YouSaid · the spoken record

GAMBARI

lines on the record: 1,141
first: 1992-07-15
most recent: 2012-07-24
sittings or episodes: 98
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

“Let me briefly turn to the issue of the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes in a voluntary, appropriate and dignified manner. It is my firm conviction that the nexus between peace, security and development cannot be overemphasized when we contemplate the complex challenge of resolving the Darfur conflict in a sustainable and effective manner. The retention of an estimated 2.3 million inhabitants in IDP camps in Darfur constitutes a time bomb, as experiences elsewhere, such as in Lebanon and in Gaza, have demonstrated. One cannot permanently keep over 2 million people in IDP camps without experiencing some radicalization of the population and some extremism.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“In this context, I am pleased to report to the Council that during the reporting period, the Mission has not recorded any report of military activity or cross-border attacks. In line with their agreement, both countries have set up a joint border monitoring force comprising 1,500 soldiers from each country, a total of 3,000, formed to enhance cross-border security. The headquarters of the joint force is El Geneina, Western Darfur. I am also pleased to add that on 10 April 2010, the major border crossing point between the two countries, close to E1 Geneina in Western Darfur, reopened for transit and commercial activities, as many Chadian registered commercial vehicles have been spotted going across that border.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“We are doing this in the strong belief that it will contribute in no small measure to public acceptance and ownership of the outcome of the peace process, thereby making it sustainable. There are indications that the recent rapprochement between the Governments of Chad and Sudan, a development the Joint Chief Mediator and I have been working hard to support, is holding and has actually been strengthened. Efforts at facilitating and enhancing the implementation of the commitment made by both countries in pursuit of the agreed goals of their recent rapprochement are also continuing. I recently returned from a mission to N'Djamena, where I met President Deby with a view to facilitating and encouraging his commitment to the obligations undertaken by both countries on normalizing relations following the 15 January 2010 agreement between them.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“The participants agreed that the peace process in Doha should continue and that, building on the progress achieved in Doha, UNAMID should initiate and lead a complementary political process on the ground in Darfur - a kind of a home-grown process - to ensure the systematic and sustained engagement of all Darfurian stakeholders. Accordingly, UNAMID has begun to develop strategies and put in place mechanisms to systematically engage newly elected officials, IDPs, refugees, Arab tribes, traditional leaders and the native administration and, especially, women, young people and all other representatives of civil society on all issues relevant to peace and security and stability in Darfur. The goal is to reassure them of their ability to have input in the peace process and aid them in articulating their 10-36935 concerns.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“In this connection, I wish to note that the recent strategic review meeting of the African Union and the United Nations, as well as the consultative meeting between the two organizations and international partners engaged on Sudanese issues, held on 7 and 8 May in Addis Ababa, recognized and stressed the need for the Darfur political process to be "inclusive and to address all issues of concern to the people of Darfur, including peace and security, land issues, social and economic issues, justice and reconciliation".”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“I welcome the fact that the polling took place in a peaceful and orderly manner throughout the three states of Darfur, in spite of strong opposition voiced by the armed movements prior to the polling period. Despite certain flaws registered by the international observer missions, the fact of the matter is that we now three new Governors, 144 members of the three state assemblies in Darfur, and 72 representatives of Darfur in the National Assembly. It is therefore important and necessary in our view to factor this reality into the peace process in view of the fact that these are elected Darfurians. We also have to extend our efforts to cover such important stakeholders as IDPs and refugees, whose Views of the peace process may not have been sufficiently reflected in the electoral process.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“When relations are not good, of course we, and the people of West Darfur in particular, are the first victims. The fourth element of my vision is to enhance and facilitate support for recovery, reconstruction and development in Darfur. In that regard, I would like to emphasize that we are not going to do recovery and development, but we are going to be at the forefront of encouraging those who have the capabilities and the mandate to do development. I should also like to refer to the recently concluded elections in the Sudan, with specific reference to Darfur. Those elections have created new dynamics for the political process in Darfur.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“Secondly, we must provide more proactive support for the ongoing peace process, because I believe very strongly that we should not just sit in E1 Fasher and wait for a peace agreement to be concluded that we will then have to implement. Rather, we should inject ourselves into the peace process and talk with all the parties - the armed elements, the Government of the Sudan, the Government of Qatar, which is acting as facilitator, and the Joint Chief Mediator himself - so that we can get a comprehensive peace agreement as soon as possible. The third element of my vision is to facilitate the ongoing normalization of relations between Chad and the Sudan, because when those relations are good, we, as the people on the ground, are the beneficiaries.