YouSaid · the spoken record

Fonseca

lines on the record: 291
first: 1999-06-10
most recent: 2006-08-15
sittings or episodes: 40
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

“How can we expect fragile peace accords to hold when perpetrators of crimes against humanity go unpunished? What can be done to ensure stability if peace agreements are not followed by genuine institutional reforms to allow all citizens to take part in the political life of a country? How can United Nations troops help to disarm and demobilize warring parties if there is no programme to reintegrate ex- combatants into civil life? And if these ex-combatants are children, can we move forward without building schools and providing for the basic needs of families?”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is not necessary to theorize about the distinctive nature of today's conflicts. Suffice it to glance at the recent involvement of the United Nations from Haiti to East Timor, Kosovo and Sierra Leone. The deployment of peacekeepers is only one of the tasks performed by the United Nations in today's conflicts. In all these regions, many United Nations agencies, funds and programmes provide a wide range of assistance, from short-term relief to long-term development efforts. Success in solving one specific problem in conflict situations depends on tackling several other intertwined issues. To illustrate this, let me just ask a few simple questions. Is it possible to talk about durable peace in the midst of deprivation and extreme poverty?”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We appreciate the able way in which the report identifies the main sources of concern of Member States and we hope that it can foster a renewed commitment towards a genuine culture of prevention. The first merit of the report, in the view of my delegation, is the way in which it addresses conflict prevention as a cross-cutting issue. Indeed, the implementation of an effective strategy of prevention must involve the whole United Nations system, its main organs and all other relevant non-United Nations actors and stakeholders. Thus, improved coordination is indeed key to ensuring that we can harness and realize the potential for prevention that exists in activities undertaken by the Organization in a vast array of areas. Conflict situations are far too complex to be dealt with just through a traditional security approach.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Ijoin previous speakers in thanking the delegation of Bangladesh for organizing this open debate. It is a great honour to see you, Sir, the Foreign Minister of a truly peace-loving country, presiding over this meeting. Let me also convey our deepest appreciation to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive, thought-provoking and extremely useful report. The strength of the ideals of the United Nations depends upon the identification of clear and feasible means to promote them. Without concrete tools of implementation the goals set in the Charter are empty words. The report that we are analysing is rich in concrete proposals and concrete suggestions on actions that must be taken with the fundamental purpose of this Organization to prevent conflicts.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We now have to think about how to maintain a strong stimulus for the international community to keep its engagement and commitments for the development of East Timor. The statements of Mr. Gusmao and Mr. Ramos-Horta reassure us that the East Timorese leadership is on the right track. The challenge before us is to back their efforts by devising an appropriate institutional basis for sustained help for the prosperity of East Timor and its people.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this respect, we regret that, for reasons that do not need to be discussed now, the planned meeting between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council to deal with precisely such questions relating to post-conflict peace-building did not take place. We are glad, however, that that meeting has not been ruled out. We believe that it would be helpful to develop an operational model for coherent and system- wide action in post-conflict situations. We all agree that there is a need for a comprehensive approach, including key aspects, such as democracy consolidation, human rights and sustained economic growth, to address the needs of countries emerging from crises, and that a long-term development programme must always be an essential part of any post-conflict peace-building effort.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Post-independence assistance to East Timor and the main thrust of the United Nations presence in the country, therefore, should preferably assume the form of a massive technical assistance and capacity-building project, stressing full ownership by the East Timorese of their own future. As a matter of principle, planning for the future United Nations presence should not be reported to the Security Council only. As future efforts in East Timor will concentrate on post-conflict - or, rather, post-crisis - peace- building, this is an area that certainly requires enhanced interaction between the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are also dismayed by the very light sentences given to those responsible for the killings of staff members of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In this case, justice has yet to be done. We were very much encouraged to learn about the very advanced stage of planning for the United Nations presence after independence in East Timor, referred to in paragraphs 25 to 29 of the report. We note, however, that besides a residual military presence, which might be warranted, the bulk of United Nations and international assistance to East Timor will be concentrated in capacity-building. The future presence will essentially be aimed at the far-reaching tasks of nation-building - the establishment of effective democratic institutions coupled with the creation of economic opportunities for all.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In the security area, the report calls attention to persistent militia activities in and around the refugee camps of West Timor and in the border area. We therefore recognize the importance of maintaining a credible dissuasive capacity on the ground. The report also highlights the need to reinforce the judicial system. Accountability is the keyword for healing the wounds of recent tragedies in East Timor. The Indonesian Parliament's decision to establish an ad hoc tribunal to deal with gross violations of human rights in East Timor is a positive step. But the limitation later imposed on the jurisdiction of this tribunal would mean that massacres such as the ones that occurred in Suai and Liquica could not be prosecuted.