YouSaid · the spoken record

Holkeri

lines on the record: 85
first: 2001-01-26
most recent: 2004-05-11
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“The situation of returns depends, of course, on security conditions on the ground and other conditions, not least job opportunities. That is why our priority tasks in this area are to improve the security environment and create the necessary economic conditions on the ground, in cooperation with local administrative structures. The representative of Mexico wanted further information on two questions, the first of which related to the weapons amnesty. The amnesty conducted this year can hardly be considered a success. The number of weapons surrendered was very low - 150 or so. Of course, we must take into account the fact that it was the third exercise of that kind in Kosovo.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“In the first case, we will deal firmly with attempts to run a parallel government in Kosovo. In the other, UNMIK will take a step-by-step approach, replacing, for example, parallel schools and hospitals with Provisional Institutions of Self-Government structures when they can provide the same level of service. The issue of parallel structures is addressed in my contacts with Belgrade. Serbia must show its commitment to resolution 1244 (1999). The other issue raised by the representative of Spain was that of returns. The rate of return has continued to accelerate, with a total of 2,653 returns so far this year, 845 of them being Serbs. This brings the total number of returns to 8,768. Kosovo Serb returns are 50 per cent greater this year than last.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“My intention is to finalize the implementation plan by the time of my next visit to the Security Council. The Ambassadors of Spain and the United Kingdom referred to the question of corruption. Let me assure them that the allegations are taken seriously and will be subject to thorough investigation. In this respect, administrative measures have already been taken. The representative of Spain raised two other issues. His first question, about parallel structures, was also touched on by the representative of Serbia and Montenegro. Parallel structures continue to exist in the public sector in two areas: administration and service provision. That is detrimental to the rule of law and prevents the integration of Kosovo Serbs into the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The reserved powers will remain my exclusive responsibility unless the Council makes a different determination. At the same time, I intend to involve the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in some reserved areas, without transferring them. This will happen through the establishment of consultative mechanisms in different areas of administration. With regard to the comments of the representative of Germany concerning benchmarks, we have been working on standards for four months in order to operationalize them. Specific goals and indicators have been devised. The indicators will permit the identification of the level of performance to be attained by local actors. Standards and indicators remain under the control of the international community and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: In my presentation at the beginning of this discussion, I tried to follow the advice of Lakhdar Brahimi, who so wisely recommended three years ago in his report on United Nations peacekeeping reform, "The Secretariat must tell the Security Council what it needs to know, not what it wants to hear" (S/2000/809, page x). I will try to answer some of the questions raised by the members of the Council and other speakers, following the order of the speakers. First, I note Pakistani concern pertaining to the question of standards before status. However, the concept remains valid to me as long as the Security Council has not decided otherwise. In accordance with the decision of the Council, I intend to complete the transfer of non-reserved responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government by the end of this year.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“UNMIK, KFOR and the international community still have much to do together in Kosovo to ensure the fulfilment of standards. This will enable the Security Council to determine Kosovo's future status. We look forward to the continued support of the Security Council and the international community in meeting the ongoing challenges.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The public is growing increasingly frustrated with the Government's apparent inability to tackle matters that affect its well-being. Continued high levels of unemployment are of special concern. The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government for their part are constantly blaming all deficiencies on what they perceive to be an absence of authority to deal with these matters. These tensions - caused by Belgrade's continued support of parallel structures; the possibility of a renewal of ethnically-motivated violent attacks; and the resulting fears that continue to keep many internally displaced persons from returning to Kosovo - are all challenges that require us to maintain a firm commitment to the principles and objectives embodied in resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Parallel courts continue to function in the northern municipalities and even outside of Kosovo. This is really unacceptable. These parallel courts pretend to exercise jurisdiction in Kosovo. International arrest warrants that have no validity have been issued through these unauthorized structures against Kosovo residents. This has already caused serious difficulties and cannot be tolerated. Under resolution 1244 (1999), it is UNMIK that has jurisdiction and authority over Kosovo. The short-to-medium term outlook for Kosovo is uncertain, but the strong desire of Kosovo's people to live in a peaceful, stable, lawful society is crystal clear. Infighting and jockeying for position among politicians in advance of elections in Kosovo and Serbia will continue to hamper our attempts to fulfil the tasks vital for implementation of UNMIK's mandate.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The process of decentralization is likely to be complex and lengthy and will depend on the ability of local representatives to take on additional responsibilities. However, even now much more needs to be done to provide functioning services to all citizens and to ensure respect for minority rights at all levels of governance. It is of very serious concern that the Belgrade authorities continue to strengthen parallel structures in Kosovo, as evidenced by the recent unilateral appointment by the Coordination Centre for Kosovo of so-called regional and municipal coordinators. Belgrade must work with Kosovo structures and replace this unacceptable policy with a commitment to truly multi-ethnic organs of Government in Kosovo. Failure to change course will impede the development of genuine multi-ethnicity in Kosovo.