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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“I believe that that resolution is both an invitation to strengthen efforts to launch the dialogue and a request for increased attention to the strict implementation of the sanctions by all. The Committee on Transactions could, therefore, take a closer look at the national reports and examine more thoroughly the breaches in the implementation of the resolutions. In order to do that, in my view it would be particularly useful for the Committee, following the example of other sanctions committees, to be assisted by a panel of experts and to undertake visits in certain countries. In my view, such instruments are quite simply the logical complements to a sanctions committee. Finally, I would like to mention the activities of the Informal Working Group on Tribunals, which Belgium has chaired during 2008.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“However, it must be noted that, despite the pressure exerted by the sanctions and the repeated offers of cooperation from the international community, the Iranian authorities persist in refusing dialogue and in cultivating ambiguity. More than five years after the disclosure of Iran's clandestine programme, the IAEA remains incapable of confirming its peaceful nature. The last report of the IAEA shows once again that, at most, the sanctions have delayed the programme, not stopped it, nor - which is crucial - have they been able to reassure the international community of its peaceful nature. The dual-track approach adopted by the Security Council - pressure and dialogue - was further confirmed by resolution 1835 (2008) of last September.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“The activities of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), concerning Iran, were carried out against the backdrop of the verification efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and political negotiations 9 related to the nuclear issue. The Committee's activities were carried out in strict compliance with the mandate received from the Security Council. Moreover, during the first two years of the Committee's existence, the sanctions regime saw three successive waves of new measures imposed under resolutions 1737 (2006) of December 2006, 1747 (2007) of March 2007 and 1803 (2008) of March 2008. The Iran sanctions have undoubtedly affected the nuclear programme and the major actors and intermediaries involved in it.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“One may suppose that, in the current context in Cote d'Ivoire, better acceptance of the sanctions by the Ivorian authorities and others, as well as improvements in implementation, will remain challenges for the international community. Finally, I was struck by the lack of follow-up to the allegations of human rights violations noted in particular by the United Nations. Despite some observed progress, allegations of human rights violations remain numerous and grave, in particular cases involving sexual violence against women and children. Most reported cases are not being prosecuted by the Ivorian legal authorities. That situation is intolerable and should be followed very closely.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“On the other hand, neither the Security Council nor the Sanctions Committee has ever considered any request based on those provisions of the Agreement. Another characteristic of the Committee is that various reports of the Group of Experts have identified serious failures in the implementation of Security Council measures both by Cote d'Ivoire itself and by other countries, particularly those in the region. In particular, the experts noted a certain degree of ignorance, indifference and, in certain cases, contempt in Cote d'Ivoire regarding the sanctions measures adopted by the Council. The Republican Guard's persistent refusal to authorize embargo inspections by the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and the subsequent halt in those inspections are elements of great concern.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“Primarily, I shall address three characteristics of the activities carried out by the 08-64915 Committee during the two years of the Belgian chairmanship. First, those activities took place in the broader context of the momentum resulting from the Ouagadougou Agreement of 4 March 2007. While resolution 1721 (2006) had proved difficult to implement, the Ouagadougou Agreement marked the assumption of ownership of the peace process by the Ivorians and regional actors, which entailed a relative withdrawal by the Security Council. The Ouagadougou Agreement contained sanctions provisions, to which the Ivorian political actors have referred regularly in their statements, including before the General Assembly.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“In that light, it is important that Member States use this tool to the fullest extent possible by proposing the names of key actors for listing and complying fully with the sanctions measures. In that spirit, my predecessor and I gave four briefings to the larger membership in order to engage it in the activities of the Committee. That said, I know that the challenges ahead will be great. More needs to be done to ensure that the right individuals and entities are targeted. Due respect for fair and clear procedures can only increase the effectiveness of the sanctions regime. I now turn to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) concerning C6te d'Ivoire.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“The reality is that Security Council sanctions regimes find themselves increasingly under pressure and have recently been questioned, especially in light of the need for fair and clear procedures for listing, de-listing and the granting of humanitarian exemptions. I do believe that the Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee has made significant progress in this regard. However, it is also my belief that all of us must remain committed to continuing to ensure that due, and probably even more, attention is given to these concerns. I do not think there is any doubt in anyone's mind that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. The sanctions regime against Al-Qaida, the Taliban and their associates is still one of the most important tools of the international community in the fight against terrorism.