YouSaid · the spoken record

Howells

lines on the record
28
first
2006-09-20
most recent
2007-09-25
sittings or episodes
3
sources
un-security-council

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  1. “The United Nations has done much for Africa. But as the people of Darfur, Somalia and Zimbabwe would tell us, there is also much more it urgently needs to do.”

    2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source

  2. “The crisis in Darfur, as we know, has also spilled over the border into Chad, and resolution 1778 (2007), adopted today, paves the way for a European Union force to protect civilians there. Progress is needed also, as we all know, in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United Nations should be actively engaged to find a way forward in Zimbabwe and to relieve the suffering of the people there. Three million refugees have already fled - three million - threatening instability across Zimbabwe's borders. We welcome the efforts of President Mbeke and others to find a political solution, and I hope the Secretary-General will dispatch a humanitarian mission. The United Nations has a unique role in Africa, from ending conflict to delivering the Millennium Development Goals, where we must all redouble our efforts.”

    2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source

  3. “As the Secretary-General said this morning in his speech to the General Assembly (see A/61/PV.4), the age of impunity is dead. There can be no impunity in Darfur. Sudan should fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court. Our Belgian colleague gave us a vivid and tragic example of what happens when these war criminals believe that no one will make them answer for their despicable crimes. We have to make them answer. If progress is made in Darfur, the United Kingdom stands ready to support reconstruction and development. But any party that impedes progress must face a robust response from the international community. Darfur complicates progress on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the Sudan, where progress remains essential.”

    2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source

  4. “As President Bush has told us, the world's greatest humanitarian disaster is happening there. The Secretary-General has identified three tracks to solving the crisis. First, there is the peacekeeping track, and I hope that the United Nations and the African Union will agree on the composition of the Hybrid Operation so deployment can get back on schedule. The Sudan must do all it can to speed up the process. Secondly, there is the political track. The upcoming talks must be inclusive, and they have to yield rapid results. We need a ceasefire at the outset and a means to monitor and enforce it. Thirdly, there is the humanitarian track. Sudan must lift the obstacles to access - and they still are not lifted. Let us not forget the need for justice.”

    2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source

  5. “Mr. Howells: Mr. President, the United Kingdom congratulates you on bringing this debate to the Security Council, because Africa is central to the work of the United Nations. There is much good news. Six conflicts have ended in the past 10 years and, as the Secretary-General observed, recent elections in Sierra Leone are a shining example of a nation rejecting violence and seizing democracy, moving from war crimes and collapse to a peaceful transition of power through elections in only seven years. It is a remarkable story. And Africa is taking responsibility for solving its problems, through developing the African Union's political and peacekeeping capacity and through cooperation with the United Nations. Nowhere will this cooperation be tested more than in Darfur.”

