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

“This highlights the need for the international community to demonstrate, with determination and through concrete deeds, its will to do more and to be more active and more effective in its efforts at cooperation with the Organization of African Unity, the countries of Africa and their subregional organizations. The Security Council has been dealing with conflicts in Africa as they arise, but the actions that it has taken remain very timid. As was recently indicated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil, day by day the perception grows among us that there is a permanent gap between words and deeds. It seems that the international community feels compelled to act jointly to mobilize the necessary political will and the needed instruments only after problems have worsened to the extent that they are extremely difficult to resolve.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The African priority is reflected in many initiatives, recent examples of which are the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s, the Special Initiative for the implementation of that Agenda, and the important report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. The considerable success achieved towards building peace and democracy in Africa is a source of satisfaction for us all. Likewise, mounting frustrations emphasize the collective responsibility to support Africa's efforts to overcome conflicts and poverty.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We speak of Africans as brothers and always in a spirit of solidarity. We have many forms of effective cooperation with the African countries. At the bilateral level, for example, over the past four years we have welcomed over 1,800 students from African countries. Multilaterally, I might mention Brazil's participation in peacekeeping operations in Angola. Throughout our history we have learned from Africans. We have no advice to give them or lessons to offer. Nonetheless, it is obvious that we view certain African issues with concern, in particular the persistence of armed conflicts and obstacles that continue to impede the process of laying the foundations of sustainable development throughout the continent. It is therefore natural that Africa should be the subject of a specific series of actions by the United Nations.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Mr. Fonseca (Brazil) (spoke in Spanish): We are grateful to you, Mr. President, for the initiative of having convened this meeting. It is an initiative that shows the continuing concern of the Netherlands for the fashioning of an international order of peace and prosperity. We are grateful also to the Secretary-General for his broad-ranging and objective report on the subject before us. We would like also to thank Mr. Salim A. Salim, Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), for his statement, as well as the Permanent Representative of Algeria, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the OAU. Those contributions are highly valuable to the work of the Council. Brazil has strong ties with Africa. To a great extent, it is to the Africans that we owe the shaping of our own nationality.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is that shared capacity that provides the moral basis for taking joint measures to protect civilians from the ravaging consequences of armed conflicts.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“The 40 recommendations submitted by the Secretary- General must be borne in mind, but at this stage it would be useful to focus on those capable of galvanizing immediate consensus. The aspects I have just stressed could be a good starting-point. The success of our efforts depends on integrating the contribution of the Security Council in a broader framework in which other branches of the United Nations system and the States concerned have an equally central role to play. The complex nature of the challenges before us should not be cause for despair. The abhorrent images of civilians targeted in armed conflicts should not dash our hopes for an era of compliance. Those images remind us that our differences with others are less important than our shared capacity to experience pain and suffering.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“Secondly, together with the assessment of the impact of sanctions regimes, the Security Council must consider applying humanitarian exemptions, as appropriate, to measures adopted under Article 41 of the United Nations Charter. Thirdly, priority should be given to the development of so-called targeted or smart sanctions, so as to penalize those directly responsible for wrongdoing rather than aggravating the hardship facing the population as a whole. Finally, the Security Council must set up reliable mechanisms with a view to monitoring the flow of weapons to regions torn by armed conflicts. Those who violate multilaterally negotiated and Security Council-mandated arms embargoes should be held accountable for the use of such weapons.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“I do not refer here to prevention as part of a shortsighted security approach, but to the construction of solid pillars for a pacified society through cooperation for development, poverty eradication, and the strengthening of the rule of law. As a matter of fact, the fundamental objective of the United Nations is to prevent conflicts from breaking out rather than tackling their effects. With regard to the issues touched upon by the Secretary-General in his report, I would like to highlight four aspects that have to do with the work of the Security Council under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. First, it is fundamental to maintain the momentum created by the note by the President of the Security Council of 29 January 1999 on the work of the sanctions Committees.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“The imperative of ensuring that humanitarian relief is safely provided as a collective responsibility should not automatically imply the involvement of the Security Council in these matters. There are situations of massive abuses that may pose real threats to international peace and security. In those cases, the option of enforcement action should not be ruled out. The contribution made by Ambassador Turk in his statement towards clarifying a very difficult problem was extremely relevant and, I think, should be considered by all of us. Apart from the goal of alleviating the suffering of civilians in armed conflicts, we should bear in mind that lasting peace hinges very much on preventive measures.