duty to the leaders of tomorrow. In our sister republic of Cote d'Ivoire, the major current preoccupation of ECOWAS is to ensure the restoration of peace and security.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“With regard to Sierra Leone, while we share the optimism generated by the progress being made in consolidating peace, we recognize the need for great discretion to ensure that the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from the country continues to take into account the Government's ability to assume its primary responsibility for the nation's overall security, to enhance control over natural resources and to consolidate civil administration throughout the country. In that regard, ECOWAS commends the Secretary- General for his decision to dispatch an assessment mission to Sierra Leone to evaluate the progress made in implementing the benchmarks identified to inform the Mission's drawdown.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Evidently, Liberia - like the rest of the conflict- afflicted regions in West Africa - is not yet out of the woods and will continue to need international assistance and support for some time. I would therefore like to use this opportunity to further urge the international community to generously support the peace process in Liberia by ensuring a successful outcome of the donor conference for Liberia, scheduled to be held on 5 and 6 February 2004 at United Nations Headquarters.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“In that connection, we wish to endorse the recommendation contained in the Secretary-General's progress report, as we re-echo the call made by the twenty-seventh ECOWAS Summit for the accelerated deployment of the full authorized complement of UNMIL throughout the country so as to promote security and facilitate the successful implementation of the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR) process. On the particular issue of DDRR, I wish to evoke the image of young people who have known nothing but the trade of war. Without the concerted effort needed to redeem them, could the global community be unwittingly breeding tomorrow's international mercenaries and, I daresay, terrorists?”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“The twenty-seventh ECOWAS Summit, held in Accra on 19 December 2003, took note of the positive engagement of the Bretton Woods institutions and the United Nations Development Programme in assisting the transitional Government to draw up a short-term economic plan. The heads of State or Government called on the European Union and all partners to help mobilize international donor assistance for Guinea-Bissau. We further welcome the determined response with regard to the implementation of the Liberian peace process. ECOWAS is particularly encouraged by the timely transformation of its intervention force into a blue-helmeted peacekeeping force and by the recent moves to further extend the reach of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) into the troubled hinterland.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Henrique Pereira Rosa - especially the transitional Government's declared commitment to restore legality and hold legislative elections by the deadline of the end of March 2004. It is evident that Guinea-Bissau needs adequate resources to get back on its feet and back on track. As stated in the report, the Ad Hoc Advisory Group of the Economic and Social Council, in its report on a joint mission with the Security Council to Guinea-Bissau, stressed that holding legislative elections in Guinea- Bissau was a high priority and that international assistance was urgently needed in that regard. ECOWAS appreciates all the collaborative efforts that are being made by the international community to provide assistance to Guinea-Bissau to get it over the hump.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“The paucity of speakers from West Africa and, indeed, from Africa as a whole, in this debate, should therefore not be misconstrued as a lack of interest by African countries in matters affecting their own region. We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report under discussion. As a general assessment, we concur the report's observation that although, overall, appreciable progress has been chalked up in some areas in the affected countries in West Africa, much more remains to be done in pursuit of peace, security and development in the region. It is gratifying to note the considerable progress that has been achieved in Guinea-Bissau under the able leadership of the transitional President, Mr.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Allow me, at the outset, to thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Security Council, for having convened this meeting to discuss the progress report of the Secretary-General on the recommendations of the Security Council mission to West Africa (S/2003/1147). That is a further indication of the Council's concern for West Africa. Speaking on behalf of the chairmanship of the 15- member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and with due deference to the Council, I must, however, add that the rather short notice given for our participation in this meeting does not give a good indication of the improvements advocated by the wider United Nations membership in the working methods of this organ with a view to ensuring more effective participation in its deliberations.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Whether supportive or unsupportive of any of the conflicts in the region, each country in West Africa must come to terms with the problems of refugee flows, the militarization of borders and refugee camps, as well as cross-border crimes, including arms trafficking - all of which have dire implications for political stability and socio-economic development. It is only through our concerted efforts and the support of the international community that those problems can be overcome. I trust that this workshop will result in the formulation of appropriate recommendations to unite us in our common fight against the spread of small arms and light weapons and the phenomenon of mercenaries and private armies. I thank members for their attention. It is my wish that the deliberations of this meeting will be very fruitful.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“I cannot conclude my statement without drawing attention to the upsurge in the activities of mercenaries and private armies in conflict situations in West Africa. Like the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, mercenaries and private armies pose grave dangers to the stability of the subregion. The rate at which armed West African civilians are being recruited from one conflict area to another to fight for whoever is ready to engage their services has assumed alarming proportions in recent years. No single country in the subregion can escape the consequences of the proliferation of weapons and of the increased resort to the use of mercenaries and private armies.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Recent allegations of cross-border attacks by non- State actors, a spate of organized crime and other transborder criminality in the subregion underscore the timeliness of today's meeting. As we discuss the problems posed by the proliferation of small and light weapons, it is important that we be duly cognizant of the implications of the activities of individual weapons retailers and that we recommend sanctions where they violate the Moratorium and related international legal instruments. We should also examine ways of ensuring the increased participation of civil society groups and of non-governmental organizations in this effort. Furthermore, it may be worth considering whether there are any potential advantages to be derived from revising the Moratorium and making it a permanent instrument.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“An action plan adopted in March 1999 by ECOWAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and a code of conduct adopted in December 1999 by ECOWAS heads of State and Government are both designed to encourage and promote the effective application of the Moratorium through transparent, concerted efforts at both the national and international levels. A Programme for Coordination and Assistance for Security and Development was similarly established as the framework for the implementation of measures associated with the Moratorium. ECOWAS member States are also signatories to several other international legal instruments designed to combat the illicit proliferation, circulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, as well as the phenomenon of mercenaries in the world.