YouSaid · the spoken record

Ilkin

lines on the record: 165
first: 2005-02-17
most recent: 2009-05-29
sittings or episodes: 30
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 third point I would like to mention relates to the acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia, which continue to be a source of concern for the international community. In order to operate in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea, the Turkish Government has allocated a frigate with air assets. The frigate has joined the international efforts carried out under Combined Task Force 151, which was recently launched. Turkey is also a founding member of the Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia, and actively participates in the working groups formed under the Contact Group. Having said that, we should continue to concentrate and cooperate on the elimination of the root causes of piracy, which are embedded in Somalia.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“They deserve our full support. Turkey was one of the sponsors of resolution 1863 (2009), which envisaged the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia, subject to a further decision of the Council. Turkey sincerely hopes that this deployment would materialize soon. Yet, developments show that we might face certain delays. We may have to rely solely on AMISOM. for some time to come. Therefore, it becomes imperative not only to enhance the capabilities of AMISOM. forces, but also to provide the funds that AMISOM. needs. In that sense, Turkey welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to convene a donors conference for the establishment of a trust fund. Turkey will contribute to the fund.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Since the Government cannot operate on donations and foreign assistance, it has to seek means to generate revenues for the immediate expenses of the State. Swift action is also required for the rehabilitation or the re-establishment of judicial and corrections systems in Somalia. Human rights violations and other humanitarian issues, especially impunity, have to be addressed. For the Government to achieve the targets on its agenda, it has to feel itself secure. This brings me to my second point, which is about the need for regional and international peacekeeping operations. Turkey highly commends the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for its contribution to peace and stability in Somalia. We praise the dedication and the courage of the Ugandan and Burundi forces, who are serving peace under most difficult conditions.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“It is exactly for this reason that we have to empower the new Government with our support and assistance so that it can address these challenges. For that, first and foremost, it needs financial assistance. In return, the new Government should take rapid and effective steps towards the implementation of the Djibouti agreement through national reconciliation and political dialogue. It has to pursue an outreach policy vis-a-vis the other groups with a view to including them in this process to the extent possible. In the short and medium term, with the support of partners and friends, it should have proper security and police forces. Moreover, sustainable programmes to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate should be implemented.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Turkey has been supporting the Djibouti peace process and hopes that the recent developments herald a better and brighter future for the war-torn people of Somalia. We would like to see formation of a unity government as a sign of the willingness of the Somali people to shape the destiny of their own country. That said, at this critical moment, it is also our duty as friends of Somalia to underline the serious difficulties awaiting the new Government. However, while doing so, we should be careful not to create an unnecessarily pessimistic mood in and about Somalia which could be counter-productive. Indeed, the unprecedented challenges and difficulties that lie ahead for the Government of Somalia cannot be ignored or denied.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“I would like to join previous speakers in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing. I welcome among us the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia and thank him for sharing his views with us. My thanks go also to the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union. We welcome the Secretary-General's reports on the situation in Somalia (S/2009/132) and on combating piracy (S/2009/146). Both reports indeed contain detailed and useful information about ongoing developments in the country. I shall limit my remarks on three topics based on those reports. The first is on the political developments. Turkey welcomes the election of the new President. Likewise, we welcome the appointment of the Prime Minister and his new Government.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Indeed, the sense of purpose and dedication around this table and within the international community at large gives us every reason to be optimistic. We also believe that the high-level meetings to be held in Moscow and in The Hague later this month will provide us with excellent opportunities to demonstrate our collective will and commitment once again. Turkey is more than ready and willing to join in this endeavour and to do its fair share. In other words, we will not stop assisting the brotherly Afghan people in their struggle to carry their country forward. After so many decades of conflict, they deserve to live in democracy, peace, prosperity and stability. We have full confidence in the determination, resilience and wisdom of the Afghan people in their struggle to achieve that goal.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Furthermore, as part of our efforts to enhance regional cooperation, the Turkey-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral process is geared towards helping develop closer relations and mutually beneficial cooperation among those countries. In April 2007, Turkey hosted the first trilateral summit with the participation of the Presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan, which culminated in Ankara Declaration. A joint working group was established at the Ankara summit to work on various cooperation projects. The second trilateral summit was held in Istanbul on 5 December 2008. The process has already come a long way and we are committed to take it further. In this framework, we intend to host a third summit. In conclusion, I would like to underline once again that failure in Afghanistan is unthinkable. We must succeed, and we are confident that we will.