YouSaid · the spoken record

Eldon

lines on the record: 430
first: 1998-11-10
most recent: 2002-09-05
sittings or episodes: 71
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 consider recent call from Kosovo Serbs for crossing points into Kosovo to be blocked if there are no mass returns to be unhelpful, to say the least. Finally, there is the economy, which will be a key foundation for Kosovo's future prosperity. We support plans for privatization as an aid for the encouragement of investment into Kosovo. We very much hope that a new director of the Kosovo Trust Agency will be appointed soon to take the privatization process forward. In conclusion, I would want to encourage the early promulgation of the UNMIK regulation on ownership.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“This, and cooperation between Belgrade, UNMIK and the provisional institutions, is essential to regional security. We need to ensure further cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina in the search for the eventual arrest of Mr. Ivanovic. Recent messages of support of Mr. Ivanovic, coming out of Belgrade have been inconsistent with Belgrade's stated support for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). On refugee returns, we fully back UNMIK's rights-based approach for individual return of refugees and internally displaced persons to Kosovo. Individuals must decide for themselves whether - and if so, when - to return. Mass returns must not undermine an individual's right to choose.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“Annabi was quite right to major on this aspect in his statement - economic progress, and creating the conditions to ensure sustainable returns of internally displaced persons. On the rule of law, like other around this table we welcome the recent high-profile arrests by UNMIK police and KFOR. The Kosovo institutions' response to the arrest of former KLA members was not helpful, and we have said this publicly. Like others, we support the eventual arrest of Milan Ivanovic, and we call on the authorities in Belgrade to share information on his whereabouts. As we have said often in the Council, relations with Belgrade are an important and essential element in making UNMIK work. We welcome Mr. Kovic's continued cooperation on Kosovo.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President and Minister, and welcome to New York. It is very good to see you today presiding over this Council meeting, at which Hedi Annabi has, as usual, given us a most helpful and incisive briefing. As the representative of Denmark will speak later on behalf of the European Union, I will limit myself to two or three key points, as Ambassador Doutriaux of France did earlier. I would like to make it clear, right at the outset, that the United Kingdom continues to support Special Representative Steiner's standards-before-status approach - or, I suppose, bench-marking, in the vernacular. The key challenges in the coming months will be strengthening the rule of law - and I noted that Mr.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“I will stop now, but I would endorse much of what Ambassador Mahbubani had to say about the Special Representative's approach and about the very useful material which we found waiting for us on our desks this morning. We continue to believe that these discussions in the Council on Kosovo are very useful.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“The agreement with Albania should now be renegotiated with UNMIK's involvement. On refugee returns, the United Kingdom is keen and willing to fund projects to help this process. We await concrete proposals from UNMIK to take this forward. We will encourage as many Governments as possible to join in this effort. Finally, another perennial United Kingdom point: organized crime and extremism. The current level of organized crime and extremism in Kosovo remains extremely worrying. This is a key factor in holding back economic and political development and also in holding back refugee returns on a substantial scale. We continue to support robust action by UNMIK and by KFOR against those engaged in such activities, and we welcome the recent arrests by UNMIK of four suspects for crimes committed against Kosovars in June 1999.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“It is important that Kosovo develop good relations with others in the region, not least to promote trade and prosperity. However, the Kosovo Assembly and self-government institutions must act at all times within the terms of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Constitutional Framework. We were therefore concerned about the recent Albania-Kosovo agreement on trade cooperation. UNMIK has a clear responsibility for Kosovo's external relations, and we fully support Special Representative Steiner in his efforts to ensure that any external agreements with Kosovo are coordinated with UNMIK and signed by Mr. Steiner. The Assembly and the institutions of self- government must realize that any agreement signed without UNMIK's involvement will not be recognized by the international community.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“So the appointment of a minister from a Serbian community to serve in the provisional self-government is a welcome step forward. The interests of Kosovo's minority communities can now be fully represented in the provisional self- government. We also welcome the continued teamwork between Belgrade and UNMIK, including the recent agreements that have been reached on police cooperation and railways. The inclusion of representatives from the provisional self-government in Pristina in this process is essential. That is a point that we have made on several occasions, and I hope that it will happen. But that leads me to a point that Under-Secretary- General Guehenno and others mentioned earlier this morning, which is the question of Kosovo's international relations.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“My thanks to Jean-Marie Guehenno for another typically very helpful, comprehensive and useful briefing. I will be as brief as I possibly can this morning because, as others have noted, the representative of Spain will be speaking later on behalf of the European Union. There are a few points I would like to draw out as national priorities. The first is that we continue to support Special Representative Steiner's priorities for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK): strengthening law and order, making progress on the economy and creating a safe society for all communities. These issues are all important for Kosovo's development as a forward- looking, tolerant and prosperous society. We have spoken in earlier briefings and debates about the importance of the participation of the minority communities in Kosovo.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“Currently, many diplomatic efforts, including tomorrow's "quartet" meeting in Washington, are under way with the aim of achieving such an outcome. A key priority now must be to preserve Council unity so that the Council can play an effective role in helping to make a settlement happen.