YouSaid · the spoken record

Ileka

lines on the record: 371
first: 2000-01-10
most recent: 2012-11-28
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

“We must also ensure strict respect for the law and for public order, without prejudice to efforts to promote national reconciliation, restore the authority of the State and rebuild the country. Those efforts must continue during the electoral process. Let me assure the Council that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will do everything in its power to ensure that the elections take place in a calm atmosphere. The support of the international community will be crucial and decisive. In that respect, the support of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), of the European Union and of bilateral partners is greatly appreciated. It is important that together we use all means at our disposal to ensure the success of the elections.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Along with negotiations and consultations, it is the very essence of democracy. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been engaged in an ongoing internal dialogue since well before the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, signed on 10 July 1999, which marked the beginning of active involvement on the part of the United Nations. That will certainly continue to be the case before, during and after the elections. Fourthly, the security situation in the country in general and in the eastern part of the national territory remains a source of concern. We welcome the fact that the Security Council and the European Union have agreed - and I thank them for this - substantially to increase their presence in my country. That will help to set up mechanisms aimed at ensuring secure conditions for the people and for the elections.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Thirdly, with respect to new rounds of negotiations and consultations, let me stress that the referendum, the Constitution, the electoral law and the upcoming elections all emanate from a comprehensive and inclusive agreement that itself was the outcome of several political dialogues and consultation processes. The Congolese people have clearly expressed their wish that an end be put to a seemingly interminable transition period through the establishment of new institutions and leaders of their choice. We must ensure respect for that clearly expressed desire of the Congolese people and not jeopardize the gains made to date during the transition by engaging in fruitless political dialogue. We in the Democratic Republic of the Congo believe in the value of dialogue.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Secondly, while reaffirming the importance of fair access to the media, let me also stress the importance of doing everything possible to ensure that messages of hate and exclusion are expunged from the electoral campaign. Indeed, sadly, certain radio broadcasts bear a striking similarity to those aired by Radio-Television libre des Milles Collines. We welcome the fact that the IEC and the High Media Authority are currently carrying out a publicity and awareness-raising campaign on the electoral process. We remain convinced that the campaign will fully meet expectations. Let me add that measures have been taken to enable the international media to cover the elections.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Adopted on 30 June - the anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - the resolution sends a strong message to the Republic with a View to the smooth conduct and success of the electoral process. I would like to share with the Council some concerns expressed by the Congolese people regarding the holding of the elections. First, with respect to the organization of the elections, we would like here highly to commend the tremendous amount of work done by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Nonetheless, every effort must be made to ensure that no new political or technical constraints are allowed to prevent the IEC from holding the elections in accordance with the calendar.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Joseph Kabila Kabange, has reaffirmed his commitment to do everything possible to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, which are a new rendezvous with history that my country cannot miss. For the President, these elections are crucial and sensitive. They are the right path towards normalization and the resolution of the eternal problem of governmental legitimacy in my country. The President believes that nothing else must delay the holding of the elections. He has always tirelessly urged the people to turn out to vote in massive numbers and has asked the political actors to accept the verdict of the ballot box out of respect for the Congolese people. The President has also instructed me to express to the Security Council his appreciation for resolution 1693 (2006).”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“The campaign for the general elections slated for 30 July has been officially under way for several days throughout the national territory. Here, I should like to congratulate the Council members on the drafting of their excellent report, which I am sure will enable us to better chart the path still ahead of us and will lead us together towards the peace and development to which millions of Congolese women and men aspire. The members of the Council mission formulated a series of relevant recommendations; I agree with all of them. I hope that the Security Council, which will undoubtedly discuss the report, can follow it up in concrete terms. In that connection, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Indeed, this year, particular emphasis has been placed on the implementation of the transition process begun by the 17 December 2002 Comprehensive and Inclusive Peace Agreement. The members of the Council mission were able to evaluate the status of that process, which is entering its final phase. They were eye witnesses to the deep desire of the Congolese people to go to the polls to freely and democratically choose, for the first time in four decades, men and women to preside over their destiny during the next legislative session. From their discussions with their many interlocutors, the members of the Council mission undoubtedly understood that an unequivocal consensus was emerging in favour of continuing and concluding the peace process as soon as possible. This last phase is a decisive step in the peace process.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“Mr. Ileka (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): Permit me at the outset to carry out a pleasant duty - that of saying what a pleasure it is to see you, Sir, presiding over the Security Council during 06-41819 the month of July. I should also like to thank your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Denmark, and to congratulate her on a successful mandate as Council President last month. I am grateful to you, Mr. President, for having kindly agreed to organize this public meeting to consider the report of the Security Council mission on the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2006/434). I also wish to sincerely thank the members of the Council mission, whom you led on their recent visit of 10 to 12 June.”
