YouSaid · the spoken record

Gatilov

lines on the record: 453
first: 1996-04-18
most recent: 2017-09-21
sittings or episodes: 76
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

“It is simply not possible to discuss establishing a multinational democratic Kosovo unless the refugee problem is resolved. The main reason for the lack of movement is the absence of real and equal security for all national communities. There are also serious problems regarding freedom of movement for non-Albanians. The Secretary-General's report mentions - and this is not coincidental - specific cases, which are far from being isolated cases, in which stones were thrown at the cars of Kosovar Serbs. There are other, similar examples of this kind of thing. In the context of a Kosovo settlement, we must look at external factors also. For example, one of the tasks before the Special Representative is preventive political work with representatives of Kosovar Albanians regarding the confirmed demarcation of the Yugoslav-Macedonian border.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“I must say that that ceremony was hardly suggestive of a civilian undertaking. We must also refer to continuing problems in other areas of the settlement process. Local self- government matters are still proving difficult. The status of local organs must be resolved in a way that facilitates respect for minorities' rights. Regarding refugees - Mr. Steiner and Mr. Covie both drew attention to that situation - the statistics on the return of refugees and displaced persons to Kosovo suggest that about 1,000 people returned to the province in the first six months of this year. Serbs accounted for less than one half of the returnees. It is typical of the situation that there was an outflow of persons from the province at the same time. So at this point we cannot talk about any substantial progress having been made in this regard.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Since the beginning of this year three cases have been opened, which involve 17 persons, including members of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) and the Kosovo Police Service. At the same time, a matter of concern is the fact that there has been a critical response to what the KPC is doing to the international presence. Attempts were made to discredit the work of the international presence. It is no secret to anyone that the KPC is still a paramilitary organization that is simply an offshoot of the KLA. Therefore, we find incomprehensible the position of KFOR, which virtually supports the status of the KPC. Otherwise, how can it be explained that in June, with KFOR leadership present, there was a ceremony to award military rank to KPC members, which included the rank of General?”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“That is particularly important in the light of the upcoming elections. We welcome more regular contacts between the Special Representative and the leadership of the Coalition for Return in order to discuss the problems of the Serbian community in Kosovo. We believe that the dialogue between Mr. Steiner and the leader of the Yugoslav Coordination Centre in Kosovo, Mr. Covic', is yielding results. They are close to completing work on an agreement that will include recognition by the Yugoslav authorities of UNMIK car license plates. The parties have also begun to discuss the question of decentralizing the local self-government system in Kosovo. It is important that UNMIK is taking measures to strengthen law and order. A positive development was the arrest of former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“The Government has been formed and is functioning; the Serbian ministries, the President and the Assembly are also functioning. At the same time, despite statements about being committed to multi-ethnicity, in practice those institutions often disregard the interests of the minorities. The latest example of that was the exclusion - due to the position taken by the Albanian majority - of any reference to the University of Northern Kosovo in the law on higher education adopted by the Assembly on 25 July. The Coalition for Return, on recommendations made by UNMIK, has set up a mechanism to protect minorities, in accordance with the Constitutional Framework. In the interest of seeking a proper settlement, the Albanian parties should be more respectful of the rights of other communities.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“There are grounds for saying the Mission has been successful, as can be seen most of all in further dialogue with Belgrade, in movement towards resolving the problem of Mitrovica and in the increasingly practical participation by the Serbian communities in the upcoming municipal elections. It is important to settle the matter of how Serbs can participate in the Kosovo Police Service in the northern area. Another step in the right direction was UNMIK efforts to encourage Kosovars with legal expertise to join the judiciary being set up in Kosovo. In that connection, we greatly appreciate the efforts made by Mr. Steiner, the Special Representative, in moving these positive trends further forward. We can also say generally that UNMIK has moved ahead in establishing the provisional institutions of self-government.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We, too, are pleased to welcome to this meeting today in the Security Council Mr. Steiner and Mr. Covie. Their participation in our debate makes it constructive and business-like, as it always is when they participate. The Secretary-General's report on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) gives a full picture of the situation in that part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We agree with the report's main assessments and conclusions. At the same time, however, we feel that the situation in Kosovo is more complex and problematic. We agree that we can be pleased today about certain progress made in implementing Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), and we welcome the normalization of life in Kosovo.