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“But, progress on reform and security cannot be sustained without giving Palestinians real hope for a political process leading to a settlement that addresses their legitimate aspirations, both political and economic. Israeli cantonization of the West Bank feeds despair, poverty and extremism, and undermines the Palestinian Authority's security infrastructure. Settlement growth, for example, new construction in Jebel Mukabar and the expansion of Ma'ale Adumim strengthens the hand of those who argue that the Israeli Government is not seriously committed to land for peace. We welcome yesterday's Israeli withdrawal from Ramallah, but such incursions are counterproductive and must end. There is broad consensus in the Council on the shape of a final settlement.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We support the idea of an international conference covering security, economic and political issues in parallel. The United Kingdom remains actively engaged. In recent days, Prime Minister Blair has met President Mubarak, United States Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and Prime Minister Sharon and he has spoken with King Abdullah. Mr. Blair will meet Prime Minister Hariri next week. Both parties have responsibilities. The Palestinian Authority must do more to prevent terrorist attacks. Reforms of the Palestinian Authority's security, economic and administrative sectors are essential. We welcome the Palestinian Authority Cabinet reshuffle on 10 June as the beginning of this process. We hope the new Cabinet will be able to get down to work quickly.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I can be brief, not least because the representative of Spain has just made a statement on behalf of the members of the European Union. Like everyone who has spoken today, the United Kingdom remains very concerned about the situation in the region. It is imperative that we break the cycle of violence. Both sides have their contribution to make to that end. Both parties must implement recent United Nations Security Council resolutions, including the provisions for ceasefire and withdrawal, and resume the negotiations based on the Council's vision of a two- State solution set out in Security Council resolution 1397 (2002). The international focus now should be on renewal of a political process leading to a comprehensive settlement.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We, like the Secretary-General, believe that they would have produced an accurate, balanced, credible and comprehensive report. The international community needs to make up its own mind about what happened in Jenin. We believe that a balanced fact-finding exercise would have been in Israel's best interests. In its absence, as the Secretary-General has said, the long shadow cast by events in Jenin will remain.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Israeli Government spokesmen have said that the operation by the Israeli Defence Forces was necessary and proportionate. If that is true, then the Israeli Government had nothing to hide. We welcomed Israel's acceptance of the team when the initiative was first proposed, but we deplore the failure of the Israeli Government to cooperate with the United Nations and to allow the deployment of the United Nations fact- finding team. The Secretary-General has rightly concluded that this will make a fact-finding mission impossible in the near future. Given the circumstances, we entirely support the Secretary-General's decision to disband the team, regrettable though that is. He and the members of the team made every effort to create the conditions in which the team could deploy.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Israel must withdraw from Palestinian- controlled areas and should implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, but President Arafat, now that he is free to move outside his compound, must make good use of his freedom to exercise political leadership of the Palestinian Authority and of his people and do all in his power to stop the violence. Together with Prime Minister Sharon, who also needs to demonstrate statesmanship at this time, he must grasp this opportunity. Both need to demonstrate that they are committed to peace and to lead their people down that path. The United Kingdom is deeply disappointed that the Secretary-General's fact-finding team has not been able to deploy to the Jenin refugee camp to ascertain exactly what happened there during the Israeli military operation.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“British and American supervisory wardens are now overseeing the detention of six Palestinians in a Palestinian Authority facility in Jericho and the Israeli Government has, as agreed, withdrawn from around President Arafat's compound and from Ramallah. President Arafat will be able to travel abroad and to return. This is a step forward, but by itself it is not enough. We hope that both sides will build on this modest beginning to stop the violence and start the talking. The Council has laid out clear imperatives for the parties in its recent resolutions. Both sides must move to a meaningful ceasefire and resume security cooperation.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We therefore welcome the constructive outcome of yesterday's meeting of the "quartet" in Washington, DC. There can be no military solution. Dialogue and negotiation are the only way to a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement. The road map is clearly laid out in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002) and in the Arab peace initiative initiated by Crown Prince Abdullah. The United Kingdom is committed to helping to restart a peace process. This is why we, with the United States Government, negotiated with Israel and the Palestinian Authority an initiative to allow President Arafat to resume his work inside and outside the occupied territories.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I associate myself, of course, with the statement made earlier in the debate by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. The situation in the occupied territories continues to be of grave concern to the British Government. Violence and retaliation have become the norm. The lives of civilians on both sides are still threatened on an almost daily basis. They are unable to live the ordinary lives that most of us take for granted. In these circumstances, it is, frankly, difficult to have any optimism for the future, but we cannot give up. The international community must continue its efforts to work towards a final settlement that sees two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side within recognized borders, with peace and security for both. All the peoples in the region deserve nothing less than peace.”