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“For its part, Brazil remains fully committed to the efforts to build a democratic and stable East Timor. That was the main thrust of the Visit of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso to East Timor last January. In order to underline the practical aspects of our assistance to East Timor, President Cardoso personally presided over the launching of Brazilian cooperation projects in the fields of capacity-building, professional training and education. As a follow-up to President Cardoso's visit, a Brazilian technical mission is currently visiting East Timor in order to identify opportunities for cooperation in the area of agriculture. We hope to build on our experience of South-South cooperation with a view to strengthening cooperation with East Timor and expanding the areas covered by Brazilian projects.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The most important point is the need for all political parties to remain committed to settling their differences through dialogue and institutional channels and, at the absolute grass-roots level, for East Timorese society to clearly reject any form of political violence. In this respect, we are encouraged by the spontaneous drive of the East Timorese towards reconciliation, as mentioned in paragraph 18 of the report. The statements made today by Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta are encouraging, especially because of their insistence on the idea of tolerance as the foundation for a truly democratic East Timor. As we enter the crucial stages of the transition to independence, the support of the international community becomes even more important.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Xanana Gusmao, while fully respecting his decision to resign as President of the National Council. The organization of the forthcoming election for the Constituent Assembly will certainly be the first test case for the embryonic democratic institutions of East Timor, and the support of the international community for the electoral process in all its phases, from the registration of voters to the certification of elected officials, is essential. We are confident that these elections for the Constituent Assembly will create a solid basis for sustainable democracy in East Timor. We also agree that civic education and training are essential components of this endeavour. Political squabbling and dissent among opposing currents of thought are part of the democratic life of any State, and it cannot be different in East Timor.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting and Mr. Annabi for his presentation of the report. We welcome the presence of Mr. Xanana Gusmao and Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta here today. Indeed, I think we are honoured to have them here today because they are no longer only Timorese leaders; because of their struggle for democracy and human rights they are indeed real world statesmen. Allow me to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello and his team for the impressive achievements of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) in preparing East Timor for its full independence. The political Vision of the Timorese leadership so well represented here has been instrumental in this entire process. In this respect, we pay tribute to Mr.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The effectiveness of the Council's role hinges largely on the assumption that it represents all members of the United Nations. We must therefore redouble our efforts to reach agreement on all pending aspects of reform so as to ensure that the Council is more transparent, democratic, representative and accountable. It is therefore disappointing to note that the issue of the composition and reform of the Security Council failed to appear in the declaration approved by Council's summit in September.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“We continue to hold that putting in place the mechanisms to allow a smooth transition from peacekeeping to peace-building requires the necessary involvement of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. Another important point to stress is the urgent need for Security Council reform. There is a deep frustration within the entire membership with the fact that the Working Group of the General Assembly has been discussing this issue for almost eight years now, without concrete results. We cannot underestimate the negative impact of this situation. The Council cannot continue to be perceived as an anachronistic body, both in its methods of work and composition. This is detrimental to the Council's authority, which we must always preserve.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“It requires strong political will and commitment on the part of both the recipient country and the donor community. Coordination is absolutely a key element. As in many other questions, here the record of our efforts is also mixed. We were able to achieve much in Mozambique for instance, and good efforts are under way in Guinea-Bissau. But the system has yet to deliver in Haiti despite the continuous efforts of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and bilateral donors. Peace-building efforts are necessary to ensure that institutional mechanisms are in place to deal with political differences and to quell potential conflicts that would otherwise re-emerge in the context of poverty, inequality and the absence of the rule of law.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“Kosovo and Angola are in this respect emblematic of the challenges involved. Another difficulty stems from the fact that the acceptance of preventive action by the United Nations often entails a certain dilemma for the authorities of a country torn by conflict. The third point is peace-building. The Secretary- General rightly reminded us that peace-building is about the resumption of economic activity, the rejuvenation of institutions, the restoration of basic services, the reconstruction of clinics and schools, the revamping of public administration and the resolution of differences through dialogue, not violence. This is an enormous task, one that we all recognize is well beyond the responsibilities of the Security Council alone.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“They must take full responsibility for their own decisions and must be prepared to assume the costs implied. The second point is conflict prevention. It is said that successful prevention does not win votes, but failed intervention loses buckets of them. We all recognize the importance of conflict prevention and the urgent need to enhance the United Nations instruments in this area. But conflict prevention is perhaps the most daunting task of all, given the high complexity and singular nature of each conflict situation. Therefore, there is no uniform recipe for conflict prevention, and each situation requires a distinct approach. In certain cases prevention means highly visible actions. In other instances, discreet efforts are the key to incremental gains. Moreover, conflict prevention in many cases is a continuous undertaking.