YouSaid · the spoken record

Francese

lines on the record

28

first

1999-12-15

most recent

2000-10-26

sittings or episodes

3

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un-security-council

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1. “It is my hope that inter-ethnic relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon come to be more similar to those in Switzerland than they are at present.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

2. “Italy hopes that they will dedicate themselves fully and resolutely to economic reform so that investors who are interested in a country that could become increasingly attractive for enterprises can participate, in a market context, in the economic and social progress of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We hope that the Sarajevo authorities will show the same commitment to inter-ethnic integration, including inter-ethnic integration in military structures. Here, Italy has offered to help promote more harmonious cooperation in the military sector, and that offer remains open. I noted that early in his statement Ambassador Petritsch spoke of the ideal example of intercultural and inter-ethnic relations in Switzerland.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

3. “The democratic developments in Belgrade are a win-win situation for the entire region, and we hope that the democratic advances in Belgrade will have a positive influence on inter-ethnic relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Clearly all of us, including the parties themselves, must each pull our weight. First and foremost, the international community must continue actively to address the needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In terms of bilateral relations, the countries near to the South-Eastern region will need to continue to develop focused initiatives for political as well as economic cooperation in support of this process. This is true, of course, for the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

4. “In particular, we hope that this will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the Council of Europe as soon as possible. Another step forward to which we are paying great heed is the Zagreb summit ofthe European Union and the countries of South-Eastern Europe, to be held on the initiative of the French presidency of the European Union to mark the recent beginnings of a convergence that could also involve Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbour, Croatia. The democratic developments we have seen in Belgrade can contribute not only to harmonious integration of all countries of the region in a European context, but also, we very much hope, to strengthening State institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

5. “Speaking in a broader political context, we can say once again that the light at the end of the tunnel is represented by the prospect of integration into Europe, as was noted by our head of Government and President of the National Council, Mr. Amato, who, along with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Economy, visited Belgrade right after President Kostunica was inaugurated. All the peoples of South-East Europe, including President Kostunica's Yugoslavia, which has chosen democracy, want and are able to grow closer to the European community. The electoral process is obviously a decisive milestone down that path, particularly with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we expect to see manifestations of this option at the elections of 11 November, and further progress later on.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

6. “Like the High Representative, we are particularly pleased with the growing success of activities against corruption, as well as with the initiatives he has undertaken and coordinated with regard to promoting economic reform. The situation of refugees does not seem as promising, but this is an area in which the will of individuals has at least as much weight as that of public initiatives taken by international authorities and by those of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main thing continues to be strengthening institutions, an area in which there has been clear progress but in which very serious questions remain. In this regard, we hope that the elections of 11 November will illustrate that progress is possible in the strengthening of institutions. We wish to thank Ambassador Petritsch for his very candid and detailed presentation.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

7. “Throughout our time in Bosnia and Herzegovina we have always noted the great importance of the coordinating and initiating role played by the High Representative, Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch, who, along with Ambassador Klein, is one of the first pillars of international solidarity with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his presentation today, for which we very much thank him, Ambassador Petritsch shared with us some observations that inspire great hope in us while also warning us of the need for heightened vigilance. There is both light and shadow in the situation, as we can see clearly in the four basic areas he mentioned.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

8. “This commitment was carried out through decentralized initiatives at cooperation that involved the participation of cities, regions and representatives of Italian civil society, and their counterparts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along with that, I should also mention the involvement of the Italian army and the special forces of the carabinieri police, which, in the context of the International Police Task Force and the Multinational Specialized Unit are developing a new service in accordance with the new standards of police professionalism in international missions. Those standards are considered as important elements when we talk of reorganizing United Nations peace operations.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

9. “That is precisely one of the goals that was very clearly highlighted quite recently in the report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations, led by former Algerian Foreign Minister Brahimi. I have taken note of the very interesting comments that have been made around the table today, and merely wish to add a few brief observations to ensure that this practice, which is being given such concrete form today, contributes directly to advancing the work of the Council and not to hindering the efficacy of its deliberations. First of all, I would like to point out that during the last five years Italy has contributed about $110 million to the social and economic reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

   2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

10. “Mr. Francese (Italy) (spoke in French): Allow me first of all to express Italy's appreciation for the decision you personally, Mr. President, and the other members of the Security Council, have made today to make possible the presence today at this meeting of the countries most directly interested in the development of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and particularly for making it possible for Italy to participate actively in this debate. The positive response to our request to participate along with other relevant actors in connection with the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a step forward towards transparency in the work of the Security Council and towards more active participation by countries that can make positive contributions to peacekeeping missions.”

