YouSaid · the spoken record

Emyr Jones Parry

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2003-07-29

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2007-08-10

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un-security-council

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1. “In conclusion, the Security Council plays a central role in the international community's efforts to maintain peace and security. But we cannot work in isolation, given the interdependent nature of security, development and human rights. The new Secretary- General and the Council must and will, I am sure, work in partnership with each other and with other international actors to maximize our collective ability to tackle threats, to seek opportunities and to promote the cause of peace.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

2. “Establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission was an important achievement, but it will fulfil its objectives only if it becomes an action- oriented, strategic body in which countries emerging from conflict can discuss candidly and effectively with international, regional and local actors in post-conflict peacebuilding what needs to be done and who should do it. The United Kingdom considers, therefore, that the Peacebuilding Commission needs to build on its initial activities to ensure that it can make a real difference. Its role in advising the Council is also centrally important. Our continuing involvement in Sierra Leone, Burundi and other countries that will be on the Council's agenda in future must take full account of the contributions and proposals that the Peacebuilding Commission makes.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

3. “In many post-conflict situations, the risk is that peacekeeping missions become part of the landscape and allow a status quo to persist. We therefore need to focus on a coherent approach with the goal of resolving the underlying issues. To do this, the Council should be more strategic in assessing the underlying issues and in giving missions more purposive mandates. This approach requires from the Secretariat reporting which makes clear proposals on how United Nations missions can and should evolve and what action the countries concerned, the international community and the Council itself can take to accelerate transition from peacekeeping to self-sustaining peace. Finally, on a closely related point, we need to strengthen our collective ability to pursue post-conflict peacebuilding.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

4. “The Council and the Secretariat must form a stronger partnership in conflict prevention, through ambitious implementation of resolution 1625 (2005), to ensure that we do better collectively at the early stages in anticipating and thus preventing conflict. A second priority is peacekeeping. United Nations peacekeeping is ever more in demand. The surge in missions and numbers over recent years is striking. It is therefore incumbent on us to ensure the most effective use of scarce resources. An important part of this endeavour is to ensure that peacekeeping missions have clearer, more focused mandates with specific objectives to be achieved within given timeframes. Peacekeeping missions should form part of a wider peacebuilding strategy to achieve the progress necessary so that such missions are no longer needed.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

5. “It called for more regular and analytical reporting from the Secretariat and asked the Secretary-General to help countries at risk of conflict to perform strategic conflict risk assessments. It also stressed the importance of effective conflict prevention strategies, embracing not just traditional security and political factors, but also economic, social and humanitarian factors, as well as the field of governance and human rights. The resolution constituted, in fact, a very comprehensive policy. Too often, the Council and the international community are witnesses to the emergence of conflict, rather than actively being involved in prevention. We see - or we fail to see - a crisis developing, and agree to act only when it is too late.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

6. “So the challenges for us are how to be better at conflict prevention and resolution and at crisis management, including peacekeeping and post-conflict peacebuilding. In each of these areas, the Secretariat can, I believe, help continue to improve our collective efforts. It is important and welcome that these issues are covered concisely but cogently, and with proposals for action, in the presidential statement that we will adopt later today. On conflict prevention, this Council adopted a landmark resolution at its summit meeting in 2005. Security Council resolution 1625 (2005) set out an ambitious vision for a more comprehensive, integrated and proactive approach to prevention.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

7. “The international community needs a comprehensive Middle East strategy. We must redouble our efforts to support those who want to achieve peace rather than to perpetuate turmoil in that region. At the core of that strategy will be the question of Israel and Palestine. This meeting is an opportunity to reflect on how the Council, in partnership with the Secretary- General and the Secretariat, as well as with other United Nations organs, regional bodies and international actors, can improve its capacity to meet those challenges. I want to focus now, particularly, on the conflict cycle. The maintenance of international peace and security demands, above all, more effective action to prevent conflicts from occurring and then recurring and, where they do exist, to help bring them to an end on a sustainable basis.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

8. “But the international landscape, with the consequent requirement for Council activity, has rarely seemed as complex as it does today. In the past year the Council played a crucial role in helping end the fighting between Israel and Lebanon. It worked continuously to try to bring peace to Darfur, and is still doing so. It responded firmly to the actions of Iran and North Korea. It continued to support African Union efforts to bring an end to the crisis in Cote d'Ivoire. It supported the first free elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 40 years. The year ahead promises to be no less challenging. We must ensure that international efforts intensify to bring an end to suffering for the people of Darfur. We must continue to tackle the threats of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

9. “May I start by congratulating the Russian Federation and you personally, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Council. I would add my thanks to Qatar for its stewardship of the Council in December. I would also like to welcome the five new Council members and pay tribute to the outstanding contributions of the five members whom they have replaced. I also want, in particular, to welcome the new Secretary-General and assure him publicly of my Government's unstinting support for his efforts throughout his tenure. Mr. President, it is timely that you have brought the Council together with the new Secretary-General to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that we face. This Council has always been at the forefront of global efforts to maintain international peace and security, its essential responsibility.”