2006-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5482 (2006) · source
“My delegation takes this opportunity to express its deep concern over the persistence of this violence against women and children in the eastern part of our national territory, particularly in Ituri. Following the example of Ms. Petronille Vaweka, a member of the Ituri Pacification Commission - whose courage in working to restore normalcy in Ituri we hail - Congolese women are involving themselves directly in the promotion of peace in their country. The Congolese women's search for liberating peace must now be supported, because the return of peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo can help Congolese women in their fight against poverty and all forms of violence and discrimination against them. They have a right to that peace, without which all hope for human dignity, well-being and development is vain and compromised.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We believe that it would be useful to draft a code of conduct for peacekeeping personnel and a system of notification of sexual violence in the context of peacekeeping. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates that the Democratic Republic of the Congo attaches the highest importance to the implementation of positive measures to draw attention to the needs of women in conflict zones. The Government recently dispatched a team to the eastern part of the country to analyse the violence being committed against women and girls, especially in Ituri, where the humanitarian situation is most alarming. The women and children of Ituri continue to be subject to terrible violence and tensions.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We hope that everything will be done to ensure that attacks on the physical integrity and dignity of women are prosecuted and punished under international law as war crimes and crimes against humanity. We support the recommendations to establish mechanisms to investigate cases of exploitation of women, whether their perpetrators be parties linked to the conflict or messengers of peace. In this connection, my delegation welcomes the presence of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations, which improves access to and support for local women. This presence, while allowing better protection for women caught in the trap of armed conflict, also increases the capacities of such operations and encourages their personnel to be more thoughtful and responsible.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Her recent visit to my country was seen as an expression of support for Congolese women, who have paid a heavy price during the armed aggression that has lasted some five years now. My delegation particularly welcomes the announcement on the opening of a UNIFEM. office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This happy initiative will allow Congolese women, the principal victims of the war, fully to play their role in the reconstruction of the country and the improvement of their tenuous status. Moreover, my delegation supports the efforts of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ease tensions and to urge the establishment of peace- building mechanisms, as well as the role played by the High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Joseph Kabila, President of the Republic, is sparing no effort to ensure that gender issues are taken into account and appropriately addressed at every phase of the ongoing transition process, along with scheduled reforms, particularly in the electoral, judicial, and legislative fields, and, above all, the essential reconstruction and national reconciliation. The Government has planned a sweeping programme in this regard that requires the significant involvement of the international community. We take this opportunity to thank Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), for her support during the issuance in Kinshasa of the report on women, war and peace.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“They also take care of women, girls and children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS, the exponential growth of which has been especially exacerbated by recurrent rapes used as a weapon of war in the ongoing conflict. Finally, Congolese women are to be found in fields as varied as health care, particularly for children, peace campaigns and education to cope with the violence of armed aggression. For its part, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is resolved to address the needs of women in conflict zones and to support the role of women in the peace process. Mr.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Similarly, the report of the Secretary-General on women, peace and security remains timely. Indeed, it offers an assessment of the challenges facing women and girls in armed conflict and a series of useful recommendations on how the international community can contribute to meeting them. Congolese women certainly belong to this group. They have taken up the challenge by playing their role and resolving to uphold the values and ideals of peace, stability and democracy. Congolese women are deeply involved in the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement process by striving to fulfil the specific needs of widows, female combatants, soldiers' wives and their own families.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“My delegation welcomes the opportunity afforded by this debate to stress once again the basic importance of peace and security to achieving parity between the sexes and allowing women to participate in the decision-making process. At its twenty-third special session, the General Assembly reaffirmed the international community's dedication to the creation of a conducive atmosphere for and to the implementation of policies to promote, protect and guarantee women's enjoyment of their civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, including the right to development, with a View to achieving equality, development and peace. The promotion of sustainable development, which involves fighting poverty, hunger and disease, needs long-term action to promote equality between men and women.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Lasting peace and security cannot be achieved without the emancipation and full participation of women, since their contribution at the local level to maintaining cohesive communities in conflict, along with their experience in peace processes and social reconstruction, are undeniable. States must therefore make the necessary effort to ensure women's participation at all phases and levels of the peace process so as to ensure political stability to the benefit of all. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Transitional Constitutional provides for the State's obligation to take measures in all areas, especially in the economic, social and cultural spheres, to ensure the full participation of women in the nation's development.