YouSaid · the spoken record

J Ayakumar

lines on the record: 103
first: 2001-01-16
most recent: 2002-05-23
sittings or episodes: 9
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 Council notes with great satisfaction the Democratic Republic of East Timor's solemn commitment to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to fulfil all the obligations contained therein. "We look forward to the day in the near future when the Democratic Republic of East Timor will join us as a Member of the United Nations and to working closely with its representatives." This statement will be issued as a document of Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2002/15. The Council has thus concluded its consideration of the matter before it. The meeting rose at 1.45 pm.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4542 (2002) · source
“I shall convey the decision of the Security Council recommending the admission of the Democratic Republic of East Timor to membership in the United Nations to the Secretary-General for transmittal to the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly in accordance with rule 60 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure and the request of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. I shall now make a statement, in my capacity as President of the Security Council, on behalf of the members ofthe Council. the "The Security Council has decided to recommend to the General Assembly that the Democratic Republic of East Timor be admitted as a Member of the United Nations. On behalf of the members of the Council, I wish to extend my congratulations to the Democratic Republic of East Timor on this historic occasion.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4542 (2002) · source
“In accordance with the understanding reached in prior consultations among members of the Council, I propose that the Council adopt the draft resolution contained in paragraph 3 of the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members without a vote. As I see no objection, it is so decided. I therefore declare that the draft resolution contained in paragraph 3 of the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members (S/2002/566) has been adopted without a vote as resolution 1414 (2002).”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4542 (2002) · source
“Under the item on its agenda, the Security Council will now begin its consideration of the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of the Democratic Republic of East Timor for admission to membership in the United Nations. The report appears as document S/2002/566. In paragraph 3 of the report, the Committee recommends to the Security Council the adoption of a draft resolution on the application of the Democratic Republic of East Timor for admission to membership in the United Nations. I should like to congratulate the Committee on its unanimous decision to recommend that the Democratic Republic of East Timor be admitted to membership in the United Nations.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4542 (2002) · source
“It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it was so decided. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Colombia, France, Guinea, Ireland, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1413 (2002). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council will remain seized of the matter. The meeting rose at 1.40 pm.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Turkey. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Afghanistan. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Pakistan. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker is the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of New Zealand. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Spain. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The next speaker is the representative of India. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The international community, through the series of security-related meetings in Geneva, is carefully examining and implementing the various alternatives to help maintain security in other parts of Afghanistan. In this regard, we welcome the commitment and efforts made by those with influence on the ground, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, to help resolve local conflicts. I now resume my function as President of the Council. The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Canada. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“In terms of security, we are gratified that the coalition of the willing that constitutes the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has made a clear commitment to extending its presence in Afghanistan for a period of six months. We also commend Turkey for its offer to take over the leadership of ISAF from the United Kingdom, which also deserves our praise for its exemplary work in establishing ISAF. The adoption of the resolution later today to extend the mandate of ISAF, almost a month before the expiry of its current mandate, is a clear signal of strong and continued international commitment to providing a cornerstone for security in Kabul.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“While the worst of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has been avoided, it is now crucial for the donor community to step up its support for the repatriation and resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees. The higher than anticipated rate of return of internationally displaced persons and refugees is an important sign of the confidence of the Afghan people. Insufficient funding should not be allowed to reverse the process. Mammoth efforts and resources are also needed to transform the former war and drug economy into an economy of peace. More than any international gathering of global leaders, Afghanistan acutely demonstrated the interlinkages and effects of a globalized world. We should learn the lesson of Afghanistan and step in when it matters most.