   2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source

10. “In the event that Iran does not change course, the Council has committed itself in this resolution to the adoption of further measures. Iran, therefore, faces a choice. The vote today illustrates the gravity of that choice and the seriousness with which we, as a Council, view Iran's behaviour. We hope Iran will heed the decision of the Council and return to negotiation to resolve the nuclear dossier. This, in turn, would open the way for the European Union and Iran to develop a new and wider relationship to our mutual benefit and to the benefit of international peace and security.”

    2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source

11. “A new relationship between the European Union and Iran is on the table, but it must be with an Iran which eschews nuclear weapons. In resolution 1737 (2006), the Council makes clear that Iran's suspension of enrichment and reprocessing activities will permit negotiations to resume and intensify, this time with the United States, Russia and China engaged alongside France, Germany and the United Kingdom. For this reason, in the pursuit of a negotiated agreement to resolve the situation, it is vital that all States implement the resolution as fully and comprehensively as possible. This means taking immediate action, including by adopting the necessary legislation to pave the way for rapid and robust implementation. Without that, we cannot expect the Council to be able to meet its objectives.”

    2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source

12. “We have also established an embargo aimed at preventing Iran from importing the items and material that will sustain its proliferation- sensitive activities. In addition to taking steps to inhibit Iran's proliferation-sensitive activities, the Council has introduced a set of measures intended to persuade Iran to stop pursuing activities of concern. This resolution underlines the seriousness of the situation, including the international community's lack of confidence about the direction of Iran's policies. But, importantly, the door is not closed for Iran. The United Kingdom, France and Germany, with the European Union High Representative, Javier Solana, have led negotiations with Iran. We remain committed to seeking a diplomatic, negotiated solution with Iran, based on cooperation.”

    2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source

13. “In sum, Iran has simply thumbed its nose at the Council and defied international law. Bearing in mind the Council's primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and in this regard taking with utmost seriousness the threat from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the Council unequivocally expressed its intention in resolution 1696 (2006) to adopt measures under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations in the event of Iranian non-compliance. And that is what we have done today. We have adopted resolution 1737 (2006) under Chapter VII of the Charter, and in this we reiterate and expand the Council's mandatory suspension of Iran's proliferation- sensitive activities.”

    2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source

14. “On 31 July, the Security Council adopted resolution 1696 (2006) which made mandatory the suspension required by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of enrichment-related and reprocessing activities in Iran. The Council called upon Iran, without further delay, to take the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors to act in accordance with the provision of the Additional Protocol and to implement all transparency measures as the IAEA may request. The resolution set a deadline of 31 August for Iranian compliance. Iran's response was to step up its sensitive activities and offer to export the technologies it developed to other countries. The IAEA reported in November that Iran continued to provide insufficient transparency to help the Agency resolved outstanding issues and remove uncertainties.”

    2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source

15. “I look forward to the next Secretary-General reporting to the Council on an action plan agreed upon with the Government of Sierra Leone in order to implement resolution 1325 (2000). Sierra Leone is a country close to the heart of the Secretary-General, as well as to his home in Ghana. So, it is particularly appropriate that this should be one of the last resolutions adopted by the Council during Kofi Annan's tenure as Secretary-General. From Sierra Leone to the Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Secretary-General has demonstrated a tireless commitment over the past 10 years - indeed, over his professional lifetime - to building peace and prosperity in Africa and to calling upon nations to protect those whose national Governments cannot do so.”

    2006-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5608 (2006) · source

16. “The Security Council should work closely with the Commission to benefit from its advice as we move forward. So, the participation today of the representative of the Netherlands is very welcome, and we congratulate him on his appointment as Chair of the meetings of the Peacebuilding Commission on Sierra Leone. I should like to highlight the particular need for further work within Sierra Leone on implementing resolution 1325 (2000). Gender inequality remains a serious problem, yet women's empowerment is central to peace consolidation and good governance. There is a particular need to ensure that women are able to participate fully in the 2007 election, both as electors and as candidates, as called for in today's resolution. A gender perspective should be taken fully into account in implementing the mandate we have agreed upon today.”

