YouSaid · the spoken record

Guehenno

lines on the record: 1,147
first: 2000-11-14
most recent: 2011-05-12
sittings or episodes: 58
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

“In the light of the political importance of the international presence to the peace process, there is a common understanding that the overall approach will be to analyse security incidents on a case-by-case basis and conduct any potential withdrawal primarily to other locations in Afghanistan, while continuing operations in all other areas as long as this is feasible and safe. Caution and prudence will guide our actions, but never panic. I must stress that this is simply contingency planning and there is at present no sense among key actors in Afghanistan that there is any area that has, or is likely to, reach a state where withdrawal would be required.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“UNAMA has also recently received credible threats of the kidnapping of international staff in Kabul, Jalalabad and Kunar provinces. Enhanced security measures were implemented as a result. However, we remain worried about increasing threats and actions against international assistance agencies. Purely as a contingency, UNAMA has discussed with United Nations agencies and some foreign missions the response that should be made if the security situation deteriorates to the point that international operations become unsafe in any given area.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“On 29 January, an explosive device detonated in the compound of the non-governmental organization Action Against Hunger, fortunately causing no injuries. A week ago, in the north-eastern city of Kunduz, a grenade was thrown over the wall of the compound belonging to the International Organization for Migration. The blast blew out windows in the building, but luckily there were no casualties. An hour later, a second explosion occurred in the centre of Kunduz. In eastern Afghanistan, the Government's poppy- eradication campaign continues to face strong opposition from local tribes who do not feel they have been offered sufficient compensation. United Nations activities have been suspended in four districts in Nargarhar as a result of that tension.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“While the Bonn process has so far successfully averted full-scale fighting between major rival factions, Afghans continue to suffer on a human level from the insecurity created by the conjunction of weak national security institutions and strong local commanders. Council members will recall that when Mr. Brahimi briefed the Council, less than a month ago, an improvised mine had exploded on a roadside near Kandahar that same day, killing 12 bus passengers. Since then, several other incidents have occurred in Kandahar. On 12 February, a grenade exploded outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). That was the second grenade attack on United Nations premises in Kandahar in the last seven months. Fortunately, there were no injuries in either case.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“With assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR), the Afghan Human Rights Commission has begun to prioritize the more than 600 complaints that have been lodged with it. That exercise will help the Commission to decide the most pressing cases to investigate, while ensuring that its resources are used as effectively as possible and that positive results are demonstrated. Turning to the main theme of today's meeting, I would like to preface my comments on security-sector reform by describing some recent and worrying security trends in Afghanistan. Those trends highlight the imperative to both quicken the pace of security- sector reform and to consider immediate measures to improve security. Hopefully, those issues too will factor into our discussion today.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“The human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to be undermined by the poor overall security environment. In the absence of effective State institutions, many Afghans are subjected to arbitrary rule by local commanders and have no recourse to legitimate judicial institutions. UNAMA human rights officers continue to hear of cases of extrajudicial executions, extortion and forced displacement. UNAMA is maintaining its efforts to build the capacity of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and to engage with local authorities to prevent abuses. Satellite offices of the Commission are in the process of being opened in Bamyan, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“In order to sustain the still-fragile Afghan peace process, I would urge all donors to participate in the Development Forum with the same generous spirit that was demonstrated at the meeting of the Afghanistan Support Group in Oslo last December. Afghans are optimistic that the international community will fulfil the commitments it has already made for 2003. The Government looks forward to the provision of between $1.7 billion and $2 billion in aid this year. That optimism is, however, tempered by concerns about the slow pace of allocations. There is also a fear that, as donors monitor the current international situation, they may withhold funds for possible use elsewhere. As a result, these agencies are concerned that they might not be able to meet their existing assistance commitments to Afghanistan.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“(spoke in English) The Government is now engaged in a rigorous process of finalizing its budget for the next Afghan financial year, which begins on 21 March. Ministries are preparing proposals in consultation with the newly formed sector consultative groups, which bring together Government actors and the assistance community in a coordinated framework. That process is an important test of the Government's inter- ministerial and Cabinet policy-making systems. The proposals will be subjected to an intensive Cabinet review and will be finalized so that they can be presented to the Afghanistan Development Forum, which will begin on 13 March in Kabul.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“On 15 February 2003, President Karzai sent the Secretary-General a letter formally requesting UNAMA's assistance in organizing the electoral process and coordinating international electoral assistance. A few days ago, the head of UNAMA's electoral section arrived in Kabul and began to work on preparations for the elections. A core team of electoral experts, the first members of which have already arrived, is in the process of being deployed to the United Nations Mission. On the Afghan side, President Karzai has identified a number of candidates for membership in the electoral commission, which we expect will be formed in March. Once the commission is established, it will work with the UNAMA team to create an Afghan electoral authority to manage the electoral process. An electoral unit has also been set up in the Ministry of the Interior.