YouSaid · the spoken record

Gaspar Martins

lines on the record: 1,225
first: 2002-04-23
most recent: 2016-11-23
sittings or episodes: 177
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

“Security Council resolution 1327 (2000), which embodies the follow-up to the recommendations of the Brahimi report (S/2000/809), the reports of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the report of the Secretary-General to the fifty-eighth session of the General Assembly under agenda item 85 (A/58/694) all provide us with a useful catalogue of priorities, as well as with food for thought. Support by Member States for the United Nations Standby Arrangements System also provides a very significant way of strengthening United Nations capacity for rapid deployment. While peacekeeping operations should not be used as a substitute for addressing the root causes of conflict, they should, in the meantime, address all challenges in a comprehensive way.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“That will result in a substantial increase in the number of peacekeepers, as well as in a demand for additional financial, administrative and logistics resources for the exit strategies of existing missions and for support of the new ones. This meeting today is a very good opportunity to review our peacekeeping record and to look into ways of improving it. Some very valid proposals have been offered by previous speakers, and the Security Council may be advised to revisit some of those suggestions in the near future.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“The capabilities of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations have been reinforced and the United Nations Standby Arrangements System has been strengthened. We can draw lessons from the rich experiences gained in a wide variety of peacekeeping theatres since 1948, the central one being that the international community needs to ensure that any given peacekeeping mission is provided with adequate financial and other necessary resources, but particularly political support, so that it can succeed and complete its assigned tasks. The United Nations is fielding 15 peacekeeping missions with about 53,000 peacekeepers and a very significant budget worldwide. Over the next few months, new peacekeeping operations will be deployed in Haiti and in Burundi.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“Mr. President, it is a great pleasure to see you chairing this important meeting of the Security Council on a subject to which your country's proactive interest and dedication are well known. We therefore thank the Pakistani presidency and you personally, Mr. President, for the initiative to hold this public meeting on United Nations peacekeeping operations. The earlier presence of the Secretary-General and the depth of the opening remarks have provided us with very meaningful orientation for our debate. In recent years, the United Nations has made considerable progress in peacekeeping. The foundation for a new approach has been laid. Remarkable results have been achieved in Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kosovo and East Timor, to mention but a few.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“The role played by the international community, and particularly by the neighbouring countries, in providing financial and technical support for post-conflict peace-building and the development of Bougainville is to be commended. In the present context, the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville enjoys the best political conditions for continuing to assist the Government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to fully implement the Peace Agreement, to hold elections and to achieve the ultimate goal of the establishment of an autonomous Government in Bougainville. My delegation is confident that the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville will continue to work closely with the United Nations Development Programme and other United Nations bodies to advance the peace-building process in Bougainville.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“While the progress attained is encouraging, the successful implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement will require further efforts to conclude the constitutional process and to create a level of security conducive to the holding of elections. In this regard, we commend the efforts deployed by the Government of Papua New Guinea and its commitment to implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement. At this crucial stage of the peace process, economic and social development is among the priorities for the achievement of a lasting and sustainable peace. We encourage the donor community to assist Bougainville in creating the needed infrastructure and opportunities for economic recovery and development in order to support autonomy and strengthen peace and prosperity for all.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“We noted with satisfaction that the third stage of the weapons disposal plan is moving forward satisfactorily, and we hope that this process can be concluded by the end of June, thereby ensuring a Bougainville free of weapons and the sustainability of the peace process. The delegation of police functions and powers pursuant to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the strengthening of the law and justice sector and public administration, and the progress made in the negotiation of a draft constitution for the autonomous Bougainville Government are remarkable achievements to be credited to the people of Papua New Guinea and to the Bougainvilleans.