YouSaid · the spoken record

Grauls

lines on the record: 515
first: 2008-06-05
most recent: 2013-02-12
sittings or episodes: 74
sources: un-security-council

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“As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of August 2008, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Le Luong Minh, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of July 2008. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Minh for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
2008-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5948 (2008) · source
“Belgium will continue to work in the Security Council to ensure respect by the Sudan for all Council resolutions. We owe it to the population of Darfur, but we also owe it to the cause of international justice. Finally, I wish to thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for its efforts leading to the adoption of resolution 1828 (2008).”
2008-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5947 (2008) · source
“That is why resolution notes that some delegations may come back to the Council with regard to the process under way in the International Criminal Court. It was the Security Council that, by resolution 1593 (2005), asked the International Criminal Court to take up the situation in Darfur. Given the systematic refusal of the Government of the Sudan to cooperate, we called again on that Government to cooperate with the Court, through the presidential statement of 16 June (S/PRST/2008/21). In particular, that Government must hand over to the Court the two persons for whom the Court has issued arrest warrants, Ahmed Haroun and Ali Kushayb, who continue openly to enjoy impunity in the Sudan. The Sudan's obligations and responsibilities in Darfur are clear. They have been set out in all previous resolutions, as well as in this one.”
2008-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5947 (2008) · source
“The fight against impunity in Darfur is of the highest priority and should go hand in hand with the political process, so that a lasting settlement can be attained. We strongly support the International Criminal Court and the pursuit of international justice. We look forward to the decision to be taken by the Pretrial Chamber in a matter of months regarding the Prosecutor's application for an indictment by the Court. We refute the arguments of those who are calling upon the Council to react in advance to developments that we cannot foresee at this stage, by invoking article 16 of the Rome Statute; some wished in fact to include that element in this resolution on UNAMID, where such a debate is entirely out of place.”
2008-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5947 (2008) · source
“No less important are the provisions calling for unhindered humanitarian access and demands an end to violence against peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel. We also value the paragraphs of the resolution calling for a revival of the political process and calling on all parties to fully commit themselves to the process, in particular those rebels who have remained reluctant or have refused to commit themselves. Another aspect of the text relates to fighting impunity and the need to bring to justice those responsible for crimes in Darfur. We would have preferred to see agreement on even firmer language in that regard. From the outset of this debate, Belgium has taken an unambiguous position of principle.”
2008-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5947 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): We are pleased that today the Council has renewed the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), which sends a clear message regarding the future deployment of the Mission, which is working in very difficult circumstances to promote the well-being of the population of Darfur. That is why Belgium voted in favour of resolution 1828 (2008). The resolution firmly calls upon the Sudanese Government to cooperate fully with UNAMID and to fulfil its commitments. A year after our initial decision to deploy the mission, it is more than time for the Sudan to halt all obstruction of that deployment. The resolution also demands once again that all sides put an end to violence, and refers in particular to aerial bombing, which kills innocent civilians.”
2008-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5947 (2008) · source
“The Council calls firmly on Ethiopia and Eritrea to cooperate in the process of terminating UNMEE and to scrupulously avoid any hindrance to the smooth functioning of that process. As the Mission closes, Belgium gratefully thanks the troop-contributing countries and all the military and civilian personnel involved in its work.”
2008-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5946 (2008) · source
“Despite the substantive impasse, Belgium, like the vast majority of other Council members, would have preferred to maintain a United Nations presence on the ground as a tangible signal of the availability of the United Nations to work for a balanced and lasting solution. In fact, the two countries reject such a presence. Belgium hopes that, once the tension created by the turmoil surrounding UNMEE and its future has abated, an atmosphere more conducive to dialogue will emerge. The resolution that we have just adopted calls on the Secretary-General to continue his efforts and to keep the Council regularly informed. The Algiers Agreements and the decisions of the Boundary Commission remain the legal basis upon which dialogue will have to be built.”