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Russia is firm in its View that Security Council resolutions adopted in recent months contain the requisite political and legal basis both for lessening confrontation and for initiating movement towards a final settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We believe that it is essential for us to focus our efforts on implementing decisions already adopted, especially since a broad-based international and regional consensus has been forged on the fundamental parameters for that effort. For its part, Russia, together with the other members of the "quartet" of international mediators and other interested parties, will continue to make active efforts to break the impasse in the Palestinian- Israeli conflict and to proceed to a comprehensive and just settlement in the Middle East.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Simultaneously with an agreed decision on questions of security and the fight against terrorism, it is essential to find a way forward in other key areas: the reform of the Palestinian Authority and a resumption of the political process. In this context, there is a vital need for accommodation on the part of Israel, such as by unfreezing financial assets destined for the Palestinian Authority, lifting the restrictions on Palestinian movement, reducing the number of roadblocks and withdrawing Israeli troops from Palestinian towns. Those steps could do a great deal to curb the activity of extremist groups and to prevent the actions of suicide bombers.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“We vigorously reject any form of terror and firmly condemn terrorist acts. At the same time, we consider unacceptable the practice of extrajudicial retaliations, especially since their victims are civilians, including women and children, as was the case in the recent Israeli strikes. That type of action does not resolve the challenge of ensuring Israeli security and can only help instigate a new round of violence. We are convinced that, together with effective Palestinian efforts to eliminate terrorist attacks, Israel must abandon the aforementioned practices. Russia vigorously appeals to both parties to the conflict to show restraint and composure and to avoid acts of force which could enable the extremist forces to take the initiative, once again setting in motion a series of events of confrontation and mutual hatred.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian Federation is very seriously concerned about the air strike made by the Israeli armed forces during the night of 22 to 23 July on an apartment building in Gaza, in which 12 people were killed, including several women and children, and in which more than 100 were wounded. We are particularly alarmed by the fact that the action was carried out against the backdrop of a renewed dialogue on questions of security between officials of Israel and of the Palestinian Authority. Such incidents, without question, undermine the efforts of the international community to break the impasse in the Palestinian- Israeli crisis, to ease tension in the Middle East overall and to create an environment for a renewal of the peace process.”
2002-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4588 (2002) · source
“UNAMA has important work to do, including the preparation of a new constitution and the organization and holding of elections. We trust that the tasks assigned to it by the Security Council will continue to be successfully carried out and that lasting peace will be established in Afghanistan.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“Under a contract with the United Nations, we plan to deliver another 137 vehicles with sets of spare parts. Work is under way in cooperation with a number of countries to deliver food and medicine and to provide electricity from Tajikistan. We hope that other countries' contributions will be translated from numbers into actual assistance. Russia supports the central role of the United Nations in a settlement. The Special Representative should be the coordinator for international programmes in Afghanistan. At the beginning, a large number of governmental and non-governmental organizations were operating in Afghanistan. We think the time has come for such activities not to proceed piecemeal but rather to be coordinated with the overall efforts of Special Representative Brahimi.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“Also, it must be ensured that the persons trained actually join national army units, that they form the core of the army and not simply leave military service immediately after completing their training. In his statement, Special Representative Brahimi drew attention to the acute humanitarian problem in Afghanistan and to the inadequacy of the resources available to the Transitional Administration. In the first stage of the humanitarian operation to provide emergency assistance to Afghanistan, Russia provided over $12 million of assistance. I would highlight the reopening of the Salang tunnel and the opening of hospitals and a cinema in Kabul. We intend to increase our assistance to Afghanistan. We have already delivered 48 vehicles.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“We wish the Turkish commander of ISAF every success, and we express our appreciation to the United Kingdom for its leading role in the initial phase of ISAF's work. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, in the present circumstances it does not seem possible to expand ISAF beyond the capital of Afghanistan. It is evident that in these circumstances it is necessary to speed up the establishment of an effective Afghan national army. Foreign forces can play an important role in the establishment of the Afghan army. We think it is important to ensure that foreign assistance is not competitive in nature. Rather, it should carried out strictly in accordance with the purposes and tasks set by the international community as enshrined in the decisions of the Security Council.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“The Russian Federation welcomes the election of Hamid Karzai as the head of the Transitional Administration. We think it is important to ensure the unity of the Government he is heading, and for our part we will do our utmost to help him in this endeavour. We hope that the Transitional Administration will continue to implement consistently the Bonn Agreement and will also do its utmost to ensure that peace is restored to the country as swiftly as possible so that the economic and social structures can be rebuilt. We share Mr. Brahimi's concern for the need to strengthen security in Afghanistan. We welcome the stabilizing role of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in maintaining law and order in Kabul according to its mandate.