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“Technical assistance from UNAMA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), bilateral donors and academic sources has been made available to the Drafting Commission and its secretariat. Of course, those resources will also be available to the full Commission. While support from international experts will certainly be a useful resource in the Commission's work, we continue to believe that it is critical for the quality of the constitutional process that it remain Afghan-led, and for Afghans to decide among themselves, using the tools of dialogue and compromise, and to take the decisions on the most politically sensitive issues. I am also pleased to inform the Council that there has been progress in the preparations for the elections to be held in June 2004.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“The nine members of the currently functioning Constitutional Drafting Commission will be made part of the larger Constitutional Commission, which should be established early next month. President Karzai's office has compiled a list of almost 80 candidates for possible selection to the Commission. An important part of the constitutional process will be the series of public consultations to be held between April and June that will solicit the views of Afghans on the political future of their country. Those consultations will take place in every province of Afghanistan, as well as among the diaspora in Iran and Pakistan, and possibly in other countries where there is a significant Afghan diaspora. The results of those consultations will be important elements for consideration in the work of the Constitutional Commission.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“Juma Mohammed Mohammedi, as well as that of a high official of the Pakistani Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Farhad Ahmed, and of other Afghan and Pakistani colleagues. I should like to express our sincere condolences to the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan with regard to that cruel loss. I now return to the subject of this briefing. With respect to the implementation of the political transition outlined by the Bonn Agreement, there has been progress in the especially important process of drafting a new constitution. President Karzai's office is currently preparing a decree that will establish the Constitutional Commission and detail the main elements of the constitutional process. The decree will provide the necessary clarity on that essential process, while signalling the Government's strong support for the process.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“As the focus of this meeting is the status of progress in security- sector reform in Afghanistan, I shall confine my comments to an update on recent developments since the last briefing to the Council on this item, followed by several observations on security-sector reform from the perspective of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I shall limit my comments on security-sector reform to the interrelationships among the various activities, leaving the discussion of each specific sector to the lead nations concerned. But, before beginning my briefing, I wish to inform the Council of some sad news. We have learned from press reports that an aircraft accident near Karachi has caused the death of the Afghan Minister for Mines and Industry, His Excellency Mr.”
2003-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4711 (2003) · source
“MONUC has some information, but we need more if there is to be accountability, an end to the culture of impunity that was denounced by so many of you around this table.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“There has to be an incentive for the political leaders to build legitimacy and therefore to have behaviour that is compatible with their future role in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In that respect, looking at the future, the way the transitional authorities address the issues of human rights and justice is of critical importance. Already, we are discussing with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights how exactly MONUC could support that process. We see the immensity of the task at hand. It will require accountable police and accountable military forces that are a reassurance for the people and not a threat. It will require a functioning justice system. It will also require effective investigations so as to be able - as you asked, Sir - to identify those who have committed crimes.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“We will be discussing with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights how to reconcile those two important concerns: concern for that principle and at the same time the need for MONUC to be an effective eye for the international community so that we know what happens everywhere. The question was asked by you, Mr. President, in your national capacity, what is the political will of the leaders to bring perpetrators to justice? I think that the political process that is developing can be an important instrument. The political process should not be an incentive for political leaders to attempt to establish new positions on the ground so as to strengthen their hand in the political process. It has to be exactly the opposite.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Likewise, for women, it is important to take the gender dimension into consideration as we organize disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. The Office of Gender Affairs in MONUC is working precisely to that effect so that the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration centres that we are establishing, such as the one already being established in Lubero, take that dimension into consideration. The specific question of the role of the international community with respect to the trial being organized by the Mouvement de liberation congolais (MLC) was raised. We fully understand and share the view of the High Commissioner that, indeed, we cannot through our actions sanction a tribunal that is a de facto tribunal. So, we have to reconcile that principle with the need to report and to know what is happening.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“As many Council members have noticed, children and women are particularly in need of protection. In that respect, I am pleased to report that the collaboration of MONUC with UNICEF, for instance, in taking care of child combatants who are being disarmed, is very effective because it is of critical importance that children have good reintegration programmes. Some reintegration programmes have been put in place, some of them with the support of the Government of Norway. We are very grateful for that. That kind of effort is of great importance - so that children who are demobilized do not go back to the army after being demobilized from one of the armed groups. We have to think of the long term.