2008-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5946 (2008) · source
“As a peacekeeping mission, UNMEE was increasingly restricted in its freedom of movement by Eritrea, to the point that it was compelled to leave the buffer zone that it was initially supposed to monitor. As an administrative and logistical support mission for border demarcation, UNMEE was also hindered in fulfilling that area of its mandate by Ethiopia's refusal to implement the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. The responsibility for the current impasse rests with the parties and with them alone. Only they can decide to emerge from the vicious circle by ending the fruitless game of mutual accusations and by choosing the path of dialogue, in the primary interest of their populations and in the interest of peace in the Horn of Africa. The international community remains ready to assist them in doing so.”
2008-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5946 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): The end of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), eight years after its creation and eight years after the end of the war between the two countries, is an important decision for the Security Council. The border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains unresolved, and the United Nations is withdrawing without having been able to help the two countries find common ground, but not without having tried everything possible to achieve that. Neither the good offices of the Secretary-General nor the constructive proposals presented to the parties by the Council were able to attain their objective. Unfortunately, the work of UNMEE is coming to an end not because its mandate has been accomplished, but because that mandate has become impossible to carry out.”
2008-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5946 (2008) · source
“It goes without saying that a good working relationship is in the interest of both countries and, it must be stressed, that of the entire region. It is time to close a painful chapter in the history of the Balkans and to begin to write a new chapter - one oriented towards the future. Four days ago, the new Serb Government, by arresting Radovan Karadzic, demonstrated clearly and unequivocally its will to make an active contribution to that end. Belgium warmly congratulates the Serb authorities on that important step and encourages them to continue on that path by arresting the two remaining fugitives, Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic. By doing so, Serbia would prove its full commitment to the European values of justice and peace.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“In all those areas, the primary responsibility rests with the Kosovo authorities, who now have the tools to attain those objectives. I take the opportunity of Mr. Hyseni's presence to encourage the Kosovo authorities to continue and, in particular, to intensify their efforts in that regard. Much remains to be done, as the Secretary-General's report indicates. However, let us not forget that Belgrade also has a role to play. Belgium continues to be concerned at the creation of parallel institutions in Serb-dominated areas. We are particularly disquieted by the intention to create a Serb parliament in Kosovo. We encourage Belgrade to promote a constructive policy of good- neighbourliness towards Kosovo.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“The importance of the international presence on the ground should not blind us to the significant challenges that remain in Kosovo, which are clearly described in the most recent report of the Secretary- General. Maintaining stability and security on the ground remains a very high priority. A safe and secure environment is a precondition for the establishment of the rule of law and democratic institutions in which all of Kosovo's people, including members of minorities, can participate: that is a second key objective. Finally, security and the rule of law are also preconditions for sustained economic development, which is a third important priority. In that context, we welcome the success of the donor conference held in Brussels on 11 July.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“First of all, as noted in the report of the Secretary-General, the 15 June entry into force of the Kosovo Constitution and the legislative work under way in a variety of areas including decentralization and the establishment of a ministry of foreign affairs have created a profoundly new reality. In deciding to reconfigure the United Nations presence to match that new reality, the Secretary-General showed realism and a sense of responsibility. As my delegation stressed last month, it is important that the technical reconfiguration take place without delay so that the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX Kosovo) can play its proper role throughout Kosovo and to the benefit of all Kosovo citizens.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): I wish at the outset to welcome among us Mr. Vuk Jeremie, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and Mr. Skender Hyseni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kosovo. I wish also to welcome Mr. Lamberto Zannier, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and to assure him of our full support. I take this opportunity also to express Belgium's great appreciation for the outstanding work of Mr. Zannier's predecessor, Mr. Joachim Riicker, in circumstances that were often difficult. During the period covered in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/458), the situation on the ground has changed considerably. Our debate on 20 June (see S/PV.5917) provided an opportunity to consider some aspects of the situation, but I wish to stress a number of additional points.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“With the objectives of stability and peace, which are at the heart of resolution 1701 (2006), in mind, Belgium associates itself with the statement of the Secretary-General in hoping that the humanitarian gestures of 16 July will make a positive contribution to regional stability, while we convey our condolences to the affected families.