YouSaid · the spoken record

Emyr Jones Parry

lines on the record: 1,334
first: 2003-07-29
most recent: 2007-08-10
sittings or episodes: 195
sources: un-security-council

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“Without security and peace, there can be no sustainable development. But without development, stability and security become even more difficult. So we come to the self-evident truth: security and development tend to be interdependent. As well as the broader interest, we therefore looked at the situation in individual countries, discussed the key issues with ministers and demonstrated our support for the United Nations missions active in the region and for the work of the funds and specialized agencies. We visited seven countries in eight days. It was right to start in Ghana, which holds the current chairmanship of ECOWAS. While there we also met the ECOWAS secretariat. We moved on successively to cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea- Bissau and Guinea (Conakry).”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“We went beyond the simple issues. We recognized that the horizontal aspects of concern to the Council do not respect national borders. Throughout the visit we tried to address the themes of human rights; governance; child soldiers; peace-building; small arms proliferation; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; the role of women; poverty; HIV/AIDS; elections; and so forth. There is a raft of such issues. But they have common themes affecting all the countries and the region as a whole. We were also keen to meet representatives of civil society and the non-governmental organizations working in the field. The briefing that we were given at the Arria-style meeting beforehand proved very useful. Of course, the raison d'etre of the Security Council is international peace and security.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Yet what we see time and time again is that legitimate free movement is inhibited by restrictions and by racketeers. Yet porous borders facilitate trafficking in arms, persons and illicit items in general. It is also clear that tackling problems successfully in one country sometimes only displaces the problem to a neighbour. Fighters who are unable to operate in one country and who have no apparent allegiance just move next door. A graphic analogy was used on one occasion: if you have got a cockroach in one room, there is no point in just fumigating the room. The only way to get rid of the cockroaches is to fumigate the house. That is a simple analogy as to why a regional approach is needed. The problem of refugees is affecting the whole region. Guinea, for example, has borne the burden of Sierra Leonean and Liberian exiles.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Hence the simple aims of the mission: to identify a coherent strategy for United Nations intervention across the spectrum; to encourage and support the efforts of ECOWAS; to identify how to build on current cooperation among United Nations missions and the United Nations bodies in the subregion; and to determine how we should assess overall progress towards the Council's objectives to further peace and regional security. All of those aims are set out in greater detail in the letter which you, Mr. President, sent to the Secretary-General on 15 June (S/2004/49l). During the visit, our focus was on underscoring the regional aspects as we visited individual countries and debated issues with their leaders. Regional cooperation can clearly be a major catalyst for economic growth.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Because it is a region of key interest where the United Nations is investing heavily, where there is much promise, where there are vibrant societies, where there is rich potential and yet where there are fragile States that often lack infrastructure and absorptive capacities. Problems are shared, and often have contagious effects on neighbours. ECOWAS has demonstrated political and military leadership in the region and is striving today for increased economic cooperation, as a contribution to greater prosperity.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Without security in Africa, there will be no prosperity and stability. In the Security Council, we spend some 50 per cent to 60 per cent of our time on Africa. The new threat of weapons of mass destruction and terror always risks being spread where instability and conflict reign. Yet recent peace agreements offer millions of Africans the chance of a fresh start, and through structures like the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Africans are building their own peacekeeping capacities. It is the responsibility of the Council to give them our fullest support. Why West Africa?”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“Sir Emyr Jones Parry: In September 2005, the United Nations has an important rendezvous with the Millennium Declaration, when a summit of the General Assembly will review progress in implementing the commitments we took on in 2000. The Millennium Development Goals can be achieved in most of Asia and Latin America, but we already know that Africa is way off track, threatening us with an overall failure in 2015 if we do not start making real breakthroughs now. Many African leaders have stepped up to the challenge in establishing the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). It is in Africa that honouring our commitments will affect most lives, and where failing to honour them will cause the most despair. We have a moral duty and a practical self-interest in helping their efforts to build a prosperous and stable continent.”