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“I seize this opportunity to appeal to those with the capabilities to please help us to build up these very essential assets. Without them, it will be difficult for the Mission to fulfil its full potential as envisaged in the founding Security Council resolutions. In View of the achievement of these substantial levels of deployment, consensus has emerged that UNAMID should now begin to shift focus from deployment-related issues to mandate implementation. Accordingly, since taking up my assignment in January, I have outlined the following four priorities as my vision and goals for the mission. First, we must enhance the security and safety of United Nations and humanitarian personnel, as well as protection for the civilian population and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This will remain the core mandate of UNAMID.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“Tactical helicopters provided by Ethiopia have arrived in-theatre and UNAMID is currently working with the Government of the Sudan on modalities and procedures for their use in both routine and emergency operations. Progress has also been made building up the 3 infrastructure needed to better enable the Mission to carry out its mandated activities. These advances have enabled the Mission to increase the frequency and range of military and police patrols, which provide increased presence and protection throughout the region. However, while most of the remaining military and police personnel are scheduled to arrive in-theatre within the coming months, critical enabling units such as military utility helicopters and aerial surveillance units have not yet been pledged by anyone to the Mission.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“In order to resume the negotiations, which were suspended during the elections period, the Joint Chief Mediator has invited all parties to Doha as of early June, and I would like to re-emphasize the need for all parties to remain engaged in the Doha peace talks. There is no alternative, in our View, to the peace talks if we are to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Darfur conflict sooner rather than later. On my arrival in Darfur, the Mission's deployment strength had reached an overall average of about 70 per cent. I am pleased to report that deployment has since increased to about 87 per cent for the military and 74 per cent for the civilian and police components, respectively, and efforts are being made to increase these figures by the end of this year.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“I have also made it clear in all my engagements that such attacks against peacekeepers constitute war crimes. Meanwhile, I continue to work closely with all relevant parties to see that the perpetrators of such cowardly acts are brought to justice promptly and that the neutrality, impartiality and inviolability of UNAMID personnel are respected by all. Significant challenges remain in the peace process itself, including the continuing insecurity, the lack of cohesion among the armed movements, the refusal of Abdul Wahid to participate in the peace talks, and limited progress made towards the establishment of durable ceasefire arrangements and, of course, of a comprehensive agreement.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“Also in Nyala, South Darfur, four South African police officers were 10-36935 abducted on 11 April and held in captivity for 16 days before they were released following intensive engagement by UNAMID with all stakeholders. Furthermore, on 14 May, a UNAMID local staff member was carjacked and held for more than 24 hours before being released. Most recently, on 18 May, three staff members of the international non-governmental organization Samaritan's Purse - two Sudanese male and one female international staff members - were abducted in Abu Ajura, close to Nyala, in South Darfur. In an attempt to thwart future recurrences of such incidents, I have given firm instructions to our troops and police contingents to respond more robustly to attacks.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“In this context, it is with grave concern that I must report that United Nations and humanitarian personnel continue to be targets of attacks and criminal acts. Indeed, the reporting period witnessed renewed attacks against UNAMID peacekeepers and cases of abduction and kidnappings. These include an attack on 18 February on a Pakistani formed police unit and, most recently, on 7 May, an attack on an Egyptian military patrol, both in South Darfur. I am saddened to report that, in these attacks, two Egyptian peacekeepers were killed, while seven Pakistani and three more Egyptian peacekeepers were seriously injured, some suffering permanent disabilities.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“I call upon all parties in Darfur to facilitate the access of UNAMID and the humanitarian community to places of recent fighting, such as Jebel Marra and Jebel Moon, so that we will be able to adequately assess and address the needs of the affected population. In line with these efforts, I have called upon the parties to refrain from fighting and to engage each other in dialogue rather than resort to violence. I am very much of the view that the Darfur crisis can be solved not through military means, because if it could have it should have, but through negotiations and the political process. I will continue to utilize every opportunity to impress this viewpoint on the parties. I did so on the occasion I met with Abdul Wahid Mohamed al-Nur in Paris in March to discuss issues of access and security in areas under his Movement's control.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“UNAMID has also received reports of renewed fighting since 6 May between the Government of the Sudan and the Abdul Wahid faction of the Sudan Liberation Army in the J ebel Marra area. Furthermore, tensions remain high in Southern and, most recently, also Western Darfur following recent incidences of inter-tribal fighting between the Misseriya and Nawaiba-Rizeigat tribes near Kas in Southern Darfur. These clashes have resulted in substantial civilian fatalities and the displacement of communities, and have hampered the delivery of humanitarian assistance. In response, UNAMID has been working at all levels to improve security and protection, facilitate improved access for humanitarian agencies to the affected areas and, in the cases of inter-tribal fighting, to support the reconciliation process.