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“Fortunately, the Security Council's readiness to deal with this problem is evidence of the political will to change the present reality and start weaving a safety net for civilians affected by armed conflict, especially the most vulnerable groups, such as children, women and the elderly. Since the presidential statement of 12 February 1999 concerning the protection of civilians, the Security Council has grappled with other related matters, particularly the question of humanitarian assistance to refugees in Africa and the plight of children affected by armed conflict. The Security Council can and must contribute to the effort of promoting a climate of compliance, that is, to halt flagrant and grave violations of universally accepted international humanitarian and human rights law.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“According to a study quoted in the June issue of the Red Cross Review, civilians accounted for 5 per cent of the victims of the First World War, whereas the estimated toll for the armed conflicts of the 1990s has reached some 90 per cent. These figures are sufficient to depict the unspeakable magnitude of the human disasters to which we bear witness nowadays. Atrocities are being committed every day in the name of religious beliefs, ethnic or national origin, and political loyalty. The humanitarian catastrophes in Kosovo, Angola and East Timor constitute telltale signs in this regard. It seems that the whole legacy of human reason has given way to a moral vacuum in which everything is permissible.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“My delegation is grateful to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report and especially for the clear and encompassing measures he proposes for tackling the problem of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I welcome also the presence of Mr. Vieira de Mello among us. His commitment to humanitarian causes is always inspiring. Since the Council held its last debate on this issue, new conflicts have broken out. The aggravation of conflicts in Africa and East Timor have taken a heavy toll on the civilians caught in those situations. We commend the role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights throughout the tragic events in East Timor, and we firmly support her recommendation that the atrocities and violations of human rights committed in East Timor be investigated and punished.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“The will of the East Timorese people must be respected and implemented. The Charter of the United Nations provides the appropriate framework for the Security Council to take action. No option should be excluded. Let us be reasonable. But let us be firm and resolute. The international community must be prepared to make recourse to all available means at its disposal within the United Nations Charter to guarantee that peace is restored in East Timor and that the May Agreements are fully put into effect.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Early next week the Security Council's mission to Indonesia will present its recommendations. Its mandate has not yet been completed. We requested this meeting in the certainty that an open debate would further assist the mission in its endeavours. Some countries have already indicated their readiness to participate in an international force aimed at helping Indonesia bring about peace and stability in East Timor. Brazil is ready to join in this effort. We will contribute to any international force as soon as it is mandated by the Security Council. We expect that the Government of Indonesia will accept this international force without any delay. We have asked for this formal session so that the Council and the entire membership of the United Nations can express themselves in no uncertain terms. Violence in East Timor must stop.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Even if we do not yet have a complete picture of the situation, it is absolutely certain that the humanitarian crisis is deepening and the most fundamental right that this Organization stands for - the right to self-determination - is being denied. Responsibilities under the historic May Agreements were freely taken up by the parties. The Government of Indonesia must maintain law and order in East Timor. Unfortunately Indonesian authorities have been unable to contain the violence. We once again call upon the Government of Indonesia to accept the assistance of the international community in ensuring the necessary security conditions for the implementation of the May Agreements. In this respect, I take note of the recent statement by the Indonesian Minister of Defense in hope that it expresses a real willingness to bring this about.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Less than 10 days ago, there was a climate of positive expectation and optimism that the Timorese people would finally be able to take on the high responsibilities for their destiny. However, universal jubilation lasted less than 24 hours. It was overtaken by Violence and intimidation. The unfortunate facts are well known. Killings, looting, burning down of houses, impunity and forced displacements have become daily occurrences in East Timor. United Nations personnel, who had a mission of peace, were threatened and besieged. Their attitude was heroic, and lives were lost. The international community must not remain passive or hesitant in the face of the atrocities committed against the East Timorese.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“The statement of the Secretary-General offers effective guidance to our deliberations. We fully share his assessment on the disturbing events in East Timor. As he has just stated, these events could amount to international crimes. We are indebted to the Secretary-General for his strong leadership. Together with the resolve shown by the Governments of Portugal and Indonesia, his forthright initiative made possible the Tripartite Agreements and the holding of the popular consultation. Our recognition goes equally to his Personal Representative, Ambassador J amsheed Marker, and to United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) personnel. On 30 August 1999, the ballot held under the auspices of the United Nations clearly expressed the sovereign will of the East Timorese.