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“This new framework has now been approved and will form a solid basis for my successor 08-64915 to continue the implementation work on resolution 1822 (2008). May I pay tribute here to the very professional support I got from the experts of the member States and from the Monitoring Team. I also appreciated the flexibility shown by delegations during the final stages of the negotiations. All these efforts have truly paid off, since the Security Council included many of the aforementioned innovations when it adopted the recent resolution imposing targeted sanctions in the context of Somalia. One cannot ignore the international context in which these developments have taken place.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“Resolution 1822 (2008) introduced a number of important innovations with regard to the procedures for listing and de-listing, the notification of sanctioned individuals and entities, the posting of narrative summaries of reasons for the listing of all entries on the Committee's website and the review mechanisms, thus adding to the transparency and fair and clear procedures character of the sanctions regime. The Committee members committed themselves to transposing resolution 1822 (2008) in a new framework for the practical implementation of these new mechanisms before the end of this year. In order to find solutions fitting for all members, multiple rounds of negotiations ensued that were sometimes arduous and complex.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“When my predecessor took on the chairmanship in January 2007, he did so in the wake of the adoption of two important Security Council resolutions at the end of 2006: resolution 1730 (2006) establishing the focal point process for de-listing requests, and resolution 1735 (2006), strengthening the sanctions regime and enhancing the Committee's procedures in order to ensure more clarity and transparency. Subsequently, the Security Council adopted resolution 1822 (2008) in June, which in my view represents a milestone in the life of the Committee.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“They are not attributable to any other delegation, nor should they be seen as a record of the work of these subsidiary organs. For a factual account of the work delivered in the past two years, I would like to refer to the annual reports of the three Committees, which may be found on their respective websites at the end of each year. At the end of my briefing, I will also say a few words about the state of play within the Informal Working Group on international tribunals. I would like to start my briefing with the Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to speak today in my capacity as Chair of three Sanctions Committees: the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities; the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004), concerning Cote d'Ivoire; and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), concerning Iran. Since the departure of my predecessor, Ambassador Johan Verbeke, in June of this year to take on new responsibilities within the United Nations system, I have had the honour to preside over these three Committees. This has proven to be both a privilege and a challenge. The comments I am about to make are my personal observations based on my experience and that of my predecessor.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“President, by its resolution 1835 (2008) of 27 September 2008, the Council reaffirmed the three resolutions, as well as resolution 1696 (2006), and also reaffirmed its commitment to an early negotiated solution through a dual-track approach to the Iranian nuclear issue and welcomed the continuing efforts in that regard. The Council also called upon Iran to comply fully and without delay with its obligations under the previously mentioned resolutions of the Security Council and to meet the requirements of the IAEA Board of Governors. As this is my last 90-day report to the Security Council, I would like to conclude by thanking the members of the 1737 Committee for their cooperation.”
2008-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6036 (2008) · source
“With respect to those exceptions, I would also like to mention that by notes verbales dated 7N0vember and 21 November 2008, the Russian Federation, as it has done in the past, notified the Committee of supplies it had delivered for the light water reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Finally, Mr. President, with regard to reporting by States on their implementation of all the relevant measures contained in resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008), the updated figures are as follows: 90 reports under resolution 1737 (2006), 77 reports under resolution 1747 (2007) and 63 reports under resolution 1803 (2008). As you are aware, Mr.”
2008-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6036 (2008) · source
“Resolution 1803 (2008) widened the prohibition to include the transfer of dual-use items, with the 2 exception of certain specific items to be used in light water reactors and under the framework of IAEA technical cooperation. Following the briefing, some other members of the Committee also shared with the Committee the steps they had taken to implement the relevant provisions. On the same date, Norway, a non-member of the Security Council, provided a briefing on its plans to strengthen the effectiveness of the regulatory oversight of the safety at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. The Norwegian project, to be implemented under the auspices of the IAEA, falls under the scope of the aforementioned exceptions.”