    2006-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5608 (2006) · source

17. “All parties in Sierra Leone must demonstrate their full and unconditional commitment to a full democratic process. International support will be vital. To that end, the resolution temporarily increases the number of military and police advisers, to enable the Office to support the election process without having to cut back on its work elsewhere. It also calls on the Secretary-General to conduct an assessment of UNIOSIL's role closer to that election date, so that, as Sierra Leone makes a transition towards sustainable and peaceful economic development, that can be properly handled. That process will be reinforced by the longer- term international attention and support to be provided by the inclusion of Sierra Leone, at its request, on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission.”

    2006-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5608 (2006) · source

18. “There is still a mountain to climb. Adult literacy stands at just 35 per cent. The probability of living until the age of 40 is only 47 per cent. There are three physicians per 100,000 people, and 50 per cent of the population suffer from undernourishment and live on less than $1 a day. 06-67916 So, in the next year we see three priority areas: first, the fight against corruption; secondly, civil service reform; and thirdly, the development of clear policies and strategies, in particular to tackle youth unemployment, to tackle poverty and to generate economic development. The year 2007 will be a milestone year for Sierra Leone. July's presidential and parliamentary elections will be crucial towards building a successful, sustainable democracy.”

    2006-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5608 (2006) · source

19. “A strategy for reforming the civil service has been finalized; judicial and security sector reform continue; the armed forces and police have increased their capacity and professionalism; refugees have returned home; and steps to improve human rights have been taken, notably through the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. Crucial to reconciliation and the establishment of the rule of law has been the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and in particular the detention and forthcoming trial in The Hague of former Liberian President Charles Taylor. That sends a clear message that there is no impunity. It also underlines the importance of a regional approach. Over the next 12 months, the efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone, with our support, must be consolidated and continued.”

    2006-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5608 (2006) · source

20. “The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption by unanimity of resolution 1734 (2006). It widely recognizes the huge steps that Sierra Leone has taken over the past few years, and in particular over the past 12 months since the last United Nations peacekeeper left and the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) was established under resolution 1620 (2005). Only a few years ago, Sierra Leone was the site of Africa's most gruesome civil war. Over the past 12 months, in comparison, Sierra Leone has continued to move forward.”

    2006-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5608 (2006) · source

21. “We continue to call on Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including the natural growth of existing settlements, and to dismantle all outposts built since 2001, in line with the provisions of the Road Map. It is essential that the Palestinian Authority make every effort to prevent terrorism, as required under the Road Map. We welcome President Abbas's recent efforts to improve the security situation in Gaza. We must now all build on this fragile progress to try to create the political, security and economic conditions for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East reflecting all relevant Security Council resolutions, including, most recently, resolution 1701 (2006).”

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

22. “The European Union has expressed its readiness to provide enhanced support to a Palestinian Government with which the EU can engage. Recent events have further highlighted the need for us to move forward and return to a political process. We express our grave concern at the incident that took place in Beit Hanun on 8 November, which led to the tragic death of Palestinian civilians. We have continued to call on Israel to do everything it can to avoid civilian casualties. The firing of Qassam rockets from Gaza into Israel must stop. Recent clashes between Hamas and Fatah have led to the deaths of innocent children. All sides in Israel and the occupied territories must intensify efforts to bring all violence to an end. Civilians on both sides have the right to live in peace and security.”

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

23. “Those allowances have helped to keep basic services running, put money into the economy and provided a livelihood for the poorest Palestinian families. We welcome President Abbas's efforts over the past few months to form a national unity Government. We still need a Palestinian Government that we can work with. The United Kingdom supports the Quartet's call for a Palestinian Government to be formed with a platform based on the Quartet's three principles: renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Road Map. Until then, we will continue to provide support to the Palestinian people directly. The United Kingdom and the European Union as a whole underline the importance of preserving and strengthening the capacity of Palestinian institutions.”

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

24. “We hope that a meeting between the Prime Minister and the President can take place at the earliest opportunity and that it will lead to real progress. The United Kingdom continues to call for the release of the captured Israeli soldier, Corporal Shalit, and for Palestinian legislative Council members detained in Israel to be accorded their full legal rights and to be either charged or released. We will continue to support the Palestinian people through the Temporary International Mechanism. So far, the European Union has contributed a total of more than €186 million to that Mechanism. That includes payment to key workers in the public sector, such as health care workers, teachers, the poorest Palestinian Authority employees and some of the most vulnerable Palestinians.”

