YouSaid · the spoken record

Ferrarin

lines on the record: 109
first: 1995-03-31
most recent: 1996-11-15
sittings or episodes: 20
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

“No country should be predominant. It should reflect the commitment of the international community as a whole, and in particular of a wide range of European and African countries and of the United States. Here, let me express the sincere appreciation of my Government to the Government of Canada, which has agreed to take the lead and ensure the command of this operation. Italy will participate in this force as an important contributor of troops. We hope that our commitment, which follows the many others undertaken by Italy whenever a humanitarian need has arisen, will help the people in the region. This is our sincere and primary concern.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“It is with heartfelt conviction that Italy will vote in favour of the draft resolution to deploy a humanitarian assistance force in eastern Zaire. It is of the utmost priority that the suffering of the civilian population and refugees be alleviated. Too much time has already been wasted. We are satisfied that the operation we are setting up today will have strict humanitarian purposes and exclude more ambitious tasks, such as interposition between the parties to the conflict. The operation's time-frame will be limited and defined to allow for full implementation of its humanitarian objectives. The force will have to operate with the consent of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Governments involved. It will be balanced in composition in order to represent the international community as a whole.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“In this connection, we are encouraged by the first reports that we are receiving of a number of refugees heading home. We strongly hope that that trend will continue. Our action today must mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation in finding a way out of the instability that has affected the Great Lakes region in recent years. Let us face it: it will be a difficult and demanding task. Nevertheless, we remain convinced that dialogue should be the main element of this effort. We therefore reiterate our strong conviction that an international conference on peace, security and - above all - development in the Great Lakes region must be convened urgently to find answers, once and for all, to the many unsolved issues, and first and foremost, the refugee question.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“We are acting, and acting effectively, to confront the humanitarian emergency in all its difficult aspects. Let me add that Italian aeroplanes are ready to fly to the airports in the region to transport the relief supplies so urgently needed. We also agree on the need to implement as soon as possible a credible plan to allow for the voluntary - and I stress the word "voluntary" - repatriation of millions of refugees. For that to happen, however, we must have a strong and sincere commitment from their countries of origin. We cannot and must not oblige refugees to return to a place where they may not find the necessary conditions to lead a normal life. But we hope that reason will prevail over other considerations and that a lasting solution to this enormous problem can be rapidly found.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“We are deciding whether to deploy a humanitarian force, a force that above all else must be a true force of peace. The objective we all have in mind is to bring relief and humanitarian aid to endangered populations in the region. Italy is particularly pleased with the decision that the Security Council is preparing to adopt. Since the start of the Security Council's deliberations on this question we have been arguing for the early deployment of a multinational force and have been making an active contribution at every stage of the discussion. We have initiated diplomatic action with the countries most directly involved, urging them to choose the road of dialogue. We have said over and over again that the international community could not remain silent and passively allow a real-life inferno to unfold before our eyes.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Today, the Security Council is responding to a cry for help from a region where for far too long human dignity has been trampled on, human rights violated and the most basic rights of every human being - the right to life, food and shelter - have been denied; a region where men, women, the elderly and children are dying of starvation, thirst and disease; a region where all hell has broken loose and a multitude of suffering people are awaiting a signal, an action that could lend them some measure of security and comfort and break the chain of blind violence. Today, the Security Council is finally answering the message to "Save our Souls" - SOS - coming out of eastern Zaire, a signal that is unfortunately growing fainter with each passing day, and refusing to remain silent before the unfolding tragedy.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Ayala Lasso, and the Commissioner of the European Community Humanitarian Office, Ms. Emma Bonino. We join their appeals for tolerance and responsibility, and we note their emphasis on the need to restore the foundations for peaceful coexistence and to settle differences through peaceful means. We strongly hope that today's meeting of the Security Council will send a clear signal that the use of force is unacceptable to settle disputes between or within States and that violence against the people and violations of human rights are intolerable in the international community as it approaches the threshold of the year 2000.