2008-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6036 (2008) · source
“Those paragraphs relate to the transfer of goods and technology to the Islamic Republic of Iran that could contribute to enrichment- related, reprocessing or heavy water-related activities, or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems; and to the transfer of any further items that, as determined by the State, could contribute to the pursuit of activities related to other topics about which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concerns or which the IAEA has identified as outstanding. The general rule established by resolution 1737 (2006) was that, with a few exceptions, such transfers were prohibited.”
2008-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6036 (2008) · source
“This is the eighth 90-day report to the Security Council in accordance with paragraph 18 (h) of resolution 1737 (2006). The report covers the period from 12 September to 10 December 2008, during which the Committee held one session of informal consultations to hear two briefings. In my previous report, I noted that the members of the Committee were considering a written request for certain specific information from a Member State. I wish to add now that the Committee subsequently responded to the communication from the Member State. On 15 October 2008, the United States provided a briefing on its efforts to implement paragraphs 3 and 4 of resolution 1737 (2006) and paragraph 8 of resolution 1803 (2008).”
2008-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6036 (2008) · source
“While repression is an indispensable dimension to thwart the intentions of those who are ready to make use of terrorism, all preventative measures taken are in the long term the best strategy to eradicate this scourge. Any United Nations declaration, strategy or resolution will send a strong signal of the determination and unity of the international community. That is why my delegation will support the text of the presidential statement to be read at the end of this debate.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“By improving procedures, the Council is reaffirming its role as the lynchpin of the international sanctions system and will strengthen the adherence of Member States to that system. Belgium therefore calls upon the Council to consolidate and strengthen its efforts in this regard, in addition to the provisions of resolution 1822 (2008), in order to heighten the effectiveness and transparency of the sanctions procedures of the 1267 Committee. Today's debate has allowed us to underscore international solidarity in the fight against terrorism. It is crucial that this solidarity result in everyday specific actions that will allow us to prevent new tragedies.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“By continuing to improve upon those procedures, as was done in the case of resolution 1822 (2008), the Security Council is not only strengthening the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime, but is also strengthening its authority, its credibility and, as a result, its effectiveness in this field. We are thus responding to the various legal procedures that have been introduced, particularly in Europe, because of the current procedural gaps in the existing regime. Every measure that is taken to establish clear and transparent procedures will strengthen the legitimacy of the United Nations sanctions system and the authority of the Security Council and the impact of its measures.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“That is why Belgium welcomes the fact that the human rights dimension has been taken into account in the actions and decisions of the United Nations. The Global Strategy includes a human rights and rule of law pillar, and the Security Council has systematically reminded States since 2003 "that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law" (resolution 1456 (2003), annex, para. 6). It is essential that there be clearer and more equitable procedures with regard to the listing and de-listing of names on the lists of individuals suspected of terrorist acts who are subjected to restrictive measures.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“As will be stated by the representative of France in his intervention, to be made shortly on behalf of the European Union - a statement that my delegation supports in full - respect for human rights and the primacy of the rule of law are fundamental elements in the fight against terrorism. The protection of these fundamental rights and freedoms is a moral and legal obligation. It also corresponds to our interests and is a central element of any effective and sustainable counter-terrorism strategy. The fight against terrorism cannot be waged to the detriment of our principles, of our values, of human rights or of democratic institutions; that is precisely what those who threaten us seek to destroy.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“Belgium fully endorses these two strategies, which are complementary. In my country, attempted attacks have also been thwarted. Networks have been dismantled and trials have been held. By providing an arsenal of new measures and establishing new structures to fight against terrorism, Belgium has implemented European decisions and United Nations resolutions. Strengthening our counter-terrorism capacity must remain a priority for the international community. All the initiatives to further sensitize and involve States at the four corners of the globe must be promoted. The role of regional and subregional organizations is essential in this regard.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“The Security Council is also fighting terrorism actively through its resolutions. The Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on weapons of mass destruction are essential bodies in these efforts. At the same time, a number of United Nations programmes, offices and agencies are involved in specific operational actions aimed at supporting the initiatives by Member States. The Secretary-General referred to that in his introductory statement. In order to further consolidate and improve upon these activities, the General Assembly has defined a United Nation Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in order to combat this scourge. The European Union has also defined a plan of action and a strategy to tackle terrorism on a global scale.