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“After a prolonged political and institutional stalemate, and after the fears aroused by the resort to arms by some Lebanese against other Lebanese, the Doha agreement has offered the prospect of lasting stabilization of the country and of its rejection of violence. The election of President Sleiman and the formation of a unity Government are important steps. They should encourage the Lebanese leaders to invest in comprehensive implementation of the Doha agreement, while agreeing on the electoral law and resuming the national dialogue, so as to guarantee the unity, independence, sovereignty and stability of Lebanon, as hoped for by the Lebanese. It is in that context that we appeal to Presidents Sleiman and Al-Assad to swiftly implement their joint statements aimed at normalizing the bilateral relations between their countries.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“In addition to facilitating the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, the summit of the Union for the Mediterranean enabled the Syrian and Israeli leaders to confirm the continuation of their indirect negotiations, which were re-launched under the aegis of Turkey. Belgium welcomes this resumption of a dialogue that is taking place within the framework of the Madrid Agreements and that thus can only benefit all the efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. In the context of the hopes and challenges that have arisen out of recent regional developments, I 08-4326] should like to conclude with a few words on Lebanon.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“However, several incidents remind us of its fragility and of the urgent need for a halt to the violence, beginning with the firing of rockets. Thus, if it is to last, this period of calm must not be an end in itself; rather, it must become a step towards normalization not only of the security situation in the Gaza Strip, but also of the humanitarian, economic and political situation there, and must lead to the release of Corporal Shalit. Moreover, we encourage the efforts of President Abbas with a view to a political reconciliation among the Palestinians. We appeal to the parties concerned to do their utmost to permit the reopening of the crossing points under Palestinian Authority control, while reaffirming the European Union's readiness to resume its monitoring mission in Rafah.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“In that connection, we encourage the efforts of Prime Minister Fayyad to strengthen his Government's capacities to ensure the rule of law. We reiterate our appeal to the Israeli Government to facilitate those efforts, in particular by avoiding new military operations in the areas now under the control of the Palestinian Authority and by ensuring a tangible improvement in freedom of movement in the West Bank. Finally, we call on the Israeli Government to immediately put an end to all settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem. Indeed, such activity is not only illegal, but totally contradicts the spirit of the ongoing negotiating process. In Gaza, thanks to the Egyptian mediation, the populations in the Gaza Strip and in southern Israel have been enjoying a period of relative calm for several weeks.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“But negotiations alone will not be enough. As the European Union and its Quartet partners recalled on 24 June, it is urgent that tangible progress support the ongoing process of bilateral negotiations. The daily realities indeed threaten the credibility of the entire political process. In that context, there are a number of priority issues. Several projects, in Jenin and in Bethlehem, have proven that there is potential for cooperation between the Israelis and the Palestinians in making a difference in the security and economic spheres. Those examples show the path to follow. But, if we are to avoid a crisis of confidence, which would threaten this cooperation, those projects must be linked to respect for the commitments set out in the Road Map.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“The events of recent weeks are also a source of encouragement for all concerned to continue and redouble our efforts. It is from that dual perspective that I wish to address the Council today. Meeting in Paris along with the 27 members of the European Union and all other Mediterranean countries, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert publicly confirmed their shared commitment to Annapolis. In-depth negotiations are to lead by the end of 2008 to a peace agreement leading to the establishment in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip of an independent and viable Palestinian State. It seems inevitable that there will be difficulties before such an agreement is concluded, but Belgium and its European partners extend their support to the Israeli and Palestinian leaders for the political courage they have shown in pursuing this process.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): I too wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his very detailed and comprehensive briefing. I wish also to thank the representative of Palestine and Ambassador Gillerman for their useful contributions to our debate. On behalf of Belgium, a friend of Israel, I wish Ambassador Gillerman all the best in his future endeavours. Two years ago, the most serious crisis that had affected the region in a long time threatened to bury once and for all the hope of the peoples of the Middle East that they might live in common peace and security. By contrast, the developments of recent weeks - at the international level, regionally and on the ground - give the affected populations hope of lasting stability. That hope is fragile to be sure, but it is real.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940 (2008) · source