2002-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4525Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It is very good news that Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, who has been a most distinguished member of the community of Permanent Representatives here, has been appointed as the new Special Representative for East Timor. We hope that the post of Resident Coordinator, who will double as Deputy Special Representative, will be filled as soon as possible to allow for a smooth hand-over of responsibilities from the old team to the new one.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“In this context, we welcome the announcement that President Megawati Soekarnoputri of Indonesia intends to visit East Timor for the independence celebrations. This will be a symbolically important step towards the development of a more mature relationship between the two countries. For the United Kingdom's part, Mr. Ben Bradshaw, the Foreign Office Minister for Southeast Asia, will attend the celebrations on 19 and 20 May. The United Kingdom will also upgrade its mission in Dili to an embassy after independence. I should not conclude without a word of heartfelt thanks to Sergio Vieira de Mello for all that he has done as the Secretary-General's Special Representative in East Timor over the last two years.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“The United Kingdom has committed more than $450,000.00 to the Commission, but we have serious concerns about the lack of progress so far. It is vital that the work of the Commission is speeded up. United Kingdom support for East Timor will continue after independence. We have committed Â£12 million, or about $18 million, to support the implementation of a sound national development plan. We look forward to receiving details of the national development plan at the donor meeting in Dili on 14 and 15 May. United Kingdom funds will be provided as budgetary support. Their release will be conditional on the development of a mechanism to manage budgetary support from donors. The Secretary-General reminded us of the importance of the newly independent East Timor developing and maintaining good relations with its neighbours.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“We hope that this will pave the way for the early signature of the status of forces agreement and agreement as soon as possible on the command authority arrangements which will exist after independence. These should, of course, follow standard United Nations practice. I was very heartened to hear Chief Minister Alkatiri register his Government's interest in seeing a very early conclusion to that negotiation. It is also imperative that quick decisions be made to complete the process of financing and recruiting personnel for the 100 core civilian posts for the follow- on mission. The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation will play a vital role in independent East Timor and will relieve pressure on the formal justice system. We have already heard from Assistant Secretary-General Annabi about those pressures.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“In any case, I associate myself with the statement that will be made by Spain later in the debate on behalf of the European Union. But there are a few points I would like to make. First, it is vital that the international community remain engaged in East Timor to support this fledgling nation in the early stages of independence. This support will be particularly vital in the defence, security and justice sectors. The United Kingdom strongly supports the Secretary-General's recommendation to establish the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) for an initial period of 12 months. We will shortly be circulating a draft resolution to members of the Council putting that - I hope - into effect soon. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Roque Rodrigues as the new Secretary of State for Defence.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“I would like to join the Secretary-General in welcoming here today President-elect Xanana Gusmao and Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri. As Kofi Annan said, today is indeed an emotional moment. Those of us - and there are lots around this table today - who have been personally involved with East Timor over the last three years can only watch with admiration the progress that the people of East Timor have made. I think we should also record with admiration the assistance that has been given to them by the international community in making that progress. I am sure that Sir Jeremy Greenstock, who participated in the first Security Council mission to East Timor but who is in the United Kingdom today, would want me to repeat those sentiments on his behalf. This meeting should not be an occasion for long statements.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“We will continue to support robust action by UNMIK and KFOR against those engaged in such activities. Finally, I would like to underline our support for efforts to resolve the recent escalation of violence in Mitrovica. All those directly engaged, including UNMIK and Belgrade, should quickly find a solution that maintains UNMIK's responsibility for the administration of the whole of Kosovo while, at the same time, adequately protecting the interests of local Serbs.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“The United Kingdom fully backs efforts to support the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to Kosovo. In answer to Mr. Steiner's appeal for help and support, I would like to say that the United Kingdom is keen and willing to fund projects to help this process, and we are awaiting concrete proposals from UNMIK to take this forward. I would encourage as many partners as possible to join us in this effort. Like Special Representative Steiner, we remain concerned about the levels of organized crime and extremism. This is a key factor in holding back economic and political development in Kosovo, and in also holding back returns on a substantial scale. I also want to register concern at the continuing ethnically motivated attacks in Kosovo and the increase in violence against KFOR and the UNMIK.