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“I thank you for your timely decision to convene this meeting in response to the requests made by Brazil and Portugal. This is a critical and tragic moment for East Timor and the international community. We are dealing with an urgent and serious threat to international security. No words are needed to justify this meeting. Facts have already done so. We gather here today so that violence in East Timor may come to an end. We gather here today to restore respect for international norms. For that, we must find ways to induce the Indonesian Government to comply fully with the May Agreements. And, if necessary, we must consider additional action by the Council under the appropriate provisions of the Charter. We can no longer wait while there is disorder and chaos in East Timor and people are being massacred at the hands of criminal militias.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“The attention that should be drawn to such kinds of weapons has to do not only with their deadly potential, which has already proven to be enormous, but also with the fact they are easily carried by child soldiers. Political will and decisive action are required if we are to successfully prevent the children of the next generations from being stolen and their future ravaged by warfare. It is Brazil's hope that our efforts, on all the fronts I have just mentioned, shall be commensurate with the magnitude of the challenges before us. In this endeavour to protect our children from armed conflicts, it is the human condition itself that is at stake. Let us strive to ensure that children all over the world are the bearers of hope and confidence in a better future for all, and not victims of the perversity that humans are often capable of.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“Brazil will continue to lend its firm support to the development of a coherent strategy to meet the special needs of children affected by armed conflicts. We look forward to the completion of the drafting of an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflicts aimed at raising the minimum level of protection provided for in that Convention. In this connection, we have expressed on several occasions our concern at the use of landmines, which account for a great deal of deaths and casualties among children. Along with the ban of landmines, it is necessary to set in motion comprehensive programmes of mine clearance and mine awareness. Also in the field of disarmament, we should pay attention to the flow of small arms and light weapons as well.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“The Security Council must work in close coordination with the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, given their pivotal role in assuring appropriate assistance to children in need, especially in the context of post-conflict peacebuilding. We should also acknowledge the valuable work carried out by other United Nations agencies, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Most of this work is undertaken under extremely difficult circumstances and within limited budgets. I believe that the assistance provided by humanitarian workers sets an example for us all. Let us strive to assure that their abnegation serves to inspire our efforts at the national and international levels.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“When discharging its functions in matters related to international security, the Council should bear in mind the imperative of bringing to an end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts in violation of international law. We are aware of the importance of the four policy-related keywords concerning the use of children in armed conflicts: disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration. However, let us not forget those who are maimed, psychologically traumatized and orphaned regardless of their direct involvement in belligerence. No doubt, a greater degree of system-wide coordination within the United Nations is also essential in this regard.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“I very strongly support his views on the need for an endeavour of application to be launched so as to ensure that international norms and values are turned into practice. The Security Council must play its part in a much broader strategy to address the various dimensions of this urgent and dramatic problem. First of all, in dealing with situations of armed conflict, the Council should not lose sight of the special humanitarian needs of children. It is of paramount importance that the Security Council take into account the effects on the welfare of children of measures adopted under Article 41 of the United Nations Charter. Therefore, humanitarian exemptions may have to be considered as appropriate. Children are particularly vulnerable to gross violations of humanitarian law and constitute an easy target for all sorts of abuses.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“It is important to stress that these are groundbreaking developments that deserve praise. The paradox is that the positive trend represented by the readiness of the Security Council to keep on its agenda the issue of children and armed conflict is a direct result of the deteriorating situation on the ground. Unfortunately, our efforts still fall short of what is needed to end the grievous suffering of children affected by armed conflicts. We are grateful to Mr. Otunnu for his devotion to the cause of children and for his personal contribution to the significant progress that has been achieved in safeguarding their rights in areas of conflict. His reports paint a dire picture of the situation on the ground and emphasize the need for a broad-based approach to this issue.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“I should like to join my colleagues in welcoming you, Sir, and to say that we are honoured by your presence here today. Indeed, your presence here is inspiring because your life is an example in the struggle for the values of human rights and democracy. I also wish to congratulate you and Ambassador Andjaba on the timely initiative of holding this meeting, which reflects the devotion of Namibia to creating a more just and more humane international order. The statement made on 29 June last year by the President of the Security Council reflected a wide consensus on the need to address the plight of children affected by armed conflicts. This consensus made it possible to take a step further this year through the negotiation of a draft resolution on the matter.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“We are also particularly encouraged by the information regarding the readiness of Governments, international organizations and representatives of the diamond industry to support United Nations efforts to end the conflict in Angola. Finally, I hope that the adoption at this meeting, with the full support of the Security Council, of the recommendations of Ambassador Fowler's report would be a step in the direction of peace in Angola.”