2004-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5000 (2004) · source
“The successful conclusion of the Council's deliberations on UNFICYP today will now allow the Council to turn its attention to consideration of the Secretary-General's report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus (S/2004/437), which the United Kingdom has welcomed.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of this resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). It is undeniable that the situation in Cyprus has evolved, not only since the referenda of 24 April but also over the 40 years that this operation has been on the island. We therefore support the Secretary-General's decision to conduct a comprehensive review of UNFICYP's role and to make recommendations in that regard. We look forward to early consideration of those recommendations by the Security Council with a view to tailoring UNFICYP to reflect current requirements.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“But, too, it is right that, in adopting this resolution, we should look to see similar progress throughout the Sudan, we should reinforce again the efforts of the Government of that country, which is responsible throughout the country for the well-being of its citizens, and we should pay particular attention to the situation in Darfur and ensure that all of us and the humanitarian agencies play our part to avert any humanitarian catastrophe in that area.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4988 (2004) · source
“The Security Council, in this vote, has demonstrated its unanimous support for the N aivasha peace process and for the statesmanlike role carried out by the parties. We very much look forward to seeing further progress and to that process coming to a successful conclusion. It is right that the United Nations should put itself in a position where it is able to give every support to that process and to support the Government of the Sudan in its efforts to bring an end to a conflict that has run for a very long period. So, progress, a special political mission and a readiness to consider a peace support operation are absolutely right at this stage.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4988 (2004) · source
“I hope this resolution will mark not only the full reassertion of Iraqi sovereignty but also a renewed determination on the part of all members of the international community to assist the Iraqi people and Government as they work towards the successful future which they deserve.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“We are committed to playing our part towards building security and stability in Iraq for as long as needed and as long as the Iraqi Government wishes. We are also determined to support Iraqi efforts to progressively take on responsibility for their own security. The Iraqi Government and the Iraqi people will need our support as they take forward an inclusive political process, rebuild their economy and work to restore security, defeating those who would rather throw Iraq into violence and chaos. As Lakhdar Brahimi said yesterday: "Iraq needs the clear and united support of its neighbours. Iraq needs the generosity of its creditors. Iraq needs the patient, strong and sustained support of this body, the Security Council, and that of the United Nations as a whole" (S/PV.4984, p. 9).”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“The resulting arrangements, stemming from discussion with the incoming interim Government, make clear that the Iraqi security forces, including armed forces, will be responsible to Iraqi ministers. An Iraqi-led forum will set the broad Iraqi security policy framework. National, regional and local coordination mechanisms will ensure unified command for those operations to which the Iraqi Government commits its troops. It will be for the Iraqi Government to make that commitment. The aim will be agreement on the full range of fundamental security and policy issues, including policy on sensitive operations. The United Kingdom, as a member of the multinational force, stands ready to participate fully in these arrangements.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“It encourages the international community to assist Iraq's reconstruction, including by working towards a sustainable reduction of Iraq's debt burden. Also, on the basis of the Iraqi Government's request for the multinational force to remain in Iraq, the resolution authorizes its continued presence. The sovereign Government will be able to require a review of that multinational force or its termination. The resolution, including the annexed letters, also sets out the full partnership between the Iraqi Government and the multinational force. That relationship between the Iraqi Government and the multinational force was undeniably the most complex issue in this negotiation.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“We appreciate the constructive discussions that have marked these negotiations and have contributed to the resolution unanimously adopted today. In particular, I want to underline the productive consultations with the incoming Iraqi interim Government. The people of Iraq were rightly our most important constituency. The resolution makes an important contribution to Iraq's development. As well as endorsing the formation of the interim Government, it sets a clear path for the future political process, which will end with elections on the basis of a constitution approved by the Iraqi people. It gives the United Nations a leading role, as circumstances permit, to assist the Iraqi people in that process.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Today's resolution marks a defining moment for Iraq. The Security Council has powerfully endorsed the formation of a sovereign interim Government, which by 30 June will assume full responsibility and authority for governing Iraq. It is a crucial phase in Iraq's transition to full democracy. The resolution gives this Government the best possible start as it leads Iraq out of occupation and proves itself to the Iraqi people through its actions. The promise is great: a stable, federal, democratic, pluralistic and unified Iraq in which there is full respect for human rights, a stark contrast to the past. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Lakhdar Brahimi and his team, the Iraqi people now have a competent, professional and broad-based Government that can help them realize that goal.