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Although I noted the stark - perhaps, in places, deliberately stark - contrast between the two statements we heard today, I would like to say to Deputy Prime Minister Covic': that teamwork between Belgrade, UNMIK and the Provisional Self- Government in Pristina is essential to make progress in areas of importance to all communities. We welcome the continuing dialogue in the High-ranking Working Group and, in particular, the increasing use of sub- groups to take work forward as quickly as possible. It is important that concrete progress be made rapidly on all aspects of the UNMIK-Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Common Document, particularly on security returns and the missing. You do not need me to tell you, Mr. President, that this is an important element of inter-ethnic confidence-building.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“We would also like to support the proposals of the Special Representative to strengthen minority representation in the Government at political and official levels, although we are disappointed by the continuing delay in the nomination of the minister from the Serbian community to serve in the Kosovo Self- Government, despite the brave stance which has been taken by leading members of the Kosovo Serb community in advocating engagement and cooperation. I want to underline that this delay harms the interests of Kosovo's minority communities. I also welcome Mr. Covie's continued commitment to improving the situation in Kosovo.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“This is highly consonant with the approach being followed in other United Nations operations, not least the post- independence presence in East Timor, and we welcome it - not least as a good example of better management practice. But in Kosovo the development of a political and economic road map for both UNIK and the Provisional Self-Government is a very positive forward step. Using this road map, Kosovo's elected representatives can work towards the development of an effective Government for all its citizens. With our support and encouragement, as required, they can build lasting security, democracy and prosperity in Kosovo, under the rule of law, developing cooperation with Belgrade and with others in the region.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“There have been a number of very positive developments within the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and within Kosovo during the reporting period, and we recognize that very significant achievements have been made. I would also like to congratulate Michael Steiner on a truly excellent start as Special Representative. We strongly support his priorities for UNMIK. Strengthening law and order, making economic progress and creating a safe society for all communities are self-evidently important and, indeed, vital, for Kosovo's development as a forward-looking, tolerant and prosperous society. We also very strongly support the work that Mr. Steiner has in hand to define benchmarks against which progress in critical areas can be measured.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“I am very grateful for Michael Steiner for an excellent first briefing of the Council. It is also good to have here with us today Deputy Prime Minister Covie. It was particularly nice, I think, to see Bernard Kouchner here listening to Mr. Steiner's first briefing, and I hope that the French delegation will pass on to him our appreciation. The representative of Spain will be speaking later in the debate on behalf of the European Union, and I fully associate myself with the statement that he will make. Speaking nationally, I would like warmly to welcome the Secretary-General's report, and strongly endorse, on behalf of the British Government, his conclusions.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“But, of course, we accept that the agencies have their own security needs over and above what UNSECOORD may be able to provide and these needs must clearly be considered too. Finally, I have been careful in these brief, I hope, remarks to keep to issues that are unarguably part of the Security Council's turf. But as Ms. Bertini made clear, the complex of considerations surrounding food aid is much wider than just that. The Security Council and the Economic and Social Council must both work towards a closer and more comprehensive understanding of conflict issues and how we as a system can deal with them more effectively. I very much hope that Mrs. Bertini's successor will engage with the Economic and Social Council to take them forward.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“Bertini's extremely clear message on security: 188 unsolved cases involving the murder of United Nations humanitarian workers is a scandal. We have made this point in the Council before, and I do not need to labour it now. But I just would like to say that as far as the internal United Nations administration of security issues is concerned, it is important that all the players, and in particular the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator (UNSECOORD) and the agencies, recognize that their various interests do not constitute a zero-sum game. UNSECOORD has an important coordinating role, which must be respected. The United Kingdom has put its money where its mouth is in supporting that coordinating role.