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“Nobody remained indifferent, and for the first time in many years women played an active part in Afghan political life. Of course, not everything went smoothly, and this is mentioned in the Secretary-General's report. There were virtual ballots on the establishment of the parliament, on the key personnel in the Government and on other matters. There was some intimidation, and some candidates were even killed. At the same time, one could hardly have expected, after such a protracted civil war and upheaval in Afghan society, that harmony would have instantly prevailed. We think it is absolutely essential that the Afghans be able to reach a compromise and set up the framework of a Government that will be able to continue the policy begun last December on building a new Afghan society.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“From 11 to 19 June the Emergency Loya Jirga was held in Kabul, and this was certainly a milestone in Afghanistan's post-war State reconstruction. It was a real step towards achieving national harmony and establishing solid institutions of authority and a stable political regime. The assembly's results strengthened the policy for re-emergence of an independent and peaceful Afghanistan, completely removing from its territory hotbeds of international terrorism, religious extremism and the threat of drug trafficking. We have noted that a viable political system is being established in Afghanistan that is broadly representative and reflects the multi-ethnic nature of Afghan society. It also takes account of historical realities. It is good that the Loya Jirga elicited enormous interest among the Afghan society.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are happy to welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, to this Security Council meeting, and we are grateful to him for his detailed briefing on the situation in that country. Like other delegations, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Brahimi for the major contribution he has made and for his tireless work to help the Afghan peace process. The Russian Federation has supported him and will continue to support him in his important work. We are also grateful to the Secretary-General for his report describing the highlights of the implementation of the Bonn Agreement on Afghanistan.”
2002-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4579 (2002) · source
“We take note of the Monrovia statements regarding its intention to continue cooperating with the Council in this area. In the context of the implementation of resolution 1343 (2001), we call upon all States fully to comply with the resolution's demand that they prevent the use of their territories by armed persons and groups to prepare for and commit attacks on neighbouring countries, and that they refrain from any action that could further destabilize the situation on the borders between Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We note with gratitude that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international humanitarian organizations, despite the enormous difficulties they face, continue to assist refugees who are in dire circumstances by moving them from the dangerous border areas into camps that are far removed from the borders. Against this backdrop, the top priority is now to provide free access for humanitarian aid workers to the places where the refugees are, to guarantee their security and to create the necessary conditions that will be conducive to their voluntary return. What is of crucial importance for resolving conflicts in the Mano River Union region and preventing their escalation is that Liberia should fully comply with the demands of the Security Council.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The most serious threat to stability and security in the Mano River Union region remains the ongoing bloody conflict in Liberia, where armed clashes continue between Charles Taylor's forces and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD). As a result, the uncontrolled flow of Liberian refugees into Sierra Leone is growing, and they include a large number of armed elements. An escalation of fighting in Liberia could lead to a destabilization ofthe situation in neighbouring States. A direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in Liberia is the deepening humanitarian crisis in the border regions between Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, as a result of which thousands of people have been forced to resettle and to become refugees.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“There is no doubt that providing security will, for the immediate future, remain a top priority for United Nations peacekeepers in Sierra Leone, until sufficient capacity is built up and the national security organs are guaranteed to be working reliably. We think that when adjusting the further presence of UNAMSIL in that country, it will be essential to synchronize the future plans regarding the Sierra Leonean army and the recruitment and training of national police officers with plans to reduce UNAMSIL's strength, in order to prevent a security vacuum occurring after the Mission's withdrawal.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Another 20,000 people are participating in the process of reintegrating into peaceful civilian life. The difficulties being experienced by the Government of Sierra Leone are well known when it comes to implementing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. This is why it is important that the international financial institutions and the donor community give the Government emergency targeted assistance. In this way, it could successfully carry out and conclude these programmes, and that, to a large extent, will determine the fate of post-conflict peace-building in that country.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are pleased to note that the holding of elections on 14 May was an important landmark in the history of that country, bringing to an end the second stage of the implementation of the military concept of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for this year. The Government appointed by the newly elected President of the country, President Kabbah, has a fairly firm grip on the situation and is now getting down to resolving the priority tasks of establishing life in peace. The activities of the United Nations and the Security Council in settling the crisis in Sierra Leone deserve the highest commendation. With the assistance of UNAMSIL, at present a total of almost 6,500 people, former members of armed groups, have been through the reintegration process.