YouSaid · the spoken record

Hamer

lines on the record: 120
first: 1999-07-26
most recent: 2000-12-19
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“It is not acceptable that the Taliban should use the adoption of the current draft resolution as a pretext for blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid or for otherwise hampering the activities of international humanitarian organizations. The Council will not allow international or local humanitarian workers to become the victims of attacks instigated by Taliban anger over this draft resolution.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“However, we wish to put on record that the Netherlands continues to be seriously worried about the humanitarian impact of additional sanctions. The way in which the authors of the draft resolution before us have tended to dismiss the serious concerns voiced in the briefing of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has done nothing to allay our worries about this aspect of the draft resolution. S/PVAZSI Against this background, we call on the Security Council to continue to weigh the possible humanitarian and political impact of its sanctions against the Council's wider political objectives. The Netherlands recognizes that the extent of the humanitarian impact of the current draft resolution will depend on the attitude of the Taliban.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“The Netherlands supports the political objectives of the draft resolution before us. There can be no doubt whatsoever that we utterly reject and condemn international terrorism. The same goes for the illegal international trafficking of drugs, which, in the case of Afghanistan, provides the financial basis for the Taliban's support of international terrorism. Given these considerations, the Netherlands thinks it is important that the Security Council should send a political signal and send it with one voice. Therefore, we will vote in favour of the draft resolution. We appreciate that the authors of the draft resolution have made a serious effort to target the new sanctions in order to limit as much as possible their impact on the civilian population of Afghanistan.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“In the light of the caution urged on us by the Secretary- General last week on precisely these points, we are disappointed that the Council is being forced to vote on this draft resolution at this moment.”
2000-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4248 (2000) · source
“The Netherlands agrees with the principle objective of the present draft resolution, which is the establishment of the United Nations observer force in the Middle East. Such a United Nations presence could be useful, because it is clear that the parties themselves are not currently capable of bringing about the necessary de-escalation. Nevertheless, the Netherlands will abstain on this draft resolution. We feel strongly that its adoption now would critically undermine attempts at convincing the parties to accept such a United Nations observer force. Moreover, this draft resolution may hinder ongoing efforts to achieve what is our first priority, namely, the successful resumption of the peace talks themselves.”
2000-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4248 (2000) · source
“I would appreciate it if the High Representative could share his views on this matter with us and if he could, perhaps, elaborate on the implications ofthis divide for the prospects for cooperation. Finally, the High Representative and most speakers have noted the considerable progress made over the past year in the area of refugee return. There is no better yardstick for the success of peace implementation than the decision of individuals that it is safe to return. Judged by that yardstick alone, Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the right path. That is the result of hard work under difficult circumstances by all concerned 7 citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as international personnel. To them, as to the High Representative, I should like to pay tribute for their achievements.”
2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source
“The Netherlands welcomes the economic strategy adopted at the Brussels meeting of the Peace Implementation Council last May and we hope that this strategy will facilitate the transition from a donor-dependent economy to a self-sustaining market economy. In this context, I should like to underline once again the importance we attach to privatization. Here again, preservation of the current economic status quo serves only economic and political vested interests. A quick, equitable and transparent privatization process will help the country to finally catch up. I have one question for Mr. Petritsch concerning the economy. Economic experts have noted a marked difference in economic development and prosperity between the Federation and the Republika Srpska.”
2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source
“These problems are usually, if not always, inspired by a desire to protect vested interests. We support the High Representative when he finds himself forced to intervene and to impose regulations - which will serve all in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not only particular interest groups. We also call on all to fully engage in the process of fostering functional and democratically accountable common institutions. The economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains an area of concern. On the one hand, there is marked progress - the growth rates are indeed impressive; on the other, economic reform has been slow and the country, as Mr. Petritsch remarked, has fallen 10 years behind in its development.”