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Among other things, it drew up a complete programme on women, peace and security, designed, inter alia, to ensure their full participation on an equal footing in peace processes and peace-building activities and provided for training on the role of women for the personnel of peacekeeping operations. The commemoration of the third anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) is a timely reminder that the Council had asked Member States to involve women in all peace efforts. The Council had called on the Secretary-General to implement a strategic plan of action to that end and to draw international attention to women's priorities. It also highlighted the contribution of women to peace processes.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of an interim Gender Adviser in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). When the Namibian presidency convened a meeting of the Council to discuss the status of women and peace, a large number of delegations, including my own, welcomed the initiative. The adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) by the Council was thus a historic turning point that allowed us to draw the world's attention to and heighten its awareness of the effects of conflict and the important role played by women in settling disputes and maintaining peace. It was the first Council resolution dealing exclusively with women in armed conflict.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It is pleased that the Council wished to retain this item on its agenda and to follow up on the implementation of the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000), thereby showing its determination to remain involved in the work to ensure gender equality in the area of peace and security. I would like to take this opportunity not only to thank Mr. Guehenno and Ms. Smythe for their invaluable introductory presentations on the item under consideration, but also to pay a well-deserved tribute to Ms. King and her entire team in the Division for the Advancement of Women for the work they are doing in promoting the status of women, and for their efforts to increase the participation of women in the sphere of conflict prevention and settlement.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Ileka (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): At a time when the month of your presidency is drawing to a close, please allow me, Sir, to commend you for the skill and competence with which you have accomplished your difficult task. My delegation would also like to commend you for your praiseworthy initiative in organizing this important debate on women and peace and security, marking the third anniversary of the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of resolution 1325 (2000). That resolution was the result of many years of work among Governments, non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies. My delegation is pleased to participate in the current meeting.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo awaits prompt and responsible action on the part of the Security Council, which must not shirk its responsibilities.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“To sum up, in order to ensure lasting security - a prerequisite for respect of the rule of law - my country calls for the establishment of active cooperation through exchanges of information, experience and knowledge, and for the provision of technical assistance in the area of justice and respect of the rule of law. We call also for the elaboration of measures that will help to strike an appropriate balance between suppression and prevention while at the same time safeguarding human rights; and, finally, for the establishment, with respect to the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, of an international criminal court that can prosecute and punish the perpetrators of the many massacres and other massive human rights violations committed on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“In particular, I have in mind General Laurent Mihigo Nkunda, the former commander-in-chief of the Seventh Military Brigade, a former unit of the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie-Goma (RCD-Goma), who, sadly, gained personal notoriety in the massacres that took place in Kisangani in May 2002. I encourage all international and national non- governmental organizations, witnesses of the massacres in Kisangani, the families of the victims of that city and families of the soldiers of the former unit of the RCD-Goma, who were summarily executed in 2002, to prepare their cases to claim damages at the appropriate time. The Congolese people and the neighbouring countries are asked to provide their full cooperation so that Mr. Laurent Mihigo Nkunda can be arrested and immediately brought before the Congolese justice system.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“We have also noted the Secretariat's readiness to assist other institutions in our Republic in support of democracy, including a human rights observer mission and a truth and reconciliation commission. That commission must investigate all cases of human rights violations committed during the war. This will also be an appropriate venue for humility, contrition and forgiveness. I firmly believe that the Congolese people will show forgiveness. But there are cases, as with military officers whose names are listed in the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (S/2002/764), for which no concession should be made.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“The United Nations must take a pragmatic approach by establishing, for example, a special trust fund to meet the particular assistance needs of developing countries and making clear that technical assistance, training, exchange of information and expertise in matters of justice and enforcement of the rule of law, as well as financial assistance, will always be needed to strengthen democratic institutions, the effective implementation of the rule of law and community involvement in crime prevention. Such assistance will also be needed to establish programmes that deal with the scope of the justice system as a whole or specific aspects of criminal justice. My Government would like to thank the Secretary-General for the assistance that he has provided to the independent electoral commission of my country.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“Here, the role of the United Nations must come to the fore, particularly through its machinery for cooperation, which my delegation considers a critical factor to ensure that the rule of law becomes a universal reality. For many developing countries and transition countries, in particular, technical assistance is crucial for implementing the rule of law and strengthening the system of justice. Such assistance can often benefit recipient as well as donor countries.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“With respect to the most serious crimes committed after the entry into force of the Rome Statute, the International Criminal Court must assume its full responsibilities. The recent statement by the Prosecutor of the Court on his intention to initiate an inquiry in this respect should be encouraged. It should be noted, however, that no State on its own can effectively address the many challenges that the restoration of a justice system and compliance with the rule of law entail in societies undergoing transitions, given the complexity of those challenges. The question is rather one of the shared responsibility of States and the international community.