    2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source

11. “It will take the form of a seminar, hosted in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and devoted to the role of universities in humanitarian assistance and the peace process in crisis areas. This will be a great occasion to underline that culture, and universities in particular, are the best way to build bridges of peace. And speaking of bridges, in conclusion, we cannot forget that the pseudo-culture of disintegration has led to the destruction of the Mostar bridge, which was a unique testimony to the dialogue of culture among civilizations. In this context, the reconstruction of the bridge is emblematic of the rebirth of the city of Mostar, a development that should rightly spur efforts in other areas of the city and of the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

12. “In this regard, I must recall the special professional background of the Italian corps of carabinieri engaged in the country, who have a dual professional profile, acting as both policemen and soldiers. They have been placed in the International Police Task Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, above all, in the multinational specialized unit of the Stabilization Force, in Kosovo and in other regions of the world. Finally, culture and education also deserve a focus in the efforts of integration. To this end, a cultural initiative is being organized by the Italian Government in collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations and with the universities of Sarajevo and of Rome.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

13. “The conference will focus on safeguarding the environment and water resources, navigation and cooperation, cultural and tourist cooperation and the fight against crime, which comes from across the Adriatic and is a threat to law and order in my country, too. Criminality and corruption squeeze economic growth and block private international investment. A commitment to this sector would thus foster both the domestic growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its international integration. We must underline the fact that Italy considers with great interest the observation in the report of the Secretary-General on UNMIBH's need for more security in order for it to be more efficient in its police and judiciary functions.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

14. “On 19 and 20 May this year, the city of Ancona will host a conference for the development and security of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The participants will include the leading officials of the European Union and the Foreign Ministers of Adriatic and Ionian countries, including, obviously, the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is an Adriatic country. Italian civil society has a long-standing commitment to the grass-roots integration of the region. An early example was the extensive programme of decentralized cooperation implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As further evidence, the Presidents of the regions of the Italian east coast will also be in Ancona.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

15. “Inter- entity military cooperation can lead to the creation of joint units that will participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations elsewhere, in other parts of the world. The Secretary-General's report notes interesting progress in this regard, and Italy, for its part, has just invited a mixed battalion from Bosnia and Herzegovina, consisting of personnel from the three ethnic groups, to participate, together with a brigade of Italian paratroopers, in peacekeeping manoeuvres in Italian territory for two weeks. This will be the first test of joint exercises involving the different ethnic units of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this context, it is also fitting to recall two initiatives in favour of the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into its natural European context.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

16. “In Rome in 1998, Italy also sponsored the Diplomatic Conference for the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. Now, while awaiting completion of the signing and ratification process, we are actively promoting the work of the Court's Preparatory Commission, aimed at defining aggression and the rules of procedure, and we applaud the commitment in particular of the Bosnian delegation to this end. The other aspect is that of the armed forces. Pursuant to the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and the New York Declaration, we can also make a concrete contribution to the integration of the armed forces in that country. The armed forces still in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be transformed from divisive elements into forces for internal and external integration.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

17. “New outside enemies have been invented for the sake of keeping power inside societies, and this trend must now be reversed. Diversity must no longer be seen as a threat. Recent developments in Croatia have moved precisely in the right direction and shown the way. Allow me to describe some of the priorities of the Italian Government in pursuing these goals. On the domestic integration front, we are strongly involved in two key sectors: justice and military cooperation. As regards justice, the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina led Italy, in 1993, to present the draft statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The first President of the Tribunal was an Italian citizen, magistrate and judge, Antonio Cassese.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

18. “I would like to add that, last July, Sarajevo became the location of the summit that launched the Stability Pact, an ambitious project that involves the countries of the region in an economic and political reconstruction policy aimed at their complete integration into the European context. The key objective of my statement today is integration - a discussion of integration against the background of still-active forces of disintegration. I would like to emphasize that there are two paramount goals: integration within Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into its natural geopolitical context, which is that of Europe. Thus far, the forces of disintegration have prevailed, fomented by what Nobel laureate John Hume has called the seeds of war.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

19. “First of all, I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's meeting, through which the Bangladesh presidency is helping make the Security Council more effective and fully consistent with the spirit and letter of Article 31 of the Charter, as well as of article 37 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Council. The international community's success in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fundamental test for the region as a whole. As Carl Bildt recalled, the only way to address crisis areas is through a regional approach. The Permanent Representative of Portugal has already effectively described the central role that the European Union plays in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Italy fully endorses his statement.”