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“Again, as in many other interventions - any other intervention for that matter - the use of food must have a clear exit strategy so that we know when its job is done and how other interventions can be used instead. I am absolutely sure that WFP will reflect on these points, not least in Afghanistan, where food is going to form part of salary payments for civil servants, and in other countries where the Programme operates. We will continue to support its work in that context. And if time allows, we would be interested to hear from Ms. Bertini how WFP operations will proactively factor these concerns into the Programme's activities both in Afghanistan and in other crisis areas. I have listened to and sympathized with Ms.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“Such diversions, as we have seen already in some conflict situations, as the Council will know, can make conflict even worse, and can exacerbate inequalities in conflict and post-conflict societies where food is used as a resource transfer. Outside conflict and natural disaster situations, where the imperatives for immediate relief and consumption are much clearer, food aid must be used with the effective local market production incentives kept clearly in mind. And as with any intervention, we must be sure that we monitor its use carefully and thoroughly to be sure that it is being provided to those who need it most and that it is the best solution to the needs of beneficiaries.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“I respect a great deal of her general thinking, but at the same time, I want to caution that we must be very careful in using food aid outside acute emergency situations. We need to make sure that food and needs are examined on a case-by-case basis. We need to be sure that food is, in fact, the most appropriate and most efficient resource transfer in cases of conflict and beyond the immediate conflict stage. Naturally, in many crisis situations food aid will fit that requirement since needs are so immediate. But we need to recognize also that food aid in conflict situations is highly sensitive and, if misused, can have a direct and immediate effect on the dynamics of violence. Systems must be put in place to minimize food aid diversions.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“On Afghanistan, which is the subject of this briefing today, I want to pay a particular tribute and convey our thanks to WFP and to the other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, which have all played such a crucial role, together with very many brave local Afghan employees, in ensuring that humanitarian food aid and relief can be and were delivered to those in need. The Secretary-General's report and the figures which Catherine Bertini has quoted to us today are ample testimony to the effectiveness of their efforts. Ms. Bertini's statement to us today eloquently argued how food aid saves lives, how food aid can contribute to recovery and how it can serve in the longer term as a stabilizing factor.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“Time is short, and I will abbreviate my statement. But there are a few points I would like to make this morning. The first is to say how touched we are that on her final day in office, Ms. Bertini has chosen to come and talk to the Council. During the time that she has been in office, the scale and complexity of humanitarian operations mounted by the United Nations and by others has increased dramatically. Under her leadership, the World Food Programme (WFP) has responded magnificently to that challenge.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East is attainable based on relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). The Arab Summit outcome strengthens the consensus on the broad outlines of a settlement. But the events of the last few days show that never has there been a greater need for restraint to be shown on both sides. Restraint in the face of violence is a sign of courage, not weakness. It can only be through negotiation that there will ever be a peaceful future for Israel, Palestine and the people of the entire region. A lasting settlement remains frustratingly elusive. The simple fact of geography means that both sides will have to live together in peace. Restraint and statesmanship are required, and all forms of violence must end immediately.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“As the Secretary-General said earlier today, the way out ofthis escalating and vicious cycle of reprisals and counter-violence is for both parties to move ahead as speedily as possible, via the Mitchell recommendations, to achieve the two-State vision expressed in resolution 1397 (2002). We, like others who have spoken tonight, support the ongoing efforts by General Zinni, the Secretary-General, the European Union and others to assist the parties to halt the violence and resume the peace process. The Arab Summit in Beirut earlier this week presented a new opportunity. We welcome its endorsement of Crown Prince Abdullah's initiative and urge Israel to respond positively to the assurances Arab States have offered on its future security.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“The key elements include a vision of a region where two States - Israel and Palestine - live side by side within secure and recognized borders; an immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction; and a call upon the Israeli and Palestinian sides and their leaders to cooperate in the implementation of the Tenet work plan and the Mitchell report recommendations, with the aim of resuming negotiations on a political settlement. The United Kingdom stands foursquare behind resolution 1397 (2002). Both sides must take action to ensure that it becomes a reality.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“The Permanent Representative of Spain will speak on behalf of the European Union later in this debate, and I fully associate myself with the statement he will make then. It is right that the Council should be meeting in emergency session this evening. The situation is extremely critical for the millions of people who live in Israel and the occupied territories. Israelis and Palestinians should benefit from having the views of the Council, the Secretary-General - to whom I am very grateful for the statement he made at the beginning of tonight's debate ~ and the wider membership tonight. Security Council resolution 1397 (2002) sets out the key elements of the way forward. That resolution was a clear demonstration of the Council's will, and it should be acted upon.