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

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

“So we very much welcome the publication of the plan to do just that - the plan issued on 31 March - because the implementation of the standards remains the best basis on which to build an inclusive, multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo where all its citizens can live in peace and in security. That has to be the continuing goal. We therefore welcome the efforts made by Member States in the arrangement now being put in place on the ground in Pristina through an intensified dialogue to give impetus to that process. But our accepted policy is "standards before status". Both those issues are sensitive, and they are linked. The standards are basic. But on the other hand, the Kosovars will all need greater clarity or, at least, reassurance as to their eventual destination. It seems to me that there are two bottom lines in this.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Like other colleagues, I am sure I am very grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and to Minister Draskovic for their contributions. I would like to associate myself with the remarks shortly to be made by Ambassador Ryan on behalf of the European Union. We have just witnessed the most serious outbreak of inter-ethnic violence in Kosovo since 1999. There is no question that it has severely damaged Kosovo's reputation and has shown that there is a long way yet to go to build the necessary tolerance in Kosovo. All parties need to understand clearly that we cannot turn the clock back to the worst aspects of inter-ethnic conflict. It should make the international community more determined that the standards review policy endorsed by the Council in December should be fully implemented.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“We thank the Council and United Nations Members alike for their help in taking forward this collaborative multilateral action and look forward to building on this joint endeavour in future.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“Throughout the discussion of the resolution, the sponsors sought to work closely with Council members and, perhaps uniquely, with the wider United Nations membership. We are grateful to all those who engaged with us in that dialogue, helping to improve this resolution and, we hope, make its implementation truly a common endeavour. We hope that the Council Committee established by the resolution will be the heart of that cooperative and collaborative approach. We recognize, as does the resolution, the potential importance of technical assistance. It is our hope that the cooperative and inclusive measures that the resolution envisages will reduce the risk of any future tragedy.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“The resolution therefore requires all States to adopt robust national legislation that will criminalize attempts to acquire or traffic weapons of mass destruction and the requirement to establish controls that thwart such efforts. The Chapter VII legal base stresses that we are dealing with a clear threat to peace and security. It underlines the seriousness of our response and the binding nature on all States of the obligation it contains. Let me quite clear on the extent of the obligations arising from this resolution. They apply without favour to all Members of the United Nations, be they permanent members of the Security Council or any other Member State. The obligations in the legally binding areas set out in this resolution are exactly that: a binding obligation on all States.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption today of the Security Council's first-ever resolution addressing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This resolution underlines the international community's determination to tackle a real, urgent and horrific threat: that these deadly weapons or materials might fall into the hands of terrorists or other non-State actors. In the face of that threat, we argued that it was not only appropriate for the Council to act, it was imperative for it to do so. We are therefore glad that the Council has responded with such conviction, demonstrated by its unanimous vote this morning. This resolution is an effective multilateral response to threats not covered by existing regimes. It is consistent with the goals of disarmament and the multilateral treaty framework.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“Our hope is that the Council today will encourage all States to play their part in advising and encouraging business in that way, and to accept a particular responsibility to do so in relation to companies headquartered in their own territories.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“In general, let me take this opportunity to underline the importance of NEPAD to African development and the importance of maximal international support for that welcome initiative, especially as we approach next year's fifth anniversary of the Millennium Declaration. In conclusion, I would like briefly to say that it is not the role of business to take the lead in resolving conflict. But business can make a significant contribution. It is in that context that the countries involved should do the following: encourage businesses to be aware of the vital role they have to play and the damage they can do if they do not behave responsibly; and advise businesses on the operating environment in conflict zones and encourage them to carry out risk assessment and management.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Today, one of the three major ongoing conflicts in Africa involves natural-resource issues, and several African countries emerging from conflict have been experiencing disputes over control of those resources. Africa desperately needs private investment in its economic development. The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has a crucial role to play in this. Its focus both on the resolution and prevention of conflict and on the promotion of the private sector provides the basis for expansion. We note and welcome work already under way to create standards in the exploitation and management of resources in conflict areas. We also welcome the NEPAD initiative under way in South Africa that commits businesses to conducting their affairs in compliance with high ethical standards on corporate social responsibility.