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Apart from our continued support for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the sizeable reconstruction assistance provided through our Provincial Reconstruction Team in Wardak, a multifaceted, extensive assistance programme is under way. In this context, in 2008, we doubled our pledge of development assistance to Afghanistan to $200 million. Hence, we will focus on more visible projects of direct impact, such as establishing a new university, building a modern training and research hospital and paving roads of Kabul. We decided to contribute â‚¬1.5 million to the Afghan National Army trust fund. Our existing training programmes, both in Turkey and in Wardak, designed to support the Afghan National Police will continue. We will also contribute a total of $5 million for the elections in Afghanistan.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Needless to say, the United Nations has an important role to play in this regard, and we support UNAMA's efforts to that end. Likewise, regional cooperation is also a must to accomplish our goals in Afghanistan. In the light of recent promising developments in this context, especially with respect to Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, the international community should encourage and help regional cooperation and the joint endeavours of those countries. As a country which has special ties with the region, Turkey has contributed and will be contributing to the improvement of the situation in Afghanistan in every way it can.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“All these aspects are interlinked and, hence, the following four areas of priority deserve equal and special attention: comprehensive economic development with a visible impact on the living conditions of the people; a strong Afghan military and police to take the lead and assert ownership of the nation's security; inclusive national reconciliation that will consolidate peace and stability in the country; and a modern education and justice system to effectively combat extremism of all sorts. Furthermore, in the immediate future, the presidential elections to be held in August will also be of critical importance. Those elections should help the democratic process in the country rather than creating new fault lines. For that, the elections should be well prepared and should be carried out in a free and fair manner.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“We must do so in a way that will further strengthen the hopes and expectations of the Afghan people. After all, we should not forget that, unless we win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, peace and stabilization will always be a distant objective. In that regard, there is certainly a need for a comprehensive approach to be put in place, encompassing security, governance, the rule of law, human rights and social and economic development.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Actually, there is not much divergence Within the international community as to what needs to be done in Afghanistan to achieve our common objectives. But we are still not where we want to be. For that, resolute and concerted efforts are needed at the local, regional and international levels. Given the critical period ahead of us and the broad consensus on the way forward, it is now high time to step up to the occasion and deliver the expectations of Afghanistan. While doing so, we should always bear in mind that any further deterioration in that country would have broad adverse effects reaching beyond Afghanistan. Therefore, we must not be dismayed by occasional setbacks and must always keep a clear perspective as to what we can and should achieve collectively.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Representative Kai Eide for his interesting and comprehensive brieflng. I also welcome our colleague Ambassador Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan. We very much appreciate the leading role of the United Nations in coordinating the efforts of the international community to assist Afghanistan. We express our full support for the endeavours of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in that direction. Afghanistan today is still passing through a critical period. This period brings to the fore both challenges and opportunities, which are in fact well defined in the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/ 135). We fully agree with his observations and recommendations.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Accordingly, we hope that, following the evaluation of the Secretary-General, a joint United Nations and African Union team can soon be established to examine these recommendations and how best to implement them. Investing in Africans' peacekeeping capacity means investing in the security, stability and future of that great continent. It is a sound investment that will surely pay off as the African continent fully develops its own capabilities. Turkey is ready and willing to do its fair share in this regard. The rapidly developing relations between Turkey and the African countries, as evidenced by the African Union's declaration of Turkey as one of its three strategic partners, provides us ample ground to build upon, and we are committed to doing so.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Indeed, the provision of predictable and sustainable funding to support the African Union's peacekeeping efforts is of utmost importance to the success of that endeavour. We believe that the recommendations contained in the report regarding this particular aspect are of significance and merit due and in-depth consideration. In other words, we believe that the panel's report depicts the serious challenges standing in the way of effective African peacekeeping, as well as the opportunities and prospects that it entails. Therefore, the thought-provoking recommendations included in the report with a view to overcoming those difficulties should be fully taken into account in our own review.