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“In fact, the participation of women in the economic life of the country, the schooling of girls and respect for the individual are prerequisites for economic development, as is the establishment of democratic institutions. It is essential for the future of the country that this situation be corrected immediately. What has happened in recent weeks in Kabul and in other Afghan cities seriously undermines the social fabric of the country and the future prospects of its economic development. Hence, it also compromises the international community's ability to assure sorely needed financial support and resources. My delegation fully shares the positions expressed over the past few days by very prominent figures who have voiced the deep concern of the international community. I would like to recall the statements by the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“Nor is there room for extremist views with regard to human rights, the treatment of the population and, particularly, the condition of women. My delegation wishes firmly to reiterate that Afghanistan, whatever party may be in power, is required scrupulously to respect the principles established by the United Nations Charter and the guarantees provided in the field of human rights by several international treaties. I wish to recall that Afghanistan, as one of the first countries to sign those treaties, is also bound by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. We are outraged by the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, which is contrary not only to basic human rights but also to the very interests of Afghanistan itself.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The deep-rooted nature of the conflict, the increasing bitterness of the clashes, and the widening of the battlefield with the entrance into the conflict of the heads of all the different factions make such predictions more realistic and worrisome. The hostilities must cease immediately and the political negotiations must be relaunched quickly. For this we trust in the work of the Head of the United Nations Special Mission in Afghanistan, Mr. Holl. However, direct responsibility for a constructive resumption of the negotiations lies with the parties themselves. Given the conditions that beset the country, there is no room for uncompromising behaviour in the negotiations. A constructive dialogue must include all the parties on the basis of respect for an effective truce and renunciation of the use of force.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The taking of Kabul by the Taliban is the latest step in an escalating conflict that the United Nations has been following with concern for months, for two basic reasons: the humanitarian situation of the Afghan people and the risk that the spread of war - for we are talking here about a civil war that has split the country into opposing camps - will cause a chain reaction and jeopardize peace and stability in Central Asia. It was not hard to foresee that the developments of late September in Kabul would have major repercussions on the civilian population of the capital and other cities. The Security Council expressed itself clearly on these events, reaffirming the principles of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“First of all, I wish to associate myself fully with the statement that Ireland is going to deliver in its capacity as Presidency of the European Union. The international community is deeply troubled and shocked by the tragic conflict that is tearing asunder Afghanistan, a country rich in history, culture and tradition, a country that for centuries was the crossroads of different civilizations and that for far too many years has been the theatre for a seemingly endless conflict that has sown devastation and taken countless victims.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“Indeed, the text of the draft resolution, largely based on the resolution adopted by the ICAO Council, contains specific references to all principles governing international civil aviation relevant to the issue under consideration, while noting in its crucial paragraph that the unlawful shooting down by the Cuban Air Force of the civil aircraft violated the most basic of these principles. For these reasons, Italy will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“Such use is indeed a violation of the rules of customary international law, irrespective of whether or not the aircraft is within the territorial airspace of that State and irrespective, as well, of whether or not that State has ratified the Protocol introducing article 3 bis of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. On the other hand, we also believe that the ICAO Council was correct in underlining the principle that each contracting State shall take appropriate measures to prohibit the deliberate use of any civil aircraft for any purpose inconsistent with the aims of the Convention. The draft resolution before the Council contains an important reference to this principle.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“3.18) The position of the Italian Government is fully reflected in the statement issued by the Foreign Ministers of the European Union on 26 February: "Irrespective of the circumstances of the incident, there can be no excuse for not respecting international law and human rights norms". (S/1996/l45, annex) The Italian Government deeply regrets the loss of lives caused by this tragic event. My delegation fully subscribes, therefore, to the reaffirmation of the principle that States must refrain from the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight, which is also contained in the resolution adopted by the ICAO and forwarded to the Security Council with the report.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“In its presidential statement of the 27 February last, the Security Council strongly deplored the shooting down by the Cuban Air Force of two civil aircraft, which had taken place three days earlier, resulting in the death of four persons. On the same occasion, the Council requested the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to investigate the incident and to report its findings to the Council. The ICAO report has confirmed the basic facts: two unarmed civil aircraft in flight were destroyed, while "Means other than interception were available to Cuba, such as radio communication, but had not been utilized". (S/1996/509, annex, appendix B, para.”