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“In that respect, I would remind the Council that we are still looking for one small unit of attack helicopters, which will considerably enhance the operational capabilities of those task forces. Several delegations asked about how we can strengthen our action in human rights. Sergio Vieira de Mello will answer that in greater detail than I can. But I would like to say that, as far as MONUC is concerned, the first effort is to observe wherever we can. I think that putting the searchlight of the international community in as many places as possible in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is important as a deterrent. We have developed multi-dimensional teams that combine human rights officers, civilian police and child protection officers. I think those teams can play a useful deterrent role.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Several delegations asked about how MONUC could strengthen its role in the protection of civilians and access to civilians. Indeed, ultimate responsibility for the protection of civilians will remain with the parties. I do not see how it could be otherwise, considering the size of the country and the problems at hand. At the same time, it is clear that the presence of MONUC is a reassuring presence wherever it is seen. In that respect, I would remind the Council that at the moment we have approximately 4,400 uniformed personnel in that big country. We are moving as many assets as we can towards the sensitive areas in the east. We would like the task forces to be in place as soon as possible. Those task forces will be all the more effective as they will be strong and mobile.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: Several delegations share the concern of the Secretariat on the situation in the north- east. As we reach the conclusion of this briefing, I just want to reiterate how important it is that there be no outside interference in a situation that is extremely volatile and dangerous. We would hope that all neighbours that can help would encourage the parties to work with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) to put in place mechanisms for the pacification of Ituri. Of course, the meeting that took place at the initiative of the President of Angola was a very important step in that direction. We have to continue the efforts in that direction. Otherwise, the situation in that part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo could get worse.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The Department for Peacekeeping Operations and MONUC, which has a human rights component, will, in coordination with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, strive towards that end.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Looking ahead, let me conclude my briefing with some thoughts for the Council's deliberations on MONUC's future role in the area of human rights, especially in the light of the all-inclusive agreement of 16 to 17 December. In that context, we recognize the leading role played by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we wish to support his efforts as closely and with as much vigour as possible. Ultimately, if there is no end to the present culture of impunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the progress we seek on the political front may be hard to achieve. The Council may wish to consider how to ensure that more attention be paid to human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“I shall now touch briefly on the human rights situation, which the High Commissioner for Human Rights will describe in more detail. Council members will recall that preliminary findings of the MONUC multidisciplinary team, which was sent to the Beni area to investigate allegations that serious human rights violations had occurred in Mambasa town, were presented to them during my briefing on 15 January. The team worked closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in facilitating and aiding the latter's investigation into the events that had taken place during the MLC-RCD-N offensive in the north-east. More details have subsequently been shared with the Office of the High Commissioner for inclusion in the High Commissioner's report.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Under the new timetable, the preparatory committee for the IPC - composed of two representatives each from the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Government of Uganda and MONUC, and four representatives from the parties represented on the ground in Ituri - is expected to commence its work on 17 February and to conclude it by 20 March. That will be followed or accompanied by the total withdrawal of Ugandan troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is expected that a ministerial-level meeting will be held in Luanda on 14 February to set up the modalities of implementation of the Ituri Pacification Committee. MONUC is continuing its efforts to bring together a wide cross-section of local parties in Ituri to support the process.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“While MONUC has continued to meet political players in Bunia to organize a local-level ceasefire leading up to a convening of the Ituri Pacification Committee (IPC), as stipulated in the Luanda Agreement, President Dos Santos of Angola sent his Special Envoy to Dar es Salaam on 9 February for a two-day meeting with Presidents Kabila and Museveni. UPC leader Lubanga also travelled to Dar es Salaam and met separately with President Museveni. At the meeting between Presidents Kabila and Museveni, the Foreign Ministers of Uganda and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed an amendment to the Luanda accord allowing for a new timetable for the work of the envisaged Ituri Pacification Committee.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The Special Representative has met with President Museveni in Kampala, with Foreign Minister Miranda in Rwanda and with Special Envoy Mazimhaka in Kigali. The Force Commander is now in Bunia, urging restraint in what has evolved into not only a dangerous situation for Ituri-based groups, but also what may prove to be a new possible flashpoint between Uganda and Rwanda. In that context, President Museveni told the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kampala that he will not tolerate the intransigence of the UPC.