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Many companies, of course, support such good practice. The British Government is engaged in several initiatives designed to encourage and support good practice in business behaviour: first, as my colleague from the United States has already alluded to, the voluntary principles on security and human rights in conflict zones; secondly, as the Secretary-General referred to, the extractive industries transparency initiative; and thirdly, the Kimberley Process, which has already been mentioned by a number of colleagues. Those kinds of initiatives offer new ways and means to promote effective contributions from business to conflict prevention and resolution. But the role of business in conflict zones is particularly acute in Africa. Africa has historically suffered from many conflicts involving disputes over control over exploitable resources.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“These underline the importance of companies doing the following: respect human rights, their employees and those on whom their operations have an impact; avoid abuses of human rights by security forces acting in protection of their security; insist on maximum transparency; make it clear that they will not accept or tolerate corrupt practices; and signal clearly when their experience suggests that conflict may be emerging. Again, in conflict situations, companies should refuse to do business or engage with any of the following: individuals, companies or entities known to have benefited from the direct assistance of combatants; those supplying arms to forces involved in the conflict; those connected with the smuggling of natural resources; or those seeking to take advantage of instability to secure lucrative contracts or concessions.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“But business can and does make positive contributions to development and economic prosperity, creating jobs and hope, as the President of the World Bank put it. That is indeed key. But business can also help develop the rule of law, for instance through securing investments, defining property rights, forming contracts and building up a body of commercial law. And individual local business leaders have a clear role themselves in working to transform the societies in which they operate. In terms of best practice, non-governmental organizations and others have prepared specific advice for business with respect to its behaviour in zones of conflict.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“I am grateful to you, Mr. President, for raising this important issue, and to those who have already contributed to today's debate. The private sector clearly has a crucial role in promoting global economic prosperity and sustainable development. Zones of conflict present a particularly challenging environment for business. The Secretary-General is to be congratulated on his initiative to launch the United Nations Global Compact, which sets out principles to help businesses contribute to global sustainable development, thus reducing the risk of conflict. The United Kingdom is pleased to contribute to the costs of the Compact. The key question is how business can play a positive role in conflict situations. We should expect business activities, as a minimum, not to make conflict worse.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Our focus should be on moving the peace process forward. The key is now for both sides to take immediate steps to implement their obligations under the road map and to refrain from actions which will only serve to escalate violence in the region, leading to yet more loss of life.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4934 (2004) · source
“The United Kingdom abstained on the resolution before us tonight because it was unbalanced. It singled out one party as the perpetrator of violence. It failed to condemn terrorist atrocities against Israel and it limited its condemnation of terrorist attacks to those against civilians. Let me be clear, Sir, the United Kingdom would have voted for this resolution if its proposers had accepted an amendment reflecting the positions set out by the European Union on 22 March. That amendment would have replaced existing operative paragraph 2, by another text. That text would have condemned terrorist atrocities which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis, as well as all acts of violence and destruction. That very reasonable amendment was not accepted. There will be no military solution to this conflict.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4934 (2004) · source
“The United Kingdom has consistently condemned extrajudicial killings. We recognize Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism, but it must act in accordance with international law. The killing of Sheikh Yassin was unlawful and will serve only to perpetuate the vicious cycle of violence. The United Kingdom has also repeatedly condemned terrorist atrocities committed by terrorist groups and which have caused hundreds of Israeli civilian deaths. The Palestinians must take immediate and effective action to stop the terrorism emanating from the occupied Palestinian territories, in line with their obligations under the road map. On Monday, 22 March 2004, the United Kingdom supported a European Union statement which condemned the killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin but did so in a balanced way.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4934 (2004) · source