2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source
“I thank Mr. Petritsch, the High Representative, for his report and briefing and welcome him back in our midst. Much has been achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past five years since the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreements. And yet, as the High Representative has made clear, much remains to be done. One milestone of progress will be the general elections on 11 November. My delegation shares the hope of the High Representative, and indeed of the entire international community, that the trend in favour of multi-ethnic or moderate political parties, established in the municipal elections last April, will be continued in these general elections. But there are less encouraging signs as well. At several levels there is still a lot of obstructionism, a lack of dialogue and a lack of constructive engagement.”
2000-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4209 (2000) · source
“To conclude, we believe that this Security Council debate constitutes an important step in the protection of women in armed conflict and in realizing their potential as an important part of the solution. In the follow-up to this debate the Council should further consider concrete ways and means of protecting the human rights of women during armed conflicts and of ensuring adequate participation and representation of women in peacekeeping activities. The draft resolution presented to the Council seems to us the right way forward.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“In its emergency aid programmes the Netherlands pays particular attention, therefore, to the needs of women refugees, focusing, for instance, on the issue of reproductive rights. We have supported projects of the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Children's Fund and the non- governmental organization CARE in Sudan and Somalia. We must not forget that women and children are particularly vulnerable in post-conflict situations. As they go out to the fields in search of food and firewood they are at risk of becoming victims of landmines, for instance. When setting up mine-awareness campaigns, it is therefore essential that particular attention be paid to women and children.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“Rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization and other forms of sexual violence are war crimes when committed in the context of armed conflict, and under defined circumstances they constitute crimes against humanity. We have to aim at preventing such gender-based violence, take measures to support the prosecution of all persons responsible for such crimes, provide victims avenues for redress and increase awareness of the extent to which such crimes are used as weapons of war. Above all, the message must be that there can be no impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence against women. Refugees and internally displaced persons are likely to suffer most in times of armed conflict. In such situations women, children and the elderly are most vulnerable.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“A gender perspective should be included in all policies and programmes addressing armed conflicts - not only within the United Nations system, but also in regional organizations involved in issues of peace and security, such as the Organization of African Unity, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Inter- Governmental Authority on Development. In this regard, the Netherlands has decided to fund a gender adviser for the OSCE. We hope that with the necessary political support such gender advisers can help to mainstream a gender perspective in peace and security matters. A landmark breakthrough in the protection of women in armed conflicts was of course the inclusion of the issue of gender-based violence in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“A peace agreement in which half the population plays no part has little chance of success. We would welcome more of such joint efforts to increase women's involvement in peace-building activities, and we are ready to share with others the lessons learned from the activities undertaken. The twenty-third special session of the General Assembly encouraged the United Nations system to involve women in peacekeeping and peace-building activities, for instance by appointing more women as special envoys or special representatives of the Secretary-General.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“Heyzer's comments also underscore the importance of yesterday's Arria formula meeting, chaired by Ambassador Durrant, with some key non- governmental organizations active in this field. These non-governmental organizations play an essential role in ensuring that the Security Council receives the information it needs to allow women to play their important role in peacemaking. The Netherlands has been working actively with these organizations to increase the involvement of women in peace-building activities. In Sudan and in Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Netherlands has supported women's organizations taking a more active part in conflict resolution and peace-building. We have also supported UNIFEM. in the work it has undertaken in this regard - work that was referred to by Ms. Heyzer today.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“We were briefed today by Assistant Secretary- General King and by Ms. Heyzer of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) on the special needs of women in conflict situations and on the important contributions they can make to peace and security. I was struck in particular by Ms. Heyzer's important analysis of the way the Security Council can involve these women. For instance, she made the points that the security of women is the best indicator of the security of a nation, and that an early-warning system must take women's voices into account. Ms. Heyzer's lucid comments underscore once again the critical input that others can give - and, in the Council's own interest, should be encouraged to give- to improve the functioning of the Security Council. Ms.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“First of all I want to join others in congratulating you, Sir, and your delegation for your initiative in organizing today's important and timely meeting. We welcome the increased attention of the United Nations to the position of women in situations of conflict. Women and children constitute a disproportionate number of the civilians affected by armed conflict. This open debate, taking place on the fifty-fifth United Nations Day, is an important step in focusing attention on women victims of conflicts and in getting women more actively involved in conflict prevention and conflict resolution, as well as peace-building. The representative of France will make a statement on behalf of the European Union to which my delegation fully subscribes. I will therefore limit myself to a few observations on the issue of women and peace and security.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208 (2000) · source
“We call upon the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities to end this travesty of justice and to accelerate legal proceedings so that these detainees may be released quickly. Finally, to return to Kosovo, I would like to conclude by echoing Ambassador Levitte's upbeat suggestion that UNMIK's performance in Kosovo may yet become a true success story for the United Nations.”