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“In this context, we urge all Afghan parties, especially Afghan leaders, to help foster a cohesive national Afghan identity, which, over time, should take precedence over ethnic or regional affiliations. The successful convening of the emergency loya jirga will not, on its own, guarantee the long-term stability of Afghanistan. Much more needs to be done in areas relating to humanitarian relief, recovery and reconstruction, as well as to the security situation throughout Afghanistan. As Singapore has consistently maintained, progress on the political, humanitarian, reconstruction and security tracks is mutually reinforcing. Adopting a comprehensive and coherent approach in managing the situation in Afghanistan is the best way to discourage disruptive forces and to promote sustainable peace.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“For example, we are disturbed by reports of the killing of a loya jirga candidate hours after he had been selected by the local district shura to be one of the members of the electoral college from that district for the loya jirga. There is a real danger that opponents of the Bonn process and other spoilers could step up their activities to disrupt the emergency loya jirga. We should remain vigilant even after the conclusion of the emergency loya jirga. As in any political process, there will be winners and losers. Together with the Afghan population, who are tired of decades of war and yearn for peace and stability, the international community must step up its support for a smooth convening of the emergency loya jirga and for its results.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“As a uniquely Afghan process, the emergency loya jirga will increase Afghan ownership of the political future, where it rightly belongs. We hope that the former king Zahir Shah's homecoming to Afghanistan will encourage more returns by the Afghan diaspora. With a long and proud history, Afghanistan has a rich and varied diaspora, which should be fully tapped. In general, progress on the preparation for the emergency loya jirga has been remarkable and encouraging despite the constraints of time, logistics and resources faced by the Independent Commission. At the same, we should be constantly mindful of potential obstacles.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“Lakhdar Brahimi, as well as the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who have carried out their tasks in extremely difficult circumstances with ingenuity and aplomb. In particular, we welcome the unified and integrated structure of UNAMA, which represents a new model of coordination and collaboration within the United Nations system. The convening of the emergency loya jirga is the next important milestone in the political process laid down by the Bonn Agreement since the inauguration of the Afghan Interim Administration on 22 December last year. The emergency loya jirga, to be opened by the former king, Mohammad Zahir Shah, will decide on critical questions relating to the form and structure of the new transitional authority, which will replace the Afghan Interim Administration.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Singapore. First, I wish to join others in thanking Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs Prendergast for his comprehensive briefing on the latest situation in Afghanistan. In the lead-up to the convening of the emergency loya jirga next month, there are clearly short-term but critical challenges in Afghanistan that the international community must respond to immediately. The success of both the process as well as the outcome of the loya jirga will be critical in laying the foundation to deal with the longer-term challenges in Afghanistan. The United Nations, including the Security Council, has played and continues to play a pivotal role. We hope that Sir Kieran will convey our full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs. Members of the Council have before them document S/2002/569, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the Council's prior consultations. I shall now give the floor to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“Yoshikawa (Japan), Mr. MacKay (New Zealand), Mr. Khalid (Pakistan), Mr. Arias (Spain) and Mr. Pamir (Turkey) took the seats reserved for them at the side of the Council Chamber. The President: In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations and in the absence of objection, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs. There being no objection, it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The 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.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Afghanistan, Canada, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain and Turkey, in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion 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 discussion, 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. Farhadi (Afghanistan) took a seat at the Council table; Mr. Heinbecker (Canada), Mr. Gopinathan (India), Mr. Nejad Hosseinian (the Islamic Republic of Iran), Mr.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“As I hear no objection, it is so decided. I propose that the Committee on the Admission of New Members meet tomorrow at 10 a.m., in Conference Room 7, to consider the application of the Democratic Republic of East Timor for membership in the United Nations. The meeting rose at 9.40 p.m.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4540 (2002) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. In a letter dated 20 May 2002 addressed to the Secretary-General, the President and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of East Timor submitted the application of their country for membership in the United Nations. Their letter has been circulated in document S/2002/558. Under the provisions of rule 59 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council, unless the Council decides otherwise, an application for membership shall be referred by the President of the Council to the Committee on the Admission of New Members. Accordingly, unless I hear a proposal to the contrary, I shall refer the application of the Democratic Republic of East Timor to the Committee on the Admission of New Members for examination and report.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4540 (2002) · source
