YouSaid · the spoken record

Gomersall

lines on the record: 125
first: 1994-03-31
most recent: 1998-08-27
sittings or episodes: 28
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

“Respect for the role and decisions of the Security Council is a basic obligation and a cornerstone of international order. It is the responsibility of the whole international community to stand firm on terrorism and to pursue justice for the Victims of acts of international terrorism. By this resolution the Security Council is upholding those principles. We hope and trust that those who advocated this solution will now help to deliver it.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“The central requirement is the delivery of the accused to the Netherlands. The resolution makes clear that it is Libya's responsibility to ensure the appearance of the accused in the Netherlands. If the Government of Libya is willing to do this without delay, everything else will flow from that. The resolution now adopted says clearly that sanctions will be suspended as soon as the Secretary-General is able to confirm that the accused have been delivered to the Netherlands and that the requirements of French justice have also been met. The Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have stated their commitment to that clearly in our letter to the Secretary- General. Furthermore, once Libya accepts the proposal in its entirety we are prepared to do everything necessary to implement speedily the legal and other arrangements.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“For years Libya has promised that it would accept a trial under Scottish law with Scottish judges in a third country. That way forward is now open to them. We have noted the Libyan Government's statement of 26 August that they will deal positively with this initiative. We also heard the Libyan Permanent Representative state clearly his Government's acceptance that the two accused be tried in a Scottish court in the Netherlands by Scottish judges under Scottish law. We welcome this. But what is now required is that Libya should without delay confirm through the United Nations Secretary-General its clear and unequivocal acceptance of this and its willingness to do so speedily and without prevarication. The arrangements for the trial are clear, and there are no hidden conditions.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“I wish to record the British Government's deep gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for responding positively to our request to hold the Lockerbie trial in the Netherlands. Let no one think that this was an easy decision politically to take or legally to implement. We were conscious of the desire of the international community for justice and for an end to the stalemate. We have therefore acted on the proposal of the Organization of African Unity and the Arab League, and we have taken the necessary steps and placed our initiative before the Security Council. The adoption of this resolution is an opportunity to resolve the matter with justice in a manner acceptable to the families and to all the parties concerned. It is also the moment of truth for Libya.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“We would still prefer that the two accused submit themselves to a trial before a Scottish court in Scotland. Persons accused of terrorism have no right to determine their place of trial. Nevertheless, the British Government has also been mindful of the interests of the families and of justice. We concluded finally that in order to bring to an end the years of waiting for the relatives of the victims of Lockerbie, it would be possible to arrange for a Scottish court to sit in the Netherlands. The joint United Statesfllnited Kingdom letter of 24 August and its attachments set out in transparent detail the precise arrangements whereby a Scottish court could sit outside Scotland. Today's resolution provides the basis for the necessary changes to British and Dutch law.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“Omar Muntasser, Foreign Minister of Libya, said only last January in a letter to the President of the Security Council [5/1998/5, annex] that Libya "accepted the proposal of the League of Arab States that the two suspects should be tried by a court in a neutral country and that they should be tried at The Hague by Scottish judges and in accordance with Scottish law". During the Security Council debate held last March [3864th meeting] the Libyan Foreign Minister said that the concerns about trial in Scotland of the lawyers for the two suspects related solely to the venue and have nothing to do with the judges or the law. That the accused would receive a fair and impartial trial in Scotland with all due safeguards was confirmed by the independent experts appointed by the Secretary- General to examine Scottish legal procedures last December.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“Since then, Libya has persistently failed to carry out its obligation to hand over the two accused for trial despite binding resolutions of this Council requiring it to do so. In March 1992 the Security Council demanded that the accused be handed over for trial. For six years Libya has disregarded its obligation as a Member of the United Nations to comply with that demand. Over the years my Government gave repeated assurances about the guarantees for the accused under Scots law. Throughout this same period Libya has repeatedly stated that it would accept a trial before a Scottish court sitting in a third country. Mr.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“The terrible acts of terrorism this month in Nairobi, in Dar es Salaam and in Omagh in Northern Ireland are a stark reminder that terrorism spares nobody. They also remind us that terrorism will not be defeated unless those responsible are brought to justice. It is almost 10 years since Pan Am flight 103 was blown up over the town of Lockerbie in Scotland. In this, and in the UTA bombing, a total of 440 innocent people were killed. These were among the most savage acts of terrorism and premeditated mass murder. For almost 10 years the families of the victims have been seeking justice. It is seven years since warrants were issued for the arrest of two Libyan nationals in connection with the destruction of Pan Am 103.”