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“In the view of the British Government, however, if consent for the multinational force is withdrawn, then the pillar on which the force is based also falls. It would be clear that the force could not continue, but that is not the emphasis that any of us wants to put on it. The Minister has rightly put it in the positive - the positive that Iraq needs and wants this force and that that is why we have a partnership. The partnership has to go much wider. It is what the international community must now do to rally behind Iraq and to support Minister Zebari and the courage that he and is colleagues are displaying to take Iraq through this interim stage, through elections and to end of a political process. I think the United Nations can do more, give him every support in that endeavour and wish him every success with it.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Minister Zebari laid stress on sovereignty, but none of that process is inconsistent either with Iraq's having full sovereignty or, at that same time - as the Minister recognized, and I hope colleagues heard this very clearly - with the troops having the right of self- defence and the detailed implementation of operations resting under the military command of the multinational force. That is my understanding of the partnership. I am pleased that the Minister seems to have exactly the same perception of that and that it should come through very clearly in the draft resolution which we will adopt quite soon and in the letter which actually sets out, as I said before, the Government's wishes - that is to say, Iraqi security forces answering to the Minister's Government.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“It is on that basis - the prior condition for the presence of the force to continue - that this Council should give a fresh mandate for that operation to continue. But it should do so in a way that demonstrates that the force will operate in partnership with the Government, that there will be a process set in train and that both the draft resolution before us and the letter which we expect very soon from the Prime Minister of Iraq will set out precisely how the Government wants the force to operate. This partnership should be based on an understanding that a national security council should tackle the big issues and should work to get agreement on precisely how the force should carry out certain operations and the broad strategic direction for the operation of the multinational force.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I read very carefully the comments he made on it and I was struck that the points he emphasized are points which the Council has addressed and which, I believe, are in the process of being fully reflected in the text that is before us. It is right that the text should emphasize that full sovereignty, without any qualification in the security dimension or elsewhere, will pass to the people of Iraq and to the Government which is now coming into being. It is right that the United Nations should take on the leading role in the political process. The Minister put forward very clearly the view of the incoming Government that the multinational force is necessary, that it is needed and that it is wanted.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I am sorry about the unorthodox order of my presentation. May I join those colleagues who have welcomed Minister Zebari's presence with us and, in particular, the words he addressed to us today, which were very powerful and moving. I think this is an occasion for all of us to see, rightfully in this Chamber, a representative of Iraq deliver that sort of message. We are also particularly grateful to Lakhdar Brahimi for what he has done and the key role he played in actually facilitating the production of what has been described as the best possible outcome achievable. What we now need is the maximum support of the international community and for all of us to support Iraq, its Government and its people. I particularly welcome Minister Zebari's very strong endorsement of the draft text on the table.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“I end where I started: we very much look forward to the Security Council demonstrating its commitment to Liberia and the region, especially by starting the voyage in Accra. We will work with the Economic Community of West African States to demonstrate, too, our support for regional organizations carrying on the good work.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“There is an apparent contradiction, however, in seeking to lift sanctions on exports of diamonds and then saying, "By the way, we will not export, because we need a voluntary restraint arrangement until we have Kimberley certification". I think the case would be stronger if we could demonstrate that the Kimberley Process was being fully implemented, and that therefore the logical thing to do was to put in place the lifting of sanctions. But that is a detail. I think that the principle that we should look at it rigorously, both against the conditions and against the case the Chairman has made and the progress he has achieved, is absolutely right. The United Kingdom will take part constructively in that discussion.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“I welcome the Chairman's suggestion that experts might visit soon in order to validate the progress which has been made and, as I understand it, to assess that progress against the conditions which were attached in the first place: the reasons why we needed sanctions. I think it is absolutely right that we should do that and that the review - which is intended in any event - should be a positive sign of encouragement of what has been achieved. Then we shall see where that leaves us on the sanctions. Clearly, we need to recognize progress and to provide every encouragement. But, on the other hand, we need to ensure that there is no abuse. I think the objectives are shared. The question is how we do that in a way that will tap the economic benefits that we want to see, which are crucial, as we have heard.