1996-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3683 (1996) · source
“In conclusion, we cannot fail to support the assessment of the Secretary-General that no measure taken by the United Nations can be effective unless the parties, and in particular the Abkhaz side, display the necessary will to cooperate in the search for a solution. This is why we are convinced that the negotiations must continue. We support the recommendation of the Secretary-General that the UNOMIG mandate be renewed until 31 January 1997. Italy will therefore vote in favour of the draft resolution, whose contents, we believe, reflect the current status of the question and which clearly delineate the responsibilities in the conflict.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“We wish to underscore that it is up to it to make the major efforts to eliminate obstacles to a peaceful settlement of the question, in keeping with the principle of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, a principle for which we reaffirm our unreserved support. In this regard, we wish once again to draw attention to the responsible attitude of the Government of Georgia, which has already made a number of good-will gestures to arrive at a peaceful settlement of the conflict, including the submission of a political proposal which appears to us entirely worthy of consideration.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“Likewise, we deplore the obstacles placed by the Abkhaz authorities in the way of the free return of refugees and displaced persons. We urge them to implement existing agreements without further delay. These violations of international humanitarian law must not go unanswered. We appeal in particular to the Abkhaz side to display moderation, to promote the implementation of the human rights protection programme and to cooperate toward that end with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and with the OSCE. Furthermore, we express our grave concern at the negative attitude of the Abkhaz leadership on the aspects related to the future political status of the region.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General indicates very clearly that in spite of the international community's efforts through the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) peace-keeping force, the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, has only worsened over the past few months. The level of violence and intimidation in the Abkhaz region has reached an intolerable point, which prevents the peace- keeping forces from fulfilling their mandate. Italy firmly condemns the use of violence and the ethnically motivated killings and fully shares the view of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which recently declared unacceptable the attempts at demographic modification in the region resulting from the conflict.”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“Mr. Ferrarin (Italy) (interpretation from French): I should like first of all to say that the Italian delegation completely endorses the contents of the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Ireland, Ambassador John Campbell, on behalf of the European Union; we associate ourselves with that statement without reservation. We thank the Secretary-General for his extremely detailed report on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, and express our appreciation for the tireless efforts made by his Special Envoy, Ambassador Brunner, and for the contribution to the search for a peaceful settlement of the question by the Russian Federation in its capacity as facilitator, and by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).”
1996-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3680 (1996) · source
“Finally, let me express once again our heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to this peace-keeping operation: the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye, the UNAVEM. III personnel and the troika of observer nations. For the reasons explained above, Italy will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“The post-conflict peace-building phase which Angola is now entering will require a determined effort by all, inside and outside the country, to recreate conditions allowing the population to benefit from the rich natural resources of the country. Although the peace process now seems to be well established, the enduring commitment of the parties remains of critical importance. Both parties - but in particular UNITA - should show an even stronger determination to pursue in good faith the full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol. Let us not forget that the many delays of the last few months have resulted in new and even more unjustified suffering for the people of Angola.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“Mine clearance and road rehabilitation are essential for the safety of the population, as well as for the economic recovery of Angola. Progress in both areas is being reported as a result of the good work carried out by specialized units of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) and by non-governmental organizations. We note that, after extensive delays, UNITA is also showing greater cooperation in the demining activities. To maximize the impact of the assistance provided and to allow a resumption in earnest of economic activity, a more effective handling of the situation in Luanda and the extension of State administration throughout the country are absolutely necessary.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“The disquieting information provided in this respect by the Secretary-General's report shows quite clearly that the prospects for peace in Angola might be disrupted if an upturn in the economic and social situation is not quickly achieved. International assistance to Angola, though insufficient, is already under way, and all the relevant entities of the United Nations system are also active in the country. Let me here recall that for the period 1990- 1995, the Italian Government provided assistance in various forms to a total of $109 million. For the year 1996 additional funds totalling approximately $12.5 million have been allotted. Moreover, Italy is participating with a team of instructors in the demining activities being conducted by the parties with the assistance of the United Nations and the international community.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“The draft resolution on which the Council is about to vote clearly indicates areas in which further steps have to be taken quickly by the parties to consolidate a peace process which, as emphasized by the Secretary-General, has reached a critical juncture. On the political level, substantial progress has yet to be achieved. It is high time for a coalition Government to be formed and for the UNITA members of Parliament to take their seats in the National Assembly. Such a development would not only mark a turning point in the crisis, but would also allow the depleted energies of the country to be focused on the crucial emergency of the looming economic disaster.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“Albeit with persisting hesitations, the Lusaka Protocol is being implemented, and, in this connection, it is particularly important that a framework agreement on military matters has been achieved; that the quartering of the UNITA troops, although not complete, is under way; and that the process of their incorporation into the Angolan Armed Forces has begun. Over the last few days new information has reached the Security Council concerning the speeding up of the quartering process for the remaining UNITA contingents also. It is our hope that after far too many unwarranted delays, the UN ITA leadership will make good on the commitment undertaken with the signing of the Lusaka Protocol. The progress achieved so far is still very fragile.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“Mr. Ferrarin (Italy) (interpretation from French): Allow me first, Sir, to convey to you heartfelt congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for July. I have no doubt that your experience and great diplomatic skills will provide firm, effective guidance in our work. To that end, you can count on the full cooperation of the Italian delegation. I should also like very warmly to thank Ambassador Nabil Elaraby and the entire delegation of Egypt for their excellent and very effective guidance of the Council's work during the month of June. (spoke in English) The most recent report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Angola confirms a number of positive developments.”
