YouSaid · the spoken record

Guterres

lines on the record: 423
first: 2002-11-14
most recent: 2015-12-21
sittings or episodes: 28
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Of course, his intervention was to a large extent centred on Darfur and Chad. I would like to stress again that, in our opinion, the Sudan/Chad problem is the biggest humanitarian problem we will potentially face in the world today. In my opinion, today the key element to making it move in the right direction is to achieve, as soon as possible, a peace agreement in Darfur. I do believe that all the efforts of the international community and all the pressures exerted by all countries that could and are willing to be involved in the situation should be focused now on that very clear and concrete objective. We should lose no more time in ensuring that there is a peace agreement for Darfur.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Only by confronting that approach with the reality in the field will we be able to solve the problems and to find the adequate mechanisms to address them without bureaucracy in a simplified way and with a basic concept. Action should be conducted, in each situation, by those who have the capacity to do so. That, I think, is the crucial element for making the cluster approach work. If we stick to a rigid framework even when it does not fit reality, of course we will fail. That, I think, is the lesson we should draw from the early stages of the Pakistan operation, and I do believe that we have learned the lesson and are going to improve our capacity to make it work. The representative of the United Kingdom raised a lot of very relevant considerations about prevention and conflict resolution.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“That is our main concern. I believe that very relevant work was done at the headquarters level in the various agencies to establish an overall framework for the various clusters. But it is on the ground that we now face difficulties. Just one example is camp management in Pakistan. Although our cluster is not supposed to deal with natural disasters, it would be inconceivable for us not to be involved in Pakistan, given the more than 3 million refugees hosted by that country. Now, there is a cluster for camp management and a cluster for water and sanitation. If there is a water problem in a camp, who is responsible? Who is the provider of last resort?”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“But we understand that, without a minimum of guaranteed security in the regions, it is absolutely impossible to have effective humanitarian action. What is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a good example of a more systematic approach to such cooperation in the area of protection. We expect good results in keeping with the basic principles of humanitarian action. (spoke in English) I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for his comments. His first question was about the cluster approach and the first results of its implementation. I think it is fair to say that it is a new approach; it needs a lot of flexibility in order to be successful. It must not be transformed into a cumbersome and bureaucratic approach; it needs a lot of flexibility and must be effective on the ground as quickly as possible.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“It is a key issue, and I believe that for all of us, resolving that key issue is an essential condition for success, particularly when it comes to preserving the peace after conflicts have been resolved and ensuring support for refugee return operations. The representative of France raised a central issue: the relationship between humanitarian agencies and peacekeeping operations. That is an issue that we have never hesitated to address. We recognize the need to preserve the civilian character of humanitarian action, but we have always engaged in very significant and strong cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and we are prepared to cooperate with peacekeeping forces in keeping with the autonomy of our mandate.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Indeed, when we look at the various actors on the humanitarian and development sides, we see that they have different cultures and different time scales, and that they encounter extreme difficulties working together on joint programmes to address problems that are, in my view, joint problems. That is a key issue that must prompt all of us to become involved. Sometimes, even in a country such as mine, international activities have been shared between sectors dealing with humanitarian issues and sectors concerned with development issues, and the internal dialogue has not worked. That dilemma - which I myself have seen in my national administration - exists everywhere.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Recently, together with the United Nations Development Programme, we developed a new cooperation framework that we will try to build on the ground, including by planning joint activities aimed at sustainable solutions in Africa. But I must say in all sincerity that the problem of the gap between humanitarian assistance activities and development assistance activities will not be easily brigaded through inter-agency cooperation alone: it is a major issue for the international community. Countries themselves must display leadership and show the will to contribute decisively to resolving the problem.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Secondly, we have taken a number of initiatives to lessen the impact of refugee camps on the natural resources involved - particularly water, through new uses, and wood, by introducing techniques that enable us to substantially reduce the quantities of wood necessary, inter alia, to prepare food for refugees, with a view to preservation. Tripartite agreements are now being negotiated with all the neighbouring countries. Unfortunately, we began too late, because it was very difficult to decide who could sign on the Sudanese side: the Khartoum Government or the regional government of the south. We unfortunately lost months, which also shows the difficulty and complexity of finally finding a solution to the Sudanese problem - a solution that is now enabling us to establish these agreements.