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“suspended its participation in the negotiations in early May in protest over alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Government. Indeed, the past weeks have been marked by violent clashes between the Government and JEM. in all three states of Darfur. On 13 May, JEM. launched attacks on a Government position, as well as on a convoy of commercial trucks escorted by Government forces, in the area of Muhajeria, South Darfur. On the following day, 14 May, the Government announced that, after two weeks of fighting, it had successfully dislodged JEM. from Jebel Moon, its stronghold in Western Darfur. That same day, UNAMID troops confirmed that JEM. had withdrawn from the area of Shangil Tobay in Northern Darfur, which it had 10-36935 recently occupied from the Minnie Minawi faction of the Sudan Liberation Army.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“In April, the mediation team conducted a number of capacity-building workshops for the armed movements in order to strengthen their cohesion, as well as their capacity and readiness to engage in direct negotiations with the Government. UNAMID provided experts, including on ceasefire arrangements and gender issues, to support the mediation's efforts. The mediation team and UNAMID also facilitated a workshop with the LJM. from 6 to 8 April on ceasefire implementation in order to enhance the common understanding of the mechanisms to be put in place, which are conducive to an effective ceasefire implementation. Unfortunately, despite several attempts by the mediation, the parties were not able to agree on a final peace agreement by the 15 March deadline or on a ceasefire implementation protocol. On the contrary, JEM.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“As outlined in the Secretary-General's report, Darfur has seen several positive developments since then. Notably, the Joint Chief Mediator achieved considerable progress in the Doha peace talks through the creation of the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM), merging members of the Sudan Liberation Movement-Revolutionary Forces (Tripoli Group) and part of the Road Map Group (Addis Ababa Group) into a single new movement under the leadership of Eltigani Seisi Mohamed Ateem, a prominent Darfurian politician who was at one time Governor of Darfur. This was followed by the signing of two Framework Agreements to Resolve the Conflict in Darfur between the Government and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the newly formed LJM. on 23 February and on 18 March, respectively.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“Mr. Gambari: I am very pleased and honoured to be here with the Council today to introduce the Secretary-General's latest report (S/20lO/213) on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The report covers the period from 1 February to 30 April and identifies the progress made and the challenges that remain in implementing UNAMID's mandate. It addresses the political process and the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur, and discusses the progress made on the benchmarks which the Council has previously identified and approved. As members of the Council are aware, I assumed my functions as Joint Special Representative for UNAMID on 22 January and arrived in El Fasher, the 2 capital of Darfur, on 25 January to take up residence there.”
2010-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6318 (2010) · source
“That is a challenge not just for the leadership of Iraq, but for all its communities. The United Nations will continue to stand by Iraq in this process.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Daily life for ordinary Iraqis remains a constant struggle, although their personal security may have improved in many parts of the country. Now more than ever, urgent steps need to be taken to broaden the national reconciliation process and find solutions that will support a sustainable peace. That will require courage, brave leadership and often painful decisions and compromises, but the ultimate reward would be a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iraq. Addressing fundamental issues such as the sharing of resources, the future federal nature of the Iraqi State and the resolution of disputed internal boundaries requires wisdom, patience and strong political will. It is ultimately up to the Iraqis to make the right choices and build a sustainable and lasting peace.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“The Secretary-General therefore appeals to all Member States to continue contributing to the trust fund to ensure that the distinct entity is well funded at least until the end of the year and possibly beyond. We also encourage Member States to provide additional military advisers to the Mission in Iraq as a critical component to expanding our presence inside the country. We thank the Government of Iraq for its offer of a suitable site for its new integrated compound in Baghdad and look forward to finalizing those arrangements. In conclusion, despite continued progress in many areas, it should not be forgotten that Iraq is still a country in transition, recovering from three conflicts over the past 30 years. The people of Iraq have suffered immensely under the heavy burdens of dictatorship, war and neglect.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Indeed, despite the security challenges, under the leadership of Special Representative De Mistura, UNAMI continues to expand its presence and activities inside Iraq. The United Nations remains heavily reliant on the support of Member States for protection and support. For example, a distinct entity was established in 2004 under the unified command of the Multinational Force, with a dedicated mission to provide security for the United Nations presence in Iraq. A trust fund was established at that time to accept and administer contributions from Member States in support of that force. To date, there are only enough funds to cover its operation costs until the end of August 2008.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“UNAMI and the United Nations country team have been working together to consider ways to increase the level of support and reach inside the country. One notable effort has been to visit Ramadi to evaluate the local conditions on the ground for establishing a United Nations presence in the Al Anbar governorate and to assess what contribution the United Nations could make locally. Similar visits are expected to take place across the country during the course of the year. The United Nations hopes that it can not only increase the delivery of assistance throughout country, but also provide capacity-building and technical assistance to local governments. The Secretary-General is committed to seeing the United Nations do more in Iraq under resolution 1770 (2007).”