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“I join previous speakers in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and also in congratulating Ambassador Gunter Pleuger and the German delegation for their excellent work during their presidency of the Council during the very busy month of April. I should like also to express appreciation to Mr. Danilo Turk for his comprehensive presentation, for the progress achieved in the Bougainville peace process and for the good prospects for tackling the challenges ahead. My delegation welcomes the progress achieved in the three crucial areas of the Bougainville peace process: the disposal of weapons, the constitutional process and the future political status of the Bougainville islands.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The follow-up mechanism on the implementation of the resolution and on the issue not yet resolved might be an object of creative approaches in today's debate whose outcome will surely be very useful for the improvement of the work on the draft resolution under consideration by the Security Council. I therefore commend you, Mr. President, for holding such a debate today. The fundamental outcome in the process of the resolution's adoption is that the international community shares a common vision on this subject matter and that the Security Council reaches a strong consensus on the need and on the provisions of the resolution to be eventually adopted.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The draft resolution which is the object of our consideration today, aimed at denying access of non-State actors and terrorists to weapons of mass destruction, is in accord with the objectives stated in resolution 1373 (2001). Its adoption will constitute a new landmark in the global fight against terrorism and in the ability of the Security Council to lead the fight against such threats. We believe that open debates of the Security Council such as the one we are holding today are necessary and timely. They contribute to mutual understanding and to the broad expression of views on subjects of great importance to international life - outstanding issues such as the issue of arms control and disarmament and international nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The mandate conferred upon it by the United Nations Charter entitles the Security Council to play the leading role in this global fight against terrorism. Accordingly, we welcome the Council's decision to consider the adoption of a resolution on these matters in the context of a widely felt urgency to fill the existing gap in international law relating to the current non- proliferation regimes in preventing chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them from falling into the hands of non-State actors, especially terrorist groups. By adopting resolution 1373 (2001), the Security Council took the unprecedented step of bringing into force legislation binding all States on the issue of combating terrorism.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The regime established by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is of particular relevance. Strengthening the effectiveness of the comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguard system is another important contribution to such endeavours. The draft resolution subject of our consideration today takes stock of the disarmament concerns that should be strengthened by reaffirming the need for all Member States to fulfil their obligations in relation to arms control and disarmament in all its aspects. The terrorist attacks on 11 September conferred a greater sense of urgency on the required common effort to prevent the ability of terrorist organizations to acquire nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“To prevent the access of terrorists and non-State actors to weapons of mass destruction, related materials and their means of delivery is a new challenge to non-proliferation efforts and a recognized priority to be addressed by the international community. The presidential statement adopted by the Security Council meeting at the level of the heads of State and Government in 1992, Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), and General Assembly resolutions concerning the need for strengthening multilateral arms control and non-proliferation regimes to combat international terrorism demonstrate the international community's awareness and commitment in addressing the threat posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their use by terrorists.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express my delegation's appreciation for the convening of this open debate on the draft resolution on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and on the threat it poses to international peace and security. The participation of the entire United Nations membership in this important debate ensures the need, or the needed collective vision, to address the existing gap in the current non-proliferation regime and represents a great value added to the work that the Security Council is currently undertaking. The threat posed by terrorist organizations to international peace and security is an undisputed reality of contemporary life.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“In this alliance, corporations such as Siemens should be able to justly meet the challenges of creating hope and giving people a future and a world with more peace-building and less armed conflict.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“With these measures, the country is in a better position to pursue dialogue and build a meaningful partnership with the international community for the reconstruction of the country. Both national and international business are invited and called upon to play a key role in this process and to instil their characteristic dynamism in the economy. This will be a concrete contribution to consolidating peace, stability and the process of national reconstruction in one of the post-conflict African countries in which the Security Council recently played a pivotal role in managing and ending a conflict that lasted for far too long. This is not the place to pass judgement on the past. Rather, we must look to the future, learn lessons and determine how the Security Council can be instrumental and play a leading role in building an alliance.