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“In our view, the recommendations of the report were not intended to assert a degree of autonomy for the Secretariat in the planning of peacekeeping operations, but rather to increase its capacity to better serve the Organization and fulfil its responsibilities. An increased capacity does not necessarily mean enhanced autonomy, if the mandates approved by the Security Council are clear and achievable, with a visible sense of political direction. But we all know that even the best-crafted decision of the Council will not yield the expected results if there is no adequate means for its implementation. There must be a genuine commitment to peacekeeping. The permanent members of the Council should be the first ones to ensure troops and financial resources for the peacekeeping missions they mandate.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“I am sorry for adding questions to the Council's questions, especially because I do not have a clear answer to my questions. But perhaps the answer is a combination of these factors, and that is why the issue remains so elusive, requiring a renewed determination on our part to tackle these challenges. This is even more so in view of the ever-growing gap between the demands placed on the Organization and the material resources available. Let me go to a few specific points now. The first one is the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. The Brahimi report made many useful recommendations, and we are glad that some of them have already been approved. Its consideration by the Security Council and the General Assembly was perhaps complicated by a possible misperception.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“The short answer to this question is that the Security Council must be able to prevent conflicts, it must be able to react promptly to conflicts that erupt, and it must have the necessary capacity to help in the efforts of post-conflict peace-building. But why are we so far away from that ideal scenario? Is it because the members of the Council are lacking a common perception for action? Is it because the instruments available are inadequate to deal with the complexities of contemporary conflicts? Is it a political problem? Is it because the Secretariat suffers from chronic insufficiency of resources? Do we have a technical or a bureaucratic problem? Or is it an intellectual problem? Are we missing ideas on how to act?”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“Ijoin previous speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate. The declaration adopted by the Security Council summit reaffirms at the highest level a comprehensive set of goals and commitments. As many speakers have remarked before me, some progress in specific areas has been achieved in the implementation of the goals of the summit. Nevertheless, we are still faced with the need to work to translate some of its commitments into real and effective action. Let me start with a general comment. In theory we all have a fairly good idea of what would be necessary to increase the effectiveness of the United Nations activities in the field of peace and security.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“But it is also important to underline that true reconciliation cannot be attained unless East Timor comes to terms with its recent past. It is important not to let human rights abuses go unpunished, for there is no real reconciliation that can live with impunity. Finally, in spite of all adversities, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, under the able leadership of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, is doing a great job in assuring us that the conditions are being created for building a democratic and stable East Timor.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“Brazil hopes that enforcement measures taken by Indonesia will be effective in disarming the militias and arresting their leaders. We are particularly worried about the shortage of food, medicine and water in the refugee camps. Urgent action is needed to prevent an even bigger humanitarian catastrophe. A durable solution for the refugees that remain in West Timor will require not only resources, but a great deal of political will to put resentment behind and to look ahead for a future of peace and prosperity for all Timorese. The independent State of East Timor will not be built on vengeance, violence or rebuttal. It has to be based on the rule of law, democratic participation and pluralism. In this new State there should be room for all those who are truly committed to democracy.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“The real root cause lies in the incapacity to disarm and disband the militia and arrest the extremists that are willing to undermine the ongoing construction of a democratic State in East Timor. The threats against United Nations personnel after last Sunday's weapon handover ceremony in Atambua are another symptom of the same. Brazil supports the full and unconditional implementation of Security Council resolution 1319 (2000). We welcome that the special envoy of President Wahid, during his meeting with the Council last week, provided renewed assurances on the measures that are being taken to quell any further violence. It is essential that Indonesia continue to do its utmost, with the cooperation of the international community, to disarm the militia, bring to justice those responsible for wrongdoing and protect the refugees.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“We should be asking ourselves whether there was anything that could have been done to prevent the violence. The killing of the humanitarian workers was not unpredictable. The deterioration of the security situation in the region had been repeatedly reported to the Security Council. Other humanitarian workers had been beaten up and harassed before while fulfilling their duties in trying to alleviate the plight of refugees. Against this backdrop, the sad acts perpetrated in Atambua were by no means a sudden outburst of rage. The assassination of Olivio Mendonga may have ignited the violence, but it was certainly not the main factor prompting the attack.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“I wish to thank you for organizing this open debate on the situation in East Timor. These meetings constitute important opportunities for the States not members of the Council to express their views. I am glad to acknowledge the presence in this Chamber of Mr. Ramos-Horta, whose leadership was so decisive in the struggle for self-determination in East Timor. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Transitional Administrator in East Timor, Sergio Vieira de Mello, for his briefing. Mr. Vieira de Mello's briefing could not be more eloquent in showing the roots of the problem of security in East Timor, and we agree with his analysis. The event that took place at the beginning of this month in Atambua, West Timor, shocked each and every one of us.”