1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source
“We hope that, under the guidance of the Secretary-Generals Special Representative and with the support of the region, the leaders of the Government and of UNITA will take the necessary steps to revitalize the peace process.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“There is a particular onus on UNITA to honour its obligations. It must end its prevarication and complete the tasks remaining, as set out in the Lusaka Protocol and reiterated in the draft resolution before us today. It must now cooperate in the extension of State administration to all areas of Angola; it must demilitarize its forces and cease armed attacks; and it must complete the transformation of UNITA into a political organization. The international community has invested great effort in trying to bring peace to Angola. It is a vital contribution to the peace and development of southern Africa as a whole. There is an urgent need for recommitment by all sides to the Lusaka process.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“Ten years after the United Nations first became involved in Angola and four years after the signing of the Lusaka Protocol, the peace process ought to be on the verge of completion. Instead, it is edging dangerously close to collapse. It is not too late to pull back from the brink, but whether the Angolan people are dragged into further conflict or the peace process is put back on track depends on the Government of Angola, and above all on UNITA. We commend the Secretary-General's decision to send Mr. Brahimi to Angola and the appointment of Mr. Diallo as his new Special Representative. Both face enormously difficult tasks. They have our full support. But their efforts can succeed only if the parties themselves exercise restraint. A failure to do so will have disastrous consequences.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“The intervention of ECOMOG, the creation of the national disarmament and demobilization plan and the forthcoming deployment of UNOMSIL have created the conditions for a decisive change in Sierra Leone. The international community should ensure, not only through the present draft resolution, but through its material support, that Sierra Leone can make the most of that chance.”
1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source
“The United Kingdom has also provided significant emergency aid and longer-term development aid to Sierra Leone. In this context, we warmly welcome the Secretary- General's initiative to hold a high-level special political conference on Sierra Leone on 30 July to help mobilize urgently needed support for ECOMOG and the Sierra Leonean Government. The United Kingdom pledges its full backing for this initiative; a British minister will attend, and we hope that representatives of many other Member States will do the same. In the meantime, we urge other United Nations Member States to contribute to the Trust Fund to provide technical and logistical support to ECOMOG, and to support the disarmament and demobilization programme and other development activity in the country.”
1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source
“We also commend ECOWAS and ECOMOG for what they have achieved in Sierra Leone. We applaud their efforts, at great cost in lives and resources, to restore peaceful and secure conditions throughout the country, and welcome their readiness to ensure the security of United Nations personnel. ECOMOG deserves our gratitude. But the Government of Sierra Leone, ECOMOG and UNOMSIL need greater support from the international community if this combined strategy for peace and rehabilitation is to succeed. The United Kingdom has donated Â£2 million to a United Nations Trust Fund for peacekeeping in Sierra Leone. We have also supplied two British military officers to assist the Special Envoy, Mr. Okelo, and are now considering how we can provide further support for UNOMSIL.”
1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source
“The presence of United Nations observers in support of ECOMOG's disarmament activities should help guarantee the impartiality of the national disarmament and demobilization plan and boost confidence in its successful implementation, encouraging fighters to come out from the bush, to give up their weapons and to be reintegrated into national society. The United Kingdom is glad to have been a strong supporter of this draft resolution, of the people of Sierra Leone and of their legitimate Government. But this draft resolution and the establishment of a peacekeeping operation are not enough. The Government of Sierra Leone is doing its part, through continued progress to re-establish effective administration and to reinforce democratic institutions and the rule of law, and through steps to promote national reconciliation and reconstruction.”
1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source
“UNOMSIL's mandate, which tasks United Nations military observers with monitoring the implementation of a national disarmament and demobilization process, which is being conducted by a regional peacekeeping force, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), is a good example of this. Even more important, this mission is a crucial opportunity for Sierra Leone. We missed a similar opportunity early last year, and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) coup that followed set back the cause of peace and reconstruction against the interests of the country for over a year. Now we have a new chance to contribute to a peaceful settlement of a crisis which has lasted far too long.”
