YouSaid · the spoken record

Jagne

lines on the record: 307
first: 1998-06-06
most recent: 2003-03-18
sittings or episodes: 55
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

“Perhaps the United Nations Office for Conflict Prevention and Peace-building for West Africa should assume the role of coordinator of this arrangement, and liaison between the Security Council and ECOWAS. My delegation fervently hopes that this workshop will not be a one-day wonder. It is our expectation that from our deliberations will emerge the pointers that will lead to stronger collaboration between all the major players in West Africa on one hand, and the Security Council on the other, in a bid to confront our subregion's biggest challenge, namely, the problem of mercenaries and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“At present, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department for Disarmament Affairs, and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research provide various forms of assistance and support to the work of PCASED. What is now required is for that cooperation to be broadened to include concerted actions on the question of mercenaries, as well as a more formal arrangement through which the Security Council, in close cooperation with ECOWAS and PCASED, would establish a mechanism for monitoring the situation, receiving reports on it and enforcing its decisions on matters of small arms, light weapons and mercenaries.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“A subregional version of such a programme is what is being proposed now. Fifthly, some legislative instrument is needed to prevent the provision of safe havens, rear bases, logistics, supplies, etc., to mercenaries and other users of illicit small arms and light weapons. The appropriate regime of sanctions on defaulters would also need to be worked out. Finally, to have any or all of the foregoing enforced, we would need a much stronger partnership between the United Nations, PCASED and ECOWAS.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Effective measures must be put in place to stop this. Thirdly, we need to promulgate an international convention proscribing the activities and use of mercenaries in the subregion. Warlords who recruit mercenaries to carry out any kind of war, whether justifiable or not, should be held to account. The appropriate surveillance and enforcement mechanisms should then be put in place. Fourthly, as an immediate measure to respond to the urgency of the situation in West Africa, steps should be taken to demobilize mercenaries and have them reinserted into productive and gainful economic activities in their countries of origin. Sierra Leone recently had a successful programme, supported by the United Nations, for the demobilization, reintegration and reinsertion of tens of thousands of its nationals.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“In addition to that, something akin to the monitoring and regulation of the movement of blood diamonds should be designed to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Of course, these would have to be backed up by an appropriate sanctions regime. In this regard, much stronger cooperation must be sought from the arms manufacturers and suppliers, signatories of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Control for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies. Secondly, actions should be taken to check the activities of illicit arms brokers, dealers and retailers in much the same way as measures have been taken against illicit drug dealers. The situation in West Africa today is such that it is easy for individuals or groups of individuals to purchase any amount of arms and weapons, sometimes fairly openly.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“It goes without saying that a priori, each West African country must show stronger commitment towards the objectives of the sub-regional and international initiatives on this issue and a greater willingness to enforce the agreements made collectively. First, an international legislative instrument is needed to hold both supplier and user of small arms and light weapons to greater account. Manufacturers and suppliers must be made to show more responsible behaviour in the transfer of these arms and weapons to non-State actors. A mechanism must be put in place to ensure that transfers are made only to legitimate State end-users. The efforts under way to regulate arms supplies to militias in certain countries in the region should be modified for application throughout West Africa.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“"While the (numerous) applications for waivers (for imports of arms and ammunitions) indicate that member States do respect the Moratorium, there have been allegations that not all States are complying with the Code of Conduct ECOWAS member States may therefore wish to review the Code of Conduct in order to provide (a) enforcement measures when countries are found to be in violation of their obligations, and (b) initiation of investigation of serious breaches of the Code of Conduct." Regarding import exemptions, "there is a gray area in the exemption procedure: there is currently no clause requiring that arms dealers" (as opposed to State parties) "submit an application to the ECOWAS Secretariat There is yet another gray area in the exemption process: countries which have been granted waivers do not have to show them when purchasing weapons." Against this backdrop, I should like us to consider a few proposals as to what more could be done, over and above the efforts made so far, to address the problem of small arms, light weapons and mercenaries in West Africa.