2000-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4203 (2000) · source
“The Brazilian Agency for Cooperation undertook a mission to East Timor in late July and has set the parameters for cooperation in education, capacity-building and public health. East Timor as we know it exists today only because the international community decided to display its solidarity in a timely manner. We cannot let that solidarity fade away when it is needed most. Let us keep alight the flame of hope that has guided the extraordinary people of East Timor through its ordeal. Let us keep alive the spirit of human solidarity that is the guarantee of better, brighter and happier days for East Timor.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“Much has already been said about the complexity of the task of building a country almost from scratch after a wave of violence that wreaked havoc throughout the territory. It is essential, however, to stress again and again that a future independent East Timor will need the continued cooperation of the international community. Independence will have to be shored up by the international community, in particular by donor countries, in order to lead to the consolidation of democratic institutions and the improvement of the well-being of all the Timorese people. There can be no solid democracy amidst destitution and despair, and no development can be real without respect for human rights. Despite budgetary constraints, Brazil is ready to start cooperation projects in East Timor. Our office in Dili has been instrumental in this regard.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“He outlined the possible next steps, from the setting up of the National Council to the appointment of a constitutional commission to prepare a first draft of a constitution, the establishment of a legal framework for political and electoral processes, and the election of a constituent assembly. All these steps are going to be discussed in depth with the East Timorese people, and various options are available and remain open. It is essential, though, to start discussing these issues as a matter of priority with the active participation of civil society. The urgency has to do with the need to create, from the beginning, the sense of belonging that I mentioned. Such a sense is easier to get when there is a clear horizon ahead, with independence as a watershed for the consolidation of democratic institutions.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“Brazil is taking part actively in UNTAET, and intends to continue to contribute to diminishing tensions and circumscribing their effects. The construction of a solid democracy depends not only on the legal framework to be adopted but also, first and foremost, on a sense of belonging to a community of rights and obligations. For democracy to take root, the people must feel that it is at the helm of the process. We are confident that the first congress of the National Council of East Timorese Resistance (CNRT) will prove to be an important step forward in that regard. The international community should welcome the proposals put forward last week by Mr. Vieira de Mello in his speech during the CNRT congress.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“We thus favour a thorough investigation into this chain of events, and we hope that work of the UNHCR in the camps will resume very soon so as to make it possible to proceed smoothly with the repatriation activities. The comprehensive action plan to close down the refugee camps near the border within six months may improve security, but it should be implemented while taking into account the right of refugees to a sustainable livelihood. At the same time, the military component of UNTAET must be given the means to counter the threat represented by highly armed militia members who are eager to attack and ambush peacekeepers. As Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello recently declared, "We are not going to allow our soldiers to become sitting ducks for these guys to aim at".”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“The cooperation of Indonesia is also crucial to putting an end to the activities of the militia. We expect the Government of Indonesia to expedite the implementation of the important agreements it has signed with UNTAET in the areas of security and border control. It is fundamentally important that further efforts be undertaken to disarm, disband and arrest the extremists who use West Timor as their base for attacks perpetrated in East Timor. Brazil strongly condemns the attacks that took place on 23 August on staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the Naen camp. The authorities in charge of security in the region must bring to a halt such cases of intimidation and harassment against relief workers and refugees alike.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the families of those killed in the line of duty, and to the Governments of Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal and New Zealand. There have been reliable reports of an increasing number of militiamen infiltrating East Timor from West Timor, spreading fear among villagers. Those who are committed to violence as a political means should not be allowed to succeed in putting at risk the progress so painfully achieved. There must be zero tolerance towards those who want to bring back the dark old days and to engulf East Timor in a new spree of violence. There is no alternative to the democratic process. That is the message that the international community should convey, loud and clear, to the extremist groups.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“Given the devastation of the territory following last year's popular consultation, the progress achieved under the wise leadership of the Transitional Administrator and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, is really remarkable. It is true that the security environment has improved sharply since the deployment of the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) and its transition to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), but much remains to be done. The tragedies involving the death of peacekeepers are examples of the destabilizing potential of the incursions made by militias and armed extremists into East Timor's territory.