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“An attack on the RCD-K/ML - with its implications in Uganda's eyes for RCD-Goma and a Rwandan presence close to Uganda's border with Ituri - or conflict arising from the increasing tensions between forces of the UPC and of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) in Ituri itself, could trigger a UPDF military response. I turn now to the political aspects of the situation in the north-east. It should be emphasized that the situation in that part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is now - even more so - one of growing concern. The importance of a political solution to underpin any military disengagement and ceasefire is key. MONUC has been working hard in the past weeks to defuse tensions and to recommend peace-building mechanisms.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The RCD-K/ML is, on the other hand, being supported by a sizeable number of FAC troops, possibly up to a battalion, recently deployed in Beni. In addition, at a press conference in Kampala on 12 February, a prominent Ituri leader, Chief Kawa, announced the formation of a new Hema-Lendu grouping, the Front pour l'integration et la paix, opposed to the UPC - and called for the retention of Ugandan forces in Ituri. Hence, any further conflict in the area has major regional implications beyond the immediate environs. Meanwhile, at the southern end of the territory controlled by the RCD-IQML, the RCD-Goma has probed north of Kenabayunga, about 50 kilometres from the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, most likely in the context of a standing aspiration to see Kenabayunga as part of RCD-Goma territory.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“It is reported that, on the road between Bunia and Komanda, UPC forces have established 14 checkpoints, at which soldiers demand money from each person who passes through. It also appears that the UPC has significantly reinforced its military capacity in recent months, including through the recruitment of child soldiers and the acquisition of military equipment. MONUC is deeply concerned about the claims of the UPC leader, Thomas Lubanga, that he had the sole legitimate right to control the entire Ituri region. His actions in support of those claims would inevitably bring his forces into conflict with those of the RCD- K/ML. As Council members may be aware, the UPC is now aligned with the RCD-Goma. It has been alleged that Rwanda also backs the UPC.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The truce provided for the withdrawal and disengagement of forces and access for humanitarian relief. The MLC withdrawal from the Mambasa-Komanda area commenced in earnest only on 6 January and, while behind schedule, was completed on 3 February. Subsequently, in a worrying development, the UPC - which was not a signatory to the Gbadalite agreement - took over Komanda. MONUC has placed a military observer team in Mambasa and, having carried out preliminary reconnaissance to Komanda, anticipates establishing a team there when suitable security conditions prevail. The Special Representative and the Force Commander have both urged the UPC to withdraw from its newly acquired positions, but to no avail. Instead, UPC forces have continued their advance and have been seen as close as 25 kilometres east of Mambasa.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“In December, the Mouvement de liberation congolais (MLC) and its ally, the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie-mouvement de liberation (RCD-ML), stepped up major offensive operations in the direction of Beni, North Kivu, against the forces of the RCD- K/ML, reportedly with the participation of some forces belonging to the Union de patriotes congolais (UPC), and they captured the town on 17 December. Thousands of people were displaced and suffered human rights abuses as a result of the fighting. Subsequently, MONUC - with the strong support of the Security Council and of its five permanent members, plus the Belgian and South African ambassadors in Kinshasa - was able to conclude its efforts to broker a truce, which was signed on 30 December in Gbadalite.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Niasse went to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 4 to 10 February to consult with the Congolese parties and to prepare for those two meetings. The facilitator of the inter-Congolese dialogue, His Excellency Sir Ketumile Masire, is convinced that it would be very useful for the Security Council to encourage the parties to cooperate fully with Mr. Niasse so that agreement can be reached swiftly on outstanding issues' so that the inter-Congolese dialogue can hold its final session as soon as possible. (spoke in English) I would now like to turn to the main object of this briefing: an update on the military situation. As members of the Council are aware, there has been continuous heavy fighting in and around the Ituri region since October, despite the signing of the all- inclusive agreement on 16 to 17 December.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Allow me to take advantage of the opportunity offered by this briefing to say a few words about the activities of the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, Mr. Niasse. In support of the efforts of the facilitator to convene the final session of the inter- Congolese dialogue, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Niasse, together with South Africa, has convened two technical committees, which will meet from 20 to 25 February to discuss the issues still pending: essentially, finalizing the transitional constitution; and military and security questions. Mr. Niasse is convinced that the parties could now begin to discuss those issues and that the convening of the final session of the inter-Congolese dialogue should not depend on the prior settlement of those issues. Mr.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The last briefing to the Security Council on this item on 15 January 2003, focused on the situation in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular, on military and humanitarian questions. The aim of today's briefing is to update Council members on the military situation in the north-east and on the initiatives undertaken by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and other actors to reach a peaceful settlement to this conflict which is ravaging that part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, will give a briefing on human rights in the region. A more complete briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and on the activities of MONUC will be given to the Council on 26 February.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The end of the UNMOP mandate brings to a close, not only a decade of United Nations involvement in that part of the Balkans, but also a mission which demonstrated, as the Secretary-General stated in his report, that "even a small United Nations presence, properly conceived and executed, can make a difference" (S/2002/I34I, para. 12).”