    2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source

  6. “I thank all participants for their contributions today. I should like also to thank Under-Secretary- General Pascoe for his briefing. Finally, I want on behalf of the Council to echo Mr. Pascoe's words of gratitude to Alvaro de Soto for a lifetime of service to the United Nations, including to the cause which unites us all here today the cause of peace in the Middle East. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.35 p.m. 33”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  7. “That is an important step that, we hope, will both enhance Lebanese sovereignty and improve compliance with the arms embargo established by resolution 1701 (2006). We look forward also to progress on the Sheba'a farms issue and underline once again the need for the release of the Israeli soldiers abducted last summer. We have been at moments of opportunity too often before to be, if I may say so, naively optimistic. Great challenges remain on all sides. But the prize of peace and security for the region is there to be grasped if those in the region have the courage and if we in the international community have the commitment. Britain will spare no effort in playing our part. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I call on the Permanent Observer of Palestine.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  8. “At the heart of those discussions is the issue of a tribunal to try those eventually indicted for the murder of Rafik Hariri. We strongly believe that early establishment of the tribunal is in the interests of all Lebanese, not least to bring to an end, once and for all, the cycle of politically motivated assassinations. We will continue to support efforts to achieve that. The United Kingdom also remains fully committed to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), which, like the tribunal, is central to Lebanon's future stability. The Council has just authorized the first significant operational follow-up to that resolution: the dispatch of a United Nations mission to assess the security of the border with Syria.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  9. “We continue to appeal for his immediate and unconditional release. His continued detention is completely unacceptable. Alan Johnston has been a great friend of the Palestinian people, and he chose to live in Gaza to report the news, and the truth as he saw it, from Gaza. This is a reprehensible crime, and he must be released immediately, because the existence of a free and Vigorous press is the cornerstone of all of our democratic societies. I would like to reiterate the United Kingdom's commitment to finding a solution in the Middle East that will result in a comprehensive and lasting peace, with two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security. I now turn briefly to Lebanon. We support the continued efforts of Prime Minister Siniora to find a solution to the current political situation.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  10. “The Quartet has an important leadership role on the peace process, and I am pleased that it has met frequently this year. We would welcome an expanded Quartet meeting, including countries from the region. It goes without saying that there is a role for the region in offering prospects for peace and improved relations for the parties within the region. The United Nations has an important role to play. It is essential that the involvement of all United Nations agencies and bodies be constructive and that the Organization's response to the situation be carefully coordinated. I was pleased to hear about the Secretary-General's successful visit to the region last month. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported our calls for the release of the British journalist Alan Johnston.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  11. “I welcome Prime Minister Olmert's intention to normalize the opening of the Karni and Rafah border crossings and to ease other restrictions on movement. That would all help to improve the lives of Palestinians and increase the confidence between the parties. But both parties can do more to build confidence. I call for the immediate release of Corporal Shalit and for a halt to the firing of Qassam rockets from Gaza into Israel. I understand that President Abbas presented Prime Minister Olmert with a security plan, and I very much hope that, through continuing dialogue, the parties can put it into effect and improve security. I also join in the calls on Israel to abide by the Road Map and freeze all settlement construction, including the growth of existing settlements, and to remove all outposts.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  12. “But we cannot allow this process to fall victim to these events or, indeed, to unduly high expectations. Instead, we must find a way to offer hope to both the Israeli and Palestinian people and help them to develop confidence in each other. That is why we need to work together and offer a political horizon. The international community needs to demonstrate its commitment to a future Palestinian State and to Israel's security. We can send a strong message of support for a viable Palestinian State by improving the capacity of Palestinian institutions. Facilitating the coordination of assistance to the Palestinians will also help in the short term to improve the daily lives of Palestinians. The temporary international mechanism continues to channel humanitarian assistance, but I also call on Israel to release the Palestinian tax revenues.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  13. “1 would like to take this opportunity to welcome the formation of the Arab Ministerial Committee for the Arab Peace Initiative, following the reaffirmation of the Arab Peace Initiative at the Arab League Summit in Riyadh. I also welcome the role that Secretary Rice has played in bringing Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas together and their recent meeting on 15 April. I sincerely hope that that dialogue will continue. We should focus now on what is already available to us. We need to re-energize existing mechanisms and frameworks such as the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative. We must ensure that we maintain momentum, regardless of efforts to detract from the process. Of course, there will be events which could knock us off course.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  14. “In that context, I condemn the violation of the ceasefire in Gaza by Hamas's military wing, and I look to the National Unity Government to take the necessary measures to prevent such attacks. All sides should put an immediate end to violence so that we can continue to concentrate on the political process. It should be apparent to all that meaningful progress can be made only through dialogue. The creation of the National Unity Government in March was a significant step. The United Kingdom will judge the Government by its platform and actions, and respond accordingly. As we have made clear, we have always been willing to work with a Government based on the Quartet principles. I call on colleagues to be consistent in their message to the National Unity Government on the importance of adhering to those principles.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  15. “I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the United Kingdom. I wish to begin by thanking Mr. Lynn Pascoe for his report. It is a timely and impressive piece of work. As he made clear, this is a time of opportunity in the Middle East. There are some positive developments that give reason for hope, and it is for the international community to encourage the parties to take advantage of this and to support the peace process. This is all the more important following the recent escalation in violence, which has led to a number of casualties on both sides. The relative stability over recent months has enabled progress on the political front. A return to violence would be an unacceptable step backwards.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  16. “At the invitation of the President, Mr. Mansour (Palestine) took a seat at the Council table. The President: In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to whom I give the floor.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  17. “The President: I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter dated 19 April 2007 from the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, which will be issued as document S/2007/228 and which reads as follows: "I have the honour to request that, in accordance with its previous practice, the Security Council invite the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations to participate in the meeting of the Security Council which will be held on Wednesday, 25 April 2007, regarding the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite the Permanent Observer of Palestine to participate in the meeting in accordance with the rules of procedure and the previous practice in this regard. There being no objection, it is so decided.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  18. “I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Israel, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic, in which they request to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the consideration without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Gillerman (Israel) took a seat at the Council table; the representatives of the other aforementioned countries took the seats reserved for them at the side ofthe Council Chamber.”