“The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 9.35pm.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4539 (2002) · source
“A sustained effort from the international community will be needed to achieve our shared objective of sustainable peace and security, which must be the basis for Sierra Leone's economic regeneration and future development. The Council urges all donors to contribute generously towards these ends, including by providing urgently needed funds to the Special Court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. "The Security Council will continue to pay close attention to developments in Sierra Leone and the Mano River region. The Council requests the Secretary-General to monitor the situation there closely and to keep the Council informed of any significant developments." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2002/14.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4539 (2002) · source
“The Council notes that the various electoral observation groups were impressed by the Sierra Leonean people's commitment to democracy and their determination to vote. The Council calls on all political parties and their supporters to work together to strengthen democracy and thereby assure continuing peace. "The Security Council considers the elections an important milestone on the road to peace and security in Sierra Leone and the Mano River region. The next challenge for Sierra Leone and the international community is the further consolidation of peace. There is much still to do, including the extension of public services to make real the restoration of government authority throughout the country, the further enhancement of the operational effectiveness of the security sector, and the effective reintegration of all ex- combatants.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4539 (2002) · source
“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. After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf ofthe Council: "The Security Council welcomes the elections held in Sierra Leone on 14 May 2002. It congratulates the people of Sierra Leone on the peaceful and orderly way in which the elections were held. It commends the National Electoral Commission and all those responsible for the successful management of the elections, and commends UNAMSIL for their invaluable supporting role.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4539 (2002) · source
“The United Nations and the international community must stay the course in our efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere. It is only all too clear that tragic consequences can result from a job not properly completed.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Brahimi proposed a concrete set of steps to bring stability to Afghanistan. We urge the Council to consider his comprehensive proposals quickly, and we are pleased that the Council will convene in informal consultations tomorrow to discuss Mr. Brahimi's proposals. At the same time, embarking on the difficult task of rebuilding Afghanistan, we should not forget that it is one of the world's many trouble spots deserving of its attention and involvement. The big lesson from Afghanistan is that the fate of a distant country, so seemingly detached from the immediate concerns of most parts of the world, can immediately have a global impact. I believe this should spur the Security Council to redouble our efforts in fulfilling our primary responsibility of ensuring that international peace and security is maintained.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The Security Council should draw from the important input arising from today's open debate and start formulating key principles which will guide the work of the United Nations in drafting a resolution. After reading this morning's newspapers, it is clear that the Security Council must work even faster to formulate these principles. In the past few hours, news reports indicate that the Taliban forces have withdrawn from Kabul, and Northern Alliance forces are entering the city. If we want to avoid a repetition of the civil wars and the loss of innocent lives that seem to have accompanied each change of regime, we need to find the right political formula to avoid disasters, and as soon as possible. As Mr. Brahimi stressed this morning, time is of the essence. This morning, Mr.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Therefore, immediate work should start on developing plans for the comprehensive rehabilitation of Afghanistan, supported by developmental agencies like the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other donor communities. We have to convince the Afghan people that the international community is ready to help them. If we can win their hearts and minds, we will advance the logic of peace and change the political calculus from conflict and strife to that of a stable and responsible member of the international community. The challenges facing the international community in Afghanistan and its region are daunting. We must show our determination to meet those challenges.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Those countries host one of the largest refugee populations in the world. They, too, need urgent assistance. More "in situ" solutions should be found, particularly within Afghanistan, wherever possible. Providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, while badly needed, can also be compared to applying a "band-aid" to a patient suffering many wounds. Apart from first aid, the patient also needs a blood transfusion, antibiotics and long-term medical care. A generation of Afghan people has been displaced and abandoned, in an impoverished environment awash in weapons and criminal enterprises. Without a long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction programme, any peace process and transitional government will remain fragile and reversible.