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“"Unless the world's major arms producers take more responsibility for managing the world market in arms, the most vulnerable States will continue to suffer from the uncontrolled trade in small arms A renewed momentum needs to be built around the issue of dialogue with arms suppliers and producers.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“The Conference affirmed that "Governments bear the primary responsibility for preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects" and that "the international community has a duty to deal with this issue" (A/CONF192/I5, preambular paragraphs 13 and 15). I believe that the same holds true for the problem of mercenaries. It is true that in the West African subregion Governments have started to assume their responsibilities vis-a-vis the control of small arms and light weapons. What they have achieved, commendable as it may be, is only a beginning. Much more needs to be done. In December 2002, at the end of the third year of the Moratorium, an evaluation was undertaken. Some of its findings and observations are instructive. Let me highlight a few.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“It is certain that for as long as these unsavoury elements exist in our midst, the demand for small arms and light weapons will be there - as will the financiers and lords of war. They constitute a critical link in the chain of conflict. And unless that link is broken, we in West Africa will know no peace or rest. It will be recalled that in July 2001, the United Nations convened the Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, at which it decided to implement the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“It is also a fact that these elements were involved in the invasion of Guinea and in the present imbroglio in Liberia, not to mention the atrocities that they perpetrated during those difficult times. There are more than strong indications that in the latest conflict situation in West Africa, in Cote d'Ivoire, the spillover of mercenaries from the Mano River Union conflicts is an important additional complicating element. Mercenaries are totally lacking in conscience and morality. Their only loyalty and allegiance is to themselves, and they will respond only to the highest bidder. There are known cases of mercenaries who have fought with several different militias, some of whom were mortal enemies. They are there, ready to fight anyone's war, so long as the price is right.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“In the past, mercenary activities in Africa were associated with European adventurers and "dogs of war". Increasingly, however, Africa is becoming quite adept in producing its own rich crop of these soldiers of fortune. The West African subregion in particular is riddled with war and conflict situations that are driven by mercenary-dominated militias. The conflicts of the Mano River Union, for example, were sustained through the use of mercenaries by the various warlords. It is now well known that the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) of Sierra Leone was made up of combatants from virtually every country in West Africa, who were engaged on contract terms to fight for pay and profit for the sole purpose of overthrowing the legitimate Government of Sierra Leone.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Besides, the far-reaching decision taken by our leaders to extend the Moratorium for a second three-year period is indeed a clear demonstration of political will to deal seriously with this problem. Of equal concern is the character of the end users of these arms and weapons. It is a well-known fact that it is militias that drive conflicts in Africa. Some time back, it came to light that these militias depended to a significant extent on child soldiers. That realization shocked the world into action, and the international community responded with the appropriate measures to confront this issue. But over and above this repugnant reality, what has also been emerging in bold relief has been the fact that the backbone of these militias is made up largely of mercenaries. This phenomenon has not yet received the attention it truly deserves.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“In addition to that, as a support and monitoring mechanism, the Programme for Coordination and Assistance for Security and Development (PCASED), in close cooperation with the ECOWAS secretariat and the various national commissions, provides assistance with national initiatives to align existing laws and administrative procedures with the requirements of the Moratorium. It maintains a register of weapons being used by peacekeeping troops in the subregion; processes requests for exemptions and importation by Governments of arms, ammunitions and components; provides training in arms control; and promotes cooperation with manufacturers and suppliers on the implementation of the Moratorium. Thus it can be seen that commendable efforts are being made by West African Governments to address the problem.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Currently, it is reported that there are an estimated 8 million illicit small arms in circulation within and across our porous borders in West Africa. Within the last decade, the problem of small arms and light weapons has led to the convening of a number of summit meetings on the issue, culminating in 1998 in the adoption of a declaration of a three-year renewable Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Moratorium on small arms, the first of its kind in Africa. In addition to the moratorium, ECOWAS heads of State also adopted a plan of action and a code of conduct and made a decision that each country would establish a national commission to oversee implementation. Together, all these instruments would facilitate enforcement of the Moratorium.