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

25. “Progress in Israel and Palestine is of the utmost importance for the achievement of peace and stability in the region. It is essential that we make progress towards a comprehensive peace and a two-State solution and recognize, at the same time, that we need a regional approach which encompasses all the relevant issues. For the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Blair and his Government remain fully engaged and committed to that purpose. The United Kingdom welcomes the ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect on 27 November. We hope that it will be a first step towards further progress. We maintain that the Road Map is the best way to achieve a two-State solution. Both Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas have reiterated their commitment to it as the way forward. We continue to call upon both sides to implement their commitment in full.”

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

26. “We would like to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar for having honoured us with his presence this morning. We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and to express British appreciation to him for all of his efforts, including his work to establish the Quartet. I think that this may well the Secretary- General's last public speaking opportunity in this forum, so I would like to pay tribute to him for what he has done over so many years working with the Council. We very much agree that the key issue remains ending the frustration and instability that prevail in the Middle East through a comprehensive and just solution. Colleagues have already sketched out the elements of a prescription for such a solution.”

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

27. “We welcome Iraq's commitment to the International Compact, made by Prime Minister Al-Maliki in the Baghdad Coordination Group on 10 December, as well as his commitment to the political, economic and security strands. We commend the proposed discussions between Iraq and its neighbours, with the participation of the Secretary- General's Special Representative, who, of course, continues to have a key role to play in and for Iraq.”

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

28. “The Compact provides an opportunity for the wider international community and the Government of Iraq to focus on political, security and economic reform. We welcome the United Nations approach of providing targeted institutional and operational capacity-building support, including the work of the UNAMI Human Rights Office on establishing a national human rights commission. That will help the Government of Iraq to deliver on its commitments. We welcome the emphasis placed by the Secretary-General on regional dialogue. It is important that all of those who are engaged in Iraq's transition - but particularly those in the region - live up to their responsibilities by supporting the Iraqi Government and ensuring that Iraq is able to proceed down the democratic and non-sectarian path.”

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

29. “Once the draft law has been passed, technical and timely support from UNAMI to build the Commission will be a substantial and important step towards the success of the provincial elections in 2007 and a referendum on the constitutional review. We welcome the intention of the United Nations to provide strong support to the constitutional review process and an eventual referendum on the status of Kirkuk. The wider experience of the United Nations in this field underlines its importance as an independent mediator and its ability to present technical and impartial advice to the Review Committee and the subcommittees. We appreciate the role that the United Nations has taken as a co-chair of the International Compact.”

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

30. “We encourage the United Nations to pursue further steps to improve the security of UNAMI, and to pursue those steps with partners as necessary, including through discussion with the European Union, so that the United Nations can play its full role in Iraq. We believe that the continued significant presence of UNAMI is vital to help Iraq continue to make progress in the political process. We urge United Nations Members to contribute further funding to the United Nations Security Trust Fund so as to enable the continued presence of UNAMI. We support the legal assistance given by UNAMI to the Council of Representatives with regard to the establishment of the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq.”

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

31. “We also commend the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) to promote this plan. As set out in the Secretary-General's report, a United Nations-facilitated meeting of Iraq's political parties would offer a useful opportunity for dialogue. Such a meeting might be set up in concert with a meeting of Iraq's neighbours to further the reconciliation process. The United Nations plays a significant role in the reconstruction of Iraq and in helping Iraq to find the political solutions it needs to guarantee its security. We appreciate the difficult circumstances UNAMI works under and we fully support its efforts.”

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

32. “The United Kingdom welcomes the report of the Secretary- General. We thank Mr. Qazi for his presentation this morning and Ambassador Sanders for hers on behalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq (MNF). The security situation in Iraq is serious. Addressing this situation is the top priority for the Government of Iraq and for the MNF. But military effort is not sufficient to guarantee security. It must be underpinned by a political solution involving genuine reconciliation. We can do even more to support the Prime Minister's efforts aimed at bringing the different parts of Iraq together, so as to give effect to the will of the Iraqi people as expressed in their democratic elections. Therefore, we strongly support Prime Minister Maliki's National Reconciliation Plan, which provides a framework for political dialogue and disarmament.”