1999-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4027 (1999) · source
“The Government of Angola deserves strong international support at this critical moment. The people of Angola need peace. I think that an essential step in the direction of peace is following the report presented by Ambassador Fowler, first of all because it would send a clear message to Savimbi that his only alternative is to lay down his arms and accept the obligations imposed by the Security Council. That is why my delegation supports all of the recommendations contained in the present report. We are sure that the panels, as conceived, would be a useful instrument to implement those recommendations and strengthen the sanctions regime against UNITA.”
1999-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4027 (1999) · source
“Last June the Security Council adopted resolution 1173 (1998), condemning the leadership of UNITA and holding it responsible for the present crisis in Angola due to its failure to implement its obligations under the Lusaka Protocol. By the same resolution, the Council imposed financial sanctions upon UNITA and adopted measures intended to curb official contacts and trade that benefit its leadership in the hope that these would have an impact on UNITA's attitude. Despite this strong action by the Security Council, the situation in Angola deteriorated. UNITA regained control of several localities and revealed its military strength. Brazil deeply regrets that after years of efforts to rebuild peace, Angola is once again suffering from the consequences of a civil war.”
1999-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4027 (1999) · source
“I should like first of all to join my colleagues in thanking Ambassador Fowler for his comprehensive briefing and report on his Visit to Europe and Algeria regarding the implementation of the sanctions against UNITA. Ambassador Fowler has invested great effort in trying to find ways to improve the implementation of the measures imposed against UNITA. His personal contribution to the work of the sanctions Committee represents a significant innovation and, I think, is Vital to peace and development in Angola. His recommendations are serious. They represent a perfect understanding of the goals of the sanctions Committee and create a solid basis for peace in Angola. I even think that the quality, creativity and comprehensiveness of his report are such that they somehow constrain the Council to make the sanctions more effective.”
1999-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4027 (1999) · source
“Furthermore, in regard to the question of coordinating efforts to resolve the refugee problem, what is your assessment of the coordination between your organization and the Organization of African Unity in the area of humanitarian and refugee matters?”
1999-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4025 (1999) · source
“Ogata, there has been a Visible increase in the demand for humanitarian services, especially from your Office. That increase has taken place not only because of the reality on the ground and the difficulty involved in tackling one of the roots of the problem, which is poverty, but also because the level of awareness of public opinion nowadays is higher than before. I would like you to comment on the other side of this question. What can you tell us about the supply of humanitarian services in Africa, especially with respect to donors' responses to these new challenges? More specifically, what do you think the Council could do, in concrete terms, to help you resolve this problem - which is real and which you presented so clearly - of the supply of humanitarian services in Africa?”
1999-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4025 (1999) · source
“Difficult as they may be to achieve, the main goals remain the same: the return and reintegration of refugees, the promotion of tolerance among different ethnic and religious groups, and support for confidence- building measures. Because of the magnitude of the African refugee problem, which I have already touched on, the tasks faced by Mrs. Ogata probably go beyond the means and the possibilities of UNHCR alone. Building a culture of peace in order to tackle these problems in the long run may require sharing complex responsibilities with different institutions. The Council has the fundamental goal of creating conditions for peace to prevail, and there can be no peace without strong foundations. In this connection, I would like to pose only one question to Mrs. Ogata. Mrs.”
1999-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4025 (1999) · source
“Ogata last May, when she briefed the Council on the plight of refugees in the Balkans. On that occasion, she reminded the Security Council not to overlook other refugee crises around the world. As a developing country whose population and culture have deep roots in Africa, Brazil is sympathetic to the calls for the international community, represented in this Organization better than anywhere else, to ShOW for the African crisis the same level of interest and political involvement displayed in other parts of the globe. As a member of the Security Council, we are very concerned at the impact of refugee flows on the stability of Africa, as well as at the infiltration of armed elements into the refugee settlements. The work of UNHCR is of paramount importance in both contexts.”
1999-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4025 (1999) · source
“This is the kind of job in the United Nations that deserves, intrinsically, the support and the respect of all Member States, for the assistance to refugees deals with coping with the suffering of human beings who have lost all their daily points of reference, sometimes becoming even indifferent to life, as someone remarked after Visiting a refugee camp in Angola. As was clear from what we heard in Mrs. Ogata's presentation, the refugee problem in Africa is a dramatic question. The situations described involve many different countries and a large number of displaced persons. There are signs of hope, but these are still few. Unfortunately, the complexity of war and the fragility of peace in Africa - as Mrs. Ogata stated last November - continue to lead to new flows of refugees. Brazil echoes the appeal made by Mrs.”