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Thus, with the end of war, Angola has decisively embarked on a path of economic reform, with the adoption of a number of business-friendly legislative measures aimed at progressively improving macroeconomic management and accountability. Allow me to cite some examples of this. Angola joined the International Monetary Fund's General Data Dissemination System in order to make key economic data more apparent and strengthen its accountability. The New Partnership for Africa's Development's African Peer Review Mechanism was also recently adopted. With the assistance of the World Bank, a comprehensive strategy to combat poverty has been put in place to accelerate the social reintegration of internally displaced persons and ex-combatants.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“By securing clear political support and approximately $8.2 billion to finance the reconstruction of Afghanistan over the next three years, with $4.4 billion made available for the first year, the Berlin Conference was a model of how the international community can effectively assist a country emerging from conflict. Similar initiatives should be applied to other countries in post-conflict situations. I would like to take this opportunity to call the attention of the Council to the situation in my own country, a post-conflict country. We are aware that the creation of a favourable political and institutional environment is a critical factor for promoting economic life and for forging a climate conducive to the sound operation of the private sector.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“To restore facilities destroyed or rendered inoperative by war, to reintegrate millions of people, refugees and displaced persons, to implement disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes and to simultaneously achieve internationally agreed development goals is simply not possible unless the process is supported by the international community, with the international private sector playing a decisive role. The Council was briefed last week on the recently held Berlin Conference on Afghanistan, in which the international community reiterated its commitment to the future of that country.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“In this connection, the Kimberley Process, which has been frequently cited in this Chamber this morning, and to which my country has been fully associated since its very beginning, is a clear case of what can be accomplished through partnerships involving Governments, civil society and private companies in preventing conflict. In this connection, we also welcome the General Assembly's adoption, yesterday, of a resolution on the role of diamonds in fueling conflict.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“To this end, they should adopt the best international practices in their dealings, and view business not exclusively from the perspective of profit but also with a view to contributing to the sound development of the countries in which they operate. Unfortunately, the lessons we have learned from the past do not reveal such an idyllic reality. More often, we have witnessed businesses, both large and small, contributing to the forces of division and conflict. Fortunately, we have more recently witnessed an important process of change and we quite often see large corporations acting as positive forces for exchanges and progress.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“The role played by the business sector, in particular the large corporations, represented here by Siemens, should be underlined. We should also recognize their decisive contribution to formulating growth development products in most countries affected by economic, social and political crises, their decisive role in job creation and their relations with the political and social elite of those countries. The big corporations, whose presence in some of our countries assume quite often an almost monopolistic position, can and should play a fundamental role in the prevention of conflict. They have a vested interest in the promotion of stability.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“It is clear that without important capital flows, particularly foreign direct investment, the long-term challenges posed by post-conflict recovery and reconstruction will persist and those countries might again be faced with the dire conditions that led them to conflict. Therefore, if the international community is to make a real contribution to sustained and lasting peace, a serious and determined effort must be exerted. The main responsibility for preventing conflict lies with the leaders and social forces of the countries facing political and social crises. However, conflict prevention is also a joint endeavour involving the international community, including international, regional and subregional organizations, States, the business sector and non-governmental organizations.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“The Global Compact initiative, proposed by the Secretary- General, the Declaration adopted at the 2002 Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development, the G-8 summit meetings and the Third United Nations Conference of the Least Developed Countries, among other international conferences, demonstrated that the need for additional resources remains as important and urgent as when the General Assembly approved the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. We welcome the efforts undertaken by the United Nations to promote global partnerships and we encourage good corporate citizenship in the belief that the resources required for African development, especially for those countries emerging from conflict situations, cannot be met by domestic sources alone, nor from official development assistance.