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Here lies the growing importance of the work done by the Security Council's ad hoc Working Group on Africa, as the link between the Council and the subregional organizations. Like other delegations, we commend the efforts of ECOWAS and those of His Majesty Mohammed VI of Morocco to help bring about a ceasefire and to reconcile the Liberian parties, and also to build confidence among the leaders of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The stabilization of the situation in the Mano River Union region is intrinsically linked to a successful conclusion of the peace process in Sierra Leone.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to express our gratitude to the delegation of the United Kingdom for having organized this discussion, which gives us an excellent opportunity to exchange views about lessons learned and prospects for development in the peace process of the Mano River Union region. Russia is deeply concerned at the complex situation that has emerged in this subregion, in particular the volatile situation in the border area between Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. We support the strengthening of coordination between the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the situation in West Africa, including conflict prevention and resolution.”
2002-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4577Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It is not just a matter of taking into account the interests of the significant segment of the world community that supports the ICC; the point is not to damage one of the major spheres of activity of the Security Council: peacekeeping. We commend the willingness demonstrated by the United States to try to find a solution on the basis of the provisions of the Rome Statute. For our part, we will remain in close contact with all interested parties to try to find a mutually acceptable solution.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Here we are discussing one of the key tasks of the United Nations, namely, the unimpeded timely conduct of peacekeeping operations whose success is often decisive for the lives of many thousands of people as well for security and stability in conflict areas. We understand the concerns of the United States about this. We also understand the position of those who defend the spirit and the letter of the Rome Statute, one of the most authoritative international treaties of our time, whose parties now number more than 75 States, a number that most likely will continue to grow. We hope a solution will be found to this issue which will not imperil United Nations peacekeeping operations, and which at the same time will remain within the confines of the law and will not diminish the Statute of the Court, which has entered into force.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): First, Mr. President, let me express my gratitude to you for having organized today's meeting of the Security Council on a question which has recently become a matter of constant tension among an overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations. The value of this meeting is in enabling us to better understand the approaches to this matter adopted by various States. Questions of legal status and additional safeguards accorded to peacekeepers in the context of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are multi-faceted issues with no easy solution.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Russia, as a participant in the peace process and a member of the quartet of international mediators, will continue its useful work with the parties in order to achieve agreement on a ceasefire, normalization of the situation and renewal of constructive negotiations on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the land-for-peace formula. We believe the current situation demands that the Security Council send a clear signal to both sides and call on them to effect a ceasefire and renew their political dialogue.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“A major thrust of these efforts must remain for the Israelis and the Palestinians to comply with the Tenet plan and the Mitchell report recommendations, as indicated in Security Council resolution 1397 (2002), on a political settlement that must be based on the principles of international law. We must not allow further emasculation of what we have gained through a lot of work in the last few months. In spite of the "crisis logic", we must not lose the momentum of the peacekeeping potential, in particular the decisions taken at the Beirut Arab League Summit.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“We are convinced that, in these circumstances, all those who are looking for a way out of the confrontation between Israel and Palestine and who are looking towards restoring the negotiating process must show a maximum of political will in an effort to avert further degradation of the situation and to end the real threat of war in the region. We call on the leadership of the Palestinian Authority to take vigorous steps to put an end to the actions of extremists and to punish those who participate in terrorist acts. We call on the Israeli Government to show restraint and not resort to massive retaliation, and to refrain from steps that could further destabilize the situation in the region. Only in this way will it be possible to stabilize the situation.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian Federation is seriously concerned that the Palestinian and Israeli confrontation- and the situation in the region as a whole - is now on the brink of the most severe crisis and severe escalation that we have seen. If we do not break this vicious cycle of terror and retribution, and even greater acts of violence and terrorism, then the Middle East will be on the brink of a new full-scale war. We regret that the recent terrorist actions and the massive Israeli Army actions provide the backdrop to what has happened recently- that is, the promising steps that have been taken to ensure a ceasefire and an end to the violence.