2000-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4200 (2000) · source
“My other point regarding the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia concerns the fate of the four Dutch nationals who, as Ambassador Greenstock today reminded us, along with two Canadians and two British citizens, are still being held, over two months later, under circumstances incompatible with the treaties and conventions to which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is a party. The preliminary detention of the four Dutch citizens has been extended by two more months until 17 November, and they remain in solitary confinement. Consular access is minimal, and so far the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities have refused examination of the four by an independent physician.”
2000-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4200 (2000) · source
“I will not therefore use the parts of my prepared statement dealing with those issues. Instead, I will pass directly to two points which relate more tangentially to Kosovo proper and concern the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia more directly. We are all awaiting the final results of the elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The results as announced by the Federal Election Commission in Belgrade last night point to a clear victory for the opposition. We can only hope that President Milosevic will respect the will of the majority. If he does, and when democracy prevails, the people of Serbia, of Montenegro and, to be sure, of Kosovo can be certain ofbetter days ahead.”
2000-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4200 (2000) · source
“I wish to thank Mr. Kouchner for an account which was at once frank and thought provoking. I appreciate his frank assessment of UNMIK's achievements, but I would like to add that mistakes are a problem only if they are not corrected. In that sense, we have the fullest confidence in Mr. Kouchner and the men and women of UNMIK. Once again, I find myself in full agreement with the Special Representative and the concerns expressed by him about the security situation and continued inter- ethnic violence. I share also his concerns about missing persons and detainees in Serbia. I share Mr. Kouchner's assessment of the importance of the municipal elections he is organizing in Kosovo. And I agree with his insistence on the importance ofjoint multi-ethnic deliberative organs at the local level.”
2000-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4200 (2000) · source
“However, the fact that Prosecutor-General Marzuki Darusman has drawn up a list of 33 persons who will be indicted soon does give rise to some hope that Indonesia will start early legal proceeding in these cases.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“Annabi how the Secretariat interprets the statements by Indonesian Foreign Minister Shihab that the refugee camps in West Timor will soon be closed. How realistic are such statements, in light of the continued activities of the militias, who are both better equipped and better organized than before and whose actions go virtually unchecked? Finally, the Netherlands expects Indonesia to fulfil fully its obligations in prosecuting those responsible for the violations of human rights committed in East Timor. Unfortunately, new legislation recently adopted by the Indonesian parliament raises some uncomfortable uncertainties in this regard.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“Well- trained and well-equipped militia members infiltrate from bases in West Timor, almost with impunity. On 3 August the Security Council called for a military assessment of the security situation and its implications for the military component of UNTAET. I would be grateful to Mr. Annabi for an indication of when the Secretariat intends to organize that briefing for the Council. With regard to the refugee camps in West Timor, we too are deeply concerned by the attack on three workers from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Under such circumstances it is difficult for UNHCR to carry out its crucial tasks, including the vitally important one of registering the refugees. I would like to ask Mr.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“The vast majority of those dedicated people, both United Nations and East Timorese, remain anonymous, but the results of their work will remain for others to build on. East Timor seems to be on the right track. However, a great deal of reconstruction and nation- building still remains to be done. The active involvement of the international community, including that of the Security Council, remains indispensable. In particular, we cannot put this great project in jeopardy by too-early a withdrawal of hands-on international involvement. The challenge confronting East Timor is not only social, economic and institutional in nature. Unfortunately, as we learned today from Mr. Annabi's briefing, the military-security situation remains as precarious as ever, and it has indeed deteriorated.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his presence with us today, and Mr. Annabi for his very useful briefing. The representative of France will make a statement on behalf of the European Union. Of course the Netherlands fully subscribes to that statement. East Timor has come a long way since its popular consultation one year ago and the rampage of violence and senseless destruction that followed it. Like others before me, I would like to express our gratitude and admiration to Mr. Vieira de Mello and all the men and women in the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and, indeed, in the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) in an earlier phase.”