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“Concerning the effects of war, in particular, it should be recalled that some 4 million Congolese have perished as a direct or indirect result of armed violence. After the war, it would be a mistake to believe that the Democratic Republic of the Congo can achieve peace and stability without attempts to shed light on the crimes that have been committed, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to do right by the victims. To prevent such offences from going unpunished and recurring elsewhere, or in the Democratic Republic of the Congo itself in the future, my country has decided to appeal to the international community for the establishment of an international criminal court for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“We must add to this list the need to eradicate corruption and anti-democratic features within the justice system if we truly wish for one that enjoys the trust of the entire community and benefits from the community's support and respect for the rule of law. Law enforcement agencies and public administrative offices must also be accountable for their actions. We should not lose sight of the importance of striking a balance between the need for an efficient system of justice and the protection of individual rights and the need to tackle the economic causes of crime and armed violence, including the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the major role of the fight against corruption.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“This involves difficulties that new democracies often encounter in establishing new laws and infrastructure to meet the needs of justice and compliance with the rule of law in the face of rising crime, which often occurs during periods of transition. In that respect, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been affected by specific problems, which have been worsened by war. The problems that make law enforcement more difficult include the lack of financial resources, the lack of an adequate court system and the need for deep change in behaviour and customs to be able to confront ever-increasing broad and complex challenges.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“As was recognized by our head of State, His Excellency Major-General Joseph Kabila, in his statement last week before the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session, "In the peace process now under way, an area of critical importance and an imperative is that of independent justice, whose equitable administration would mark the end of impunity." This shows that the national Transitional Government is aware of the responsibility incumbent on it to establish and maintain a fair, reliable, ethical and efficient system of justice in accordance with the principles of the Charter and international law. The Government is not blind, however, to the challenges that we face to make that dream a reality.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“Mr. Ileka (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to express our gratitude for your welcome initiative to hold today's Security Council meeting on justice and the rule of law and to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Guehenno for his introductory briefing on the item under consideration. Concerning the particular situation in my country, I would just like to say that a new era of peace and reconciliation, national unity and the restoration of State authority, reconstruction, economic recovery and development has begun in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to express its deep gratitude to the international community, in particular to the European Union and to France, which has been playing a leading role within the Multinational Force, for their unswerving commitment to peace in the Congo. We also take advantage of this opportunity once again to reassure all of our partners, in particular our brothers from neighbouring countries, as to our keen desire to live in harmony with everyone in a spirit of tolerance, solidarity and open cooperation. The internal process of reconciliation and national harmony, as well as improved prospects for peace in the Great Lakes region, allow us to envisage with much more equanimity the advent of a region of greater peace, security, justice and prosperity.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The Democratic Republic of Congo commits itself to strictly implementing the provisions of Law Decree No. 066 of 9 June 2000, regarding the demobilization and reintegration of vulnerable groups. That law lays down an unequivocal and strict ban on the recruitment of children and reflects the will and determination of the Government to ensure harmonization between the Congolese legal system and the international legal system concerning human rights. The national programme for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of child soldiers must be accelerated, given the large number of child soldiers who remain on the front lines and in military camps throughout the national territory. We call on the international community to support this programme.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“As for the specific situation of Ituri, we support and encourage the implementation of the strategy for Ituri - developed by MONUC and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the humanitarian agencies - in order to guide and coordinate the activities of the United Nations agencies and their partners by concentrating, first of all, on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Bunia. Finally, regarding the protection of children, the images of Bunia displayed by the media are odious. Children represent a category of vulnerable individuals, and their presence in fighting forces is of the greatest concern to us, as is demonstrated by the legal framework now in effect.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Now that the various parties to the conflict are all working for the reunification of the country within the Transitional Government of National Unity, there is an imperative need for all means to be implemented to ensure unimpeded access to those areas which were previously inaccessible, and to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian assistance to those areas in need.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“We remain convinced that the question of impunity will be among the priorities of the Transitional Government of National Unity, whose first meeting is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, 19 July 2003, and which in early August will present its programme of work before the transitional parliament. With regard to the humanitarian situation in the areas affected by conflict, the lack of access to populations in need and the lack of security created by the activities of the parties to the conflicts has always been the main obstacle to large-scale humanitarian activity.