“I hope also that we will give serious consideration to sending another Security Council mission to West Africa this year to discuss with the Governments concerned and the people on the ground how they see the challenges and how the United Nations can best deliver the support that we need to give.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“The same goes crucially for the role of women in peace-building, if there is anything that the Special Representative can say to us later to ensure that women's equal participation in the myriad of peace and security issues in the region becomes a reality. Thirdly, we need to tackle the use and the misuse of West Africa's rich natural resources - timber, diamonds - which should be used to fund development and progress but are on occasion used to fuel conflict. That needs to be tackled. I commend the recent - very recent, indeed - transparency initiative of the extractive industries as a basis for looking at this problem. In conclusion, I look forward to the Council regularly reviewing progress in this area.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Secondly, we strongly support the Secretary- General's ambition to involve civil society more widely on issues of governance and security. Civil society has its place, and I listened to what the Minister said about United Nations interaction with government and with civil society. My answer is that of course the United Nations ought to be primarily involved with Government, but it also needs to work consistently with civil society, because there is a key role for civil society in programmes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, education, the media, and so on. It should be a central element of conflict prevention, not an afterthought.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“First, as a number of colleagues have emphasized, trafficking in small arms is one of the great killers in Africa, and it undermines peace and stability. Organized crime is increasingly involved, and I agree with the comments made by Mr. Chambas on the need for ECOWAS to strengthen its Moratorium and its implementation. We urge those who have not yet done so to consider ratifying quickly the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols, and we would encourage parties to take advantage of assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Technical assistance is available. I specifically welcome the account we have been given this morning of the Unit to be established within ECOWAS to actually tackle the question of small arms.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Sharing resources across missions and across borders risks confusing mission mandates and potentially disrupting the lines of command and control. When it involves joint border patrols it will require agreement from the different Governments concerned. But these potential difficulties have to be tackled and overcome, and the Secretary-General has said in his latest report on the United National Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) that he intends to make recommendations to the Council on this by the end of the year. We look forward to these recommendations because they are very necessary in order to put into place the content of a regional approach by United Nations interventions. I would like to make three additional points that relate to the Secretary-General's specific recommendations.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“The United Kingdom very much welcomes this strengthening of European Union links with the United Nations, but we also, on the substance, welcome the ECOWAS declaration on subregional peace and security that, as Minister Akufo-Addo mentioned, reaffirmed the importance of a regional approach to conflict prevention and resolution. Thirdly, we need a more effective use of United Nations assets across the region. The pressure on scarce peacekeeping resources is growing rapidly, with new peacekeeping missions in Cote d'Ivoire and, likely, in Burundi and Sudan as well. We have to stock those missions and do justice to those particular cases, but that means using the assets at our disposal to maximum effectiveness, and that is not easy.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Specifically, in our view, the Secretary-General's recommendations should be implemented within this strategy, so that instead of a series of initiatives we have a coherent, integrated action plan. Second is the role of key subregional organizations. The United Nations alone, much less the Security Council, cannot devise and implement a conflict prevention strategy. As participants in the ECOWAS summit noted this week, that has to be a collective effort, with the countries of the region taking the lead, supported by ECOWAS, the African Union, NEPAD and the international community. The European Union recently undertook a joint mission to ECOWAS with the United Nations. That mission proposed a political dialogue with ECOWAS heads of State to endorse a strategic approach to conflict prevention in West Africa.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Conflict in West Africa is the result of long-standing structural macroeconomic and governance failure. Mercenary activity, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, environmental degradation, youth unemployment - all these are real problems, but they are also symptoms of a bigger failure. Preventing further conflict requires more than just addressing these symptoms. We need a strategy for dealing with the underlying causes. Such a strategy should build on the existing initiatives, including those of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the African Union, and particularly those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which have been described this morning.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Thank you for convening this meeting, Mr. President, and for your presence with us. The United Kingdom is very grateful for the presence of so many distinguished participants and for their contributions. I would like to associate myself with the comments which Ambassador Ryan of Ireland will present later on behalf of the European Union. West Africa should be a high priority for us all. Investments that we have made in individual countries risk being wasted if we cannot collectively find lasting solutions to the interrelated problems of the subregion. We therefore much appreciate the Secretary-General's recommendations on how to tackle them. If I may, I would now like to make three broad suggestions as to how this report might be followed up effectively. First, we clearly need a strategic approach.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Events every day underline that there is no military solution to the situation in the Middle East. Neither party will achieve its aims through the use of violence. We urge them both to exercise restraint and stop this escalating violence. The road map remains the right route to a just and lasting peace settlement. Both sides have so far failed to implement their obligations under the road map. Our focus should be getting this process back on track. A virtuous path of cooperation must replace the present vicious cycle of retaliatory violence. That is the message of hope addressed equally to both parties.