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“Secondly, we welcome UNMIL's efforts with regard to disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement (DDRRR), which are crucial to the development of Liberia. Mr. Klein's efforts to relaunch that programme and to get it firmly on track are very much to be encouraged. What we need is a concerted effort to ensure that the necessary financing and the necessary programmes are in place - as he has argued - for long-term, sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration. My last point is to address the question of sanctions. We have heard an impressive case from Chairman Bryant as to why sanctions should be lifted. That has been endorsed by the Special Representative, and we must be mindful of that. We are also aware of the history and of why we came to be in a position to need sanctions.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“First, we welcome the progress made on security sector reform despite a fragile situation in Liberia. The security situation is holding. The United Kingdom very much welcomes the establishment of a Rule of Law Implementation Committee to coordinate the reform of the police, the judiciary and the correctional system. The progress made so far demonstrates that the rule of law and how it applies in practice are actually basic to taking a State in the condition in which Liberia found itself towards the destination we would all like to see. To support that, of course, there needs to be rapid agreement with regard to the restructuring of the armed forces and to the establishment of reforms outside Monrovia, in other regions of the country.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“I look forward personally to being in Liberia within three weeks' time to see first-hand - with the Security Council mission - how those developments have taken place and to explore with the Special Representative how the United Nations is acting coherently to tackle the problems, how to give him the support he deserves, how we position the United Nations effort in Liberia against the effort in the region as a whole and how the effect of developments in one country impinge on those efforts, but also how, in aggregate, we can be quite confident that we are doing everything we ought to do to support him in his courageous efforts and that we can report back to the Council that the United Nations is playing, with maximum effect, the part it ought to play. Against that background, I should like to quickly make three points.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“Let me join colleagues, Sir, in wishing you every success in your stewardship of the Council and in thanking Ambassador Akram and his colleagues for what they did in the month of May. I should like to begin by thanking Special Representative Klein for his report and Chairman Bryant for the way in which he set out the positive developments which have taken place in Liberia. I think we owe the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Special Representative and the Transitional Government a particular debt for the way in which they have taken a very grave situation through to the progress that can be recorded today. As the Security Council, we can take pride in what the United Nations has been able to contribute to the developments in Liberia.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“That draft resolution should clearly mark the move to a sovereign, interim Iraqi Government. It should also mark our wholehearted support for that Government and for continued Iraqi progress towards democratic elections.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“Already, 11 Iraqi ministries have transferred to Iraqi control, while there are plans for further transfers in the coming days - all part of a process of restoring full sovereignty to Iraq. Iraq's creative and talented people will continue to deserve our support as they move towards elections and a permanent constitution. Recent events show that foreign extremists and former regime elements remain bent on denying Iraqis that control of their political future, while the rebuilding of Iraq will continue to be an immense task. The United Kingdom hopes that the international community will build on its previous support, uniting to help the Iraqi Government and Iraq's people at this most crucial time. Over the next few weeks, the Council will continue its consideration of a new draft resolution on Iraq.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“The United Kingdom's Department for International Development has provided two gender advisers to assist Coalition efforts, while USAID has funded over 55 grants totalling $3 million that focus on women's issues, including the establishment of 14 women's centres. A wide range of women's groups have emerged over the last year, and the Ministry of Human Rights has begun to host weekly workshops on women's issues. Despite the substantial and difficult circumstances on the ground, much has been and is being achieved in Iraq. The genuine transfer of sovereign authority to an interim Iraqi Government on 30 June will be the next momentous step, allowing the Iraqi people to have the final say in their own affairs and pave the way for democratic elections by January 2005. We are accelerating our own preparations for that historic occasion.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“The Coalition Provisional Authority Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice has nearly completed refurbishment of a former prison to house documentation and evidence securely. A human rights database has also been designed. On 23 April, Ambassador Bremer announced the establishment of a National Commission of Remembrance. The United States Congress Supplemental Budget included $1 million towards the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission. Including an Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission will act as an independent body that will have the power to accept complaints concerning alleged Government violations of human rights. Another key issue is continued Coalition work to promote the active participation of women.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“Efforts to provide training in secure locations outside Iraq are ongoing, and, with full support from the Coalition Provisional Authority and USAID funding, the Human Rights Ministry has designated two of its lawyers to act as on-site monitors and family liaisons in the Abu Ghraib prison. The Iraqi human rights budget for 2004 is approximately $14.3 million, while an additional $15 million has been allocated for human rights under the United States Congress Supplemental Budget. The Iraqi Special Tribunal has appointed its Administrator, together with its first seven investigative judges and five prosecutors. A training course was held for Iraqi judges in The Hague from 5 to 7 May 2004. Another is planned for July, while the United States will provide assistance through a Regime Crime Adviser's office.