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“At the same time, I have expressed my commitment to working with the Government to enhance its effectiveness in a true spirit of partnership. I have indicated my readiness to give favourable consideration to the establishment of new structures that may be needed for this purpose, always in conformity with resolution 1244 (1999) and the Constitutional Framework. Meanwhile, Kosovo's democratic institutions, at both the central and municipal levels, continue to develop and are gradually improving their administrative skills and effectiveness. UNMIK will soon be receiving the Council of Europe mission's recommendations on decentralization in Kosovo, due in mid-November. These should form a good basis for bringing democratic local Government closer to the people and increasing its efficiency.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“UNMIK is nearing completion of the agreed transfer of competencies in non-reserved areas to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government based on the Constitutional Framework. We must ensure not only that non-reserved competencies are effectively transferred, but also that the Provisional Institutions are in a position to absorb the new responsibilities and to carry them out with the necessary technical competence and political fairness. Kosovo's leaders are increasingly demanding that UNMIK also transfer competencies in reserved areas. I have told them that the Provisional Institutions' advance into reserved areas under the Constitutional Framework is beyond my mandate and will require action by the Security Council.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Necessary management changes for Kosovo's most intractable problem in the economic sphere - the unstable and inadequate electricity supply - have been agreed with the Government. Unemployment remains at about 57 per cent overall and is even higher for women and young people. Privatization is essential and certainly the only hope in addressing this challenge. However, the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA) is expressing concerns related to immunity of its personnel and the legal platform provided by the current KTA legislation. This is adversely affecting the privatization process. Further discussions on these issues are necessary in order to facilitate the effective implementation of the privatization process, which is vital to the economic development of Kosovo.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“While these efforts are ongoing, the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and UNMIK are now intensely focused on a joint plan for implementing the eight benchmarks. We are closely coordinating with the Office of the Prime Minister to develop achievable goals within agreed time frames to enable the Provisional Institutions to meet standards. The joint plan should offer clarity both to the people of Kosovo and to the international community on implementation of the standards and the evaluation of progress. I have focused primarily on security, returns, dialogue and standards, but there are serious challenges in other areas as well. Kosovo's economy is showing progress. Tax revenues and customs duties exceed expectations.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The international community's representatives offered words of encouragement to the participants to proceed with the dialogue, emphasizing this as one of the eight benchmarks that should be fulfilled before talks on final status or future status can begin. Now our task is to maintain the momentum and to move forward. The four working groups with multi- ethnic representation on the Kosovo side must be promptly established and begin technical talks in Belgrade and Pristina at the expert level. That, too, is likely to be an uphill struggle. I appeal to this Council and to the international community as a whole to provide continued support for the dialogue process. Speaking with one voice as they did in Vienna is of utmost importance.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“It is regrettable that the Government's absence prevented a multi-ethnic representation from Pristina at the Vienna meeting. I appreciate that despite this fact Prime Minister Zivkovic and Deputy Prime Minister Covic decided to come. The Belgrade and Pristina delegations sat on either side of me in the historic Congress Hall of the Austrian Federal Chancellery. An impressive array of representatives of the international community at the highest level was present. It is known that the Belgrade and Pristina delegation members did not interact, but at that first encounter they did listen carefully to what the other side had to say and, in certain areas, their comments provided encouraging signals that progress could be made.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“There cannot be any linkage between the dialogue process and enhancement of the responsibilities and structures of the Provisional Institutions. Such bargaining is not acceptable. Dialogue is one of the standards approved by the Security Council. As to the transfer of further competencies beyond chapter 5 of the Constitutional Framework, the Security Council, I am sure, will provide the necessary guidance. Failure of the Government and the coalition parties to accept responsibility for contributing to the achievement of this particular benchmark resulted in the launching of the talks in Vienna on 14 October 2003 with the participation of only two out of three institutional leaders - Mr. Rugova, President of Kosovo, and Mr. Daci, President of the Kosovo Assembly. I commend their political courage and responsible action.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Prime Minister Rexhepi has consistently conditioned the Government's participation in the dialogue on the consensual approval of the main coalition parties or a consensus of the Assembly. In my view - and this view is largely shared by the international community - the Government must promptly decide to engage in the technical talks. The Prime Minister and his respective ministries should determine without further delay how best the Government can contribute to the process. Furthermore, some Kosovo Albanian political leaders have made their participation in any talks conditional on changes in the governmental responsibilities and structures as well as the establishment of new ministries, including in reserved areas.