“Here, we should also like to stress the urgent case of minors who have not yet been demobilized. The issue that particularly concerns us today is that of UNMIN's future. At the request of the parties, the United Nations assisted the peace process during its crucial phase. Now we must see how the Organization can best continue that assistance, in response to the request of the Government of Nepal. We sincerely encourage the parties to implement the 25 June Agreement - particularly those provisions relating to the cantonments - swiftly and in good faith. It is in that spirit that we can support a six-month renewal of UNMIN's mandate.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“While stressing progress, we should not close our eyes to the challenges ahead, to which we believe it is our duty to draw the attention of the Nepalese authorities. The Secretary-General highlights the fact that the human rights situation remains very worrisome. We share that concern. A lasting peace cannot be based on extrajudicial executions or on impunity for past acts of violence. In particular, we encourage the new Government to provide for transitional justice mechanisms. The issue of weapons and armies must not remain the "poor relation" of the peace process. We congratulate the parties on the 25 June Agreement and, in particular, on the provisions related to the strategy for discharge from the cantonments. It is essential that those provisions be implemented as soon as a Government has been formed.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“The Nepalese can be proud of the peace that they have built. In no peace process has the word "ownership" been so meaningful because, while Nepal has certainly benefited from the support of the United Nations and the international community, it has also been the driving force behind its own peace process. In particular, Belgium wishes to congratulate Nepal on the proportion of women elected to the Constituent Assembly, who represent more than a third of those elected. That performance puts Nepal in fourteenth place on a list of 135 countries. Since the Constituent Assembly is mandated to chart the country's future, it is essential that women, who represent more than 50 per cent of the population, be equally involved.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): I wish to begin by welcoming the presence of Mr. Ian Martin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Nepal, and of the Permanent Representative of Nepal. I should also like to thank the Special Representative for his comprehensive overview of the current situation in Nepal and of the assistance that the United Nations has given, is giving and can continue to give to the ongoing peace process. Nepal has recently experienced many historic moments - a series of what I would call "firsts". In April, the Nepalese elected a Constituent Assembly for the first time. On 28 May, the Assembly met for the first time and decided to change the form of the State by making Nepal a federal republic. Tomorrow, Nepal will appoint its first president.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“Celebrating the adoption of the Rome Statute of the ICC today, we must recall the primordial role that the Court can play in fighting impunity and preventing those intolerable practices.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“If we wish to eradicate the practice, all individuals guilty of committing crimes against children must be tried and sentenced, as it is only through systematic sentencing and bringing to justice of perpetrators that we will be able to change mentalities and put an end to the suffering of children affected by armed conflict. With the establishment of the International Criminal Court, the international community now has available to it adequate legal instruments to try and punish the most serious crimes that have been committed, in particular against children. The International Criminal Court will also make it possible to ensure that those individuals who are involved in recruitment and enlistment of children are no longer able to do so.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“Belgium has always favoured an approach based on dialogue and partnership, but the situation in the field must change first. The operational conclusions adopted by the Working Group serve as an important tool in assisting and calling on the parties to conflict to put an end to child recruitment and to the serious violations perpetrated against children. In the absence of any positive response from the relevant parties, the Council must shoulder its responsibilities and adopt targeted sanction measures. We must acknowledge that, in spite of the numerous appeals launched by the international community and the repeated commitments made by States, the number of children affected by armed conflict remains alarmingly high. In that regard, the fight against impunity must remain our guiding principle.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“President, as you have noted in your concept paper, the issue of children in armed conflict requires a multidimensional approach. Our delegation has often underscored the fact that this is not only a human rights, humanitarian or development aid issue, but also an issue concerning peace and security. The Council Working Group has made it possible to carry out structural monitoring of all conflict situations where children are being recruited or used by armed forces or groups. The Working Group's annual report gives us a very comprehensive overview of the range of activities that the Group has undertaken. In that context, it is important that we recall the need to provide the Working Group with the necessary support so as to enable it to continue to pursue its activities in an effective, transparent and efficient manner.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): The Council has addressed the issue of children in armed conflict on a number of occasions. Today's debate, for which I would like to thank the President, is a timely occasion to take stock of the work accomplished by the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, established under resolution 1612 (2005). Belgium aligns itself with the statement made by my French colleague speaking on behalf of the European Union. The 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute and the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) leads me to place particular emphasis on the fight against impunity, an aspect that was addressed in the statement made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, as well as by other speakers. Mr.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936 (2008) · source