    2000-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4117 (2000) · source

20. “We want to reverse the impression that has been voiced authoritatively in the General Assembly, even of late, by one of the prominent permanent representatives of Africa to the United Nations when he said that the arguments often advanced for inaction or delays had led Africans to believe that there was selective treatment from the Security Council and that the United Nations as a whole was discriminating against Africa. It is the responsibility of all of us, especially those countries better equipped in terms of national means and resources - and all Member States in any case - to ensure that a different message gets out - namely, that the United Nations is prepared to stake its credibility on Africa.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

21. “We hope that another such meeting will be convened at the beginning of the coming year, this time with the participation of the Organization of African Unity and of the subregional organizations most concerned. In the end, we appreciate most of the proposals advanced today and fully endorse the pragmatic ideas that the Secretary-General himself presented at the opening of this meeting. Now, words must be turned into action. Words must be turned into steps to shorten the time it takes for the Council to act and grant greater authority and effectiveness to its actions to find solutions to specific crises.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

22. “For instance, we deem to be very useful mechanisms established to bring together here at the United Nations countries and organizations interested in specific countries, such as happened in the cases of Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Somalia. We support greater use of contact groups and special conferences. In this regard, we feel that it might be advisable to ensure in these cases the presence of the European Union Presidency, due to the role that Europe as a whole plays in Africa in cooperation and other efforts. In particular, the special meeting convened on 21 January 1999 by the Secretariat, in coordination with the OAU, addressed ways and means of supporting African peacekeeping capacity.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

23. “I would refer to how the Security Council itself can take better initiatives, for instance in the way of missions in areas of crisis. I would just give a word of warning. In this instance, the Security Council should take better account of what has already been done by subregional organizations and groups of interested countries active in specific areas of crisis because they are located there or because they have historical or other links of interest and cooperation with that very area. The second comment I would like to make is that we welcome a focus on existing political resources. Of course, we welcome attempts to prevent overlapping or duplication of mediation efforts. At the same time, we support initiatives to focus the resources of all interested actors on a common effort within the framework of the United Nations.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

24. “I will not return to a point that has been widely addressed tonight and I can but underline the validity of proposals made on how to reinforce the readiness of the United Nations in the field of finances for peacekeeping. Also, you yourself mentioned, Sir, and quite rightly - we could not be in greater agreement with you - the need for better logistical readiness. Here again, this is an area where more can be done along the lines of what has already been done in similar areas. I would just refer to the existence of a logistics base for humanitarian intervention that is located in the middle of the Mediterranean area, very close to most of the peace and security crises that have erupted of late. Something along the same lines could be done to ensure a better readiness of equipment for peacekeeping interventions.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

25. “Otherwise, the proliferation of initiatives would threaten to create more problems than solutions. At this stage, Sir, allow me to enter into an interactive mode with you, because you made some very interesting proposals at the beginning of this meeting. You referred to how illegal trafficking worsens some specific regional and subregional crises in Africa. I should like to refer to the case of United Nations organs, such as the sanctions committees, that are sometimes not used to their full potential. We have examples of sanctions committees that have not been used for an extended number of years. Also, you referred to the Security Council's need for better readiness to act in connection with various crises. Readiness would require, first of all, financial resources.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

26. “We can consider that the Charter contains a number of instruments that can be optimized. I might refer, for instance, to Article 65, which has a history of not being employed. I would refer, too, to another initiative and proposal which was advanced in the General Assembly by the President of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) himself, who emphasized the role of the open-ended working group that the General Assembly decided at its fifty-third session to set up but has not yet acted on. This working group could make sure that Africa remains at the top of the priorities of the United Nations. As the Secretary-General himself pointed out in his address of 8 December, the working group should consolidate and ensure the consistency of efforts to implement such a high priority.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

27. “I can mention here epidemics, smuggling, minority problems and other social and economic weaknesses that the United Nations has to tackle with all the powers, instruments and mechanisms at its disposal. The second reason, of course, is that we appreciate how the British delegation, in charge of the presidency of the Security Council this month, decided to hold this meeting with modalities that allow a wide representation of Member States to express their views in such a very important forum as the Security Council. Allow me to say at the beginning of my brief statement that we endorse fully what was said earlier by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. I therefore wish to confine my comments to two basic areas. The first is better use of existing mechanisms and instruments of the Charter.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source

28. “I am particularly glad to be speaking at the end of this very interesting debate because this has been an occasion for learning, an occasion for developing further new ideas on how to tackle an area of the world that is at the centre of the interest and affections of my own country. We are also particularly glad to work under your guidance tonight in this debate, Sir, for two reasons. The first is the substance of the issue, which is very central and very topical to the interests and responsibilities of the United Nations. The topical character of the African issue resides not solely in military threats to peace and security in that region, but also in the many non-military threats.”

    1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source