1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source
“The establishment of the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) by today's draft resolution will be extremely welcome. First, the mission will be only the third peacekeeping operation to have been sent out by the United Nations in over two years. Following the establishment of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA) in March this year, this sets an encouraging trend for greater United Nations involvement in Africa. As in the case of MINURCA, the mandate and shape of the operation to be authorized today also reflects the growing cooperation of the United Nations with regional groupings or organizations and coalitions of States, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's report on Africa [S/1998/318].”
1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source
“First, the resolution provides a basis for increased volume and continuous operation of the humanitarian programme for as long as the programme is needed; secondly, it fulfils the wishes of the Secretary-General in his letter dated 15 April 1998 for rapid approval of the contracts necessary to upgrade Iraq's oil export capacity to the necessary extent; and thirdly, the implementation of the programme continues to require the full cooperation of the Government of Iraq, and the consensus which we strove to achieve on this text reflects the clear hope and expectation of the Security Council that Iraq will indeed cooperate fully with the Secretary-General in meeting the objectives of the humanitarian programme as set out in the resolutions of the Council.”
1998-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3893 (1998) · source
“The United Kingdom has worked hard, along with the other sponsors of this resolution, to bring the Secretary-General's proposal into effect through the proper procedure of a Security Council resolution, and we are glad at the consensus agreed on this text today. The support that this resolution enjoys reflects our common wish to ensure that the objectives of resolution 1153 (1998), which more than doubled the humanitarian programme for the Iraqi people, can be fulfilled. My delegation would simply make three important points.”
1998-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3893 (1998) · source
“(spoke in English) The United Kingdom notes the Secretary-General's recommendation that a United Nations operation should take over the role of MISAB subject to certain conditions and his request that the Security Council should agree in principle to this proposal. The United Kingdom will certainly give this request its positive consideration. We also support the Secretary-General's recommendation that the deployment of a United Nations operation should be made conditional on the Government of the Central African Republic addressing the need for fundamental adjustments in its social, economic, financial and security policies. We welcome the Secretary-General's intention to establish a United Nations political office in Bangui to monitor the Republic's progress in the implementation of these reforms.”
1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source
“Mr. Gomersall (United Kingdom) (interpretation from French): My delegation welcomes your presence here, Mr. President, and the effective and amicable presidency your delegation is sure to provide this month. The United Kingdom would first like to commend the great efforts of President Bongo of Gabon, as Chairman of the International Mediation Committee, to achieve lasting peace in the Central African Republic. The United Kingdom pays tribute to the efforts of the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreement (MISAB), which continues to play an essential role in maintaining peace in the Central African Republic. We also hail the efforts of the African troop- contributing countries and the role played by France in its logistical support of MISAB.”
1998-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3853 (1998) · source
“We conclude with our initial point, that this temporary mechanism and the suffering of the Iraqi people would be unnecessary were it not for Iraq's constant evasion over the last six years of its obligations under resolution 687 (1991) and other related resolutions. The Council has made clear both its determination to achieve Iraq's full compliance with those resolutions and the benefits which will flow from compliance. We hope that this message is being received by the Iraqi people. We hope, indeed, that this message will be transmitted to the people by the agencies of the United Nations present in Iraq, and we hope that the message will be acted on by the Iraqi Government.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“We hope that the Secretary-General's team can put these points clearly to the Government of Iraq so that we maintain the credibility and purpose of the programme. My Government also urges the Government of Iraq not to delay exports of oil under this resolution, as it did last summer. The Council has made provision in this resolution to roll over the provisions of the distribution plan in order to compensate for the fact that Iraq has not yet submitted a new distribution plan. As is clear from the Secretary-General's report, any delay in oil sales will only result in further delays in the arrival of humanitarian goods. We hope that Baghdad will not again neglect the welfare of its own people in this manner.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“We look forward to receiving the results of the Secretary-General's review and are ready to consider positively all recommendations for improving the implementation of the programme, including possible increases in the quantity of oil to be sold. The Government of Iraq also has an essential role for which it should be held accountable. It must produce a distribution plan on time and it must demonstrate its own efforts to give priority to feeding its people. The purposes of this resolution are not to substitute for the efforts of the Government of Iraq or to provide them with the luxury of building palaces, as described with unaccountable pride by Mr. Tariq Aziz in his letter of 26 November.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“Reports that 31 per cent of Iraqi children under the age of five are chronically malnourished are indeed alarming. The Secretary-General's report, however, reveals significant delays in the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies. We welcome the examination of the programme which is now being undertaken by the Secretary-General through the Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme. It is important that we have a thorough analysis of the reasons for the delays and proposals for remedying them at all relevant points in the chain. With regard to food and medicines, in particular, we do not believe that the bulk of the problems lie with the sanctions Committee. We also need an equally careful analysis of the adequacy of existing resources.