2000-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4191 (2000) · source
“The Angolan Government should recognize that transparency and accountability are essential elements of further progress down this path. We urge the Government and the IMF to commit themselves to a successful completion of the programme.”
2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source
“At this point I should like to second the words of praise addressed once again by many around this table to Ambassador Fowler for his very important and highly innovative work for effective implementation of the sanctions against UNITA. I am sure that Ambassador Fowler would agree that this is perhaps also the appropriate moment for the Security Council to recognize the groundbreaking work that non- governmental organizations have done in this regard. Finally, it is very good news that the Angolan Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have agreed to a staff monitored programme. We see this as a first step towards the long overdue normalization of Angola's relationship with the IMF and other international donors.”
2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source
“There are signs that at long last the efforts of the international community to put pressure on UNITA are beginning to have the desired effect. Sanctions really seem to be biting, and it stands to reason that we should step up our efforts. Therefore, we eagerly await the first report of the second Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring implementation of the sanctions. Equally important are the developments within the diamond industry, where an awareness is growing of the unacceptability of "blood diamonds". We hope the proposals of the recent World Diamond Congress in Antwerp will be implemented effectively as soon as possible.”
2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In this context, the moment has come for the United Nations Office in Angola to play an active role. We therefore welcome Professor Gambari's confirmation of the imminent appointment of the Head of that Office. Sadly, the human rights situation all over Angola's territory remains as alarming as that described in the Secretary-General's previous report. We fully agree with the Secretary-General that respect for human rights and good governance should be part of any effort to bring the conflict to an end. Actions like those taken against journalists are incompatible with the efforts of the international community to assist the Government in pacifying the country and, through this, contribute to the well-being of the Angolan people.”
2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This year alone the Netherlands has already supported relief activities with some $7 million. But there is more that the Angolan Government, for its part, could do as well. It should take steps to improve security in rural areas, allow relief workers full access to the population and promote demining and other activities aimed at returning the displaced. What should now be possible, however, as a result of the consolidation of Government authority throughout the country, is for the Government to engage in efforts leading to a political settlement. Paragraph 9 of the Secretary-General's report seems to suggest as much. It is promising that Angolan civil society is nudging the Government in the direction of a meaningful dialogue, and we should encourage President dos Santos to welcome such developments.”
2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The representative of France is to speak on behalf of the European Union. We fully endorse everything in his statement, and I will limit myself therefore to making the following remarks. While we welcome the fact that the Government has reduced UNITA's conventional war capability, this development has not led to an improvement in the security situation. In the absence of dialogue, Savimbi has reverted to all-out guerrilla warfare, and since Government control tends to be limited to urban areas his forces are able to terrorize rural populations in many parts of Angola. As a result, the humanitarian situation remains bleak. One in five Angolans is now displaced. Most of the displaced cannot return and remain dependent on outside assistance. Relief workers are being deliberately targeted by UNITA.”