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Mr. Guterres: I thank all members of the Council for their excellent interventions and for the very relevant questions that were raised here today. (spoke in French) I would like to begin by thanking the representative of France for his observations and by trying to respond briefly to his questions. First, it is true that in Chad, because of the extreme shortage of natural resources, particularly water and wood, there is an inevitable tension between the local population, which is very poor, and the very numerous - more than 200,000 - refugees who are sharing the same resources, which are very, very limited. In that regard, we have had two types of initiatives. First, we have created joint population- refugee commissions to try to manage conflicts, difficulties and problems and address them together.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“As a result, the public is often led to view terrorism, security problems and asylum and migration issues as shades of the same motif. Terrorism must be fought with total determination. We need to make certain that terrorists are not granted asylum. But we need to make just as certain that asking for asylum in itself is not a crime. Racism, xenophobia, ethnic conflict, violent nationalism and religious fundamentalism are unfortunately still very much alive and are serious threats both to social cohesion in societies and to peace and security throughout the world. Preserving peace and security means fighting the ills rooted in populism and intolerance. I appeal to all members to join together in confronting them.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“I appeal strongly for a concerted crackdown on human trafficking and smuggling. Protecting refugees requires tough punishment for those who profit from these irregular movements. UNHCR fully recognizes the right of countries to responsibly manage their borders and define their migration policies. But it is essential that such measures do not preclude the right of those in need of international protection to physical access to asylum procedures and adequate refugee status determination, in accordance with international law. Addressing intolerance is perhaps an even greater challenge. Intolerance is the rejection of strangers, of people from elsewhere, of those who are different. Intolerance is fostered by populism, both in politics and in the media.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“The reasons for many migratory movements are complex but can be dramatic, like the serious socio- economic decline in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa, which leaves no other alternative for survival. Preserving asylum requires that we be able to find those in genuine need of protection when they are concealed by mixed flows. The challenge of identifying such individuals grows along with their numbers and the risks they are willing to take, as we have seen in the Mediterranean and, tragically, again last weekend and even yesterday in the Gulf of Aden. Credible protection must incorporate measures against fraud and abuse to safeguard the credibility of the asylum system. UNHCR stands ready to work with all Governments to support their efforts to improve legislation and asylum procedures.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“The population displacement that would result from open conflict in C6te d'Ivoire is unpredictable in scale and impact. The Security Council's actions related to the protection of civilians and of displaced persons in particular are of great importance to our Office. The mandates of peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding strategies must include solutions for displaced populations. The safety of humanitarian workers must be ensured too. I take this opportunity to welcome the adoption by the General Assembly of the Optional Protocol to the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. As a protection agency, we face two major challenges today: preserving asylum in an age of mixed population flows, and stopping the rise of intolerance in modern societies.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Humanitarian relief and development support must follow the real needs of the people, not the agendas of television networks. The best remedy is prevention, and vigilance is essential in all parts of the world. UNHCR is closely watching developments in the Central African Republic, where the spread of armed gangs and general lawlessness in the north have forced thousands of people to flee to Chad and Cameroon. There is still time to act and, with limited resources, to prevent another major crisis in the near future. Prevention is not an easy job; the situation in cote d'Ivoire proves that. The outrageous attacks on United Nations offices in Guiglo are a clear demonstration of the crucial need to find an effective solution to the four-year-old crisis.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“I look forward to working closely with the Peacebuilding Commission to address not only the relief-to-development gap, but also the complex needs of societies emerging from conflict. UNHCR will appreciate being seen by the future Commission as a relevant partner. We also intend to play an active part in its Support Office. This is an appropriate moment to recall the vital role of women in peacebuilding. More than five years after the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), it is also time to note that we have a long way to go to reach the goal of equal participation by women. Furthermore, I strongly hope that the Peacebuilding Commission will ensure that recovery processes continue long after the attention of the international media has moved elsewhere.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“UNHCR is not a development agency and does not intend to become one. But we are raising awareness of the need to include refugees and the displaced in national development programmes, and we will be a reliable partner in the United Nations Development Group. Afghanistan has shown us that there is both the need for and the possibility of engaging in new ways with recovery actors. If we do not work from both sides to forge the links, relief and development will never sustain each other. That is why from our perspective the decision to create a Peacebuilding Commission was one of the most significant events of 2005. Too little of the international community's attention and resources have traditionally been devoted to rebuilding societies torn apart by war and violence.