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“We wish Special Representative Ambassador Brahimi every success and, indeed, the Afghan people are counting on him. Several international reports have documented the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The infant, child and maternal mortality rates in Afghanistan are among the highest in the world. Massive humanitarian assistance is needed urgently, especially before the onset of winter. Singapore is doing its part to contribute to the humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. Our national contribution totals $1.16 million. It is not surprising that a humanitarian crisis of such magnitude has generated refugees who have even tried to reach Australia and Europe. However, the bulk of the burden has been borne by Afghanistan's neighbours, especially Pakistan and Iran.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The current military operation in Afghanistan is clearly not directed against the Afghan people, but against the perpetrators of the most horrible acts of international terrorism and those who support them. We welcome the assurances that civilian casualties will be minimized to help sustain the global coalition against terrorism. Singapore agrees that a political solution to Afghanistan cannot be imposed. We welcome the efforts undertaken by prominent Afghan leaders and hope that the Afghan people will put aside their past differences and work together to build a broad-based, multi-ethnic, fully representative Government. We fully support the role of neutral third-party facilitators like the United Nations in catalyzing the process.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Singapore has consistently called for such a comprehensive strategy since we joined the Council in January this year. The United Nations involvement in Afghanistan is not new. United Nations humanitarian agencies have been helping Afghanistan for decades. It is a pity that there has been little global awareness of the good work the Organization has been doing. Hopefully, this meeting will contribute to greater awareness of the pivotal role of the United Nations. Afghanistan has endured more than 20 years of devastating conflict. Today the Afghan people are experiencing another tragedy as a result of Al Qaeda's decision to seek refuge in their country.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to Afghanistan, Ambassador Brahimi, for their valuable briefings. I also wish to commend the presidency of Jamaica for convening this important open debate of the Security Council on Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a global concern. Given the spillover effects of the conflict in Afghanistan to Central Asia, as well as the special role of regional players in bringing peace to Afghanistan, the views of members of the "six plus two" group and other key players would be of particular interest. We hope that this open debate, with the presence of so many Foreign Ministers, will contribute to the development of a global consensus on a coherent and comprehensive long-term strategy to bring peace to Afghanistan.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“At the annual summit held in Brunei this month, leaders of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) also agreed to a practical regional strategy against terrorism centred on enhancing cooperation among our law enforcement agencies. A special meeting of ASEAN interior ministers will be convened early next year to further extend our cooperation in law enforcement and counter-terrorism. These and other regional efforts can be the building blocks for coordinated international action against terrorism. There is no alternative, as the Secretary-General has said. Either we cooperate in the struggle and win, or we do not win at all.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“Their objective should be to identify jurisdictional and other lacunae, harmonize practices, strengthen existing international counter-terrorism mechanisms and, if necessary, suggest the creation of new international mechanisms dedicated to the fight against terrorism. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders, who met last month in Shanghai, took such a results-oriented approach. Their astute theoretical debates favoured specific and practical counter- terrorism measures, including, among other things, to enhance airport and port security, tighten financial regulations and develop an integrated customs communications network in Asia and the Pacific.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“We will prevail against terrorism only through closer and deeper coordination between our law enforcement agencies. Various forums have called for the convening of an international conference to discuss the next steps in the fight against terrorism. In order to effectively contribute to the global counter-terrorism effort, the focus of any conference should be on practical and achievable concrete measures of cooperation. I suggest that, as an essential component of the preparatory process of a possible conference, our law enforcement professionals first meet with a mandate to review the adequacy of existing international mechanisms and practices for countering terrorism.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“The expeditious conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive convention against terrorism will also serve to further strengthen the international legal framework. We welcome the adoption later today of a Security Council declaration on the global effort to combat terrorism. But, far as we have come, we still have a long road to travel. We urgently need better practical cooperation among law enforcement, customs and intelligence agencies of all countries. These professional agencies are the cutting edge of the international campaign against terrorism. After 11 September, many Governments have tightened their national practices in these areas of law enforcement. Some have passed new legislation. These are positive developments, but they also make international coordination all the more important.