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“The Council has just voted unanimously to continue its work to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people by extending the oil-for- food programme for a further six months. We deplore the fact that the Iraqi regime chooses to let this suffering continue. It could be swiftly ended if Iraq complied with the relevant United Nations resolutions. Although the Government of Iraq may be indifferent to the plight of the Iraqi people, this resolution demonstrates that the international community is not. As one of the sponsors of resolution 986 (1995), the United Kingdom attaches great importance to the success of the oil-for-food programme as a temporary measure. The Secretary-General's report clearly highlights why the oil- for-food programme must continue.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“My delegation would also like to welcome the Secretary-General's initiative in holding a donor conference in Vienna in two weeks' time. The United Kingdom will be represented at that conference.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“The draft resolution before us underlines the international community's commitment to helping the people of Tajikistan towards the rehabilitation of their country. But the principal responsibility for this, of course, lies with the Tajik parties themselves. Although we accept the Secretary-General's recommendations for an expansion of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) and will vote in favour of this draft resolution, we remain concerned about the security situation in Tajikistan. The formation of the joint security unit is a welcome and necessary step, but we shall need to follow closely developments which might affect the security and safety of UNMOT personnel and their ability to carry out their mandate effectively.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“The problems of Tajikistan are overdue for a solution. We are encouraged by the progress which has been reported by the Secretary- General in the implementation of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan. We consider that the exchange of prisoners of war and the process for the return of refugees are particularly important and urgent items. We commend the parties in Tajikistan for their commitment to the peace process and urge them to continue to cooperate with each other and with the United Nations to ensure rapid progress on what is an ambitious timetable. My delegation also commends the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who has been working in extremely difficult circumstances.”
1997-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3833 (1997) · source
“For whose purposes has Iraq continued to obstruct the efforts of the Special Commission to draw an end to its investigation and destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction? It is clear that the humanitarian interests of the Iraqi people and their welfare have been subordinated to the misguided policies of the leadership and that it is these policies which are the fundamental problem. We therefore welcome the Council's endorsement today of the simple message that the only route to normalization for Iraq lies through the implementation of the Council's resolutions and that the Council will remain fully determined to achieve this.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“The Iraqi response was a flat "no" to the Secretary-General, his representatives and the Security Council. The Council has now acted unanimously to send a clear message to the Government of Iraq that it must comply fully and unconditionally with all relevant resolutions. We have heard a lot of special pleading from Iraq on the damage caused by six and a half years of sanctions. I will not repeat the steps which we and other Governments have taken to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people. We will continue to see that resolutions 986 (1995) and 1111 (1997) are implemented as intended. But what we would ask Mr. Tariq Aziz: For whose purposes did Iraq invade Kuwait? For whose purposes did it unleash its weapons on its own people?”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“The successful completion of the work of the Special Commission is essential for maintaining regional and international peace and security. The latest report of the Special Commission makes clear that there is still much work to be done, especially in the chemical and biological weapons areas, before it can report that it has accomplished its task and the world is free from the threat posed by Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. It is therefore crucial that it be able to continue its work, without restrictions or conditions. We want UNSCOM. to complete its task. We welcomed the initiative of the Secretary-General and the efforts of others to persuade Iraq to reverse its decision of 29 October. We agreed to go the extra mile in the hope that Saddam Hussein would listen to reason.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“There is no short cut to the lifting of sanctions. The international community is determined that Iraq should comply fully with the Council's resolutions. We are meeting today in the face of the latest and most serious challenge which we have faced from Saddam Hussein since the end of the Gulf War. At stake is the future of the Special Commission (UNSCOM), the body charged by the international community to rid Iraq of its illegal weapons of mass destruction. This body was established in resolution 687 (1991), whose acceptance by Iraq brought an end to the Gulf War. The Government of Iraq, through its unacceptable decision of 29 October, has tried to dictate to the United Nations the terms and conditions of how the Special Commission fulfils its mandate. All such conditions are totally unacceptable to my Government.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“I would like first of all to read out a statement just made by the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cook. "Today, the United Nations has responded to Saddam Hussein's provocation swiftly, strongly and unanimously. We have met his defiance with a tightening of sanctions. I hope Saddam will now return to his senses and let UNSCOM. resume its work. If he does, and Iraq then complies with all the relevant United Nations resolutions, the process for lifting sanctions can be started. But as the resolution just passed has made clear, if he continues to defy the will of the United Nations, further measures will be taken. Saddam Hussein should be in no doubt that the Security Council is united and determined." My Government is glad that the Council has unanimously delivered an unequivocal message to Iraq.”