“That appeal remains valid. Belgium thanks all those who have helped in the search for a settlement to the crisis. It is in the interests of neither country to prolong the current situation of confusion. Belgium encourages the two countries themselves, first and foremost, as well as others involved, including the Secretary-General, to pursue their efforts. Belgium supports the dispatch by the Secretary-General of a fact-finding mission and encourages him to consult with the African Union and the League of Arab States with respect to the conclusions from their respective initiatives. Finally, my delegation wishes to thank France for submitting elements of language for a statement to the press.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): My delegation welcomes the Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti and the representatives of Eritrea, the African Union and the League of Arab States. We also thank the Secretariat for its briefing. Belgium shares the concern expressed around this table regarding the border incidents that took place from 10 to 12 June in Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island. Those incidents caused numerous deaths and much damage, and could have quickly degenerated. The situation continues to run a serious risk of escalation that is not limited to the countries concerned but potentially threatens the entire region. The Security Council reacted speedily on 12 June by reminding both countries of their commitment to dialogue, if necessary with the assistance of other countries and regional organizations.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5924 (2008) · source
“Last week, the Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2008/2l) reminding the Sudan of its obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, including with respect to the arrest warrants with regard to two individuals, one of whom is now a Minister in the Government of the Sudan. It is essential that the Security Council persevere in this approach and that, whenever necessary, it remind the Sudan of its obligations under that resolution.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“Given the impasse in the political process, I would like to recall the importance of the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). It is the basis for any solution to the situation in Darfur. In that context, we welcome the road map concluded between the CPA parties on 8 June to finally resolve the problem of Abyei, and we call upon the parties to implement the road map forthwith. I would not want to conclude without once again stressing a major priority of my delegation: the fight against impunity in Darfur. The Sudan has a dual obligation in this respect - to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in accordance with resolution 1593 (2005) and to work to implement the sanctions imposed by the Security Council.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“They must work with countries of the region and international partners that are part of the contact group in order to normalize their bilateral relations as soon as possible. The Council has mandated a hybrid mission that is expensive and complex in order to protect civilians in Darfur. This international commitment makes it even more inadmissible that the parties to the Darfur conflict continue the violence, leading to an increase in the number of displaced persons and other victims. As the Secretary-General has said, no matter how many troops or how much equipment a peacekeeping mission has, it cannot truly exercise its mandate in the midst of open hostilities directed against the civilians it is supposed to protect.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“We also need to think seriously about adopting new measures against those who are standing in the way of peace, and to see how we can positively influence the parties who are showing goodwill. We also welcome the imminent appointment of a joint mediator. We need to find a mechanism to give that mediator the necessary support and political direction. I wish to express Belgium's extreme concern with regard to the recent deadlock in relations between the Sudan and Chad, a deadlock to which Mr. Eliasson and Mr. Salim alluded. We very much regret the cross- support to rebel movement on both sides of the border. We call upon the Sudan and Chad to respect both the spirit and the letter of the Dakar Agreement.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“Even more so than in the past, the international community must in the future provide its political support to the mediation efforts and bring influence to bear on the parties to get them to change their behaviour. In that context, it seems to us that the idea of a high-level meeting to be convened by the Secretary- General and the African Union presidency should undoubtedly be reactivated, and I think the two Envoys were quite right to offer this proposal. That meeting should obviously be very well prepared, but in our opinion it could make a difference. The Security Council has remained - let us be honest about this - silent for far too long with regard to the absence of progress. It is time for us to call clearly on the parties to act responsibly.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Envoys, Mr. Salim and Mr. Eliasson, for their presentations. I would like to thank them also for their tireless efforts over the past 18 months. We would like them to know that Belgium has very much appreciated their commitment. The briefings that we have just heard confirmed once again how much the political process in Darfur is deadlocked and how tragic the humanitarian situation remains. I would like to focus my statement on a few points. The parties' lack of political will to engage a negotiating process shows that the international community must review its overall strategy for the region.”