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“I am not sure that I find Ambassador Lavrov's image of "the cancer of Europe" (supra) particularly encouraging, but it is self-evidently something which we must all strive desperately to avoid. It goes without saying that if we are to do so we must, as a Council, both recognize the importance of a functioning and effective dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and send a resounding message of support for the efforts of the Special Representative, who has made such a good start in his new job. I am very pleased to say that I think that the sense of the debate today very strongly reflects both those points.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“But it needs to be intensified to ensure that criminals have nowhere to which to run. We support further investment by UNMIK in its law and order capability, and in particular in those measures designed to combat organized crime. We are eager for the number of Kosovo Police Service officers to be further increased, with the number of international officers being reduced only in parallel with such an increase. We further welcome steps to increase the specialization of UNMIK police officers in areas such as organized crime. I would agree with Deputy Prime Minister Covie that the two key areas on which we should be focusing are the building of institutions and a multi-ethnic society.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Those interests include making the most rapid progress possible on the commitments in the November 2001 Common Document. There is a clear need in particular for close cooperation on the return of internally displaced persons from minority communities. IfI may say so in his presence, Deputy Prime Minister Covie has a central role to play in that process, and we look forward to continued and further intensified cooperation between his Coordination Centre and both UNMIK and the new provisional Government. I make no apology for returning now to the issues of extremism, terrorism and organized crime, which have been a persistent theme in United Kingdom statements to the Council. These are regional problems, and they need regional solutions. We welcome the existing cooperation between law and order ministers and police forces and other actors.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“We also welcome the second important development, to which others have referred: the transfer of Kosovo Albanian prisoners from Serbian prisons to the custody of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). That is an important step in building trust and confidence between the ethnic communities. Here and now, I should like to congratulate Deputy Prime Minister Covic' and UNMIK on their roles in delivering this successful outcome. We look forward to the completion ofthe process ofthe review of sentences. The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which as soon as possible should include representatives of the new provisional Government, is essential to regional stability. Both sides need to continue to engage positively in order to represent effectively the interests of all communities.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Steiner, on having secured that agreement and on his attempts to complete the process by ensuring Serbian participation in the Government. It is, very clearly, strongly in the interests of the Serbian community to play its full part in this endeavour. The provisional self-government administration needs to work in the best interests of all communities, and the best way to ensure that is for the Serbian community to take part. We urge the earliest possible agreement to such participation. I would also say that this is going to be an important benchmark. I very much welcome what Hedi Annabi had to say about the Special Representative's intention to set benchmarks, which is something for which the United Kingdom has argued for quite a long time in successive discussions in the Council.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“First, let me extend a warm welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Covie and convey our thanks to Assistant Secretary- General Annabi for - as always - a very helpful, useful and informative briefing. My delegation associates itself with the statement that will be made by Spain on behalf of the European Union later in the debate, so I can be relatively brief. Like others, we welcome the very positive developments that have taken place since our last briefing on Kosovo. We welcome in particular the election of the President and the Government by the Kosovo Assembly. That was a key step forward both for Kosovo and for regional security. And also like others, I would like to congratulate the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“The focus needs to be on security sector reform, and we very much welcome the meeting of interested donors next month, to which Ambassador Cunningham and others have referred. Finally, I should like to mention the problem of narcotics, as Ambassador Wehbe and Ambassador Aguilar Zinser have done before me. There is an urgent need to tackle this problem. Recent announcements by the Interim Administration have been a very positive start. But the opium harvest begins next month. The international community should provide financial and political support to ensure that the poppy crop is destroyed and that the product does not find its way onto the international drugs market. This is a vital issue for all of us, and I make no apology for leaving the Council with that final thought.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source