    2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source

  19. “If there are agreed aims and purposes, common objectives, shared resources and mutual understanding, then no matter how difficult the situation, no matter how difficult the issue, the international community can tackle the problem head on with confidence and conviction.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  20. “This is all positive. But the challenge today and in the future is not just to continue this effort, but to enhance and expand it. What is needed is targeted capacity-building of regional organizations. Practical, real-time opportunities to work together should be identified. The Security Council's recent commitment to enhance cooperation with regional organizations should be put into practice. By doing so, the United Nations and its regional and international partners have a better chance of achieving our strategic objectives. As a proud member of the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth, NATO, the G-8 and, above all else, the United Nations, the United Kingdom is committed to continuing this effort.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  21. “We are also pleased that several regional organizations were able to present their valuable experiences of internal review mechanisms at informal consultations in Geneva earlier this month on the Human Rights Council's new universal periodic review. The establishment of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission at last year's World Summit was a major achievement, bringing together development, security and diplomatic expertise to take a holistic approach to peacebuilding. The Commission brings together for the first time in a formal grouping Member States, international financial institutions, regional and development organizations to help secure lasting peace and rebuild countries ravaged by conflict. The Commission has many challenges ahead, and the support and cooperation of regional organizations will be critical to its success.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  22. “I would use today's debate to invite the Secretary-General to reflect on whether the United Nations can bring together those regional organizations most closely engaged across the conflict cycle - particularly the EU and the AU - to develop genuine operational partnerships in order to strengthen their crucial cooperation. Greater informal coordination would help us to ensure that the international community engages on security sector reform, on demobilization, on developing capable security forces under democratic control and, across the spectrum of conflict, all essential elements to achieve sustainable peace and development. The activities of the human rights bodies and actors of the United Nations complement and build on work in the field of human rights by relevant regional organizations.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  23. “Full implementation of resolutions 1625 (2005) and 1653 (2006), on African peacekeeping, should be a high priority both for the United Nations and for Member States. The EU, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the OSCE and the United Nations continue to cooperate closely. Darfur is a clear example of the EU, NATO and the United Nations all working together to provide support on the ground. We expect similarly valuable cooperation among the EU, NATO and the OSCE in Kosovo, where the EU plans to have a mission operating alongside NATO.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  24. “The League of Arab States has an important role to play as we aim to reinvigorate the Middle East peace process. We also welcome the increasingly close relations between the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The three organizations have common aims and purposes. By working together, they can enhance one another's contributions to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and their response to security challenges. But now we need to build stronger relationships between the United Nations and regional organizations. In particular, we need to identify the relative strengths of each and to build up their expertise and capacity.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  25. “We very much hope that contacts in New York this week will help President Al-Bashir to understand that our goal is to help the Sudan. But equally, we cannot stand idly by if the Sudan pursues a military solution of its own in Darfur. The Council will need to act to support the AU and to shoulder its own responsibilities. But we hope that such a crisis can yet be averted. As we know, the European Union has also developed its role in international peace and security since the launch of the European Security and Defence Policy by the United Kingdom and France almost 10 years ago. We welcome the increasing role played by regional and subregional organizations in conflict prevention efforts, as outlined by the Secretary-General in his recent progress report on the prevention of armed conflict.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  26. “It should now be allowed to share that burden with the United Nations and with the wider international community. It is unreasonable to expect any single regional organization to maintain the level of force needed in Darfur for long periods. The AU itself has recognized, over many months, the need for a transition to the United Nations. The Council endorsed that conclusion again through resolution 1706 (2006), agreeing to provide AMIS with support and to reinforce it, with the aim of taking over by the end of this year. We cannot understand why the Government of Sudan, while accepting a United Nations force on almost identical terms in the south of the country, is turning its back on United Nations help in the west of Sudan.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  27. “That applies more widely, too, across the international community's response to the critical challenges we face, including terrorism and proliferation, poverty, climate change, and the protection and promotion of human rights. The United Kingdom therefore welcomes the Security Council's commitment, expressed in the statement to be adopted today, to expand cooperation with regional and subregional organizations. That will strengthen the Council's ability to respond to conflict through prevention, crisis management and post-conflict reconstruction. Nowhere is that more necessary than in Darfur. The African Union (AU) peacekeeping force - the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) - has done an outstanding job in very difficult circumstances.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source

  28. “The United Kingdom aligns itself with the statement to be made later by the Under-Secretary of State of Finland on behalf of the European Union (EU). Today's debate is an important opportunity to focus on strengthening the cooperation between the United Nations and regional, subregional and intergovernmental organizations. I thank you, Madam President, for your foresight in convening it. The United Nations is a uniquely legitimate and indispensable global body. But it cannot operate in isolation. The demands on the United Nations, particularly in the area of peacekeeping, expand continually. In many areas, it is only by working closely with its regional and international partners that the United Nations can effectively deliver to those most in need.”

    2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source