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“The criminals must be detained and brought to justice. The fight against terrorism must be waged tirelessly and across the board by attacking terrorist networks and their sources of financing and by doing everything possible to prevent their actions, but also by addressing the factors that could fuel extremism and lead to terrorism. Moreover, we should recall that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief. In this context, the United Nations plays a central role and, when it comes to this matter, shoulder the responsibilities that fall to a universal organization, as provided for in the Charter. The Member States, through the intervention of the General Assembly, are committed to better coordinating their counter- terrorism initiatives and to developing legal standards.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“Belgium also would like to express its solidarity with the people and authorities of India and with every country that is dealing with the effects of terrorism. Your initiative, Sir, to launch this thematic debate is therefore particularly timely, and it underscores the resolve of the international community to eradicate this scourge. Indeed, it is only through a holistic strategy and unwavering cooperation that we will be able to do so. Further efforts are, without a doubt, still necessary in this regard. The world must deal with individuals and organizations that do not hesitate to carry out attacks against thousands of innocent victims in an attempt to further their agenda. These attacks are the expression of inadmissible hatred and rage. The international community must respond to them.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): Mr. President, allow me, first and foremost, to welcome your presence here amongst us today to preside over the thematic debate, and to welcome the participation of the Secretary-General of our Organization. His presence adds a special dimension to our debate. The tragic events that occurred in Mumbai just two weeks ago have once again reminded us that terrorism is a reality that spares no country and remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. In this regard, I would like to recall that Belgium firmly condemns all terrorist attacks, including those that were perpetrated in Mumbai, which targeted innocent civilians. We convey our condolences to the grieving families.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“In conclusion, Belgium reiterates its full support for the Dayton Agreement's provisions and the involvement of the international community, as demonstrated by the renewal of the mandate of the European Union-led peacekeeping force by this Council. We also reiterate our appreciation and support for the work of the High Representative, who is also the Special Representative of the European Union.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“A recent statement by the Steering Board after its meeting in Brussels on 19 and 20 November reaffirmed the importance of these criteria, in particular such unresolved questions as the distribution of public property between the State and other Government entities and the complete implementation of the Brcko Arbitration Tribunal's Final Award. The resolution of these two questions will enable the Steering Board to take a decision at its next meeting, to be held in March 2009, on the transition from the Office of the High Representative towards a more substantial representation by the European Union. In addition, Belgium wholeheartedly urges the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Belgium welcomes the recent political agreement of 8 November 2008 among the three most important political parties of the country. The time has now come to ensure that the agreement is also supported by other political actors and that all the measures necessary for its full implementation are carried out. It is important, inter alia, for Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue to implement the 27 February 2007 declaration of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council. That declaration links the future closure of the Office of the High Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina's achieving the five objectives and meeting the two conditions set out in the declaration.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“This demonstrates that, when it comes to crucial reforms such as police reforms, results are possible. However, since the signing, progress on reforms has clearly come to a halt. Belgium is deeply concerned by the political developments of the past few months in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the period before the local elections of 5 October 2008, when ethnic motivations and nationalist rhetoric unfortunately once again paralysed the political process. Clearly, this kind of attitude and behaviour undermine the very foundations of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and will not help the country achieve its Euro-Atlantic goals, which my country fully supports. In view of that Euro-Atlantic integration process, Bosnia and Herzegovina has great challenges ahead of it. Allow me to highlight a few elements.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): I, in turn, would like to thank High Representative Lajcak for his introduction and for his very detailed and comprehensive report to the Security Council. I would also like to thank the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr. Nikola Spirie, for his presence and for his statement. Belgium aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of France on behalf of the European Union. Allow me to say from the outset that Belgium fully shares the general assessment of the High Representative. Like the High Representative, Belgium would like to underscore the importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina of the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union on 16 June 2008.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Finally, it is urgent that Hamas, which hopes to be seen as a political actor, act on its sense of responsibility for the true interests of the Palestinian people, beginning by 9 restoring the Gaza Strip to the sole and legitimate authority of President Abbas.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6030 (2008) · source