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Given the unbroken line from population displacement to peace and recovery, the failure to follow that line steadily from relief to development ranks as one of the international community's most consistent failures. Links between humanitarian aid and development efforts are simply not working in most cases. Humanitarian aid is not a guarantee against the recurrence of violence or of displacement. The absence of an effective transition from short- to longer-term assistance reduces the life expectancy of solutions. Large-scale population returns are difficult to sustain if development stalls and instability grows. Without adequate resources for development, institution- building and reconciliation, societies can again unravel, dormant conflicts can reignite and civilians can be forcibly displaced once more.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“True, sustainable peace and recovery are necessary to allow refugee returns, but refugee returns are every bit as essential to sustained peace and recovery. These are also our objectives in other parts of the world, such as in Iraq. UNHCR remains engaged in close coordination with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to find durable solutions through return and reintegration, as soon as conditions permit, for some 1.3 million internally displaced persons in Iraq and another estimated one million Iraqi refugees in the region. Resolving land and property issues is one of the priorities that will help this process. UNHCR hopes, circumstances permitting, to enhance its presence and capacity inside Iraq.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Returns to African nations, such as Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and countries of the former Yugoslavia have also been or are becoming very successful. Refugees and internally displaced are among the most obvious beneficiaries of the end of conflict. When the gunfire stops and wars fade, millions of them seize the opportunity to begin life over again in their countries of origin. But that picture is incomplete. What the past decade has demonstrated is that refugees must not be seen as uninvolved beneficiaries of a peace and recovery process, or simply as an afterthought. Refugees return with schooling and new skills, and this in itself is a critical factor in any post-conflict situation. Over and over, we see that their participation is necessary for the consolidation of both peace and post-conflict economic recovery.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo underline how crucial it is to employ, and for this body to support, a regional approach to peacekeeping and political missions. The Security Council's forthcoming debate on peace and security in the Great Lakes is very timely in this regard. These two situations are also a good reminder of the importance of and the problems associated with the conceptual framework of the responsibility to protect. The number of refugees worldwide is at its lowest level in almost a quarter of a century. Unfortunately, the same does not apply to internal displacement. Several sizeable repatriation operations have contributed to the decrease in refugees, led by Afghanistan, where more than four million people have returned home since 2002.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Different displacement movements are still going on in every direction. This scene is the type of recurrent insecurity that has made humanitarian interventions next to impossible. UNHCR has sent relief aid and staff to the border areas - assistance, in fact, that was destined for repatriating Sudanese. The tragic killing of the peacekeepers in Garamba Park by elements of the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army is a clear demonstration of the complexity of the problems we face. As with Sudan, threats to peace and development in the Great Lakes region do not end with a single country, or two, or even three. Security and solutions cannot be parcelled out one nation at a time.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Repatriation has started and continues from several neighbouring States, particularly Tanzania. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has also been selected as one of three countries to pilot a new, inter- agency cluster approach to internal displacement, through which UNHCR has been asked to assume the lead in the areas of protection and shelter. This will be a pioneering approach in protection, with UNHCR working in close cooperation with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). Stability and international support are paramount to the success of these humanitarian efforts. But just last week, up to 20,000 people, mostly women and children, fled from conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and crossed into Uganda at three border points.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“The Great Lakes region features similarly complex challenges for humanitarian agencies such as UNHCR. Two situations the Council is following closely are of particular importance to my Office - Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Last year, 66,000 people went home to Burundi with our help. But the rate of refugee returns has slowed significantly over the past few months, and movement may stop altogether unless every measure is taken to build the confidence of prospective returnees in their reintegration. And let us be honest, those conditions are not present yet. Economic support to Burundi and to the humanitarian agencies is crucial now for security and consolidation of the peace process and success in repatriation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo finds itself in a similar situation after years of unrest.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“We cannot wait to answer the refugees' wishes to return. Massive economic and political support to the transition is necessary now - not when everything is in place and all the rules of conditionality are met. By then it could be too late. Eastern Sudan is less noticed by international observers. But its security situation is deteriorating rapidly. A peace agreement is also imperative, even if we know that stability in the region is closely tied to developments in Eritrea and Ethiopia. More than 100,000 Eritreans remain as refugees in Sudan, one of the oldest refugee groups cared for by UNHCR. Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia last year drove several thousand new Eritrean refugees into Sudan and Ethiopia. Any deterioration in relations between the two countries clearly threatens a sizeable population displacement.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Repatriation is strictly voluntary. But even with the fragile situation in areas of the South, we cannot overlook the courage and determination of the estimated 75,000 refugees who have already come home spontaneously. Tens of thousands of internally displaced persons have also returned to the South, mainly from Khartoum. International assistance is crucial for the sustainability of returns to the South. When I spoke with Sudanese refugees in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, I saw how much they wanted to go back. I will never forget listening to people of all ages talk about their hopes - for a home of their own, for education, for peace. But in South Sudan there are only 14 kilometres of paved road, almost no schools, almost no hospitals and a civil administration that is extremely thin on the ground.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“To reach that peace agreement, we need the full commitment of the Council and all its members, working together in support of peace and putting pressure on all the parties involved. Who can defy you if you act together? To the South, the voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees began last month with a first group of returnees from Kenya. Tripartite agreements for repatriation are being signed with the Governments of Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. Movements from Ethiopia and Uganda will begin in February and March, and our aim is to return - or help to return - 50,000 Sudanese from refugee camps in neighbouring countries in the coming months. Given the dimensions of the operation, we estimate it will take three to four years to help all refugees return home to South Sudan.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“The international community could face a catastrophe in Darfur. Averting it will require bold measures and the full involvement of the African Union and the United Nations. If we fail, if there is no physical protection for those in need of aid, we risk a much greater calamity than what we have seen so far. I appeal to this body today in the strongest terms. I am aware of the discussions under way on the evolution of a more robust security force and the delicate question of its nature and composition. But preventing a disastrous human toll in Darfur requires a peace agreement, not as a solution to the problem, but as a start to a complex process of reconciliation.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Today, violence and impunity, never completely in check, are again everyday occurrences in Darfur. Humanitarian workers are regularly cut off from the displaced and those they are trying to help. This month we were forced to raise the threat level for staff in areas of western Darfur, even as staff observe the systematic destruction of crops and rising gender-based violence. The insecurity has now spread across the border into Chad. Just a few days ago, armed rebels took several Government officials hostage and attacked the village of Guere'da, where UNHCR cares for over 25,000 Sudanese refugees. The increasingly unstable conditions in the border area, which is home to 200,000 refugees, have compelled us to relocate part of our staff without prejudice to the services for the refugees themselves.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Sudan-Chad is probably the largest and most complex humanitarian problem on the globe. Six months ago, during my first visit to the region as High Commissioner, the situation appeared to be moving in the right direction. A peace deal had been reached in southern Sudan. It held even after John Garang's death, and had the potential for a positive impact in Darfur and the east. International scrutiny appeared to have a stabilizing effect in the former, with hopes that the Abuja talks would reach a peace agreement before the end of the year. I pay full tribute to the efforts of the African Union, but, unfortunately, we did not have the positive outcome that some may have taken for granted. The situation has taken a turn for the worse, and there is a risk that talks might face an impasse.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“With that in mind, I wish to express the strong support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for resolution 1625 (2005) on strengthening the effectiveness of the Council's role in conflict prevention by addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting development and good governance, eradicating poverty, supporting national reconciliation and protecting human rights. My Office deals only with the symptoms of a disease; the Security Council may have the power to cure it. That is both a significant ability and a weighty responsibility. I would like to start by briefing the Council on two urgent challenges that UNHCR faces today: the Sudan and the Great Lakes region, where we are dealing with many of the cross-cutting issues on the Council's agenda.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Mr. Guterres: The United Republic of Tanzania has been an extremely generous country, hosting hundreds of thousands refugees for decades. That is remarkable proof of solidarity, for which the world should be grateful. I thank you, Mr. President, for having given me the opportunity to be here today. The Security Council and its resolutions are key instruments to address forced population displacement and its impact on peace and security. Seven years ago, as Prime Minister of Portugal, I had the opportunity to work closely with the Security Council in advocating for a strong international response to ensure respect for the rights of the East Timorese. Those were the most compelling moments of my political life, and the Council's engagement on that occasion confirmed for me the power of this body as an agent for positive change.