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“The actions taken to restore the climate of trust and good-neighbourliness between the people of Ethiopia and Eritrea, so badly affected by war, deserve our special encouragement. A beginning has been made, and we hope that efforts in this direction will continue. The forthcoming verdict of the Boundary Commission is intended to remove the deep-rooted reason for the bloody conflict. It will be an important milestone in the settlement process. We call on the United Nations to provide all necessary assistance to the Boundary Commission, as well as all necessary resources through the fund set up by the Secretary- General.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We believe that the future work of the Security Council should focus on ensuring favourable conditions for the implementation of measures on demarcation and delimitation of the border. It is important for both parties to the conflict to continue to follow the spirit and letter of the Algiers Agreements and not to undertake any unilateral acts that might jeopardize peace and security in the Horn of Africa. An enormous responsibility rests on the shoulders of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), which has already undertaken serious efforts to maintain security. But it must do even more. It must work vigorously, and supervise the effectiveness of the separation of the armed forces of the parties in the Temporary Security Zone until the boundary demarcation measures have been fully implemented.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We support the recommendations of the mission and, together with other members of the Security Council, we are prepared to work constructively on their implementation. The Russian Federation has consistently advocated a peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea on the basis of the principles of the United Nations Charter and in strict compliance with the norms of international law. We are very pleased that, during the mission's stay in the region, the leaders of both countries, Meles Zenawi and Isaias Afwerki, again confirmed their unfailing commitment to the peace agreements and their readiness to comply with the forthcoming decision of the independent Boundary Commission.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are also grateful to Ambassador Peter Kolby for the report he has submitted to the Council and for his very skilful leadership of the Security Council mission in its trip to Ethiopia and Eritrea. The situation in the area of the conflict remains calm. This is a major achievement of the peace process. First, it reflects the good will of both parties, and it is also the result of the joint efforts of the Security Council, the Secretary-General, the leader and members of the Security Council mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Organization of African Unity. The Council mission to the area of the conflict contributed in a concrete manner to United Nations actions in this sphere.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Combating the threat of terrorism requires a comprehensive, multifaceted and long-term strategy on the part of the community of nations. Resolution 1373 (2001) calls upon States, before granting refugee status, to adopt appropriate measures with a view to determining whether individuals seeking asylum have planned, assisted in or committed terrorist acts. Clearly, the denial of asylum and protection to terrorists must be universal and applied without double standards. From that perspective, we believe that we should take a fresh look at the situation in refugee camps with a view to preventing their being converted into breeding grounds or a "natural resource" for terrorism.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We call upon the parties from which the refugees originate and upon the countries that shelter them to create conditions conducive to voluntary repatriation. At the same time, in a number of cases, local integration or settlement in third countries would be among the options for the settlement of refugees who, because of prevailing conditions, are unable to return home. We believe that the chief function of the Security Council is to create a political framework within which to prevent, defuse and, ultimately, resolve refugee problems. In practical terms, we need the cooperation of UNHCR, whose activities must be completely apolitical, humanitarian and social in nature. In conclusion, I would like to focus on one important problem that has been raised during our discussion.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Lubbers spoke of this in detail, as did a number of members who have spoken before me. Unfortunately, the situation there remains extremely difficult. Tens of thousands of Afghans are going hungry; several areas of the country are nearing extinction, and diseases are raging. Russia was among the first countries to lend a helping hand to the Afghan people. During the past two months, my country has delivered some 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan. A field hospital is in operation and is being presented to the Afghans free of charge. The Salang tunnel has been reopened to traffic. In Moscow, Russian organizations and other offices are now completing work on matters relating to the next phase of Russian assistance to Afghanistan, which will be more considerable and more varied.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Such crimes cannot be justified, and those guilty of them must be properly punished. Ensuring the safety of humanitarian personnel requires more than just the presence of the military contingents that the Security Council sends to protect them; it also requires strict adherence to the principle of impartiality in the provision of humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian assistance must not be used as an instrument to put political pressure on any party to a conflict. Otherwise, instead of being an effective tool for stabilizing a situation and supporting a process of political settlement, it could risk becoming a factor that foments conflict. That is what once took place in Somalia and in Rwanda. Today, urgent humanitarian action is needed to solve the problem of refugees in and around Afghanistan; Mr.