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to remind you that returns require timely planning and sufficient financing to be successful. Donor funds for 2004 should be released early enough to allow the projects to be duly prepared. Another fundamental objective is the direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. Much of my time has been occupied in preparing the launch of this important process. My aim has been to translate the political commitment of the Thessaloniki European Union-Western Balkans Summit, where both Belgrade and Pristina accepted the dialogue process, into a concrete and effective framework for communication between the parties. This has proved to be a challenging and strenuous effort.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Inter-ethnic violence should not be allowed to hamper the positive trend in returns, which was supported by the open letter signed at the beginning of July by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and addressed to the IDPs, urging them to return. This commendable commitment was further backed up by the allocation by the Provisional Institutions of â‚¬7 million from the Kosovo consolidated budget to funding returns projects. This is a most welcome and constructive development. Overall, freedom of movement has continued to improve in most parts of Kosovo as UNMIK has provided or facilitated transport services for minority communities. The challenge remains to ensure that all municipalities, and particularly those that are to receive returning IDPs, show a clear commitment to a tolerant, multi-ethnic society.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Similarly, the judiciary is also increasingly being staffed and run by local residents. The exclusive use of international judges on trial panels is rapidly diminishing as members of the local judiciary demonstrate the ability to take on difficult cases. Still, much remains to be done to improve the security situation in Kosovo. Security and the rule of law remain my highest priority, as both are indispensable for progress on so many other key issues, including returns and economic development. The violent incidents of this past summer have had a serious effect on the perception of security in minority communities. Clearly, if internally displaced persons fear for their safety they will not return to their homes.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The overall security situation has vastly improved across most of Kosovo, but the dramatic advances enjoyed by the majority community have not been felt by all. The rule of law is being openly flouted in many places around Kosovo. Combating these phenomena will require upholding intensive cooperation between UNMIK's Police and Justice Pillar, with the full engagement of the Kosovo Police Service (KPS), and the NATO-led peacekeeping force. KFOR continues to do excellent work in ensuring a safe and secure environment throughout Kosovo. We count on their continued, robust support. The Kosovo Police Service, now numbering nearly 6,000 servicemen and women, is increasingly qualified to handle more advanced police activities. As a result, UNMIK police have begun gradually reducing their presence.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“I have made it clear to Kosovo's leaders that issuing statements of sorrow is not enough. I have urged them to get out of their offices and explain to their constituents in towns, villages, workplaces, schools and families that violence must stop. It harms Kosovo. Far too many people silently tolerate ethnically based violence. This must be opposed. The attacks can resume at any time. Extremists from one side or the other may again try to influence the international perception of Kosovo to discredit the peace-building activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR), or they can resort to violent acts to dissuade internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from returning.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“I told him that it was our responsibility to do our utmost to bring to justice those responsible for the crime. But, echoing the message that I have delivered to so many in Kosovo, I told him that we needed the help and cooperation of ordinary people to ensure that justice was done. Unfortunately, as in many other societies, investigators run up against a wall of silence due to fear and intimidation. My young friend Bogdan and his generation need a future in which there is no threat of violence. I am convinced that the overwhelming majority of the people of Kosovo, regardless of their ethnic background, are against the use of Violence. In addition to the shooting at Gorazdevac, several other senseless, violent incidents shook Kosovo in the weeks that followed.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: I arrived in Kosovo to begin my mission as Special Representative of the Secretary- General 11 weeks ago. I had hardly been on the ground for half an hour when someone fired several rounds of bullets at a group of children swimming in a stream. Two Kosovo Serb boys were killed and two were seriously injured that day in Gorazdevac. That incident may well have been intended to be a message for me. There have been previous cases in which violent acts were timed to coincide with high-level international visits or heightened international progress on Kosovo. However, it only strengthened my resolve to start my mission. Last week I visited a military hospital in Belgrade, where one of the seriously wounded, Bogdan Bukumiric, is recovering. He asked me how the investigations were progressing.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The Council undertook to ensure that the mandated tasks of peacekeeping operations are appropriate to the situation on the ground, including such factors as the prospects for success, the potential need to protect civilians and the possibility that some parties may seek to undermine peace through violence.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“Again, my interlocutors expressed their commitment to good- neighbourly relations with East Timor. As with any United Nations peace operation, the success of UNTAET depends on the full cooperation of all parties. In conclusion, I would like, in recognition of UNTAET's performance, to stress the urgency of the need to strengthen United Nations peace operations through implementing the recommendations of the Brahimi report. Moreover, I would like to stress one important commitment that the Council made when adopting its recommendations on the Brahimi report that is relevant to our discussions today.