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“Straw said yesterday, "All of us understand Israel's need to defend itself, and it is fully entitled to do that against the terrorism which affects it within international law, but it is not entitled to go in for this kind of unlawful killing, and we therefore condemn it. It is unacceptable, it is unjustified and it is very unlikely to achieve its objectives." The United Kingdom has repeatedly and consistently condemned the many terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens, including those perpetrated by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Terrorists inflict huge suffering and loss. Their actions undermine the Palestinian cause. Let me make clear that no cause justifies resorting to terrorism, nor can it exonerate the terrorist.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“I would like to associate myself with the statement to be delivered later by Ambassador Ryan on behalf of the European Union. Specifically, Foreign Ministers of the European Union yesterday condemned the extrajudicial killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. They also stated "the European Union has repeatedly condemned the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis. The European Union recognizes Israel's right to protect its citizens against terrorist attacks. Israel is entitled to do this under international law. Israel is not, however, entitled to carry out extrajudicial killings." The United Kingdom condemns yesterday's killings, as the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary made clear. Mr.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“Those attempting to derail the process will not be allowed to prevail, nor will the perpetrators of violence succeed in speeding up final status negotiations - quite the reverse. The international community is entitled to expect and require the implementation of those standards, to demand an end to violence and to insist that Kosovo, its institutions and all its people renew their commitment to the rule of law, to the tolerant coexistence of communities and to establishing a real democratic future for the province.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“It is the Operational Reserve Force, and it will be there from tonight. It will start to deploy to help stabilize the situation on the ground. But looking forward, resolution 1244 (1999) charts a future. It sets a clear vision for Kosovo. It gives an opportunity to Kosovo leaders. The international community has invested very substantially in that future and in that vision of a tolerant, multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo. UNMIK, Special Representative Holkeri and KFOR enjoy the full support of the British Government in trying to help achieve those goals. That is why the Council has endorsed the "Standards for Kosovo" paper and the review mechanism. That remains the only way forward for Kosovo.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“In the short term, its leaders must not only condemn violence; they must use their influence actively to work with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR to restore order. This is the time to encourage calm, not the time for rhetoric or irresponsibility. It is the time for measured, considered action, not impetuosity. It is the time to show solidarity between the different communities, not to increase division. And it is the time for democratic credentials to be burnished, not an opportunity for anarchy and riot. Lastly, I think it is a time for a continued and strengthened dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. At the request of the Secretary-General of NATO, the United Kingdom is at this moment deploying a spearhead battalion into Kosovo.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“I would like to associate myself with the statement to be delivered later by Ambassador Ryan on behalf of the European Union, with the comments of all those who have called for an end to violence and with those who have expressed sympathy for the victims and their families. And like others, the United Kingdom welcomes very much the presence of the Secretary- General and the two Ministers at this very important debate. Yesterday was a very bad day for Kosovo. As the inter-ethnic violence spread, so the clock was turned back. The truth is that Kosovo has too much history. There has been too much inter-ethnic bloodshed in the province. Instead, Kosovo has no choice but to move forward.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“There will be a comprehensive review by 31 December 2005, and a completion date of 31 December 2007. If terrorists are indefatigable in their endeavours, then the United Nations and the Security Council must match them. The Committee must be given the means to continue and sustain the fight against terrorism, to maintain the unity, momentum and accountability which have been created and to provide guidance to Member States to enable them to comply with resolution 1373 (2001). The United Kingdom urges all Member States to be supportive of the revitalization proposals, because they can contribute in no small measure to a more effective effort to actually make the world a safer and more stable place.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“It will offer guidance and help to implement the Committee's wishes. Does that mean a degree of responsibility to the Committee? Yes. Does it mean that, in policy terms, the Committee will be directing the work of the Directorate? Yes. In the View of the United Kingdom, anything less would run counter to any sensible delineation of responsibilities and would undermine the efficiency of the Committee. Let me stress that the overall substance and working methods of the CTC would remain unchanged. The Committee would retain the hallmarks that have contributed so much to its success: cooperation, transparency and even-handedness. The Committee's mandate - resolution 1373 (2001) - would remain unchanged. The new structure is not intended to be permanent.