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“The United Nations welcomes the recent actions of the Government of Iraq in that regard, particularly the confirmation of its contribution of $40 million to the United Nations country team's country consolidated appeal to support the World Food Programme in providing food assistance to vulnerable groups in Iraq and the $195 million that the Government recently earmarked to support the return of displaced Iraqis. For its part, the United Nations is developing a programme for refugee return to ensure that the Government of Iraq and aid agencies are ready when the conditions are ripe for that to take place. Iraq's reconstruction remains a top priority for the United Nations. As the security situation improves, there will be growing demands to meet the basic needs of ordinary Iraqis, including jobs and services.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“We must also redouble our efforts to alleviate the suffering of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, not only on humanitarian grounds, but also because this has regional repercussions. We believe that, together with the Government of Iraq and the wider international community, the United Nations can help host countries, particularly Jordan and Syria, cope until safe and voluntary return is possible. The United Nations country team has been focusing on providing host countries with humanitarian and technical assistance, and the country representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Iraq has now been posted full-time in Baghdad.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“In the past weeks, the UNAMI Human Rights Office has focused its monitoring and advocacy activities on addressing the needs of Iraqi civilians who reside in the areas where intense fighting has taken place in recent months. UNAMI is hopeful that it will gain access to places of detention in order to better assess the plight of detainees, who could possibly include minors. Although much has been accomplished in Iraq, a great deal more remains to be done to promote the protection of human rights and the rule of law. In that regard, UNAMI is assisting the Government of Iraq in drafting legislation and establishing important institutions, including a national human rights commission, while continuing to build capacity and actively support the work of the Ministry of Human Rights.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“We very much welcome these developments and hope that other regional States will explore such opportunities for turning the regional dialogue process into a real partnership based on reciprocal obligations, mutual interests and concrete cooperation in the diplomatic, political, economic and cultural areas. In accordance with its mandate, UNAMI is committed to supporting the process of regional dialogue through the ad hoc support mechanism. Through that mechanism, the United Nations is providing targeted assistance to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen its capacity to promote regional dialogue, support the three regional working groups - on border security, energy and refugees - and to prepare for future ministerial meetings.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“There are hopeful signs that progress is being made in the regional dialogue on Iraq as well. Since the last expanded ministerial meeting of Iraq and its neighbours, held in Kuwait on 22 April, there appear to be increased efforts to strengthen cooperation between Iraq and its neighbours on a number of issues. The United Nations welcomes contacts between Turkey and Iraq at various levels to discuss political, security and economic cooperation. Following the Stockholm Conference, some Member States in the region - Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates - have indicated their intention to appoint ambassadors to Iraq in the very near future.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“The Government of Iraq took advantage of this opportunity to send a strong message to the international community that Iraq is a country with substantial resources and is looking for mutually beneficial partnerships with other countries in order to expand its human resource capacities and to unlock the economic potential of its resources. Regional and international cooperation in this area could bring enormous rewards to everyone involved. Indeed, we believe that the Compact can be raised to a new level of engagement, sustained by a strong partnership based on trade, economic exchange and investments. The Stockholm Declaration, adopted at the end of the Conference, highlighted the progress attained by the Government of Iraq in the most difficult circumstances and identified areas where progress needed to be achieved in the next year.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“In the face of the many challenges facing the Iraqi people, the support of the international community, and of neighbouring countries in particular, is essential for the stability of Iraq. On the international front, on 29 May the first annual review of the Compact was hosted by the Government of Sweden in Stockholm. Co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Iraq and the Secretary-General, the Review Conference was the latest in a series of events marking Iraq's re-engagement with the international community, and it marked a new phase in the relations between Iraq and its international partners.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“In this regard, UNAMI has held talks with Iraqi interlocutors to facilitate agreement on outstanding political issues that remain in dispute, either within the Constitutional Review Committee itself or at higher political levels. These elements include the respective powers of the presidency, the governorates and the regions; the constitutional underpinnings of hydrocarbon revenue and wealth-sharing; and the resolution of disputed internal boundaries. These consultations come at an important juncture, before the Constitutional Review Committee submits its report to the Council of Representatives, which is expected to occur before the end of the legislative session at the end of June.