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to the Security Council, Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Department of Political Affairs, United Nations agencies and the international community at large for their continued commitment to and support for peace and stability, democracy, development, human rights and the rule of law in Timor-Leste. We wish every success to the new mission, the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“Sebastiao Dias Ximenes as Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice - the very first in our history. While we have achieved progress in various areas, Timor-Leste remains one of the poorest nations in the world, with a very high rate of unemployment and a low gross national per capita income of about $520, as recognized by the World Bank's "Green Book", published last month. Despite all of those economic indicators, the Government of Timor-Leste is determined to create a better life for its people. To that end, the support of the international community is necessary. That support was reaffirmed during the most recent meeting of development partners in April 2005 in Dili.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“Regarding issues of justice and human rights, the Governments of Timor-Leste and of Indonesia created- as the Council well knows - a bilateral Truth and Friendship Commission on 9 March this year At the same time, we have cooperated fully with the independent Commission of Experts established by the Secretary-General. During its recent visit to Timor- Leste from 5 to 10 April, the Commission met with leaders of the country, as well as with civil society and with relatives of the victims. We would also like to welcome the decision by the Government of Indonesia to invite the independent Commission of Experts to visit Jakarta this month. To consolidate achievements in the area of human rights and justice, the National Parliament endorsed, on 29 March, Mr.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“Ramos-Horta, signed a provisional Agreement covering 96 per cent of the land border. The Timorese people were deeply touched by the visit of the President of Indonesia to the Santa Cruz cemetery. Regarding negotiations on the maritime boundaries and the sharing of gas and oil resources with our southern neighbour, Australia, we completed another round of negotiations last week in Sydney, Australia, and the Government of Timor-Leste is carefully studying the proposals in order to achieve a fair and just agreement. At the same time, we have consolidated our relations with countries of the Association of South- East Asian Nations, as evidenced by the successful official visit by Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Ramos-Horta, to Malaysia and Singapore.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“The local elections held in the eastern and central parts of my country were very successful and further consolidated democracy in Timor-Leste. The President of Indonesia, His Excellency Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, paid an official visit to Timor-Leste on 8 and 9 April. The visit reinforced the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between our two countries and peoples. The two Governments are committed to resolving remaining issues of mutual concern and to looking to the future. The Government of Timor-Leste welcomed the decision of the Government of Indonesia to provide training to Timorese police officers in Indonesia and to continue the scholarship programme for Timorese students, also in Indonesia. On the occasion of the visit, the foreign ministers of our two countries, Mr. Hassan Wirajuda and Mr.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“During that time, despite some fears of instability, the Government and the President initiated a very constructive dialogue with Church leaders in which an agreement witnessed by President Xanana Gusmao was signed between Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri and Bishops Basilio Nascimento and Alberto Ricardo. That was a very challenging time for our new democratic institutions; but, in the words of the Prime Minister, it was a victory for the people of Timor- Leste. According to that agreement, the Government will include the teaching of religion as a regular discipline in the school curriculum. It also gives parents the right to choose such instruction at the time they enrol their children at school. At the same time, a joint working group will be created to follow up the implementation of the agreement and to deal with matters of concern.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“While we recognize our insufficient capacity, the Government of Timor-Leste is deeply committed to peace and stability. We will make every effort to protect all United Nations personnel. We also welcome the Secretary-General's assessment that the justice and finance sectors should be considered priority areas when allocating the 45 adviser posts to the various State institutions. The political and social environment in Timor- Leste remains peaceful and dynamic. Last month, the Catholic Church organized a demonstration that lasted for 20 days.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“Atul Khare, and all the military and civilian members of UNMISET for their invaluable contribution to peace, stability, justice and capacity-building in Timor-Leste. As we enter this new, and final, phase of the United Nations mission, we would like also to thank all troop- and police-contributing countries. We welcome the adoption of resolution 1599 (2005) and the mandate of the new mission, the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL). We thank the Council for extending the United Nations presence in Timor-Leste for a final year. At the same time, we would like to say that we share the views set out in paragraph 31 of the report of the Secretary-General, concerning the absence of provision for a back-up security force in resolution 1599 (2005).”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“Allow me to congratulate you, Madam, and your country on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, as well as to wish you every success. We would like to thank you and the other members of the Council for the opportunity to share our thoughts on an issue of great importance to my country. We welcome the Secretary-General's report (S/2005/310) on the end of the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). Also, we thank Assistant Secretary- General Hedi Annabi for his comprehensive briefing. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the former Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, the Deputy Special Representative, Mr.”