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

33. “It is vital that the Afghanistan Compact Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) gives direction and impetus to the programmes set out in the Compact, including on institutional capacity-building and counter-narcotics. So, we are pleased to see that the Council's report notes that the JCMB capability is developing. It was welcome that the mission participated in one of their sessions in Kabul. Finally, I would like to underline British support for the report's call for enhanced regional cooperation. This is vital, in particular, for Afghan and Pakistan governmental contribution - that they should work together to counter the common Taliban threat. So, the plans for the cross-border jirgas are particularly welcome.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

34. “The position of women in Afghanistan is an area where we have seen important progress since 2001, from an abysmal start, it has to be said, but some progress, not least in the level of representation in the National Assembly and in an increase in access to education. There are still, of course, problems from those years when girls were not allowed to have any education. There is clearly, therefore, much more to be done to consolidate education for those now coming through and for those who missed it previously. So, we would strongly urge the Government to reconsider any suggestions to abolish the Ministry of Women's Affairs. In our View, the Ministry plays an integral role in ensuring the full participation of women in all aspects of peace consolidation and peacebuilding in Afghanistan. We cannot afford to lose momentum.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

35. “That means that we need increased and sustained assistance, including to the Afghan Counter Narcotics Trust Fund, and we should provide international mentors for the counter-narcotics police of Afghanistan. This is Vital if we are to ensure that the progress to date is not undermined. It is important, generally, that we all look at what more we can do to support international objectives in Afghanistan. An EU fact-finding mission is in Afghanistan now, looking at how the European Union can further assist in developing policing and related rule-of-law issues, including counter-narcotics. We hope that this will lead to the deployment of new EU assets in the new year.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

36. “As Ambassador Oshima noted earlier, capacity- building here is a critical challenge. Failure to consolidate gains made in this area will undermine popular support for the wider reform programme. We must use the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan to support police salaries and other rule of law-related capacity-building. Drugs continue to remain, in our View, the gravest threat to the long-term security, development and effective governance of Afghanistan. The Afghan Government's national drug control strategy, with its four priorities - targeting the trafficker, strengthening livelihoods, reducing demand and developing effective institutions - seem to us the right approach.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

37. “We believe neither the Taliban nor other illegal armed groups currently pose a credible threat to the overall stability of Afghanistan, but they can seriously disrupt the work of improving the quality of life of the Afghan people. Our role is to support President Karzai in his Government's effort to extend security and stability throughout the country and to improve development prospects. So, we welcome the continued commitment to Afghan security shown at NATO's Riga summit, but there are still some capability gaps, as Ambassador Oshima recalled today. But allies are working to ensure that these are filled. Equally, it is important to continue the development of Afghan security forces, the indigenous capability, including the Afghan National Police. We need to accelerate work to establish the rule of law.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

38. “Tony Blair in Kabul as recently as 20 November stressed the importance to the international community of delivering a secure, stable Afghanistan. The United Kingdom is a major contributor to the international effort in Afghanistan, through NATO, the European Union and in our bilateral programme. And we have led the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) military operation through this particularly challenging year. Like others around the table, we are also heading up one of the provincial reconstruction teams. There is one in Helmand. Security, particularly in the south, is proving challenging. The Taliban's direct offensive on ISAF this summer was defeated, but we can expect continuing disruption from anti-Government elements.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

39. “I would like to begin by thanking Ambassador Oshima for his excellent leadership of the mission to Afghanistan and, indeed, for the work of the Japanese Mission here in leading work on this subject in the Council. The report of the mission is a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, and Ambassador Oshima's briefing today was similarly thorough and thought-provoking. My thanks go also to Special Representative Koenigs and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for the job they do day by day in Afghanistan. And I align myself with the statement to be made in due course by the Ambassador of Finland on behalf of the European Union (EU). The United Kingdom is committed to assisting Afghanistan in the long term.”

    2006-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5581 (2006) · source

40. “To that, we owe a great deal - a debt - to Jan, and he has our best wishes for the future. Because of the priorities he has set out today, they, as well of the rest of his work, should help guide our ongoing discussions and work on these crucial issues in the future.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

41. “The United Kingdom recognizes the threat posed to vulnerable civilians by the uncontrolled spread and accumulation of small arms and light weapons. A poorly regulated arms trade allows weapons to flow into the hands of those involved in conflict or human rights abuses. We are committed to taking forward on a legally binding basis, a treaty on the trade in all conventional arms. I would like to conclude on a more personal note by thanking Jan Egeland for his tireless efforts over the past three years, which I know have involved personal sacrifices to him and his family. He has been an innovative leader of the reform agenda and has frankly served as the moral conscience of this Council and of the United Nations on many occasions. Humanitarian briefings are now a regular feature of our work in the Council.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