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“It is also indispensable in order to stop the violence against the civilian population, including women. I should point out that during my discussions in Jakarta with the President, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and other high-level officials, I was given assurances of their cooperation and determination to facilitate refugee return. They expressed their hope that the United Nations, especially the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), would soon be able to return to West Timor. As for my part, I underscored the need strictly to implement Security Council resolution 1319 (2000). I also expressed the hope that the relationship between Indonesia and UNTAET would continue to be based on the joint communique of 29 February 2000 and the Memorandum of Understanding of April 2000.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“I also wish to emphasize that the operation must be given the resources commensurate with its mandate and that these resources must be provided from assessed contributions. In this connection, I also wish to express my support for the Council's request for increased flexibility in the use of assessed resources allocated to complex peacekeeping operations such as UNTAET. I will once again draw the attention of the relevant General Assembly bodies to this request. The situation along the border areas between West Timor and East Timor is of grave concern. Even though I did not have the opportunity to visit West Timor, it became clear to me that much more needs to be done to disarm and disband the militias. This is essential so as to allow the United Nations to return to West Timor to deal with the refugee problem.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“Despite the commendable progress achieved, East Timor will need the assistance and presence of the international community for a long time to come, both to continue to maintain peace and to support reconstruction and nation-building. We cannot afford to exit East Timor prematurely or without a well-prepared strategy. The Timorization of the local administration is crucial and should be pursued vigorously. But it cannot wholly substitute for international presence in the near future. United Nations peacekeeping is still needed to ensure the safety and security of the population and the overall stability of the country. It would be unrealistic and even irresponsible to expect or plan a quick pull- out.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“There seems to be a genuine and commendable readiness among the political leadership to move towards national reconciliation, with maximum inclusiveness of former pro-autonomy elements now it West Timor. At the same time, there is a strong body of opinion, especially at the grass-roots level, calling for justice as the precondition for any true reconciliation. In my View, these views are not mutually exclusive. The pursuit of justice is fundamental to nation-building and to any United Nations peace operation. Those responsible for human rights violations and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice. At the same time, reconciliation at all levels should be actively promoted.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“In a country that has never in its recorded history enjoyed self-determination and democratic rule, this desire for an immediate solution is understandable. But it should be tempered by a realization that building democratic institutions is, even under the best of circumstances, a complex and delicate task. However, I am sure that the people in East Timor, who have ultimate responsibility for the future of their country, will remember this during the coming months, as the political calendar brings them closer to independence. Furthermore, I trust that the Council will bear this in mind in its deliberations on the issue. East Timorese society faces the fundamental question ofjustice versus reconciliation.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“The main purpose of my visit to East Timor was to observe, in the light of our recent discussions on the Brahimi report, how a comprehensive and complex peace operation works at the field level. The visit allowed me to assess at first hand the situation in East Timor. In East Timor there is a clear gap between the expectations of the local population and what may be expected to be a painstakingly slow process of nation- building. This is a gap common in post-conflict situations. It exists both at the grass-roots level, as echoed by the everyday concerns of the people I met in Suai, and at the political level, as reflected by growing calls among the local political leadership for moves towards immediate independence.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“In Suai, I had discussions with the members of the District Advisory Council and other local representatives. The detailed account of my visit, including a list of all meetings, can be found on my Web site. At the outset, I wish to pay tribute to the women and men, civilian and military, who serve the United Nations in East Timor, and to commend the leadership of Mr. Vieira de Mello. The working conditions - both in the physical and in the political sense - in the Mission area are very difficult. It is crucial that the Mission get all necessary support from Headquarters in order to overcome these difficulties. In addition, close cooperation between all United Nations agencies working in this comprehensive United Nations mission is vital for a successful outcome.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“In East Timor, I had a series of meetings in Dili, during which I was briefed extensively about the activities of UNTAET by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and by other officials of UNTAET. I also met with local political leaders, including Xanana Gusmao, as well as with the Force Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force and the Commissioner of the civil police. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet with the heads of United Nations agencies and with representatives of the local diplomatic community. In addition to my programme in Dili, I paid a half-day visit to Suai, the site of a massacre in 1999, where I was given a briefing on the various aspects of the operation of the district administration and of the Sector West peacekeeping force.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: I first wish to join you, Mr. President, in your expression of condolences to the people ofIndia and Pakistan. I am honoured to be able to participate in this open debate of the Security Council on East Timor. I would like to thank you in particular, Mr. President, for your efforts in making it possible for me to address the Council. My participation in this debate is part of the efforts to foster closer cooperation and coordination between the main United Nations bodies and actors. I made a week-long visit to the South-East Asian region from 10 to 17 January 2001, visiting Singapore, East Timor and Indonesia. My visit was at the invitation of the Singaporean and Indonesian Governments and of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source