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“Only a determined, united, comprehensive and sustained global strategy will enable the international community to contain these malignant forces. Since 11 September, many regional and international forums have held discussions and have issued statements on terrorism. Two common threads have emerged: first, a clear condemnation of terrorism and a resolve to make common cause against it. The challenge now is to translate statements of outrage and declarations of resolve into coherent and coordinated international action. The United Nations will play a central role in this effort. The Security Council and the General Assembly have, with unprecedented speed, passed three landmark counter- terrorism resolutions. These resolutions, particularly 1373 (2001), have established a basic legal foundation for international action against terrorism.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“Countering the threat of terrorism is now clearly and rightly a central global priority. The perpetrators of these horrendous crimes must not go unpunished. They must be brought to justice to deter others from contemplating similar horrific crimes. Singapore stands with the international community in this campaign against terrorism. It is not a fight against any religion. It is not a fight against the people of Afghanistan. It is a fight against the forces of violence, intolerance and fanaticism. It is a fight for civilization, and it is a fight that we must win. We must gird ourselves for a long effort. The threats will come in many forms. Some will be more virulent than others. Some will wax while others wane. And, like disease, even as one source of terrorism is eradicated, others will spring up or mutate.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“First, I would like to begin by joining you, Mr. President, and all our colleagues in the Council in conveying our condolences to the Government and the people of the United States and to the bereaved families of those who perished in today's air crash. We do not yet know what caused this crash, but the immediate consternation and considerable destruction it has caused for citizens, residents and diplomats in this city clearly demonstrate how deeply our lives continue to be affected by the events of 11 September. I congratulate Jamaica on its timely and important initiative to convene this ministerial meeting on counter-terrorism. I also thank Ukraine for suggesting that this meeting be held. Two months have passed since the transforming events of 11 September this year.”
2001-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4413 (2001) · source
“There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized ofthe matter. The meeting rose at 1.05 pm.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“The continued involvement of the United Nations and the international community in Kosovo, and their patience in addressing these three critical areas, will therefore be crucial. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to Mr. Guehenno to respond to the comments made.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“UNMIK's efforts to build the institutions and capability in Kosovo for self-governance should be commended and supported. All the ethnic communities in Kosovo should be involved in this important process towards self-governance. However, Kosovo-wide elections should be held only when the proper conditions are in place. Efforts should also be made to spur economic development in Kosovo. Steps should be taken to increase trade with and investments in Kosovo, as this will generate a positive spiral and return Kosovo to normalcy. When the Kosovars taste the fruits of economic growth, they will be more predisposed towards having a peaceful, stable and secure environment to further build the economy. Let me conclude by making one important point: we should be realistic. Kosovo's return to normalcy is likely to take several more years.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“Promoting ethnic tolerance is a key to bringing together all ethnic communities. A simple test would be the free return of minority refugees in large numbers to Kosovo. Until then, we hope that the security framework developed by UNMIK and KFOR will encourage minority refugees to come back to Kosovo. We should also address the hard issues that impede reconciliation. All political prisoners should be released. The whereabouts of all missing persons in Kosovo should be revealed. The recent change in the leadership of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia provides hope for the early release of political prisoners. We hope that the missing persons issue will be resolved soon. The third area is building self-governance capacity and economic recovery for Kosovo.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source
“UNMIK and KFOR should take further necessary measures to address the problem. We also welcome the fact that the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and representatives of the affected communities have started a dialogue. This could facilitate a resolution of the problem in the Presevo Valley. We urge the two sides to continue this dialogue. The second area is reconciliation among the Kosovar ethnic communities. Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) is clear on the political status of Kosovo. This issue should not be allowed to further divide Kosovo, given all the ramifications for the region. Instead, efforts should be made to reconcile the various ethnic groups in Kosovo. Of course, this is easier said than done. But if there is movement in the right direction, all ethnic groups could benefit.”
2001-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4258 (2001) · source