2008-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5922 (2008) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation would like to once again repeat its satisfaction with the work accomplished by UNMIK and Special Representative Joachim Riicker over the past few years.”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“In this context, Belgium has been reflecting on the creation of parallel municipal authorities in majority Serb areas and the announcement of a Serb parliament in Kosovo. This seems to run counter to the legislative framework defined by UNMIK and supported by the international community. What has already transpired clearly shows that it is in the interests of Pristina and Belgrade to establish a good working relationship; in that respect, the letter from the Secretary-General addressed to the two parties indicates the path to follow. We call upon both parties to establish this relationship and to give it some substance, bearing in mind their future which, need we say, is solidly in Europe.”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“Belgium appreciates the Secretary- General's efforts to adapt the United Nations presence to a reality that, as highlighted in his report, has changed radically. The proposed reconfiguration is necessary. More than that, it is in conformity with resolution 1244 (1999). It is fully within the purview of the Secretary-General. We can therefore support it. Now, it is important that this reconfiguration be implemented rapidly so that the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo can make its contribution to the establishment and reinforcement of the rule of law throughout Kosovo, which is in the interest of all of Kosovo's citizens. For my third point, I would like to stress the words, "throughout the whole of Kosovo".”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me too to welcome among us the Secretary-General, the President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Boris Tadie, and the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Fatmir Sedjiu. I would like to briefly highlight three points to which my delegation attaches special importance. First, apart from the incident in which a member of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) lost his life, the situation in Kosovo has in general remained calm, including after the declaration of independence of 17 February. In that context, we welcome the responsible attitude of the parties concerned. Secondly, the international presence and its composition are at the heart of the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/354) and of our discussions today.”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“It is in this light that we have taken note of the Iraqi Government's intention not to seek future renewals of the Multinational Force's mandate as well as its announcement that negotiations are under way on bilateral security agreements.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“The technical analysis completed for four districts and the confidence measures should facilitate the Iraqi Government's crafting of a political agreement that would extend to all these disputed cases and that would form a necessary link with the future organization of the entire country. For Belgium, these United Nations proposals fall within the framework of the implementation of the mandate set out in resolution 1770 (2007). Indeed, this mandate strengthened assistance to the Iraqi Government in the political, humanitarian and reconstruction spheres. We reiterate our appreciation for the quality of the work that the United Nations has carried out in Iraq. However, the Security Council must continue to ensure that the central role of the United Nations in Iraq can be fulfilled in adequate security conditions.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“We have taken note of the wish of the Iraqi Government not to put an end at this stage to the mandate of the Multinational Force, which expires on 31 December 2008. With respect to the political dimension, it is important to finalize as quickly as possible the preparations for credible elections in the governorates, which will make it possible to enhance inclusiveness and the democratic legitimacy of Iraqi institutions. It is important also to continue legislative and constitutional endeavours in order to ensure that every community has the right to participate in deciding on a common future. In this context, we express our full support to the step-by-step method proposed by the United Nations in order to help the Iraqi authorities in addressing the issue of disputed internal boundaries.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Belgium, however, supports the encouragement that accompanies that observation: for the Government of Iraq to intensify and accelerate its efforts to eliminate the gaps that the audit reports continue to note. The efforts of the Iraqi Government to re-establish its monopoly over legitimate force for maintaining order and to advance the cause of national reconciliation must, moreover, constitute the foundation for building the State to which Iraqis legitimately aspire. With regard to security issues, these efforts must be accompanied by a strengthening of the rule of law, the impartiality of which will ensure the trust of all Iraqis. We welcome the increased strength of the Iraqi security forces.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“Among the things that give us hope for a new beginning, the annual progress report presented on 29 May in Stockholm stressed the advances already made, as well as the challenges that Iraq, with its great potential, must meet. The first of these challenges is to ensure access for all to essential services such as food, water and electricity supplies, health services and education. Next, in broader terms, the Iraqi leadership must apply the principles of good governance, which must guide them in the exercise of their functions for the benefit of all of the country's citizens. In this context, Belgium welcomes the observation by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB) that Iraq has achieved some progress in the implementation of the recommendations it received after the audits of the Development Fund for Iraq.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source
“We cannot fail to welcome these positive trends, but the violence that continues to strike the civilian population and the still-precarious conditions of Iraqis who have had to flee their homes reminds us of the scope of the task that remains to be completed. Belgium attended the first Review Conference of the International Compact with Iraq in Stockholm and was thus able to reiterate that the Iraqi authorities and the international community must not weaken in their efforts. First and foremost, these efforts must be focused on improving the daily lives of Iraqi citizens, through assistance that remains essential for refugees in neighbouring countries and for internally displaced persons, as well as in the broader context of economic and social development.”
2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source