1999-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4025 (1999) · source
“I would like first of all to express the condolences of the Brazilian delegation at the passing away of King Hassan II of Morocco. My delegation would also like to say a word of admiration for his achievements as a great statesman and as a beloved leader of his people. I wish to extend a warm welcome to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mrs. Sadako Ogata, and to congratulate you, Mr. President, for having convened this public meeting. It is indeed a very useful exchange of ideas that we are carrying out today. Let my first words be to commend Mrs. Ogata's work as High Commissioner. Her work is being performed with such dedication and professional skill that it deserves the admiration of all of us.”
1999-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4025 (1999) · source
“As the Security Council resumes its rightful role in the handling of this crisis, there is even scope for hoping that a new inclination to find, within the Council, multilateral solutions to other serious problems affecting world security, will gradually emerge. Let me conclude by quoting the prominent Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, whose Funeral Chants for Kosovo suggest that (spoke in French) "Without hope, time passes far more slowly than when it is imbued with hope". (spoke in English) The traumatic experiences of the past 10 years will not be easily forgotten. But if an age of hope can now be imagined, it is up to the members of the Security Council, as participants in the only universally recognized organ in the field of peace and security, to ensure that Kosovo is allowed a new beginning.”
1999-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4011 (1999) · source
“Kofi Annan, that, in the future, countries will not have to choose between inaction and genocide, intervention and Council division. The Security Council and the entire United Nations system are now presented with a historic opportunity to demonstrate their unique capacity for legitimate joint action to promote reconciliation and stability, and to promote peace on the basis of international law. No doubt, the path ahead will be fraught with great challenges as an ambitious programme for a civil and security presence in Kosovo is put into place and a provisional administration for Kosovo is established. But we are confident that this is the correct way for the international community to proceed.”
1999-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4011 (1999) · source
“At the same time - and independent of the moral considerations invoked for these actions, with which we fully identify - problematic precedents have been set in the resort to military force without Security Council authorization. These have neither contributed to upholding the Council's authority nor improved the humanitarian situation. It is possible to hope that today's meeting will herald a new chapter for the countless Kosovars and others in the region whose lives have been shattered by the ravages of this bloody conflict. It is possible to hope that the Security Council will build upon this day to find a new blend of realism and idealism that will translate itself into greater wisdom and true effectiveness. It is possible to hope, together with the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1999-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4011 (1999) · source
“It is with a considerable measure of relief that my Government lends its support to a Security Council resolution that paves the way for the return of refugees to Kosovo under conditions of safety. We trust that these measures will lay the groundwork for putting an end to the enormous suffering that the inhabitants of the region have been subjected to in recent weeks and months. Thousands of lives have been lost. A large number of civilians have died or been wounded. More than a million remain displaced. Those who make it back to their former homes will, for the most part, be returning to destroyed villages. Even if a new regional agenda for cooperation takes hold, it will be years before any semblance of normality can be aspired to.”
1999-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4011 (1999) · source
“The Balkan wars of the 1990s have cast a tragic shadow over the expectations raised by the end of the cold war for a world of increased international cooperation for peace and security. They have wreaked havoc in south- eastern Europe and spread discord on a global scale. In dealing with the complex challenges posed by Bosnia and Kosovo, the Security Council has not always been able to devise the most effective strategies to reach its shared objectives of combating ethnic hatred and promoting regional stability. These have often been times of frustration for those who, like we in Brazil, remain just as firm in their rejection of the instruments of intolerance as they remain committed to preserving and strengthening the authority of the Security Council. Today we have perhaps reached a turning point.”
1999-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4011 (1999) · source
“Tensions in Kosovo have been simmering for a decade. In the month of June 1989, a policy shift on the part of the Belgrade authorities towards the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo marked the beginning of a cycle of intolerance in the former Yugoslavia. This shift would eventually lead to destruction and suffering in the Balkans on a scale not seen in Europe since the Second World War. At the core of this tide of violence were the policies of certain leaders who lost the capacity to understand the logic of peace. Instead of seeking unity in diversity, strength in pluralism and accommodation through dialogue, they resorted to discrimination and violence, without realizing, perhaps, that they were sowing the seeds of disruption of their own society.”
1999-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4011 (1999) · source