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Africa also accounts for approximately 300,000 child soldiers and 10,000 mercenaries, with dire implications for the entire continent - especially for West Africa, with its rising number of conflict situations. It was in recognition of the enormous scope of this problem that a Moratorium on the Importation, Exportation and Manufacture of Light Weapons in West Africa was declared and signed by the heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in October 1998. The Moratorium was intended to serve as a coordinated and sustainable regional approach to controlling the illicit proliferation of small arms in West Africa. It was extended for another three years in October 2001 and is due for renewal again in November 2004.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“From the Horn of Africa, via Sudan and straight through Central Africa to Angola, half a continent has suffered from conflicts that influence each other and are facilitated by the proliferation of small arms and the phenomenon of mercenaries. Parts of West Africa, with Liberia, Sierra Leone and, of late, C6te d'Ivoire as examples, are following the same pattern. Over the past decade alone, the use of small and light arms has claimed more than 20 million victims in Africa, many of whom have been civilians, women and children. An estimated 2 million children have been killed, 5 million people have been handicapped, 12 million have been left without shelter and as many as 17 million have been either displaced or rendered refugees.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“I wish to commend the organizers of this workshop for the appropriateness of the topic, considering the conflict situations in the West African subregion and the very relevant objectives of this workshop. Although the issue of the proliferation of and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is a global problem, we in West Africa have cause to be more concerned about it because of the havoc that the use of these weapons has caused to lives and property in the subregion. It is sad to observe that, of the 500 million light weapons believed to be in circulation worldwide, as many as 30 million are projected to be in use in Africa, with as many as 8 million in West Africa alone.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“I wish to join previous speakers in congratulating the sister Republic of Guinea on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I wish to make a few remarks on behalf of my Minister, the Honourable Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, who is unable to be here. In his absence, he has requested me to bring to the members of the Council greetings from the President of the Republic of Ghana and current Chairman of ECOWAS, His Excellency Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, who has expressed his confidence in this workshop and hopes that it will propose measures that will assist in curbing the menace of the illegal flow of small arms and light weapons, as well as the rising phenomenon of mercenaries and private armies in the West African subregion.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Finally, we believe that the time has come for the Security Council - after devoting about 60 per cent of its work to African issues over the past two years - to translate its ideas and decisions into reality and match its words with deeds. To this end, we urge the Council, drawing on its own best practices, to consider the setting up of a mechanism that will help it to coordinate and assist in the expeditious implementation of all programmes and decisions relating to Africa.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“In this connection, we welcome the decision to establish a United Nations Office for West Africa and look forward to the early appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General to coordinate United Nations efforts aimed at conflict prevention and post-conflict peace-building. We recognize that this step acknowledges the relevance of a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and potential conflict, including political, economic and social factors. Ghana expects the special representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa to work in close cooperation and harmony with the leaders of the subregion, particularly the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS. The success of that subregional office would have useful lessons for other regions in Africa and beyond.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“The relevance of subregional organizations in dealing with conflicts, both within and among States, especially in Africa, has been recognized, given their proximity to conflict areas and their usefulness in consolidating overall efforts at conflict resolution in a particular region. The positive roles that have been played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community, in particular, are well known. The Council must consider how it can contribute to strengthening the capacity of these subregional bodies so as to enable them to discharge their responsibilities more effectively in conflict areas.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“Now that the OAU is being transformed into the African Union, there may be some lessons to be learned from the institutional reform process of the United Nations itself and of other similar organizations, so that this relationship can be enhanced. In this regard, we note the presence of Mr. Javier Solana, the High Representative of the European Council, whose participation symbolizes the European Union's firm ties with Africa. Given the historical links between Africa and Europe, we hope that the infant African Union will also be able to benefit from the experiences of the European Union.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“We would therefore urge the Council to consider the imposition of "smart sanctions", as recommended by its own Committee on this issue. We appreciate the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity on regional conflict prevention, since the latter has in place a Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. We wish to appeal to the Security Council to continue to assist the OAU in its capacity-building so as to enable it play the role envisaged for it. We would like to see more resolve in cooperation between the OAU and the United Nations.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“It may be prudent for the Council to consider using some of these mechanisms in pre-emptive and proactive ways, before conflicts actually boil over. A number of African countries have the political will to participate in peacekeeping operations but lack the capacity to do so. The Security Council may therefore wish to consider how to help such countries to build their capacity in this field so as to enable more African countries to participate in peacekeeping activities on the continent and elsewhere. While we recognize the need for sanctions, and would like to see the strengthening of arms embargoes in some cases, the Security Council should ensure that innocent civilians and third-party States are not unduly affected.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“The international community has long recognized the cardinal importance of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in conflict resolution and peace-building. We share the view, however, that when it comes to the reintegration of ex-combatants, very often adequate resources are not provided, which may lead to a slide back into conflict. Here again, the Council should explore avenues for resource mobilization beyond voluntary pledges, whose discharge often lags far behind the needs of the programme on the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. We further wish to suggest that the Council continue to explore ways and means of using creative mechanisms like the appointment of special envoys and the sending of Security Council missions to conflict areas.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source
“We urge the Council to cooperate closely with the relevant bodies of NEPAD and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in order to increase the effectiveness and impact of United Nations support and its role in Africa. On conflict prevention, management and resolution in general, we wish to state that we have observed that the Security Council is increasingly desirous, if not anxious, to pull out of conflict areas, especially in Africa, before situations actually stabilize, thereby endangering the whole peace process. There could hardly be a greater demonstration of the Council's commitment than remaining fully engaged in all aspects of the process, especially in the post- conflict period - albeit on a much reduced scale - until durable peace is attained.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption2 (2002) · source