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The urgent need to provide the Democratic Republic of the Congo with solid national institutions for the protection of human rights and with an adequate institutional framework in which criminals will be held responsible for their acts prompts us to request the support of the entire international community for the rapid establishment and early functioning of the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Observatory for Human Rights, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Global and All- inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“As the head of State, Major-General Joseph Kabila, has stated, our determination to unify the country by overcoming artificial differences cannot, however, sidestep justice, which will promote a lasting reconciliation. Justice - independent and equal for all - must play its full role in ending, once and for all, impunity, which continues to incite anti-social behaviour, and must also provide for legal redress for the victims.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Efforts to establish such an institution should not overshadow the fact that the countries of Central Africa and the Great Lakes region all have subscribed to the idea of discussing the future of their relations through an international conference on peace, stability, security and development, which they all fervently desire. Allow us, before we conclude, to quickly touch on some issues which seem to us of the greatest importance. Regarding human rights, I take this opportunity to try to provide at least a few elements in answer to the question raised by the representatives of the Russian Federation and of the United Kingdom. It is clearly imperative that justice be provided for the Congolese people who have been the victims of numerous atrocities - atrocities that still continue within the national territory of the country.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Its lofty objectives were, first, to ensure the security of States and their peoples, so that nothing would disrupt order and tranquillity; secondly, to conceptualize, define and promote the establishment and development of economic activities based upon shared interests; and finally, to advance and intensify trade relations and the movement of individuals and goods. We reiterate that for historical reasons, the core of the CEPGL should be made up of former Belgian colonies. However, there would be nothing to prevent the new CEPGL from being expanded to other countries such as Uganda and Tanzania, whose interests are inextricably linked to those of the countries of the Great Lakes region.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“It is our most ardent hope that the new leadership Rwanda will acquire following these elections, which we hope will be free and democratic, will have the political courage to work to achieve the necessary national harmony in that country in order to contribute fully and positively to the stabilization of the Great Lakes region. The restoration of relations of confidence is therefore an absolute necessity. In Kinshasa we noted that Mr. Javier Solana, the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, has supported the establishment of an institution for collective security in the Great Lakes region, which actually had existed recently. It would therefore be advantageous to revisit the idea of the now-defunct Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL).”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Regarding disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation programmes, these must be rethought and resolutely applied, on one hand, to all Congolese nationals beyond the law and, on the other hand, to all foreigners operating within armed groups, regardless of their country of origin. The peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be concluded only if the democratic transition processes under way in the other countries of the Great Lakes region also progress. In that same vein, there is a need to follow very closely the elections which will be held in a few weeks in Rwanda.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The international community must continue to provide assistance to the Transitional Government of National Unity, particularly in implementing the Transitional Constitution, the reform of the national army and the police, the preparation and holding of elections and the furthering of good governance and development in order to enable the Congo population to specifically benefit from the peace dividend. The international community must also tackle factors of instability; namely, the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the illegal arms trafficking in the region that fuels the war of aggression. These activities must be terminated.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The Council must provide positive follow-up to the recommendations put forward by the Secretary-General in his second special report on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), particularly by adapting the latter's mandate to allow it not only to build on the achievements of the Multinational Force, but to transform itself into a vast multidisciplinary operation for peacekeeping operating throughout the entire national territory.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“It is correct that the return to normality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo depends primarily on the Congolese themselves, whose leaders must demonstrate self-sacrifice and patriotism. To that end, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Major General Joseph Kabila, has provided full assurance that difficulties will be overcome and that the window of opportunity open for peace will not be closed, so that the transition can continue to make unimpeded progress. The international community, particularly the Security Council, must therefore build on this transition period.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The transitional period, which is to conclude with free and transparent elections, will not be easy. It should be supported, because otherwise the result might be the collapse of the entire structure that the Security Council has patiently constructed over the years in partnership with the Congo, the countries of the region and interested countries. The efforts of the Interim Emergency Multinational Force, which has succeeded in stabilizing the security and humanitarian situation in Bunia and the surrounding territory, would be futile if the Bangladesh contingent, which has begun its deployment, did not have, as we reiterated this morning, an adequate mandate and rules of engagement, as well as an overall strategy aimed at restoring lasting peace in the Ituri district.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“It has concluded phase II of its operations and has contributed, as was well emphasized by the Secretary-General, to the recent progress made in the peace process, which has entered a new phase, particularly with the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity and the upcoming establishment of other republican and public institutions provided by the All-Inclusive Agreement on The Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We would like to ask Mr. Amos Ngongi to continue to turn his thoughts towards the people of the Congo, whom he has adopted and sustained during the two years of his mandate. We wish him every success in his new post. Hope has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but concerns still exist.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source