1996-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3679 (1996) · source
“We believe that compliance with the commitments undertaken in the Lusaka Protocol will be ensured only by constant international pressure. The European Union fully backs all diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving the spirit of Lusaka, and is itself directly committed to the objective of a long-lasting peace in Angola. Finally, let me express the heartfelt thanks of the European Union to all those who have contributed to this peace-keeping operation, which after far too long is beginning to show signs of success: the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye, the personnel of UNAVEM, the troika of observer States, and the neighbouring States.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“The European Union welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General to instruct his Special Representative to give priority to human rights issues. Moreover, the numerous displaced persons in the country are increasingly expressing the desire to return to their places of origin. Certainty that their rights will be better safeguarded, together with a minimum of economic resources through the gradual resumption of productive activities, can only facilitate this process. Today the Security Council is renewing the mandate of UNAVEM. III for two months. This is an unusually brief mandate for the largest peace-keeping operation of the United Nations, but many uncertainties still exist, particularly in relation to the pledges made by UNITA's leadership.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“Graduates of the demining courses run by the United Nations should be promptly employed in operations in the field. The demining activity is of vital importance - naturally for the safety of the population, but also for the economic recovery of the country. The Secretary-General's report mentions various acts of aggression on United Nations personnel and other international officials. The most serious one took place in Catengue, in the province of Benguela, causing three deaths and the serious wounding of a fourth person. The parties must renew their commitment to guarantee the security of such personnel, who are working on behalf of the entire country. As the peace process gains strength. The need grows to focus on human rights as an essential component of a democratic society.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“The Joint Commission calendar of the tasks to be accomplished in May by the parties, either jointly or individually, and by UNAVEM. III must be promptly and thoroughly implemented. The commitments provided for in that document, freely undertaken by the parties, are indispensable to creating the conditions for the next two fundamental steps in the peace process: the incorporation of UNITA personnel in the joint armed forces, and the formation of the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation. The slow progress in demining activities is also of great concern. The parties must cooperate fully, in the first place by destroying their stockpiles of landmines, by allowing UNAVEM. III and the demining companies to operate unhindered and by transmitting all the information they have available on the location of minefields.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“The Council today must send a clear message that at this crucial stage in the peace process, no hesitation or delaying tactics will be tolerated or remain without consequences. The Government of Angola should fully comply with its own obligations under the Lusaka Protocol by continuing the withdrawal of its forces to the nearest barracks and by completing the quartering of the rapid reaction police under UNAVEM. monitoring. We welcome the promulgation today by the President of the Republic of Angola of the amnesty law. The European Union appeals to both parties to undertake without delay the disarmament of the civilian population and to show better cooperation with the civilian police component of UNAVEM. III.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“The European Union is deeply concerned by the slow pace of the quartering of UNITA troops, which has accelerated only in the past few days on the eve of the expiration of the UNAVEM. III mandate. A crucial problem in this context is the fact that so many of the troops being quartered either lack arms or hand in weapons of poor quality. Only two weeks ago, in a presidential statement, the Security Council declared that "the quartering process is a crucial component of the peace process and [stressed] the need for quartering to be credible and fully verifiable". (S/PRST/I996/19) The Secretary-General's report has cast new doubts on UNITA's will to comply fully with the commitments it undertook in the Lusaka Protocol, and this only adds to our concerns.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“III) the general situation in Angola has improved, and the peace process is showing signs of progress. The most encouraging aspects are the meetings between the two leaders and the regular political contacts between the parties in the framework of the Joint Commission. The decrease in violations of the cease-fire and the gradual stabilization of the military situation also give cause for cautious optimism for the future. But the peace process is far from being completed, and the parties, the Uniao Nacional para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA) in particular, have yet to demonstrate an unreserved commitment to the peaceful settlement of the civil war which has ravaged the country for so long.