2002-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4662 (2002) · source
“Starting on 15 December, most of them will also be repatriated, and only three military observers will be left, to be available for about another week to liaise with the representatives of the two sides to ensure that the handover is completed in a secure and effective manner. In conclusion, I would like to put on record our appreciation for those 25 Governments, from all five continents, which contributed to this truly international mission. This spirit of internationalism was also reflected by the successive Chief Military Observers of UNMOP who came, in the best United Nations tradition, from all corners of the globe: Colonel Tangai from Kenya, Colonel Williams from New Zealand and Colonel Mujica from Argentina. They and the men and women who served under them, deserve our thanks.”
2002-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4662 (2002) · source
“An expert team from Croatia is already on the peninsula to work with UNMOP on the technical aspects of the handover of the former naval base and its lighthouse, which incidentally has been maintained and run by UNMOP military observers for the last 10 years. To the best of my knowledge it is the first lighthouse ever to be operated by the United Nations. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has also nominated personnel for conducting the handover on its side. Therefore, UNMOP has started the repatriation of its personnel and by today, 12 December, the Mission is down to about 10 military observers.”
2002-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4662 (2002) · source
“For us at the United Nations, it means that the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka, which monitored the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula, can withdraw with confidence that their work has been successfully accomplished. That task, worthwhile in itself, had two major effects. It helped to insulate the strategically important peninsula from the fighting and tensions in the vicinity, and it later created conditions conducive to negotiations by the parties on a settlement of the dispute. The signing of the Protocol paved the way for a smooth and orderly handover of the UNMOP area of responsibility to the local authorities.”
2002-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4662 (2002) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: This is the last time I shall have the honour to introduce a report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP). The present report (S/2002/ 1341) summarizes the developments on Prevlaka until 10 December 2002, and as you noted, Sir, on that date - to our great pleasure - the Governments of Croatia and of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia signed the Protocol on the Interim Regime along the Southern Border between the Two States. That was, without any doubt, a significant step forward by the two countries on their way to full normalization of their relations.”