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“As a matter of fact, the Secretary-General has invited the members of the Security Council and high-level administrators of the Secretariat to a retreat this weekend to discuss that issue. As a major troop- and police-contributing country, Turkey actively follows the review process. We believe that the development of an effective partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, as well as the enhancement of the Union's peacekeeping capabilities, should constitute an integral part of that process. One of the crucial aspects of long-term capacity- building is, of course, funding. Hence, the priority accorded by the panel to examining the difficulties in that area is well placed.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“The report addresses key issues in a comprehensive way. Thus, rather than repeating them, I will just say that we concur with all the basic findings of the report, as well as with the thrust of its recommendations. In particular, we support the panel's visionary recommendations aimed at developing a more effective partnership between the United Nations and the African Union not only on peacekeeping, but also on conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction. Furthermore, we share the views concerning the need to enhance African peacekeeping capabilities. The success of all such efforts requires support from the relevant United Nations bodies and organs, as well as from Member States. The United Nations has embarked upon a comprehensive review aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Against that background, it is imperative that the United Nations enhance its peacekeeping capabilities, including by establishing new coalitions and partnerships in the area of peacekeeping. In fact, that is a commitment and a challenge that we collectively undertook under paragraph 170 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (General Assembly resolution 60/1). Turkey therefore supports the call for the establishment of more effective arrangements between the United Nations and regional organizations having complementary peacekeeping capabilities. In that context, we congratulate Mr. Prodi and other members of the panel for their thorough and analytical report on the role that the African Union can play in peacekeeping and the support that the United Nations can provide for such an undertaking.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Romano Prodi, Chairman of the panel, for their participation in and contributions to this important and timely debate. In today's volatile and fragile security environment, effective peacekeeping is of vital importance to the maintenance of international peace and security. In that context, there is no doubt about the role and the responsibility of the United Nations in leading such efforts. However, many United Nations peacekeeping missions throughout the world encounter certain human, material and financial constraints. Moreover, the ever-growing demand for peacekeeping around the globe, coupled with increasingly robust and demanding mandates, suggests that constraints may persist in the years to come.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“I would like to begin by welcoming and congratulating Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, new Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, and wishing him every success. I would be grateful, Mr. President, if you could kindly convey that message to our new colleague. I also wish to thank you for convening today's open debate on the report of the African Union- United Nations panel on modalities for support to African Union (AU) peacekeeping operations under a United Nations mandate. In addition, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union; Her Excellency Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Foreign Minister of South Africa; and, of course, His Excellency Mr.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“In that respect, we need to carry out our commitments, effectively implement the existing mechanisms and, wherever needed, overcome deficiencies. At a time when difficult security issues are starting to prevail in the European agenda, it is the duty of the OSCE to make the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe relevant and responsive to the current requirements. We wish Minister Bakoyannis every success in tackling the priorities that she has set. I assure her that she can count on our assistance and cooperation in discharging her important duties.”
2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source
“The activities of the OSCE, as a regional organization cooperating closely with the United Nations system, complement those of the United Nations. The fact that their security agendas overlap necessitates cooperation between the two organizations. The OSCE has been making important contributions to the efforts of the United Nations, and we strongly support the continuation of that close cooperation. That having been said, one of the pressing issues that require close cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE is the situation in Georgia. We very much hope that the parallel efforts of the two organizations will contribute concretely to the resolution of that important issue. The OSCE can continue to have a unique and exclusive role to play in the European security dialogue.”
2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source
“I would like to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece for coming to the Council to present an informative and comprehensive briefing. I welcome her. The priorities identified by Greece for its chairmanship-in-office are indeed important and pertinent. In the current security environment, in which we are increasingly faced with various threats and risks, the need for a multidimensional approach to security is evident. In that respect, the comprehensive concept of security of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) responds effectively to that need. As the largest regional security organization in the Eurasian-Atlantic space, the OSCE brings much added value to our common quest for international peace and stability.”