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“This initiative of the German presidency is to be commended, as it is a creative way of associating the private business sector with the discussion in this Chamber of matters that normally and primarily have been the concern of Governments. There is general agreement on the need for a new partnership to strengthen efforts to mobilize increased resources to achieve agreed international development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration. African countries should be in the front line of such efforts, as the most affected by conflicts, poverty, disease and economic marginalization.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“I would like first of all to express my delegation's full appreciation for the very timely convening of this meeting to discuss the role of business in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and post-conflict peace-building. I welcome the open statement by the Secretary- General. It contains a number of key points for reflection by the Security Council and an agenda for future work. I would also like to extend appreciation for the excellent presentations by Mr. James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank; Mr. Heinrich von Pierer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens; Ambassador Marjatta Rasi, President of the Economic and Social Council; and Mr. Dumisani Kumalo, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group for African Countries emerging from conflict.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“My delegation, therefore, calls upon all the parties to develop and intensify a constructive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina in order to achieve concrete and tangible results aimed at overcoming the great challenges faced by Kosovo, thus allowing each inhabitant of Kosovo conditions for living in a homeland in peace and dignity. In conclusion, we would like to urge all concerned in Kosovo and in the region to cooperate in a constructive manner with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the full implementation of the standards-for-Kosovo strategy in order to achieve stability, prosperity and a multi-ethnic, multicultural democratic society in Kosovo.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“Creating a safe environment for the return of refugees and displaced persons must, therefore, be a priority and the guarantee that the objective set by the international community for Kosovo must become a reality. The political leaders at all levels and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government must engage in a systematic effort to build inter-ethnic tolerance to promote reconciliation and to ensure freedom of movement for all citizens of Kosovo. It is absolutely necessary to guarantee conditions for the sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons and for the well-being of the entire population of Kosovo through the creation of jobs and economic development of the region.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“The establishment of a multi-ethnic Kosovo Police Service and a justice sector, with the capacity to exercise their responsibilities effectively and impartially, are fundamental benchmarks to be met as soon as possible, as are equality and justice for all and the end of impunity for violators. In that regard, it is important to establish a multi-ethnic Kosovo Police Service and address decisively the issue of ethnically- motivated crimes. The steps detailed in the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan constitute an important contribution for the attainment of such goals. The sustainability of returns and the fulfilment of rights by the different communities require the commitment of all parties involved in this process.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“Their implementation, however, must be fully supported by the normal functioning of the Provisional Institutions. This must work in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner to expand their influence at the local level. UNMIK has a long-term commitment to assist in the normal functioning of the Provisional Institutions based on principles of democracy, the rule of law and universal standards of human rights, including women's rights and freedom from inter-ethnic discrimination. The rule of law remains a key important goal to the peace process in Kosovo. This implies the effective functioning of the police and the judicial system and ensuring that their impartiality functions with respect for human rights.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“The recent wave of violence is clear testimony of the challenge we face. We deplore the loss of lives resulting from the events of last month, and we applaud the decision to rapidly deploy the international forces to guarantee the security and more stability in the territory. Lack of security continues to be an issue of grave concern, taking into account the vital importance of this sector in insuring a lasting peace, as indicated by the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan. The different areas of the Kosovo Standards, namely the rule of law, freedom of movement, sustainable returns, community rights, the Kosovo Protection Corps, economic reconstruction and the protection of property rights are interdependent and their implementation is mutually reinforcing.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's meeting to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of the strategy of standards for Kosovo. We also thank Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, Under-Secretary-General, for his briefing on the implementation of the Plan. We commend the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for their efforts to implement the standards for Kosovo and for their firm commitment to assist Kosovo in the achievement of such fundamental goals for the territory and for the whole region. Peace in the Balkans is intrinsically dependant on the success of the Plan. Despite the remarkable process achieved in Kosovo since the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999), significant challenges remain.