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“They are simply a means to enhance and reorganize the support structure of the Committee to help it better achieve its objectives - objectives which we are all signed up to. It is not about change for the sake of it, and the proposals specifically do not seek to alter the structure of the United Nations or to undermine the Secretariat. In its deliberations, the CTC has taken care to ensure that the revitalization is consistent with United Nations rules and regulations and with previous Security Council practices. As the representative of the United States emphasized, the proposals have been discussed at length, and thoroughly, with the representatives of the Secretariat, whose views have been taken into account. I have a very simple vision of the proposed Directorate. It will work with and for the Committee.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“It is essential that the Committee be strengthened and given the support it needs to help Member States to implement resolution 1373 (2001). The United Kingdom therefore very much welcomes the proposal for the revitalization of the Committee. That proposal will, in our View, give greater focus to long-term goals. It will help the Committee to adopt a more proactive communications strategy, and the Committee's expertise will be enhanced and properly coordinated. The goal is simple. It is to help Member States implement resolution 1373 (2001) and ratify the United Nations counter-terrorism conventions. That would retain accountability, while providing greater guidance on the complex range of issues which have emerged since the Committee was first established. But the proposals should not be misinterpreted.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“In our View, the Committee has been successful in four main ways: by maintaining unity; by establishing and delivering momentum; by establishing accountability; and by providing guidance to Member States. In terms of unity, the Committee has helped to ensure that Member States and the international community have remained united and worked together. Momentum has been established by keeping terrorism high on the international agenda. The accountability stems from the way in which the Committee has examined Member States' domestic legislation and practice, helping to identify weaknesses and gaps. Lastly, it has provided guidance through a system to facilitate the provision of technical assistance to Member States. But there is no room for complacency. As the representative of Algeria said earlier, we now need a new dynamic.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“The fight against terrorism needs to be sustained, effective and efficient. Combating and defeating terrorism requires concerted and Wide-ranging action. Military action may be necessary. Better intelligence is required; defensive systems need to be improved; some organizations need to be proscribed; and we have to tackle the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Financial flows to terrorists have to be cut off. Perhaps, above all, we need to do better in tackling the resentments that encourage terrorism, but can never justify it. That is why we need a multilateral response, and why the United Nations and its agencies have a key role. Today we are addressing part of that role: the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“I would like to congratulate Ambassador Arias and to thank him for his report (S/2004/124, annex) and for his stewardship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. I would like to associate myself with the remarks to be made subsequently by Ambassador Ryan on behalf of the European Union. I take this occasion to offer condolences to the families of all those killed or injured in recent terrorist attacks, from Baghdad to Karbala, from Quetta to Moscow and in the Middle East, to name but a few. There is a long list. Those chilling attacks are a sobering reminder of why we are here this morning, having this discussion. Those attacks show that terrorists know no boundaries; they do not distinguish between race, religion or geography, and they are united in their disdain for life. That is a risk that affects us all, and we need to face it together.”
2004-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4921 (2004) · source
“Are we getting to a stage in which we can detect signs of much less dependency? I thought there were some encouraging prospects in what the Prime Minister said, but what is the exit strategy - and its timescale - for Bosnia and Herzegovina to move into a normal relationship with the international community?”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“The last thing we want is for the system to be capricious or to open the way for the unacceptable return of individuals who were rightly excluded. We think there will need to be appropriate and close international involvement in that process. Like the representative of Germany, I very much welcome the willingness of the Secretariat to take part in some form of process. I conclude with two questions. First, the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina can be approached only in its regional context. We have not said very much this morning about cooperation with Belgrade. Could I ask what the High Representative sees as the impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina of developments both in Serbia and Montenegro and, perhaps, more widely? Secondly, we always talk about the dependency culture.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“The International Police Task Force (IPTF) appears to have taken proper decisions, but the implementation of those decisions, at the time, within Bosnia and Herzegovina, was technically flawed. The United Kingdom thinks it is right that we should ask the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to regularize the situation and to do so according to the terms that they were obliged to follow at the time, but did not. This point was emphasized by Under-Secretary-General Guehenno earlier. I think the Security Council should support that, but it should also say that a fair, defensible review procedure should apply to those who are appealing their dismissal. In our View, very tough criteria need to be applied to any such procedure.