2002-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4662 (2002) · source
“Kosovo's leaders have a responsibility to create conditions conducive to improving intercommunal relations and promoting reconciliation. In that regard, I welcome the statement made by political leaders on 1 November of which I have already spoken. But more needs to be done, including turning words into actions and speaking out more clearly against violence. The brunt of the effort lies with the majority community. However, the Kosovo Serb community must also realize that tangible benefits can be achieved only through participation.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“The most pressing issue is to manage the situation created by the boycott, which has led to the election of a Mitrovica municipal assembly devoid of Kosovo Serb representatives. In conclusion, let me say that the developments of the last four months illustrate the difficulties faced in making consistent progress on all fronts in Kosovo. It is, inevitably, slow going. Although the Kosovo Serb community would like to see faster progress in many areas * as we would all like to see and are striving for - the low turnout of Kosovo Serbs is to the detriment of that community, as it diminishes their ability to participate in decision-making processes throughout Kosovo. It is clear from recent events that more emphasis needs to be placed on reconciliation efforts.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“On 1 November, Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb leaders issued a statement reaffirming that Kosovo must be a truly multi-ethnic society, and that all Kosovo's communities would work within the institutions. To achieve this, the representatives of the majority community committed themselves to safeguard the rights of the smaller communities, including the right to security and freedom of movement throughout Kosovo. On the basis of that endorsement, Mr. Steiner has asked the Council of Europe to send a mission to develop a proposal for decentralization. Given the election boycott in northern Mitrovica, UNMIK has had to adapt the implementation of its seven-point plan mentioned in the Secretary-General's report.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“As a result of gender requirements in the electoral legislation and the system of closed lists, 28.5 per cent of the membership of the new municipal assemblies will be made up of women representatives. That is a substantial improvement on the 8 per cent achieved at the 2000 elections. A surprising result was the performance of newly and locally organized politically unaffiliated initiatives, which received one or more seats in approximately half of Kosovo's municipalities. Since the elections, Mr. Steiner has been actively consulting with Kosovo's leaders and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia regarding the next steps. These include pushing ahead with the concept of decentralization to bring Government closer to the people. There is support for this across both the Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb political spectrums.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“In total, 40 out of the 68 political entities represented on the ballot won at least one seat, meaning that nearly all of Kosovo's minority communities received representation in municipal assemblies where they live. For example, Kosovo's Turkish community, which had boycotted the 2000 elections, participated this year and gained a seat in the Pristina municipal assembly and four seats in Prizren. The participation of most minority communities means that the balance of power rests with them in many municipalities. In Prizren, for example, the Kosovo Turkish community will be the decisive factor in coalition-building there. It is hoped that cooperation of that nature, out of political necessity, will lead to greater integration efforts.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“The AAK gained six per cent of the overall vote, similar to last year's results. On the basis of their participation, the Kosovo Serbs won the majority in Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok - the three northern municipalities - and in Strpce and in Novo Brdo. The results show that where Kosovo Serbs took part in large numbers, the Return Coalition lost out to Belgrade-based parties, mainly President Kostunica's Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) and to the Serb National Council Mitrovica (SNC). Due to a much lower turnout in those areas where they do not constitute a majority, Kosovo Serb representation in those municipal assemblies will be minimal: the Return Coalition gained one seat each in 11 municipal assemblies, and two in one municipal assembly, that of Kamenica; the DSS gained one seat each in five municipal assemblies.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“For the third year running, the strongest party was President Rugova's (LDK), which won the majority in 11 out of 30 municipalities and gained the highest number of votes in a further eight. That, however, represented a slight loss for the LDK, which previously had an outright majority in 19 municipalities. Kosovo-wide, the LDK gained approximately 46 per cent of the vote, similar to how it fared in last year's Assembly election. Mr. Thaci's Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) won a majority in four municipalities. Overall, the PDK gained 29 per cent of the vote, up two per cent from last year's Assembly election. The PDK has signalled its intention to co-govern wherever possible with the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), the third main Kosovo Albanian party, which won no municipality outright.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“As the report of the Secretary-General noted, however, the participation of Kosovo Serbs as appointed members of the Municipal Assemblies did, in some places, yield results for that community in areas such as employment in the municipal civil service, the distribution of municipal revenue, the joint use of municipal facilities, the determination of street names and municipal returns plans. Progress was admittedly slow and limited to a few places, but it does show that there are gains to be made through perseverance and compromise by all sides. The low participation of the Serb community in that respect is a disappointment. Mr. Steiner certified the election results on 3 November.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“There was minimal participation in areas where Kosovo Serbs are a minority and what amounts to a boycott in northern Mitrovica city. The low turnout of Serbs has in part been attributed to confusing signals from the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and of Serbia regarding participation. It is also attributable to the difficulties UNMIK has experienced in demonstrating that the Kosovo Serb community can derive tangible benefits from being part of the political process; but it inevitably takes time to show such benefits.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source
“Reductions were made in international supervisory involvement, with the blanket election supervision of the last two years replaced by a ratio of one international polling station supervisor to three polling stations. As with Kosovo's last two elections, participation was key. The overall turnout of 54 per cent - 58 per cent in Kosovo and 14 per cent for voters voting in Serbia and Montenegro - coincided with a trend of voter fatigue seen across the board in this year's Balkans elections. The overall figure was further depressed by the low participation of the Kosovo Serb community - around 20 per cent - who voted predominantly in the five municipalities where they constitute a majority, that is, the three northern municipalities, plus Strpce and Novo Brdo.”
2002-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4643 (2002) · source