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“My delegation is indeed grateful to you for organizing this ministerial workshop on the proliferation of small arms, light weapons and the phenomenon of mercenaries: threats to peace and security in West Africa. This is a subject that is of great concern to us all in West Africa, not least to President Al Hadji Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh and the Government of the Gambia. We have been drawing attention to this West African problem for several years now, because the accumulation of small arms and light weapons is obviously an important contributing factor to the unending conflicts that have plagued much of West Africa and stymied development on the continent. The fact is that, for the most part, the methods through which these weapons are acquired are illicit, as are the purposes for which they are acquired.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“Allow me first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. My delegation is indeed proud that it has fallen on none other than the Republic of Guinea, a sisterly neighbour of ours in the West African subregion, to preside over the affairs of the Security Council at this time - a time that might well prove to be the defining moment in the future of the United Nations. I have no doubt that, as always, you will discharge your responsibility with objectivity, fairness and sagacity. Let me also pay homage to your predecessor, Minister Joschka Fischer of Germany, and his able colleague, Ambassador Gunter Pleuger, for a job well done during the month of February.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720 (2003) · source
“These allegations are unfounded, and therefore we want our country's name removed from the list of countries dealing in blood diamonds. There is still time to set the record straight. This is why we support the extension of the mandate of the Panel, as proposed by the United Kingdom. In this way, the Panel will be able to carry on with its unfinished business, including an early visit to the Gambia - preferably before the scheduled meeting early next month between the Security Council and a ministerial delegation from the Economic Community of West African States - so as to clear the air as far as my Government is concerned. To echo the words of the President, we should act swiftly on the Panel's report, but justly. All that we ask is that the Gambia be treated fairly, by separating the chaff from the grain.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Gambia, despite its meagre resources, will continue to do all it can to contribute to the search for an honourable solution to the Sierra Leonean crisis. The bonds uniting Sierra Leone and the Gambia - and they are many and date back many centuries * are too strong for such baseless allegations to undo. The number of Sierra Leonean refugees in the Gambia is a testimony to our long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation with that country. In conclusion, the Government of the Gambia is again calling on the Panel to withdraw its statement on the Gambia and indicate as soon as possible the dates on which a delegation of the Panel of Experts could visit Banjul, so that we could together inform the whole world that the Government of the Gambia is too much aware of its international obligations to be involved in such a shameful trade.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Besides, the Gambia has no borders with Sierra Leone. Through the unscrupulous behaviour of some individuals, it is possible that diamonds might be passing through the Gambia to other destinations, but it is preposterous to even insinuate that the Government either condones or participates in such transactions, or derives any revenue from this illegal trade, either through taxes or otherwise. Considering the Gambia's stance regarding maintaining peace and stability within our subregion in particular and in Africa generally, the country cannot be involved in any activity that could have negative effects in Sierra Leone or contribute to the procurement of arms and the encouragement of war.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“That is all that we require from this body: treat the Gambia fairly. We are therefore requesting the Security Council, in all fairness, guided by the principle of equal treatment of all States, to send the Panel of Experts to the Gambia and show us any proof that our Government exports diamonds. It is sad to say, but this is ridiculous, to say the least, for a country that has no mineral resources. It is simply ludicrous! The Government of the Gambia will defend its integrity at all costs, but we want to give the Council the chance to send the Panel of Experts to Banjul first, before we take any appropriate action to restore our country's good name. Thank God, in the case ofthe Gambia, there is no evidence whatsoever establishing any links between the sale of diamonds and gun-running activities in Sierra Leone.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Let me hasten to point out that we have never denied that some individuals have been involved in this trade since time immemorial - long before the Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965. This is common knowledge. My Sierra Leonean colleague and friends and I have laughed over it many times. He is here to bear me witness. But there should be a distinction between the actions of individuals and those of a Government. Individuals should be accountable for their actions. A Government should not be taken to task for, or have to account for, the actions of an individual or group of individuals, especially in a case like this. This is why we are insisting on our invitation to the Panel of Experts to visit the Gambia and present to the authorities in Banjul the evidence they have - if any - linking the Government to this illegal trade.