2005-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5180 (2005) · source
“To those members of the Council whose terms will expire on 31 December, we express our deep appreciation for their invaluable work and their contribution towards peace during one of the most critical times in the history of the United Nations.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“Furthermore, we support the establishment by Special Representative Hasegawa of eight working groups tasked with identifying activities to ensure a smooth transition from peacekeeping and peace-building to sustainable development. That timely initiative will contribute to finding the most appropriate exit strategy. Finally, allow me once again to express our deep appreciation to members of the Council, the United Nations Secretariat, UNMISET, the Bretton Woods Institutions, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Development Fund for Women and other United Nations agencies for their continued and unrelenting interest in support of the people of East Timor, without which the progress made to date would not have been possible.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“At a recent meeting of the Technical Subcommittee on Border Demarcation, in Indonesia, we were able to reach agreement on a number of segments along the border, and at this point only 5 per cent of the border remains in dispute. Negotiations with Australia on the maritime boundary were held in September and October this year. We believe that a just and fair resolution of the issue is essential to ensuring Timor-Leste's future economic viability and stability. In general, our relations with our neighbours and our region are excellent and we are looking forward to participating in the meetings of the Association of South-East Asian Nations Regional Forum. In conclusion, Timor-Leste supports a six-month renewal of UNMISET's mandate with its current parts, configuration and size until 20 May 2005.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“Civic education concerning the elections is being carried out by the President and the Government throughout the districts, the aim of which to encourage participation and promote the positive engagement of civil society. The conduct of local elections will further consolidate the democratic process and institutions at the village level. Relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia continue to strengthen and are characterized by commitment at the highest levels. Both Timor-Leste and Indonesia continue to work towards finalizing the agreement on our common land border as well as other residual issues. Finalization of the land border will facilitate cross-border links between residents in border areas and build mutual trust and confidence.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“Moreover, the Petroleum Fund Steering Committee will be holding public consultations tomorrow on the establishment of a petroleum fund for Timor-Leste. This will provide a good opportunity for civil society to express its views and opinions. Timor-Leste, with the assistance of the United Nations Population Fund, carried out its first national census which represents the first total population and housing count in Timor-Leste since the restoration of independence in May 2002. The total population of Timor-Leste stands at almost one million, an increase of 17.4 per cent over previous figures. The Government hopes that the data collected will be used effectively by all stakeholders. Preparations for local elections are well under way, with elections expected in 2005.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“Efforts are being made by the President, the Parliament and the Government through ongoing dialogue with the representatives of the veterans to find an appropriate and sustainable solution. We welcome the continuing support for the Recovery, Employment and Stability Programme for Ex-Combatants and Communities in Timor-Leste (RESPECT) programme which is helping to address the concerns and plight of the veterans. Our economy is showing signs of recovery, and the Government is committed to creating an environment that is attractive to investment and job creation and to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the national development plan. The draft investment law is currently before the Parliament for its consideration.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“My Government appreciates the efforts of the Secretary-General in exploring possible ways of addressing this issue and endeavours to cooperate with the United Nations, as was reiterated by the Timor- Leste Prime Minister, His Excellency Mari Alkatiri, in his meeting with Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 4 October 2004. Justice and reconciliation remain the cornerstone of stable democracies; the work undertaken by the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in truth finding and reconciliation has contributed to the healing of wounds from the past and has enabled communities move forward. Furthermore, resolving the veterans issue is of great importance for the Government and will contribute to the stability of the country.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“The Serious Crimes Unit has worked hard to achieve the requirements as set out in paragraph 8 of Security Council resolution 1543 (2004); however, despite those efforts, it may not be possible for the serious crimes process to complete its work within the limited time frame and available resources. The question of justice in post-conflict societies is complex and difficult to address. As pointed out by the Secretary-General in his recent report on the rule of law, "... the consolidation of peace in the immediate post-conflict period, as well as the maintenance of peace in the long-term, cannot be achieved unless the population is confident that the redress for grievances can be obtained through legitimate structures for the peaceful settlement of disputes and the fair administration of justice". (S/2004/616, para. 2).”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“Timor-Leste has acceded to the core international human rights treaties, and in an effort to meet its reporting obligations, the Government with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF and other United Nations agencies, held a workshop in September to build capacities in the areas of data collection and report writing. As a consequence, the Government established focal points in key ministries, secretariats of state and civil society groups to facilitate data collection for drafting Timor-Leste's initial report to the treaty bodies. It is envisaged that another workshop will be held in December for civil society groups.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source
“The provision of police technical advisers and judge mentors through a programme of assistance to core administrative structures and to the justice system would contribute to the achievement of our common goals. My Government commends the efforts made by UNMISET in responding to the training needs of the national police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) through the development of the skills development plan, in cooperation with local counterparts. Through such initiatives we have seen continued improvement in the skills and capacities of our police force in numerous areas of policing. However, in order to build on the gains made and to achieve the objectives as outlined in the skills development plan, it is necessary that the number of police advisers remain at the current authorized level of up to 157.”
2004-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5076 (2004) · source