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“At the outset, Sir, allow me to express my deep satisfaction at seeing you presiding over the work of the Security Council for the month of May. We are sure that under your skilful guidance, and thanks to your well-known qualities, our work will be most effective. At the same time, I would like to express our appreciation to Ambassador Juan Somavia and the entire Chilean delegation for the excellent work they did leading the Council's activities in April. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries associated with the Union join in this statement: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. In the period since the previous renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“My country's relations with this region of Africa are ancient and traditionally intense. Italy wants peace to return to the region and also strongly believes in the need to fight terrorism, wherever it may be, in the interests of international peace and security. For these reasons, Italy will vote in favour of the draft resolution. We hope that the Sudan will be responsive to this clear signal from the international community and make every effort to fulfil its obligations and thereby return to normal relations with other countries in the interests of the Government and people of the Sudan, of the States in the region and of international peace and security.”
1996-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3660 (1996) · source
“I wish to thank the non- aligned members of the Council for having prepared and introduced the draft resolution. The Italian delegation has great respect for the positions of the Non-Aligned Caucus, particularly its African members, since they are the ones that have worked on this very same case in the framework of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The draft resolution before us meets the Security Council's purpose - that is, to send a clear signal in the hope that the Sudan will comply with resolution S/1044 (1996), thereby avoiding the dangerous isolation of that country from the international community. The time has come for Khartoum to heed its responsibilities to the international community and to show its political will to fully comply with Security Council resolutions.”
1996-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3660 (1996) · source
“In this respect, we strongly reiterate the appeal already made by the Security Council to the Somali parties and factions to open unconditionally Mogadishu's main seaport and other transportation facilities in order to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The European Union, which is one of the main providers of humanitarian assistance to Somalia, intends to pursue this path. The European Union also supports international and regional organizations such as the Organization of African Unity and encourages them to continue their efforts to foster the return of peace and stability in Somalia. As we all know, hope is the last thing to die. Today we express our hope that our appeals for pacification can quickly produce concrete results, and that Somalia can finally return to living in more human and dignified conditions.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“It is our responsibility to keep the international community's focus on the country, to prevent Somalia from disappearing not only from the international scene, but also from our agenda, and becoming a true no man's land. In this spirit we reiterate our conviction that the efforts of the United Nations and of the international agencies to assist the civilian population must be pursued within the limits allowed by the unstable situation. A recent United Nations mission confirmed the absolute need to maintain such a commitment. For this to continue, however, it should be possible to count on the renewed financial support of the donors.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“While we fully support the appeal issued in January by the Security Council to the Somali leaders to resume peaceful negotiations, we reiterate the line of strict neutrality towards the various Somali factions. The European Union believes that Somalia will not be able to take its proper place in the international community until a government emerges that is truly representative of all the Somali components. The European Union supports the continuation of the Secretary-General's small political office for Somalia in Nairobi. It is right that the United Nations should stand ready, through its good offices, to help the process of national reconciliation should an opening appear. But our greatest concern is the humanitarian situation of the people, which far from the television cameras has ceased to be "newsworthy".”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The situation seems particularly critical in the capital, where the increase in criminal activity is compounded by the continued closure of the port and the airport, leading to a blockade of commercial activity. The situation, as we have seen, is hardly reassuring, and security conditions are only getting worse. There are signs of a possible extension of the activities of armed bands and of a wide-scale renewal of fighting. In this context, there is great risk of a progressive worsening of the food and health situation. Already we are receiving reports of malnutrition, especially among children, and of a potentially dangerous outbreak of cholera. The European Union is deeply concerned by the spiral of seemingly endless violence gripping Somalia.