1997-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3831 (1997) · source
“Finally, as the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola begins we would like to pay particular tribute to the Special Representative and to the men and women of UNAVEM. III for their work in bringing peace and stability to Angola. Forty-one members of the Mission have been injured in the course of duty, and 32 have died. But they have each made a significant difference to the lives of all Angolans and to their future prospects. They deserve our unreserved thanks for a job well done in difficult and dangerous circumstances. We look to the leaders of Angola to ensure that the efforts and sacrifices of the United Nations were not in vain.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The Special Representative of the Secretary-General has drawn our attention to attacks by UNITA against the staff of UNAVEM. III. These are totally unacceptable. All United Nations staff must be accorded complete safety and security. We agree with the Secretary-General that there is an urgent need to complete the demobilization process without further delay. This is an issue to which the United Kingdom attaches great importance. Since 1995, including food aid, the United Kingdom has provided over $8 million towards the demobilization process, of which over $1.5 million has gone directly to the International Organization for Migration. We are aware of their continuing needs, and we are taking these into account in considering our response to the United Nations consolidated appeal for Angola for 1997.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“We commend the spirit of cooperation and tolerance in which these events have taken place. But we are concerned at the slow pace of extending State administration and at the continuing mood of mistrust between the parties. The initial positive momentum must be regained and maintained to ensure long-term peace and stability. Both parties need to pursue a constructive dialogue in order to achieve this. In this context, we urge President Dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi to meet as early as possible. In recent weeks military clashes have jeopardized the peace process. We are concerned at the build-up of military forces in northern Angola. Tensions clearly remain high. We hope that the remaining United Nations military presence will help to prevent renewed hostilities and that they will be given full access to areas which they wish to investigate.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“The United Kingdom shares the Secretary-General' s assessment of the situation in Angola. We support his recommendation to withdraw the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) and to establish a follow-on United Nations observer mission. We agree that the operation should retain a military element while demobilization continues, in order to provide much-needed stability. We also welcome the increased capacity for monitoring and investigating human rights abuses. This is an important moment for Angola. The move from a peacekeeping operation to an observer mission is, in itself, recognition of important progress in the peace process. A new Government of Unity and National Reconciliation has been formed, and UNITA deputies have now joined the National Assembly.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“On behalf of Her Majesty's Government, I wish to express our regret on learning of the recent death of Mr. Deng Xiaoping. He played a historic role in the development of modern China, most recently through the economic reform programme and China's greater opening to the outside world. With his visionary concept of "one country, two systems", he made a major contribution to the conclusion by the United Kingdom and China of the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong in 1984. We offer our condolences to Mr. Deng's family and to the people of China.”
1997-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3742 (1997) · source
“Finally, despite the slow progress in getting to this point, we believe that this is a good example of why the maintenance and, indeed, the strengthening of the political and material resources of the United Nations conflict- resolution and peacekeeping capabilities are vitally important.”
1996-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3722 (1996) · source
“We also welcome reports that the Government will proceed immediately to incorporate the nine UNITA generals currently in Luanda into the Angolan Armed Forces. Both sides must now complete the process of demobilization of former combatants. If these two tasks are completed, the international community and my Government will continue to help Angola to secure its future within the community of southern African nations. There is much the United Nations can and should do to assist Angola in dealing with the challenges of reconstruction, rehabilitation and national reconciliation. A continuing United Nations presence following the departure of UNAVEM. III, as the Secretary-General has proposed, will also probably have an important role to play.”