2000-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4178Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The delegation of France, which currently holds the presidency of the European Union, is inscribed to speak on behalf of the European Union in today's important debate. My delegation will not, therefore, speak in its national capacity on this occasion. We wholeheartedly endorse the important points to be raised in the intervention by the representative of France.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176 (2000) · source
“Elections and elected representative institutions will mean an end to undemocratic parallel structures. Meanwhile, there are indications that public opinion is shifting in favour of moderate elements in all communities, and there is cause for optimism that the United Nations will be able to provide for adequate security. It is all the more regrettable, therefore, that Serb hard-liners and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continue to place obstacles in the way of the successful conduct of these elections. Successful elections form an integral part of the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), and those who want to see that resolution successfully implemented should not stand in the way of registration and participation by all ethnic groups, including Serbs displaced outside Kosovo.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Let us not underestimate the importance of these and other modest initial steps on the road to improved inter- ethnic relations in Kosovo. It is facile, and not very constructive, to note only the problems that still exist. After a decade of death and destruction wrought by Belgrade, it is in fact a small miracle that there are still people left in Kosovo who are ready to break out of this vicious circle and move forward. Those people need encouragement; they are everyday heroes; they show courage and a moral vision that deserves our undivided support. Another hopeful development lies in the fact that preparations for elections are well under way. We can only hope that the Serbs will realize in time that it is in their own best interest to register.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Thaci has called for an end to those activities, but we also note that his call has not so far had the desired effect. Other recent developments, however, raise hopes that a break with the destructive past may be possible. The mission's report notes that all ethnic communities express the desire to live in peace together even if, due to the recent violent conflict, they are still deeply divided. There is now Serbian participation in the interim structures, even if it is so far limited to observers. And the leader of the Serbian community in Orahovac and representatives of the Roma community have apologized to the Kosovar Albanian community. The Kosovar Albanian reaction to those apologies has been constructive, as noted in the report.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Meanwhile, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and others should be encouraged to give this pressing issue their particular attention. Obviously, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia also has an important role to play. As for the present situation in Kosovo, we remain concerned at the continuing violence. Recent incidents have included violence against Russian KFOR soldiers and against moderate Kosovar Albanians. The mission was particularly useful and important in urging all communities to reject such violence and in encouraging peaceful coexistence and cooperation among them. We are concerned also at the ongoing provocations of the Liberation Army of Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac (UCPNB) in the Presevo Valley area. We have noted that Mr.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“My delegation commends Ambassador Chowdhury and the other mission members on their balanced mission report. The Netherlands fully associates itself with the praise contained in their report for the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR). The report echoes Mr. Kouchner's call for the appointment of a special envoy for detainees and missing persons. My delegation has repeatedly expressed its grave concerns regarding this continuing tragedy, and has called for an end to the indifference to the fate of thousands of missing persons and their families. For these reasons we welcome the strong support of the different ethnic communities in Kosovo for the appointment of a special envoy to address this problem. Of course, the mandate will require some very careful drafting.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Petritsch that we subscribe fully to his three strategic priorities of economic reform, acceleration of returns and institutional strengthening. We agree that economic reform is the most potent weapon for changing the economic status quo, which currently consolidates the entrenched interests of the leaders. Finally, we are encouraged that the impoverished people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are realizing more and more that their leaders are keeping their own personal interests closer to heart than the interests of their people. Indeed, the election results can be seen as an indication that, at last, the political landscape may be changing.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“Economic reform is an urgent matter if efficient use is to be made of the assistance provided by the international community and lasting economic stagnation is to be avoided. The third main area for Dayton implementation is the return of refugees and displaced persons. Their return is essential to sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and remains a litmus test for the peace process. I should like to reiterate my Government's View that the question of the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and assistance to those who are willing to return, should be given the highest priority by all authorities at all levels. In this context, the Netherlands wholeheartedly supports the approach to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons taken by the High Representative. In summary, I would like to assure Mr.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“Indeed, the biggest problem facing the country now appears to be the continued failure of its leadership to take collective responsibility rather than behave like unreformed ethnically based warlords protecting their own, and their communities', narrow, entrenched interests. The same lack of commitment on the part of the country's political leaders is manifest in the economic field. In fact, economic and political vested interests converge in such a way that political dividing lines are maintained in order to protect economic interests. This absence of real leadership is unproductive and stands in the way of the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in accordance with the aspirations of the vast majority of citizens of all ethnic groups.