2009-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6088 (2009) · source
“Kirkuk, which is a microcosm of the rich ethnic diversity of Iraq, must not trigger new disputes and conflicts in Iraq. In conclusion, I should like to reaffirm once again our strong support for the democratic transformation under way in Iraq. Obviously, we are still at an early stage of this long journey, the pace and final destination of which will be determined first and foremost by the Iraqis themselves. However, given the strategic importance of this whole endeavour, we must all be generous in extending our support and assistance. Turkey is more than ready and willing to do its share.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Indeed, Iraq cannot be seen as a merely regional issue, because the future course of events there will have repercussions reaching far beyond the region. In that regard, the United Nations must continue to play its important role of coordination and assistance in the critical period ahead. In addition to the essential humanitarian and reconstruction assistance being provided by United Nations agencies, UNAMI's support for the constitutional review process - as well as for the ongoing work concerning the disputed internal administrative boundaries and the status of Kirkuk - is of great importance. With regard to Kirkuk in particular, Turkey strongly supports UNAMI's impartial and neutral role in promoting dialogue among the parties concerned and in helping to forge a consensus on that sensitive issue.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“The PKK's presence in northern Iraq also poses serious problems for and a threat to the people of Iraq. Initially, we had our differences on how to best tackle that problem. Today, however, we are pleased to see both central and local Iraqi authorities showing more signs of cooperation in countering that scourge. Indeed, the trilateral mechanism recently set up by Turkey, Iraq and the United States to coordinate a joint response to that vicious terrorist organization has made an encouraging start, and we now expect it to yield more effective and tangible results in preventing Iraqi territory from being used for such cross-border terrorist activities. The third and final set of responsibilities in helping Iraq to achieve its goals rests with the international community.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“In that context, reciprocal visits by the two Prime Ministers have created strong momentum by further enhancing our bilateral relations, as evidenced by the establishment of the high-level strategic cooperation council. Our President will soon reciprocate the official visit made by President Talabani, which is expected to give a further boost to our relations. Taking this opportunity, I am also pleased to announce that, in addition to the one in Mosul, our new Consulate General in Basra has recently become operational. We also attach great importance to cooperation with Iraq in the fight against terrorism. As will be recalled, the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) terrorist organization has long used northern Iraq as a springboard for its cross-border terrorist attacks against targets in Turkey.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“We must all do whatever we can to support the development and reconstruction of Iraq. We are committed to further advancing the regional cooperation to which we have contributed, including by initiating the Iraq neighbours forum seven years ago. The forum is now operating in an extended format. Indeed, Turkey has long provided an essential lifeline for the flow of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq. Today, the volume of bilateral trade is rapidly rising, along with all other aspects of our economic cooperation. In particular, helping Iraq to tap its vast energy resources and to export them to world markets through reliable outlets, such as Turkey, remains a priority for us. In parallel, our political cooperation has also reached an exemplary level.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“By that, I mean the obligation of all political parties in Iraq to work with one another in good faith and cooperation with a view to ensuring that the solutions to many of the predicaments being faced will be found through compromise rather than confrontation. We hope and expect that the political representatives of the Iraqi people will rise to the occasion and reconcile their differences. The Iraqi people have already rewarded those who have made the right promises; now it is time to deliver. The second set of responsibilities in this process lies with the countries in the region. Indeed, those countries, sharing the same geography, have a special stake in seeing Iraq effectively tackle these challenges, many of which have direct implications for the whole region and beyond.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“These are all issues of priority. The parliamentary elections to be held at the end of this year will be another important milestone in the democratic evolution of Iraq. We hope that, by that time, these priority issues will have been resolved in a constructive and consensual manner, making it possible for these achievements to be crowned with fair and free elections. I know that the wide array of issues to which I have just referred present a most daunting task. However, failure is not an option. In that regard, we believe that a three-pronged process is best suited to enabling us to attain our common objectives in Iraq. The first aspect of this joint venture concerns the responsibility of Iraqis themselves.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Indeed, the provincial elections, as important as they might be, are only a first step in the consolidation of democracy and democratization in Iraq. There are certain challenges that remain to be addressed, such as reviewing the Constitution in a way that will unify Iraqis as a whole; settling the issues of the disputed internal administrative boundaries and, in particular, the status of Kirkuk in a way that will help preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq; peacefully transferring security responsibilities to the Iraqi Security Forces in a way that will not create a power vacuum in the country after the withdrawal of the multinational force; adopting the long-overdue hydrocarbon resources law in a way that will create an investment-friendly environment and help all Iraqis to benefit fully from their country's strategic energy resources; and reaching an accord on income-sharing arrangements in a way that will strengthen the sense of Iraqi nationhood and union.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“That is why we are happy to see that, after many years of war, internal strife and destruction, Iraq is finally striving towards a more sustainable environment of security and stability. The Iraqi people greatly deserve to enjoy peace and prosperity. It was against that backdrop that we closely followed the provincial elections held in late January, including by sending observers from Turkey. Overall, despite certain shortcomings, the elections served their purpose quite successfully. They helped to bridge an important gap in representation in Iraqi politics. They also reinforced the democratic process in Iraq. In short, Iraq has made a good start in 2009, a year that, we believe, will be crucial in shaping its future.