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“They also require close cooperation between the East Timorese people and the international community. Tomorrow, 30 August, the East Timorese will be celebrating the first anniversary of the popular consultation organized by the United Nations. The massive participation of the East Timorese under very difficult circumstances reaffirmed to the international community their commitment to independence and to democracy. Although the violence that followed the announcement of the results of the popular consultation claimed lives and left its marks in the territory, and although some of its gruesome effects still linger, the popular consultation was a milestone in East Timor's long quest for independence. The Brazilian people wish to pay tribute to the East Timorese on this important occasion.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“Allow me, Mr. President, to join previous speakers in thanking you for having organized this open meeting on East Timor. Your diplomatic skills have been an important asset in conducting the business of the Security Council during this month, and we are also grateful to you for that. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Annabi, for the briefing the Council heard today on the latest developments in East Timor. East Timor has to complete several transitions: a transition from oppression to self-determination and independence; from economic backwardness to sustainable development; from fear and terror to stability and tranquillity. There are no easy solutions, and those transitions require patience, to be sure, but also resolve and determination.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“It is important that the international community extend to them the necessary assistance to shoulder those new tasks. I wish to reiterate the position Brazil has long defended in this body. The Security Council has to be firm on UNITA and its supporters. This is the only way to bring about the peace that for so long has eluded the brotherly people of Angola. Peace in Angola will have decisive consequences for the conflict that has been tormenting the region for years. We want Angola to have an important regional and international role commensurate with its economic potential and with the courage displayed by its people.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The United Nations Office in Angola, through its capacity-building arm, has an important role to play. We hope that it will soon be operational. That will be possible only if sanctions are enforced and respected so as to ensure disarmament and the complete military demobilization of UNITA. Savimbi must be prevented from completing any financial transaction and from continuing to pursue the diamond trade. His representatives must lose the ability to travel and to work on UNITA's behalf abroad. Those who persist in offering support to UNITA should be convinced that they are extending the suffering of the Angolan people and that they will face public exposure and shame. The implementation of the measures envisaged in the draft resolution will require additional efforts from the SADC countries and other neighbours of Angola.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We advocate, however, that a clear message should be sent to Savimbi now declared a war criminal by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Organization of African Unity - and his supporters. Brazil wants peace in Angola and is ready to contribute to that end. We know that the most difficult tasks are yet to come. They are to rebuild the country, provide millions of destitute citizens with a minimum level of well-being and the fruition of their rights as human beings. Brazil wishes to commend the Angolan Government for announcing its intention to hold general elections in late 2001 and the beginning of consultations on a draft new constitution for the country. The next step will be devising measures to complete the construction of a fully democratic State based on the full enjoyment of human rights for all Angolans.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“That resolution should provide a further legal basis for outlawing any support for Mr. Savimbi's UNITA and send a clear signal that he is no longer an acceptable interlocutor for the peace process. Of great importance is the establishment of a follow-up and monitoring mechanism, as mentioned in recommendation 39 of the report. The report demonstrates in detail the procedures used by UNITA to finance its activities, purchase weapons and involve third parties to avoid compliance with the obligations it undertook with the "Acordos de Paz" and the Lusaka Protocol. Brazil has always favoured dialogue and the peaceful settlement of conflicts and will continue to do so in Angola.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The report upon which the draft resolution is based, prepared by the team led by Ambassador Fowler and Ambassador Anders Mollander, imposes upon us the challenge of working seriously and effectively to stop disrespect for the decisions of this Council. It is a milestone in the effort to strengthen the ability of the United Nations to solve regional conflicts and promote peace, development and democracy. The Fowler report is a model of such a role, as recognized by the majority of the Members of our Organization. In this regard, Brazil would like to stress the decision of the recent Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Cartagena, which urges the Security Council to "adopt the report and pass a resolution on the recommendations contained therein".”