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“Jean Arnault, as well as the personnel of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, for their ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan, and in particular for the role they have played in the constitutional and electoral processes. We are convinced that the attainment of a democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is possible and is in the supreme interest of peace and international security. Finally, I convey my full support for the draft presidential statement that has been submitted. I think that the Council will be sending a very important message by adopting that draft statement.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“This is a problem that we still need to deal with, along with the increased production and trafficking of illegal narcotics. The tasks before the Afghan Transitional Government and the international community - especially those countries more directly involved in countering drug trafficking - are enormous. They require immediate action to prevent poppy production from expanding and drug-related organized crime from taking root. In addition, those tasks require a long-term commitment to strengthening the rule of law and promoting livelihoods that provide an alternative to drugs. My delegation welcomes the Council's adoption of the counter-narcotics strategy, which has just been announced. To conclude, I take this opportunity to commend once again the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Afghanistan, Mr.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“If the national State is to function effectively, it is essential that the central Government's authority is extended throughout the entire country. The presence of such forces, together with the national army, instils confidence among the local communities and provides support to the legitimate organs of the State. This is an essential requirement for providing stability throughout the country and for ensuring that an effective disarmament and demobilization process takes place. We are pleased that the international community has focused considerable attention on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. They are complex and require considerable financial resources. The serious threat posed by the resurgence of extremist forces, including the Taliban, is another ongoing danger.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“On the other hand, we consider that further commitment by the international community is indispensable for the achievement of such an important goal. However, despite impressive progress, much remains to be done in the political reconstruction and rehabilitation process of Afghanistan. As Mr. Guehenno has reiterated before the Council, the security situation has been comprehensively analysed in the Security Council. The main factors contributing to the deterioration of Afghanistan security have been identified. In that connection, we stress the importance of Security Council resolution 1510 (2003) and NATO's commitment to expand ISAF's mission by establishing additional provincial reconstruction teams by the summer of 2004.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“Since the Tokyo conference, the leadership and ownership of the reconstruction process have been progressively taken over by the Afghan authorities. My delegation welcomes that development, as it is essential for the sustainability of the entire process. Afghanistan has reached a crucial stage in the implementation of the Bonn process. By adopting the new Constitution, Afghans have laid the foundations for a State based on the rule of law and a just and lasting process of national reconciliation. Afghan authorities have announced the holding of elections in September. We are pleased that the date of the elections has been set, and we welcome the readiness of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to assist in ensuring the conduct of the elections.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“It is only possible through strengthening international assistance, which is as an essential component of the process. We in Angola fully understand that. That is why we commend Germany and the other organizers for the successful outcome of the Berlin conference, which was, indeed, a remarkable step forward and a great opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to the development of Afghanistan, its political future, security and the consolidation of national reconciliation. We join previous speakers in extending our delegation's full support to the outcome of the Berlin conference, especially the multi-year commitments made and the $8.2 billion that was pledged at the conference.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“I would like to start by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency and by reiterating our full confidence in the leadership you will continue to provide to our Council during the month of April. I would also like to commend Ambassador De La Sabliere for the very able manner in which he presided over the work of the Council during the month of March a very busy but successful month. Let me express my gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for the substantive briefing he has provided to the Council and to you, Sir, for giving the Council a fuller account of the Berlin conference. The rebuilding of a nation - any nation devastated and traumatized by a long war - is surely a very slow and complex process.”