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“UNAMI also continues to support the Commission in technical preparations for governorate elections, including the printing of materials for voter registration, the training of over 8,500 Commission staff to implement the registration process, the planning and logistics of governorate elections, and the carrying out of public outreach. Consultations have also taken place with security forces to ensure that governorate elections are conducted safely. The United Nations strongly believes that the constitutional review process remains an important mechanism through which Iraqi communities can enshrine a national political agreement on the fundamental elements of the Iraqi State.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“UNAMI has been working closely with the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq on planning for an upcoming voter registration update and governorate council elections before the end of this year. These events would mark yet another milestone in achieving a representative and inclusive democracy in Iraq. However, the Council of Representatives has yet to approve a new election law that would serve as a basis for future elections. A number of issues are still under discussion, and the United Nations hopes that special provisions can be made to allow for the inclusion in the political process of internally displaced persons, women and minority groups. The electoral law must be passed by mid-July in order for the elections to take place this year.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Resolving the status of Kirkuk is central to any effort to address disputed internal boundaries in Iraq. UNAMI has recently established a presence in Kirkuk and will continue to engage with all communities to work towards possible solutions for resolving the question of the administrative jurisdiction and status of Kirkuk. This is no easy undertaking; it will require time, patience and hard decisions and compromises on the part of the Iraqi leadership, including the development of political and constitutional processes that are acceptable to all major stakeholders. The United Nations stands ready to assist in that process, but the process must be centred on dialogue among Iraqis. Decisions on disputed boundaries will be made by Iraqis, and Iraqis alone.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to update the Council on UNAMI activities in each of those key areas. On 5 June 2008, UNAMI presented its first set of analyses regarding Iraq's disputed internal boundaries, focusing on four specific districts in northern Iraq. During the press conference, Special Representative De Mistura explained the underlying methodology and stressed the need for Iraqi ownership of the process. UNAMI is determined to help the parties concerned find an acceptable process to resolve the country's disputed areas, bearing in mind that the Government of Iraq alone has the sovereign responsibility to make decisions about this complex matter. UNAMI is also looking at ways to promote confidence-building measures in communities that remain divided and that remain suspicious of one another's intentions.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“In another positive development, on 20 May, Turkoman representatives ended their 18-month boycott of the Kirkuk Provincial Council. We are therefore hopeful that these and other efforts will create a positive momentum towards national reconciliation. For its part, the United Nations remains committed to carrying out its mandate under resolution 1770 (2007). Under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq has stepped up its effort to assist Iraq in a number of areas, including political facilitation, the resolution of disputed internal boundaries, constitutional and electoral assistance, human rights and humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction and development assistance.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“The situation, however, remains fragile, because ordinary Iraqis continue to face the threat of violence in the form of terrorist attacks, sectarianism or criminal acts and Violations of human rights, which continue to occur. The delivery of essential services must also be urgently improved in order to help the average Iraqi family cope with daily life. In order to secure the gains that have been made on the economic and security fronts, urgent steps are needed to pursue political dialogue and reach lasting solutions. There are indications that some progress is being made in this regard as well. Important talks on the return of the leading Sunni bloc, Tawafuq, to the Government are apparently progressing well.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“There is indeed new hope that the people and the Government of Iraq have started to overcome daunting challenges and to work together at rebuilding their country after decades of dictatorship, neglect and conflict. As noted in the Secretary-General's report in April (S/2008/266), there were security improvements in many parts of the country, and that encouraging trend has continued since. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the Government of Iraq and other stakeholders, we have seen steady progress in improving the capacity of Iraqi security forces, curbing the activities of militias and other armed groups and strengthening the rule of law in Basra, Baghdad, Mosul and other places.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Mr. Gambari: I thank you, Mr. President, and the members of the Council for this opportunity to brief you, on behalf of the Secretary-General, on the latest developments in Iraq since his last report pursuant to resolution 1770 (2007), issued in April. May I also warmly welcome the presence of Mr. Hoshyar Zebari in our midst today. The focus of this briefing will be on activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in accordance with its mandate. Speaking at the first annual Review Conference of the International Compact with Iraq, held on 29 May in Stockholm, with some 103 delegations from around the world in attendance, the Secretary-General said that if he were to use one word in connection with the situation in Iraq today he would use the word "hope".”