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This new situation is welcome. Brazil has always underlined the important role that the United Nations should play in Angola. The draft resolution about to be adopted will strengthen the United Nations presence and again brings hope for peace. In this, the role of the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations has been decisive. His leadership, determination, genuine belief in United Nations principles and clear understanding of the difference a determined action by the Security Council can make allowed for the elaboration of the comprehensive and innovative draft resolution now under consideration in the Council.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“UNITA's responsibility for the frustration of the peace process was clear and indisputable. Today, in resuming consideration of the follow-up to the report of the Panel of Experts on violations of Security Council sanctions against UNITA, the circumstances are very different, and hopeful. The Angolan Government has been able to muster its forces and break UNITA's capacity to wage conventional warfare, and the Security Council and the United Nations have re-established working links with Luanda. The adoption on 13 April of Security Council resolution 1294 (2000) illustrates this improved relationship. We understand that the Special Adviser of the Secretary- General for Special Assignments in Africa, Ibrahim Gambari, an able and talented diplomat, will soon visit Angola. We are certain his mission will succeed.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The Security Council is honoured today to have been presided over by the Foreign Minister of Canada. Canada is widely recognized within the Organization for its outstanding actions in favour of peace and humanitarian causes. Brazil also warmly welcomes the presence of Mr. Joao Bernardo de Miranda, the Angolan Minister for External Relations, during the Council's deliberations. This meeting opens new and promising perspectives for Angola. We remember that in the closing days of February 1999, the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola occurred amid a deep sense of frustration over the fact that the resources applied by the international community and the people of Angola in the peacekeeping process were not bearing fruit.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I could go on and touch upon other areas, such as the use of troops or civilian police to prevent the diversion of aid for political or military purposes, but there is no need to be exhaustive. It is the rationale behind such examples that is important to retain in this context. The Council's actions can be conducive to a climate of compliance with international humanitarian and human rights obligations, which would have an obvious positive impact on the humanitarian situation. The main challenge for the Security Council is to take measures, within the purview of its mandate, to bring the dire reality of modern conflict closer to the lofty ideals enshrined in international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia are good examples. The establishment of the International Criminal Court will be a leap forward in combating impunity for crimes that are at the heart of today's humanitarian crises. As a last resort, the Council may adopt enforcement measures, such as arms embargoes. It is essential that the Council set up reliable mechanisms with a view to monitoring the flow of weapons to regions torn by armed conflicts. The developing of "smart sanctions" is also an important alternative that should not be ruled out. By definition, such sanctions target the individuals who are directly responsible for wrongdoing.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Finally, Security Council decisions should take into account the need to preserve the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian assistance. Many organizations have been concerned that the use of the military for humanitarian activities, particularly in the context of Chapter VII operations, affects their ability to assist victims on all sides of the conflict. Having said that, allow me to highlight a few concrete ways in which the Council might contribute to solving pressing humanitarian problems. Through diplomacy, the Council may persuade warring parties to accept in practice the principle of safe and unimpeded access to those in need. When diplomacy and negotiations are not effective, the Council has at its disposal deterrent measures, such as indicating the possibility of bringing to justice those responsible for abuses.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Thirdly, the Council must take action only on extreme cases that pose real threats to international peace and security - which, unfortunately, are not infrequent. It is clear that the use of force can be allowed only by the Security Council, pursuant to the Charter of the United Nations. Fourthly, the Council's decisions can contribute to improving the environment for humanitarian assistance, but the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council keep the primary responsibility in providing policy guidance for the efforts deployed by the system. Fifthly, if the Council is to preserve credibility while dealing with humanitarian issues, it must avoid selectivity. The focus of its decision should not be determined by the level of media exposure, but by the real humanitarian and security situation on the ground.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“A tentative answer to my second question should take into consideration a few points. First, the role of the Security Council is to add to the work of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme and other humanitarian bodies and organs without trying to replace them. Secondly, the convening of open debates like today's is useful and may be an opportunity to mobilize public opinion in donor countries and create a synergy among humanitarian agencies. In this regard, international attention, we hope, could be a vehicle to obtain more funds for the relief, reconstruction and development of the countries suffering from humanitarian crises.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source