2004-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4941 (2004) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation would like to underscore that, in finding solutions to address cross- border problems in the West African subregion, the importance of strengthening the relationship of cooperation between ECOWAS and the African Union, especially its recently established Peace and Security Council, should be actively pursued. My delegation is engaged in pursuing, within the Security Council, ways of achieving the more effective implementation of the proposals contained in the report, and I look forward to the suggested discussion on the ground with the leaders of the countries when the Security Council decides to go again to the region.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“In this regard, while welcoming the idea of an international conference on assistance to the Mano River Union region, we believe that, in the long-term, the benefits of such a conference would be far greater if its agenda were extended to cover the entire subregion. We also strongly support the recommendation relating to the ratification and observance of existing international conventions by the countries of the region and by the rest of the international community. Current realities in the region put a high premium on the need to have an effective regional framework for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. In the framework of strengthening the ECOWAS secretariat, my delegation welcomes the creation of a unit within the secretariat to deal with that critical issue.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“It has spared no effort in dealing - with the support of the international community - with the crises in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and, more recently, Cote d'Ivoire. Those crises have had an adverse impact on the socio- economic situation and impeded the process of economic integration in the region. The conflicts in the region have also fuelled the proliferation of arms, the recruitment of child soldiers, the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the recruitment of mercenaries. Serious consideration should therefore be given to the strengthening of existing regional and national mechanisms, such as the ECOWAS Moratorium on small arms and the Mano River Union peace mechanisms.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“However, it should also be borne in mind that, in order for some of the recommendations contained in the report to be addressed by the Governments of the region, the provision of financial and technical assistance will be required. While agreeing with the assertion in the report that addressing cross-border problems will require radical reform of governance in the region, it is the view of my delegation that the definition of a successful strategy and way forward will require full involvement and leadership on the part of the regional Governments and the active participation of other actors - non-governmental organizations, civil society and the wider international community - with none being excluded. ECOWAS has been in the foreground as a subregional organization.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“While we recognize the gains and comparative advantages of United Nations peacekeeping and political missions in the region, we are of the view that, given the temporary nature of such missions, ways should be found to gradually transfer expertise and competence to more permanent mechanisms, such as the secretariat of ECOWAS and the relevant national institutions of ECOWAS member States, in close coordination with the United Nations Office for West Africa. Focusing on the recommendations of the Secretary-General, we are pleased to note the clear definition of the respective roles and responsibilities of the United Nations, the States of the region and the partners.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“Here, I fully agree with the suggestion of our German colleague, that small arms constitute the real weapons of mass destruction in the subregion that we are dealing with and in Africa in general. With regard to the issues of child soldiers, mercenaries and the illegal exploitation of resources, it is our conviction that the objectives can be achieved only if the countries of the region are fully involved throughout the implementation process, thus assuming ownership of the solutions proposed in the report.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“His important reflections on cross-border issues make a very important contribution and provide a good illustration of the value of the coordinating role that a United Nations office can play in addressing, in a comprehensive manner, the problems affecting a conflict region. The experience gained in West Africa may be useful in other subregions in Africa and beyond, where similar problems urgently require a regional approach. The report (S/2004/200) provides an important tool to help the Governments of the region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the international community to tackle the main issues of common concern, especially those relating to trafficking in small arms.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“I would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme for their statements on questions relating to West Africa. They have enabled us to obtain an overall and comprehensive picture of the problems there. The insightful address given to us by the Secretary-General set out a sound framework for a regional approach to cross-border issues, and we were very pleased that he was able to be with us this morning. The Special Representative of the Secretary- General for West Africa has also been able to share with us the work done on the ground to bring together the political and peacekeeping missions of the United Nations in the subregion.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and particularly for coming personally to New York to participate in it. That is a very good illustration of the importance France reserves for the problems of Africa, especially African problems of peace and security and particularly West African ones. I thank you very much. I also wish to thank His Excellency Minister Nana Akufo-Addo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana and current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for addressing the meeting this morning and sharing with us in the Council the views of ECOWAS with the authority we have been accustomed to when it comes to this place. I would like to thank Mr. Chambas for the very comprehensive briefing that he gave us.”
2004-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4933 (2004) · source
“My delegation renews its appeal to the parties to take the risks for peace, to take the first steps envisaged by the road map and, by doing so, to create the necessary mutual confidence conducive to meaningful peaceful negotiations. Together with the international community, my country, Angola, is ready to do its part in the process and to help the parties to walk the road towards peace.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source
“The framework for action to be undertaken by the parties leading to the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict exists and only requires courageous steps and taking risks for peace. The international community, for its part, must persevere in its efforts to bring the parties to the negotiating table. Through the adoption of resolution 1515 (2003), the Security Council endorsed the road map and joined in the efforts of the Quartet in the search for a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. In my delegation's view, at the present juncture the Security Council and the Quartet should renew their efforts, applying all political and diplomatic resources to push forward with the implementation of the road map.”
2004-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4929 (2004) · source