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Even though in its consideration of Virtually all conflicts the Security Council unfailingly pays due attention to refugee problems and to support for the efforts of UNHCR and other international humanitarian organizations, the situation remains extremely tense. Millions continue to be cut off from their homelands, deprived of the basic necessities of survival. Russia sternly condemns the targeted forced migration of people in the course of a conflict, as was practised, for example, by UNITA in Angola. This cuts people off from the means of production - primarily from the land - and exacerbates the already difficult social and economic problems faced by the countries in question. We are gravely concerned at the recent increased frequency of attacks and the use of force against international humanitarian personnel.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Lubbers has detailed the steps being taken by UNHCR to address these problems from the Balkans to East Timor. Let me first focus on the situation in Africa, where these problems are at their most serious. They intensify the strong ethnic component of conflicts in Africa, first and foremost in the Great Lakes region. The mere presence on the territory of a neighbouring State of a large number of refugees of a given ethnic group - such as the case of Rwandan Hutus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - very often exacerbates regional tensions. Nor can we ignore the activities of armed groups whose members migrate along with the refugees; this makes it all the more difficult to protect the latter people.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Mr. Gatilov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian delegation is grateful to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Ruud Lubbers, for his detailed briefing and for his replies to questions posed by members of the Council. There is no need for me to speak of the importance of the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the context of peacefully giving a new life to victims of war and conflict in many countries and regions. That is perfectly obvious. Today, the world community's attention is focused on hot spots where the most urgent tasks include the large-scale return of refugees and the provision of international assistance to internally displaced persons. Mr.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“At this stage, it is not the status of the province that is in the forefront, but rather practical issues of cooperation relating primarily to the economic interdependence of the province and the rest of Serbia. We should make effective use of the High-ranking Working Group as a mechanism for such interaction. The Group began its work last December, which we certainly welcome. Still pressing is the issue of the Yugoslav leadership's proposal for the signing of a status-of- mission agreement for UNMIK and KFOR. In that context, we view as a step in the right direction the recent signing by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and KFOR of an agreement on easing the regime governing the Air Safety Zone along the administrative border with Kosovo.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“We welcome the determination of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia leadership to cooperate closely with the Security Council, with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and with the international community at large in shaping a multi- ethnic Kosovo. We support the UNMIK leadership in its intention to develop constructive cooperation with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities, the foundation for which is to be found in the Common Document signed on 5 November 2001. It is important to help establish direct dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, something that has often been advocated by the leadership of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“We believe that, together with UNMIK, KFOR must tighten control of the borders between Kosovo on the one hand and Albania and Macedonia on the other in order to stop terrorists from crossing them and to put an end to weapons smuggling. We agree with the view widely held among countries involved in the settlement process: that the process of defining the final status of Kosovo should be frozen for some time to come. It is particularly important to develop a system of measures to prevent the self-government structures now being established from becoming a tool with which to fulfil ambitions to gain independence for the province.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“Yet the international presence has not taken new urgent measures to guarantee the security of the Serb community in Kosovo. UNMIK and KFOR must concentrate on providing genuine security and on establishing conditions for the large-scale return of refugees and internally displaced persons to where they previously lived. They must also work to normalize life throughout the province. Of course, the local self- government institutions now being established in the province must be involved in resolving these problems as well. Unfortunately, Kosovo continues to be a source of threats both to its immediate neighbours and to the region as a whole. The hotbeds of terrorism and organized crime that developed during the crisis period have not yet been eradicated. That is intolerable.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“We believe that we must all do this together, primarily within the framework of the Security Council, because it is clear that the question of a Kosovo settlement is not the monopoly of the field mission and its leadership. Ensuring success for the entire process requires coordinated efforts among the actors. This would be useful also because it would enable the new Head of the Mission to avoid repeating the grave miscalculations that were allowed to occur under his predecessors. Clearly, the November elections in Kosovo did not solve all the problems of implementing resolution 1244 (1999). It must be pointed out that even since the beginning of the new year there have been dozens of terrorist acts against Serbs, and that there are still many threats from Albanian extremists.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source