“Moreover, with regard to the humanitarian situation in southern Israel, we continue to systematically condemn all rocket launches from the Gaza Strip. Thirdly, we welcome the state of calm achieved thanks to Egypt's mediation, with its dual goal of making a lasting improvement in the living conditions of the Palestinian and Israeli populations in and around the Gaza Strip. However, from the beginning, we have emphasized that tranquillity should not be an end in itself. It is urgent that we put an end to the anomaly of the situation of siege that followed the illegal usurpation of power by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. There is an urgent need for the calm to yield to humanitarian, security, economic and political normalization.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6030 (2008) · source
“For the sake of the population of Gaza, we should nevertheless wonder about the usefulness of the counter-productive politicization that has resulted from an attempt to provide humanitarian assistance by ship. Secondly, with regard to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, along with our partners in the European Union and the Quartet, which share our deep concern, we regularly call for the opening of the crossing points to both humanitarian and commercial traffic. The Israeli authorities cannot consider themselves absolved of their responsibilities vis-a-vis the Gaza Strip. We therefore call on them to assume their humanitarian responsibilities and lift the restrictions to access imposed against the press and the diplomatic community.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6030 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): We have heard statements this afternoon by the delegations of Libya, Israel and Palestine. In the light of this afternoon's debate, I would first of all like to recall that respect for international humanitarian law is a permanent guiding principle of Belgium's interventions. That essential principle demands that all actors concerned demonstrate their sense of responsibility. A sense of responsibility inspires me to make three comments. First, with regard to the incident itself, at this stage, the varying accounts available to us assure us as to the restraint of those involved. However, they do not provide the requisite clarity to come to a definitive conclusion.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6030 (2008) · source
“Furthermore, the population is still waiting impatiently for the peace dividends, for example, in terms of infrastructure and social services. Finally, I would like to express my delegation's greatest appreciation for the humanitarian work done by the United Nations and non-governmental organization staff in Chad and the Sudan under extremely difficult circumstances.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6029 (2008) · source
“At the same time, however, we call upon the Government to implement this document, concretely and systematically, so that humanitarian organizations can really carry out their work effectively. Belgium would like to reiterate its request to the Sudanese authorities to cooperate fully with the United Nations and to implement all of their commitments to expedite the deployment of UNAMID so that its mandate to protect civilians can be fully implemented. Finally, as regards the situation in southern Sudan, we agree with Mr. Holmes to the effect that the resolution of security questions, among others, around the town of Abyei, is a basic condition in order to make progress in a significant manner in the humanitarian sphere.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6029 (2008) · source
“Belgium deplores the fact that the unilateral ceasefire proclaimed by the President of the Sudan has not had any effect in the field, either from the Government side or the rebel movements, which on both sides continue their military strategies in direct contradiction to their oral commitments. We call once again on all the parties, not only to work sincerely towards a rapid ceasefire and end of hostilities but, above all, to give absolute priority to the protection of the civilian population. In this context, we welcome the extension by the Government of the Sudan of the moratorium on the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to Darfur until the end of 2010.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6029 (2008) · source
“Violence against the civilian population continues to grow every day, and we have just heard that since the beginning of 2008 more than 300,000 additional persons have been displaced following indiscriminate attacks by the Sudanese forces supported by allied militias and rebel movements. The Permanent Representative of France has just referred to this as well. This situation is in striking contrast to the efforts stated to relaunch the peace process and to speed up the deployment of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6029 (2008) · source
“That is why Belgium earnestly supports the assumption of the activities of the European-led military force in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR) by a United Nations peacekeeping mission and awaits the proposals of the Secretary-General in his report to be issued soon. Belgium is in favour of a rapid and effective insertion of MINURCAT II in Chad and also in the Central African Republic and for the speeded up normalization of relations between Chad and the Sudan. These developments could certainly have a positive impact on the situation the east of the country. Regarding his trip to the Sudan, I would like to make the following comment. My delegation notes that the substance of the message made by Mr. Holmes has, unfortunately, not really changed. In spite of statements and promises, the humanitarian situation is not improving.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6029 (2008) · source