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“I thank the High Representative, Mr. Petritsch, for his comprehensive briefing. We commend him for his energetic leadership in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina emerge from the miseries of its recent past. The High Representative's report makes it clear that Bosnia and Herzegovina is far from functioning as a unitary State, and it notes explicitly that the ruling political parties maintain opposing visions of the State in which they are supposedly united. What is particularly disturbing is that this unproductive attitude prevails unabated at the level of the collective Presidency.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“We also encourage the World Bank to accelerate its efforts in this regard. As a member of the Group of Friends, the Netherlands will continue to support the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) Trust Fund and is ready in principle to make a further contribution of 500,000 Dutch guilders. Finally, my delegation will be happy to support the presidential statement to be made by you, Mr. President, and we thank the delegation of Mali, which currently holds the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for its efforts in preparing these statements.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“The return to constitutional and democratic order in Guinea-Bissau is now complete, and it is important that the extra-constitutional structures, which had a role to play under the Abuja Accord and related agreements, now give way to the newly established constitutional institutions. Our chief concern in this regard remains the military junta. The junta must be told in no uncertain terms that with the installation of the new Government its role has come to an end, and the military must now be depoliticized. The international community will not tolerate a revival in any form of the junta on the political scene in Guinea- Bissau. Another remaining source of concern is the slow pace of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. The Government of Guinea-Bissau must take up this matter with priority.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“I thank the Under- Secretary-General for his introduction of the report and for the additional information that he has provided. The report overall seems quite positive, although we have Sir Kieran's concerns in mind of the worrying economic situation in Guinea-Bissau. As the Secretary-General states in paragraph 23 of his report, Guinea-Bissau serves as a positive example of a case in which the region, the international community and the United Nations together were successful in promoting a peaceful solution with relatively modest means. We must keep the subject on the agenda to help Guinea-Bissau consolidate peace and democracy and to see to it that the moderate elements will continue to prevail.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“My delegation welcomes the emphasis placed on this aspect of coordination by the Secretary-General in his report. Finally, in the presidential statement on small arms of 24 September 1999 the Council requested the Secretary-General to develop a reference manual, for use in the field, on ecologically safe methods of weapons destruction. The Council also invited Member States to facilitate the preparation of such a manual. The Netherlands attaches great importance to post-conflict ecologically sound weapons destruction. In this context, I am pleased to inform the Council that the Netherlands has decided to make a substantial contribution towards the preparation of such a field manual on weapons destruction.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“First, ex-combatants should be committed to the planning and management of DDR programmes, especially programmes for re-integration and training. There is evidence that the actual involvement of ex-combatants in such programmes has a positive impact, both in terms of cost control and in the reduction of political tension. Secondly, the commitment of civil society to DDR programmes creates a sense of ownership in the implementation of disarmament and reintegration. Full information on the programme and its purposes will clearly contribute to this sense of commitment. Thirdly, the international community needs to be committed to the implementation of DDR programmes, usually including generous financial support. Providing for the effective coordination of the programmes is another important way the international community can contribute.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Secondly, for the purpose of confidence-building it is vital that all parties, including armed civilians, should be targeted by the disarmament efforts, and that all arms collected should be destroyed. If the disarmament effort is limited and fails to target all, the results may well be an illicit arms trade, violence and crime. Obviously, this would undermine confidence in the process. Neighbouring countries may have to be involved in disarmament processes as well, as that can help curb cross-border arms trading and crime. Next, on the subject of commitment, the all- important condition for DDR programmes to be successful evidently is the full political commitment of all warring parties to the peace process. There are three aspects of commitment that I would like to highlight.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“I fully associate myself with that statement, and I will therefore limit myself to some brief remarks on confidence-building and commitment in the framework of DDR programmes. First, on the subject of confidence-building, peacekeeping operations are themselves a major source of confidence-building. The long-term purpose of DDR programmes is to enhance political stability, peace and security. For DDR programmes to succeed, however, there needs to be at least a degree of political stability and security to begin with - that is, in the disarmament phase. It is in that phase that peacekeeping operations in themselves contribute to confidence-building.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's important meeting on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process. I would also like to thank the delegation of Malaysia, which first took the initiative to place this subject on our agenda. My delegation is grateful to the Secretary-General for introducing his comprehensive and thoughtful report. We welcome in particular the attention devoted in his report and in his introductory statement to the problem of child soldiers, including girl soldiers. The representative of Portugal will make an exhaustive statement on today's very important agenda item on behalf of the European Union and 15 other like-minded European countries.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source