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“The development of a positive human rights culture in Iraq is focused on three independent but complementary platforms: first, an effective Ministry of Human Rights; secondly, an independent National Human Rights Commission, including an ombudsman for human rights; and thirdly, viable, active and sustainable human rights non-governmental organizations. In April 2004, Ambassador Bremer and the Governing Council approved the appointment of Bakhtiar Amin, a well-known human rights activist, as Deputy Minister of Human Rights. Mr. Amin has since taken over the duties of the Minister. There are now approximately 130 employees at the Ministry.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“An interim securities law allows the re- establishment of the Baghdad stock exchange as a means of raising private-sector capital, but leaves, importantly, an incoming Iraqi administration to determine the future shape of securities trading in Iraq. The Coalition continues to be concerned about tackling unemployment and recently established a programme of public works in major urban centres. It is called the "Seven Cities" initiative and is aimed at providing additional jobs over and above the 345,000 that the Coalition Provisional Authority estimates have been created by the reconstruction process. I will now focus on human rights and justice.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“As of 6 May, the balance in the Development Fund for Iraq was $10.2 billion. On 5 April, the Coalition announced that the audit contract for the Development Fund for Iraq had been signed by KPMG Audit and Risk Advisory Services following approval by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board. New economic legislation has also been introduced. Measures include ensuring that the Iraqi Board of Supreme Audit acts as an independent public institution, combined with inspectors-general in every ministry. A new Central Bank law for Iraq establishes a banking framework and the working practices of the newly independent Central Bank. Revisions to copyright, patent and trademark legislation have been introduced to create the conditions for fair trade and eventual World Trade Organization (WTO) membership.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“Turning to education, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Coalition forces and non-governmental organizations have rehabilitated over 2,300 schools. Almost all Baghdad schools have benefited from a small grant programme for repairs and supplies of their choice. USAID recently announced a further $12.6 million grant to UNICEF to continue its work supporting the Ministry of Education. I should like now to turn to economic developments. The unexpectedly high oil price and some substantial transfers from funds linked to the oil- for-food programme have boosted the Iraqi public finances by several billion dollars. As a result, the Iraqi Ministry of Finance has issued a revised budget for 2004 which identifies new spending and sets a new envelope for Iraqi ministries.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“There are now over 760,000 active landline telephone subscribers and around 390,000 mobile phone subscribers. The total represents a 38 per cent increase on landline subscribers before the conflict. A new Iraqi Communications and Media Commission has been created, with jurisdiction over telecommunications and broadcasting. In health care, while there are still some difficulties, nearly all 240 hospitals in Iraq are functioning. Routine immunization of children has resumed, and, with inputs from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Health, 4,000 health workers and 124 supervisors are implementing a monthly immunization campaign. The Iraqi Ministry of Health recently established a 24-hour operations centre to coordinate health issues.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“There continue to be increases in oil production and exports, with recent production at some 2.4 million barrels per day and exports running at some 1.8 million barrels per day. Forecasts suggest that oil revenues this year will be in the order of $18 billion, rising on current projections to $28 billion by the end of 2005. In transportation, major upgrades are being undertaken at the three international airports of Baghdad, Basrah and Mosul. At the port of Umm Qasr, the salvage of 19 wrecks has been completed to facilitate traffic flow, and the port has been connected to the electricity grid. The Iraqi Republic Railway now operates a daily passenger service between Baghdad and Basrah, and Mosul into Syria. Considerable work has also been undertaken to restore the telecommunications system.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“On water and sanitation, we continue to work towards long-term rehabilitation of essential water and sanitation infrastructure. Civil engineering work has been completed at three wastewater treatment plants outside Baghdad, and repairs have finished on a sewage treatment plant. The Safwan water system has also been restored, supplying drinking water to 40,000 residents. In Basrah, water quality and volume should exceed pre-war levels during the summer. On energy, long-term rehabilitation continues, with the objective of building a sustainable power grid network. New generating capacities have been added to the Kirkuk and South Baghdad power plants. Power generation is now averaging around 3,800 MW per day. The goal of the Coalition Provisional Authority is to improve generating capacity to 6,000 MW per day by 30 June.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“There have been 33 Royal Military Police investigations since the arrival of British troops in Iraq, 12 of which are still under way. In 15 of the 21 completed investigations, it was concluded that there was no case to answer. Recommendations in the other six cases are being considered by the military authorities. The United Kingdom Government has apologized unreservedly to any Iraqis who have been mistreated by United Kingdom troops. We will not tolerate such mistreatment and will continue to investigate any allegations swiftly and thoroughly. We are determined not to let cases of mistreatment overshadow either the good work of the thousands of British soldiers risking their lives to help build a better future for Iraqis or the United Kingdom's reputation in the field of human rights. I turn now to the provision of services.