42. “The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the impact of armed conflicts on civilians around the world. Over the past year specifically, there have been increased military campaigns against the insurgents in eastern Burma. Civilians, including children, in the conflict areas suffer from the repercussions of these campaigns. We call on the Government of Myanmar - Burma - and other actors to work towards a peaceful resolution to these conflicts. We also call on that Government to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations agencies on this issue. In the Middle East, the conflict in Gaza has caused unacceptable suffering to civilians. We welcome the recent ceasefire agreement and call on both sides to do all they can to preserve the ceasefire and to extend it to the West Bank.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

43. “When disasters happen, the world looks to the United Nations and to Jan Egeland to lead the international response. If this response is to continue to be effective, however, the United Nations must continue to identify and embrace new ways of meeting humanitarian challenges. The United Kingdom commends the groundbreaking work of the Under- Secretary-General in this respect. The Central Emergency Response Fund is an example of a new initiative that has successfully provided an easier way for quickly getting the right aid to the right places in a crisis situation, and doing so immediately. We should build on successful initiatives like this to ensure that we are able to continue to meet the humanitarian needs of the vulnerable in times of crisis.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

44. “We condemn attacks that target them, in the strongest terms. Jan Egeland raised some important points today about the safety and security of such personnel. I believe there would be advantage in a briefing to the Council on these very issues by the Department of Safety and Security, because impunity cannot be tolerated - not for attacks on humanitarian and United Nations workers, not for attacks on journalists, and not for attacks on civilians. Such acts should be properly investigated and guilty parties must be held accountable. Where States are unable or unwilling to do this, the international community should be prepared to take action. We welcome the developments that have taken place in 2006, with the arrests of individuals accused of terrible crimes, such as Charles Taylor and Thomas Lubanga.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

45. “New peacekeeping missions should be given the mandates and the resources they need in order to protect civilians, and peacekeepers must be trained to understand the issues involved. I have just spoken of a lot of imperatives - a lot of "musts", and rightly so, because it reflects those things which we have no choice but to do. Like the Under-Secretary-General, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the high number of internally displaced persons. A stronger framework is needed to ensure that international humanitarian responses meet their needs. Human suffering does not recognize national boundaries. We commend those United Nations agencies, peacekeeping troops and non-governmental organizations that provide vital humanitarian assistance, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

46. “I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for his statement and to align myself with the statement to be made later by the Ambassador of Finland on behalf of the European Union. The briefing we have just heard demonstrates that the protection of civilians remains a current and compelling concern. All parties to armed conflict must strive to prevent harm to civilians. Parties must comply fully with the requirements of international law on the protection of civilians, especially concerning the bans on physical attack, sexual and gender-based violence, the use of child soldiers and forced displacement. They must ensure that specific measures for the protection of civilians are included in peace agreements.”

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577 (2006) · source

47. “We will continue to assist in the progressive 06-63159 transfer of security responsibilities to the Iraqi Security Forces. The Multinational Force has already been able to hand over two provinces, Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar, to Iraqi control this past summer. Conditions permitting, we look forward to notable progress in the next year.”

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5574 (2006) · source

48. “The resolution we have adopted today is a unanimous response by the Security Council to a request from the Government of Iraq. The resolution extends for 12 months the Multinational Force mandate on the terms set out in resolution 1546 (2004), as well as the arrangements for the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board. As with resolution 1637 (2005), this resolution comes with the important assurance that the Iraqi Government may, at any time, seek a review of the arrangements or the termination of the Multinational Force in Iraq mandate. The United Kingdom will continue working in close partnership with the Iraqi Government both bilaterally and as a contributor to the Multinational Force.”

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5574 (2006) · source

49. “I pay tribute in particular to Ambassador De La Sabliere for his contribution. All of us here have a collective obligation to bring an end to the suffering that children in armed conflicts face around the world today.”

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

50. “But where progress in developing action plans or in facilitating the operation of the monitoring and reporting system is found to be inadequate, the international community must be prepared to consider taking action against the parties involved. Those individuals who commit egregious violations against children must be held to account. The Security Council has an important role to play in that respect. One specific case this morning requires urgent attention. The complaints about very serious incidents in Sri Lanka need to be addressed and due legal process applied. Ambassador Rock's presentation to the Working Group will be an important step. In conclusion, let me reaffirm that the United Kingdom remains committed to playing a full and active role in the Council and its Working Group.”

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source