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Representative Staffan de Mistura and the Permanent Representative of Iraq, Ambassador Al Bayati, for their extensive briefings. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the excellent worked carried out by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Their dedication and commitment to help Iraq accomplish its goals are indeed most commendable. As a neighbour of Iraq, Turkey is particularly interested in the promotion of stability and the advancement of security in Iraq. We have equally good relations with all segments of the Iraqi population, be they Arabs, Kurds or Turkmens. Our only message is one of good will and cooperation.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“We fully agree with the Secretary-General about the need for a continued robust UNMIT police presence across the country and therefore endorse his recommendation that UNMIT's mandate be extended for a further period of 12 months, maintaining the Mission's current composition and strength. In conclusion, we are confident that Timor-Leste, under the able leadership of President Ramos-Horta and with the help of the United Nations, will continue to make impressive strides towards peace, security and prosperity. Turkey will continue to support the young but vibrant Timorese nation on its promising journey.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“In that regard, we are pleased to see a general consensus that the gradual handover of policing responsibilities from UNMIT to the Timorese national police should not be bound by restrictive timetables and that the emphasis must be placed on meeting the necessary criteria. Indeed, that is of the utmost importance if public security is to be maintained at this critical stage. Likewise, we also concur with the Secretary- General in his call for the definition of a meaningful role for the Timorese army in a peacetime setting. In that regard, we think that, if the 1,300-strong army could be oriented and trained towards contributing to peacekeeping operations, it might at some point be put to good use in a number of peacekeeping missions throughout the world.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“However, that will require continued national dialogue and unity, as well as the articulation of clear strategies and plans. Transparency and accountability in the policy and decision-making processes are also keys to success. In that context, we believe that the United Nations still has a valuable role to play. There is no doubt that the joint efforts of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the United Nations country team are instrumental in providing coordinated policy, political, technical and financial support to help the people of Timor-Leste accomplish their goals. The two priority areas in which UNMIT is and should continue to be most active are facilitating a constructive political dialogue Within the country and ensuring the success of security sector reform.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“At this point, I should also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report and his remarks today, and Special Representative Atul Khare for his continuous to efforts in assisting Timor-Leste in these endeavours. That said, much remains to be done in order to ensure that the achievements realized so far can be sustained and carried forward. In this regard, the main challenges, as mentioned in the Secretary-General's report, are poverty, unemployment, uncontrolled migration, the lack of effective land and property regimes, a weak judicial system and security institutions still in need of development. The local elections to be conducted this year will also be an important test. Given the progress made so far, we are confident that Timor-Leste will overcome those challenges and achieve self-sufficiency.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“I should first like to welcome the President of Timor-Leste, Mr. Jose' Ramos-Horta, and to thank him for his extensive and enlightening briefing on his young nation. We are deeply honoured by his presence today. We are also delighted to see him fully recovered after the cowardly attack of 2008 on democracy and stability in Timor-Leste. The Timorese people's reaction to this attack by further embracing the agenda of reform and development was most remarkable. Today, we are pleased to see that the security situation in Timor-Leste has substantially improved since last February, as outlined in the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/2009/72. These improvements have provided the opportunity to focus on key issues such as security reform, the rule of law, democratic governance and socio-economic development.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“There is no doubt that the people of Sierra Leone deserve the most credit for achieving peace and stability, but we must also congratulate the United Nations and all its agencies, as well as Sierra Leone's international partners, on providing the support that has been crucial to the success we observe today. In moving forward, we have every confidence that the Executive Representative and UNIPSIL will contribute substantially to the further consolidation of peace, reconciliation and prosperity in Sierra Leone.”
2009-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6080 (2009) · source
“We applaud the people of Sierra Leone for having the courage, wisdom and vision to move beyond past grievances. To be sure, Sierra Leone still also faces important challenges, and there is much work to be done. The task of concurrently fighting corruption, drug trafficking and youth unemployment cannot be taken lightly, but with the support of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) and the international community, we believe that the Agenda for Change in Sierra Leone can be successful. What we are witnessing in Sierra Leone is the fact that multilateralism does indeed work and that the United Nations and the international 09-2318} community can bring about meaningful change for the better, even in the most difficult circumstances.”
2009-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6080 (2009) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2009/59), introduced by his Executive Representative, Mr. Michael von der Schulenburg, and our two colleagues, Ambassadors Frank Majoor and Shekou Touray, for their presentations. It is good to see Mr. Von der Schulenburg again in New York. Over the past two decades, African nations have seen their fair share of political turmoil, armed conflict and economic difficulties. Sierra Leone was certainly no exception, but today Sierra Leone stands as a shining example of how nations can change their destiny and take charge of their future. Turkey welcomes the fact that there is now sustained peace and stability where, not long ago, there was conflict and strife. We are indeed encouraged by the positive developments reflected in the Secretary-General's report.”