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Finally, encouraging the Myanmar authorities to reverse a policy mind-set that has lasted this long can be challenging, but it is imperative that we continue to do so with persistence and patience - but with legitimate expectations of tangible results from the process of engagement.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“I therefore approach every encounter with the Myanmar authorities with one goal in mind, namely, to sustain the process we have begun: to continue to prod the Myanmar authorities to constructively engage the domestic political interests, notably the opposition, with a view to moving the political process forward; and to encourage them to respond in a tangible manner and in ways that the international community will deem meaningful and progressive towards the realization of the objectives that we all share. Those are - and it needs to be repeated - a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Myanmar with full respect for the human rights of its people.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“The United Nations is Myanmar's preferred interlocutor for engaging with the international community and the region. That is why now is the time for the international community as a whole to remain united in support of the Secretary-General's good offices, in order to ensure that Myanmar's interests and concerns are addressed in a way that is both credible to its own people and acceptable to the international community. In pursuing the good offices role on behalf of the Secretary-General, I consider it my underlying responsibility to press the Myanmar authorities on the critical and very thorny issues.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“The United Nations, through the good offices role of the Secretary-General and with the support of the international community, will continue to seek to work as partners with the Government and people of Myanmar. I therefore look forward to our continued dialogue and engagement with a view to strengthening our cooperation through tangible results. Over the past two years, the unique comparative advantages of the Secretary-General's good offices have been demonstrated in various ways. The United Nations remains the only international actor to maintain face-to-face dialogue with Myanmar's leaders on the need for further efforts towards national reconciliation, democracy and human rights. The United Nations is the only outsider to maintain access to both the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and to act as a go-between between the two.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“That is why it is in Myanmar's interest for the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as other relevant parties, to be able to engage without delay in a substantive and time-bound dialogue, so that the foundations for achieving inclusive national reconciliation and democracy can be laid today. That is also why it is in the interest of Myanmar to develop now the instruments for sustainable development, without which there can be no durable peace and stability. The United Nations recognizes that, ultimately, the Government and people of Myanmar are responsible for their country's future. How it chooses to exercise its sovereignty - either in isolation from or in partnership with the international community - is therefore up to Myanmar.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“But while a referendum and elections are milestones in any transition to civilian and democratic rule, they are not ends in themselves. It is important in this regard to remember that Myanmar is a country that has experienced nearly sixty years of armed conflict between the Government and multiple armed opponents, that there remain more than two dozen armed groups in the country and that the Government and the large majority of armed groups have agreed to ceasefires in the past fifteen years. In order to succeed, any formal process requires political conditions that are conducive to ensuring broad and free participation in the country's transition, so that all can become stakeholders in the future of their country.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“With the Government committed to implementing its road map, the United Nations has consistently argued that a credible and inclusive process can and should offer realistic prospects for advancing the shared objectives of sustainable peace, national reconciliation, democracy and respect for human rights in Myanmar. That is why it is in Myanmar's interest to ensure that the upcoming referendum and elections are as credible and inclusive as possible, in accordance with international norms and standards. And that is why it is incumbent on all sides to be forward-looking and make the most of the opportunities before them by demonstrating maximum flexibility, to make the process work in the interest of all the people of Myanmar.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“Since then, the National Convention has laid down the principles to be enshrined in a new draft constitution. Subsequently, a Constitution Drafting Committee was established, which completed the task of drafting the draft constitution. On 9 February, for the first time, the Government announced a timeline for the implementation of its road map. A nationwide referendum on the draft constitution will be held in May and will be the fourth step in the road map, followed upon ratification by multi-party democratic elections in 2010, the fifth step. This would be the first general election in twenty years.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“This latest mission confirms that the principles of engagement that have guided our efforts so far and that have been broadly endorsed, including by members of this Council, remain as relevant as ever. As a process, the Secretary-General's good offices are inevitably subject to ups and downs. That is why, despite the lack of immediate, tangible results, this latest visit should be assessed within the broader context of our efforts over the past two years. Only two years ago, high-level dialogue between the United Nations and Myanmar was non-existent. Similarly, only six months ago, there was no mechanism for promoting dialogue between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Furthermore, by the time the Secretary-General's good offices role resumed in 2006, Myanmar was still at the first step of its road map.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source