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Economic reform with the sustained support of the international financial institutions and the European Union is absolutely essential. We were encouraged by the discussions in the margins of the most recent Peace Implementation Conference, and we hope very much that that process will continue. Alongside the need for economic development is the need to prevail over organized crime, not just because of the loss of revenue to the Government, but because of the pernicious influence exerted on the region and, indeed, beyond the region. In conclusion, I would like to make one observation and pose two questions. First, the High Representative raised the issue of the de-certification process for some 800 policemen and the 150 of them who have already appealed.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Those currently harbouring and supporting these two indictees are doing absolutely no favours for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it is right that we should have and promote a closure strategy for the ICTY, it is also wholly consistent to say that those two men must be brought to face justice in The Hague. In the view of the United Kingdom, without that, there can be no true justice and no end to the malignant influence of those two. Until they are in The Hague facing justice, in our View, the international community will not have finished its job. Resolution 1503 (2003) sets out very clearly the obligations of all of us in this connection. Lord Ashdown focused on the economic issues, and it is right to underline their importance and the scale of the challenge.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“Guiding Bosnia and Herzegovina towards becoming a successful nation-State requires political leadership, without a doubt, but also requires increasing the rule of law to what we euphemistically call international standards and achieving justice and reconciliation. The Bosnian War Crimes Chamber is thus a key contribution. I agree with Ambassador Pleuger on the need for more international support for the Chamber. The United Kingdom has pledged 10 per cent of the annual costs for the next five years; that will be our contribution. Beyond that, the arrest and delivery to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague of Mr. Karadzic and Mr. Mladic remains an essential element of reconciliation and justice.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“The reason why this is a key goal came out very simply in a phrase Lord Ashdown used when he said that membership of the PFP would make war or internal conflict much less likely. This is because it will require the unified command of the armed forces and will facilitate a much-needed reform of the various armed forces within Bosnia and Herzegovina. That is not only good for internal stability; crucially, it helps put an end to the nonsense of the present unsustainable and indefensible level of gross domestic product currently spent on defence. In my view, a continuing role by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Bosnia and Herzegovina will also be appropriate, as we go through the transition in the next months.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“As others have said, there are now two clear routes opening up for Bosnia and Herzegovina that will anchor that State into Euro-Atlantic structures. The first route - the prospective Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union - is a substantial prize on the path towards eventual membership of the European Union. But, more than covering Bosnia and Herzegovina's relations with Brussels, this would also help to define the country's relations with its neighbours in South-Eastern Europe and the relations of South-Eastern Europe with the European Union. I very much welcome the increased role of the European Union and the contributions it is making, particularly on security and stability. However, the second route is the Partnership for Peace (PFP), which is a key goal.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“I would like to offer you my best wishes, Sir, as you assume the presidency of the Security Council, and to express the thanks of the United Kingdom to Ambassador Wang Guangya for his stewardship of the Council in the month of February. I associate myself with the comments that Ambassador Ryan is soon to make on behalf of the European Union. Looking at the darkness which prevailed in Bosnia and Herzegovina 10 years ago, we can only reflect today on the very considerable success that has been achieved. Our thanks go to the High Representative and his predecessors and to Prime Minister Terzic for their contributions. In addition, we express our gratitude for the briefings we have heard this morning. It is important to look forward.”
2004-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4920 (2004) · source
“I drew much encouragement from what I perceive to be the wish of the Council to be united in its response to the situation in Iraq. There is agreement on maintaining the 30 June deadline for the transfer of sovereignty and agreement that elections are desirable as soon as they can be arranged and that we should start work on preparing for them as soon as possible. But the solutions that emerge are primarily for the Iraqis. Of course, if there is anything that the United Nations or the rest of us can do to facilitate that, so much the better. Many of us have been talking about an increased role for the United Nations. That seems welcome, as does the report issued yesterday by the Secretary- General on the Brahimi mission (S/2004/ 140). Indeed, work on that will have to continue.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source
“In terms of whether we have ideas about the transitional Government, it is quite clear that early elections are ruled out and the caucus arrangements have been ruled out by the report. To now speculate on what the desirable outcome would be unwise, given that in this, as in many other areas, it is a question of whether the Iraqis themselves are content with what emerges. That, I believe, is the test we ought to apply in particular here. In terms of criteria for the transitional Government, I believe it fair to say that, whatever the final process is, it should demonstrate a continuity of effort. It should show very clearly that things have changed materially on 30 June and that the outcome we hope for is a solution that is increasingly representative of the different parts in Iraq.”
2004-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4914 (2004) · source