2009-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6080 (2009) · source
“Mr. President, in view of your request, I shall be extremely brief. Let me first thank you for organizing today's debate on United Nations peacekeeping operations. I would also like to thank Mr. Alain Le Roy, Ms. Susana Malcorra and Special Representative Hedi Annabi for the extensive, thought-provoking and clear presentations they made at the beginning of the debate. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the United Nations and other peacekeepers throughout the world who risk their lives to make our planet a more peaceful and safe place to live. The debate today and the exercise that we are launching is indeed timely. As a major troop- contributor, we will actively participate in the debate and in the review process. We will soon make available the text I was intending to read out.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“In closing, I should like to underline once again that the issue of protecting civilians in armed conflict is a cause that the international community must pursue with total determination. Two further reports of the Secretary-General, on protection of civilians and on sexual violence, are expected to be published in late May and June 2009 respectively, and Turkey will assume the presidency of the Security Council in June. Thus, protection issues are likely to be prominent on the Council's agenda during that period, and we will do our best to contribute to the work of the Security Council on this topic.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“But even more importantly, we should approach the question of protecting civilians from a much wider angle, ensuring continued stability and peace in conflict-ridden States, in particular through strengthening the rule of law, human rights, democracy and good governance, which is crucial for long-term and lasting protection of civilians. Likewise, we should ensure that the perpetrators of violence against civilians are held fully accountable for their actions. They should be fully aware that they will face justice in all cases, for sustainable prevention and protection would be impossible if there is impunity. The international community has a duty to do more in this direction through capacity-building and technical assistance.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“Therefore, we must look into ways and means to further improve and coordinate our joint fight against this scourge, which is an integral part of our responsibility to protect. This is another area where individual endeavours of countries can achieve only limited objectives. It should thus be a collective effort in which all Members of the United Nations unite around common principles and goals. It is with this understanding that we join the presidential statement's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There are still many aspects of the responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflicts that require further and careful elaboration, including the dire circumstances faced by displaced people, including children and women, as well as the issues of small arms and land mines.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“For instance, we are pleased to see that the legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts is largely in place. Nevertheless, the implementation of international instruments continues to face serious challenges, for manifold reasons. We must thus be able to translate our legal commitments into practical deeds and action. A case in point is related to the fight against terrorism. Indeed, terrorist organizations, whose primary aim is to inflict random violence on civilian and military targets alike, do not feel bound by any international legal framework. However, a number of members of the international community still fail to implement their commitments in the face of terrorist threats and acts.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“Therefore, in cases when prevention of armed conflict is not possible, protection of civilians is of utmost importance. There is no doubt that the primary obligation for protecting civilians lies with States. However, the international community also has a shared responsibility to help protect civilians in situations where States fail to do so. Therefore, we need to build a collective awareness of the importance of this responsibility and must be able to agree on the fundamental guidelines. The new aide-memoire that we expect to adopt today thus provides us with a convenient guide. We now need to make best use of these guidelines in addressing the actual problems on the ground, including in our decisions on peacekeeping mandates, because these problems lie with implementation rather than norm-setting.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“I am aware that this is not a specific debate on the tragic situation in Gaza, but it is absolutely relevant to what we are discussing today. So allow me to express our strong appeal to all the parties involved to cease the hostilities without further delay and comply with the terms of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009). In view of the time constraints and the long list of speakers, I shall be brief. First of all, I wish to underline that protection of civilians in armed conflicts is a common concern for us all and constitutes an issue of top priority for the entire international community. Of course, the best protection that can be offered to civilians is to prevent armed conflicts in the first place. However, we do not live in a perfect world.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“Indeed, it is extremely unfortunate - and, in fact, unacceptable - that the majority of casualties in armed conflicts continue to be civilians. Therefore we condemn in the strongest possible terms all deliberate attacks on civilians and the deaths resulting from the indiscriminate and excessive use of force. Actually, what is happening in Gaza today is a living example of the tragedy that the civilians suffer in such armed conflicts. Indeed, the crisis, which has entered its nineteenth day with more than 900 dead and over 4,000 injured - one third of whom are children - comprises all the elements set out in the aide-memoire, ranging from misconduct of hostilities and the plight of the displaced people to lack of humanitarian access.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source