1996-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3722 (1996) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the draft resolution and intends to vote in favour of it. We pay tribute to the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III), to the Secretary-General's Special Representative and to all the others who have helped the parties in Angola to get to this point in the realization of the Lusaka Protocol. The Council, in agreeing to a further final period for UNAVEM. III, makes it as clear as ever that the responsibility for consolidating the peace rests on the shoulders of the Government of Angola and of UNITA themselves. Both parties must work to form a Government of National Unity and Reconciliation. We welcome the fact that UNITA has taken the final, symbolic step of declaring the quartering of all its troops and given up its weapons.”
1996-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3722 (1996) · source
“The faction leaders themselves have accepted the timetable. The three-month extension of UNOMIL's mandate will test the will of the faction leaders to take these necessary steps. We hope, and urge, that they finally bow to the will of their own people, of their neighbours and of the international community to see this terrible civil war come to an end.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the readiness of ECOWAS to provide additional peace-keepers to the ECOMOG forces. ECOMOG in its reinforced composition is doing a difficult job well. Its presence is vital. We also warmly welcome the decision of the United States to provide additional logistical and financial support to ECOMOG. The United Kingdom is considering a further contribution to the Trust Fund for Liberia, which would be provided for assistance to ECOMOG. We also intend to help with police training once stability has been established, and we urge other States to provide additional logistical support. The revised timetable for the implementation of the Abuja Agreement gives the faction leaders clear signposts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict leading to elections next year. Early disarmament is a vital part of the plan.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We commend and endorse the Agreement reached in Abuja last month. It gives the faction leaders another chance, and we note that severe penalties will be imposed on any faction leader who fails to abide by his commitments. The faction leaders must take heed of this draft resolution. They must be under no illusion. This is the last chance for Liberia to resolve its problems with United Nations assistance. It is vital that the factions cease their intimidation and attacks against United Nations, ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and non-governmental organization personnel, end the looting and return all stolen property, including especially that of the United Nations. Without this small sign of good will, the international community cannot be expected to contribute to the rehabilitation of the country and to provide humanitarian relief.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“For far too long this Council has been given clear demonstrations of the disdain of the faction leaders for the help of the international community and for the interests of the people of their own country. Agreement after agreement has been torn up by the so-called warlords; cease-fires violated; innocent civilians killed; children forced into combat; and the country's infrastructure laid to waste - all to satisfy the egos and thirst for power of those leaders. Time and again this Council has heard renewed commitments to peace from such people, and it would be easy to take a cynical approach and call it a day. But it is greatly to the credit of the leaders of the ECOWAS countries that they have not given up. Indeed they have become more determined to bring peace to this part of their region, and we owe it to them to give them our support.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“My delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) for a further three months. The recent reports of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy confirm that the Agreement reached by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Nine at Abuja on 17 August is a significant development that may at last offer real hope for the suffering people of Liberia. But it remains the case, as the draft resolution before us makes quite clear, that the key lies in the response, or otherwise, of the faction leaders who have publicly committed themselves to this Agreement. They must now disengage, disarm and demonstrate their willingness to reach a peaceful, lasting and democratic solution to the conflict.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We encourage those who currently hold power in the country to act for their country by seeking agreement with other groups and seizing the opportunity which has been presented by the Arusha process to begin the hard, but in the long run, inescapable task of rebuilding a single nation under a constitution which enjoys the widest possible support.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“All parties must agree now to an immediate cease-fire and enter into serious negotiations. If a cease-fire is declared, we are willing to provide practical assistance to the regional efforts to assure adequate security for all in Burundi. And, once a lasting settlement has been achieved, we are willing to contribute to international efforts to restore Burundi's economy in support of such a settlement. While it is right to focus on achieving a settlement, we also agree with the Secretary-General that contingency planning should continue in case regional and international efforts are not sufficient to forestall a humanitarian catastrophe in Burundi. Finally, the responsibility for ending the killing lies with the leaders of Burundi and the factions outside it. They must act now so that a process of genuine political dialogue can begin.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“We commend the team there now, both on what it has achieved so far and on the courage which they have displayed in difficult circumstances. Major Buyoya has made many public promises since 25 July. He has also taken some actions with regard to control of the armed forces which are potentially positive. At the same time, it is clear that acts of oppression continue and that there is no national consensus as yet behind his proposal for an extended transitional period before a return to constitutional government. He must respond to the concerns expressed by the regional community. We welcome the fact that he has publicly stated his willingness to enter into dialogue and that he has met with former President Nyerere. We call similarly on other parties to the conflict to commit themselves to early all-party talks.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source