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“Abuse of prisoners is completely unacceptable and the United Kingdom Government will not hesitate to act where British troops fail to uphold our obligations under international humanitarian law or the high standards expected by the British and international public. We have worked closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) since the beginning of the occupation. The Ministry of Defence has investigated thoroughly any individual cases which the ICRC or other international bodies have raised with us, as well as incidents where civilians have died in detention. The United Kingdom internment facility near Basra is subject to regular ICRC inspection, with full and unrestricted access to detainees. ICRC recommendations on procedures in United Kingdom- run facilities have been implemented.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“The past three months have undoubtedly seen challenges in Iraq, including continued attacks by those who want to deny the Iraqi people the opportunity to rebuild their country and to run their own affairs. Nonetheless, progress has continued in key areas, and today I will outline work on essential services, the economy, human rights and justice. More detail on these points is set out in the annex which will be circulated separately. Like Ambassador Cunningham, I, too, would like to start by saying a few words about the detainees issue. British personnel in Iraq operate in accordance with the Geneva Convention and international law - obligations we take extremely seriously.”
2004-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4971 (2004) · source
“The efforts of the Special Representative to address those aspects are crucial, we think, to the way forward. My last simple point is that we need to inject impetus into Kosovo's economy because, at the heart of this, there are some very severe economic problems. The case for privatization and moving forward quickly on that - I hope, with the cooperation of Belgrade to permit lots of necessary steps to be taken - is in the right direction.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“That is very welcome, as is the review of the performance of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) which has been set in train by the Special Representative. Drawing on this, UNMIK needs urgently and very carefully to assess whether it has the right structures and whether the resources we are deploying are appropriate in dealing with Kosovo in 2004 and not in the very different situation of 1999. The aim is to reduce the dependency in Kosovo on the international community, but let us be clear: That will need an integrated response by the international community and a greater coherence in the international effort, with the different organizations pulling together more coherently, more flexibly, more responsibly and, if I may say so, more responsively to the common objectives.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The aim is greater efficiency; it is not partition or cantonization. So we look forward to recommendations on that. Not only are the proposals from Belgrade on decentralization a useful contribution to the debate, but I understand that they have been put forward in a spirit of actually being prepared to work constructively, and that is very welcome. As far as the international community is concerned, let me simply enumerate two points. The first is that we all have to learn the lessons of 17-20 March. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has taken fairly prompt action through its lessons-learned paper and there is an intention to restructure the Kosovo Force and to remove national caveats.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“We very much support Special Representative Holkeri and his plans for the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to take on further responsibilities in areas such as the economy, with the important caveat that they can take on only those responsibilities which are not formally reserved in the Constitutional Framework for elsewhere and cannot be transferred. Thirdly, the intention to devolve more responsibility to local Government is very welcome, but I think we should be clear that the aim of delegating responsibility is to achieve greater efficiency and to have more responsive Government. It does, however, entail a responsibility by all those who gain greater authority from that devolution. The United Kingdom very much agrees with the way Special Representative Holkeri put it.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The open letter of 2 April from Kosovo leaders, calling for all citizens to build that tolerant democracy, is a positive step forward and it needs to be built on, and so Belgrade and Kosovo Serbs also have an important part to play in the process and need to make a constructive contribution and to get engaged. The United Kingdom looks for a constructive Pristina-Belgrade dialogue. I would say that unilateral statements on status by any side are not just unacceptable, but have always proved to be destabilizing. Secondly, Kosovo needs a more responsive and effective Government. It was clear before 17 March that local leaders needed to take more responsibility at the central and the local level.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The first is that achieving standards will facilitate the final status negotiations; on the other hand, not achieving the standards will jeopardize the future we all want to see for Kosovo and its peoples. I should like to pick out, if I may, three challenges which face the Kosovo Albanians and the Serbs today. The first and immediate one is to build tolerance and to reassure the Kosovo Serbs on the ground. The Provisional Institutions of Self- Government need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to strengthening the rights and the protections of Kosovo's minorities.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source