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Since then the violent deaths of international personnel have continued, leading to a reduction in humanitarian assistance operations to a bare minimum. However, the political situation in the country has not changed. Against the background of continued fighting between the warlords there is a limit to what can be achieved by the international community. We wish here to underline that the United Nations objectives in Somalia were fundamentally undermined by the lack of progress in the peace process and in national reconciliation, and in particular by the lack of sufficient cooperation from the Somali parties. As the Security Council has repeatedly stated in the past, it is the people and the leaders of Somalia who bear the ultimate responsibility for national reconciliation and for restoring peace.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The Secretary-General, in the introduction of a recent "blue book" entitled The United Nations and Somalia 1992-1996, draws attention to the concept of a so-called failed State. A country that has lost its government, he underlines, compromises its place as a member of the international community. The lack of a representative government prevents Somalia from, among other things, benefitting from the funding provided for by the Lome Convention. It makes it impossible to implement any plan to rehabilitate industry, agriculture and animal husbandry. It also prevents the delivery of humanitarian assistance on a broader scale. Almost one year ago to the day, the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM. II) was terminated. The Operation cost the lives of 137 peace-keepers as well as those of numerous relief workers.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The world has become a smaller place thanks to extraordinary technological innovations that have shortened the distance between nations and have increased mutual understanding among peoples. Despite these advances, Somalia seems to have taken the opposite direction, and is slowly regressing towards the political and social underdevelopment that we had hoped was a thing of the past. This corner of Africa is sunk in a seemingly never-ending political struggle whose main ingredients are individual and clan rivalries, banditry and the use of violence. All this occurs while the population is abandoned to its own suffering. Somalia today is a country without even a semblance of central authority.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia associate themselves with this statement. First of all, we wish to commend the President of the Security Council for scheduling this open meeting, which will help keep the international community's attention focused on the situation in Somalia. We hope that the unequivocal message that emerges from today's meeting will travel all the way to Somalia and be heard by the leaders of the country, who bear responsibility for the present situation of confusion and anarchy that has come to characterize Somalia - or rather what is left of it.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Aldo Ajello as special envoy of the European Union for the Great Lakes region. The travails that Rwanda has undergone over the past two years cannot be overstated, but massive challenges still remain, of which the greatest is the safe return of refugees. We believe that the United Nations must continue to play its part in addressing these challenges. We therefore welcome the draft resolution.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“The office will also play a useful role in coordinating all United Nations efforts towards this end. We note with satisfaction the continuation of the United Nations human rights operation in Rwanda, which has the full support of the Kigali authorities. The European Union attaches fundamental importance to this activity, as is made manifest by the fact that it is currently contributing most of the funding of the operation. I shall conclude by stressing, once again, the importance the European Union attaches to the continuation of efforts for the careful preparation and convening of a Regional Conference for Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region, of which mention is made in the draft resolution. I wish to recall, in this regard, the recent appointment of Mr.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“As in the past, the European Union - which is the largest donor, in terms both of humanitarian and of development assistance - is ready to offer its concrete contributions towards this end. One of the main priorities of the future United Nations presence in Rwanda will remain supporting the efforts of the Kigali Government to promote national reconciliation. The draft resolution on which the Security Council is about to vote clearly addresses this concern. The office - which will rightly include the present United Nations communications system and radio station - will serve the purpose of supporting the Government's efforts to promote national reconciliation, strengthen the judicial system, facilitate the return of refugees and rehabilitate the country's infrastructure.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“The European Union has supported the United Nations peace-keeping operation in Rwanda from the outset, and we agree with the assessment made by the Secretary-General in his report that Rwanda could have greatly benefited from a further phase of United Nations involvement in helping to consolidate peace and security. The Rwandan authorities, though, have decided that the time has come to address the problems differently. In this respect, we welcome Kigali's agreement to maintain a United Nations office, to be headed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We strongly believe that the international community will continue to contribute to Rwanda's efforts towards full normalization.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source