“Mr. Grauls (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. John Holmes, for his very informative, detailed and nuanced briefing on his recent travels to Chad and the Sudan. I would also like to thank him and his team for having undertaken this mission. My thanks, of course, are also extended to the Permanent Representative of Chad for being here and for what he said. I would like briefly to make a few comments after having listened to the statement made by Mr. Holmes. First of all, on Chad, the humanitarian and security situation in the country remains very precarious, in spite of some improvements that were encouraging and were pointed out by Mr. Holmes.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6029 (2008) · source
“Fourthly, the Security Council must not tolerate and must hold the Sudanese authorities responsible for any threat or reprisal against the peacekeeping forces, humanitarian workers or civilians in Darfur that might be organized following the issuance of an arrest warrant against the President. These threats should - and once again I quote the Prosecutor - "be seen for what they are - a confirmation of criminal intentions and not rewarded with promises of impunity. The Security Council would discredit itself if it were to allow itself to be manipulated by blackmail. Finally, Belgium supports the call of the Prosecutor to consider imposing sanctions in the form of a travel ban or an assets freeze against persons or groups protecting persons against whom arrest warrants have been issued.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“First, we must reaffirm the need to allow the International Criminal Court to do its work in complete independence and oppose all political interference. Secondly, the Government of the Sudan must cooperate with the Court and the Prosecutor, as required by resolution 1593 (2005) and as was recalled in the presidential statement of 16 June 2008. In particular, the Government must arrest and hand over the two individuals against whom arrest warrants have been issued - one of whom is still a Government minister - so that they can present their defence before the Court. Thirdly, we must also urge all parties to the conflict to abstain from all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“Finally, the decision rests with the ICC Judges." Sixthly, my delegation is pleased to note the many meetings between the Prosecutor and the representatives of States and organizations, particularly in Africa. This communication is indispensable and can help to dissipate a number of misunderstandings and confusion with regard to the issue of complementarity, the basis for the jurisdiction of the Court in Darfur, as well as misunderstandings with regard to the role of the Prosecutor. In this regard, it is useful to recall, as the Prosecutor did at the conclusion of his briefing, that "[t]here is no immunity on account of rank or official position before the International Criminal Court for persons against whom warrants of arrest have been issued by the Judges of this Court". A number of conclusions should be drawn from what I have said.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“As the Prosecutor says in his report: "The Office is not mandated to assess the Sudanese judicial system as a whole, or to monitorjudicial proceedings in the Sudan "The complementarity test is whether or not the Government of the Sudan has genuinely investigated or prosecuted, or is genuinely investigating or prosecuting the cases selected for prosecution by the Office "Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Government of the Sudan, or the individual concerned, should they assess that such national investigation or prosecution exist, to come to the ICC and challenge the admissibility of the case. This cannot be done through the media or through the reports of intermediaries. It can only be done through proper legal channels.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“Fifthly, we thank the Prosecutor for explaining in his report and briefing the issues relating to admissibility and complementarity. These clarifications are welcome because a degree of confusion often exists around these central notions of the Rome Statute.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“Persons being investigated by the Court, now and in the future, as well as the Government of the Sudan, must reply seriously to those accusations, rather than verbally attacking the ICC and the Prosecutor. Given the extreme seriousness of the matter at hand, my delegation is more than ever convinced that the judicial process must continue in total independence. The populations of Darfur will not be able to enjoy lasting peace as long as impunity reigns. Fourthly, my delegation takes note of the opening of a third investigation of war crimes allegedly committed by three rebel commanders. Intentional attacks against peacekeeping staff and materiel are unacceptable and must be prosecuted in conformity with the Rome Statute.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source
“Thirdly, the report contains detailed information about the second matter at hand, namely, the charges against President Omer Al-Bashir, against whom the Prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant. My delegation is deeply concerned about information regarding the systematic involvement of the State apparatus in a plan to destroy ethnic groups, which is the basis for the charge of genocide being made by the Prosecutor. In particular, the allegations of systematic rape aimed at annihilating populations, and policies whose purpose is to methodically starve the same populations, must be either confirmed or disproved through a judicial process.”
2008-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6028 (2008) · source