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First and foremost, we would have thought that the Panel of Experts, out of courtesy, should have visited the Gambia and discussed any issue of concern with the competent Gambian authorities, as the Experts have done with other countries mentioned in their report. Why have they not done so? Is there a hidden agenda to mount a smear campaign against the Gambia? What is the motive behind these baseless allegations? The representative of Ukraine is perfectly right in stating that all relevant evidence should be brought to the attention of the Governments concerned. That was not the case with my Government. Yet we all want a healthy and fruitful working relationship with the Panel.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It affords us the opportunity of not only clearing our name but also stopping the bad blood in our West African subregion that the Sierra Leonean blood diamonds have recently created, further exacerbated by the broad and thorough report of the Panel of Experts. We in the Gambia were flabbergasted by its baseless and malicious allegations. As a peace-loving nation that has always enjoyed excellent relations with Sierra Leone, a sister country, it has made our blood boil and has left us wondering whether, for some obscure reason or reasons unknown to us, the Panel is out for our country's blood. Despite all the odds, our blood is not up. All we want to do is to set the record straight.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“At the outset, let me congratulate you on your becoming President of the Security Council. We are delighted to see you in the chair. With your legendary dynamism and vast experience, we are confident that your presidency will be eventful and successful. We wish you the very best. Similarly, my delegation would like to pay tribute to your predecessor, Ambassador Lavrov, for a job well done. Having said that, we also thank you for organizing this open meeting devoted to the report of the Panel of Experts on Sierra Leone, diamonds and arms. We welcome the idea of bringing this thorny issue out in the open.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are optimistic, though, that we will get it right this time, so that together, through an integrated and consolidated approach, we can succeed in our partnership with the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau to make their country a shining example of post-conflict peace- building. The Government and people of the Gambia will always be available in our concerted efforts to make this dream come true.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“20) Allow me to thank the Secretary-General for his opening remarks this morning, which set the tone for our debate. There could not have been a better summary. While it is true that since the report was issued, a number of countries have contributed generously towards the UNOGBIS trust fund, it is also true that a lot more remains to be done. In this connection, it is gratifying to note that another Round Table Conference is scheduled for February next year. We all look forward to it. But at the same time, it should be borne in mind that it is one thing to convene a Round Table Conference of donors and make pledges, and quite another to disburse the funds, as recent experience has shown.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We are encouraged by the presence of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and, indeed, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at this briefing. The remarks made by Mr. Madavo, Vice-President of the World Bank, were most reassuring. In his report of 29 September 2000, the Secretary-General stated: "Guinea-Bissau has continued to make important progress towards consolidating its democratization process. However, the overall situation in the country remains worrying. The ever-present threat of military intervention, the precarious border situation and the country's chronic poverty make the road ahead difficult. The challenges are formidable, and the new civilian Government has neither the means nor the capacity to address them on its own." (5/2000/920, para.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Furthermore - and this is very important - we were informed that the human rights situation has improved a great deal. As was mentioned by many speakers during the debate on exit strategies, there is a need to avoid a gap in the transition phase from conflict resolution to peace-building. That is why we have put a great deal of emphasis on timely assistance. Moreover, financial institutions should show some degree of flexibility when dealing with countries in transition, notably the Bretton Woods institutions. Let me at this juncture also commend the World Bank in particular for the assistance provided to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. Programmes related to this process should be vigorously pursued.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The people of Guinea-Bissau have come a long way, resilient and resolute as ever to move ahead, despite all the odds. We certainly do not underestimate the problems involved and the many challenges that lie ahead, but we are confident that with a little help from outside, these challenges are not insurmountable. At our last meeting of the Group of Friends, the Secretary- General's Representative in Guinea-Bissau - who, by the way, is doing a superb job, along with his staff, in the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) - did not mince his words when he discussed the socio-economic situation of the country. He described it as very, very difficult. Yet he described the overall political situation, in particular parliamentary activity, as satisfactory.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It was partly for this reason that the Group of Friends of Guinea-Bissau was formed to contribute to the collective endeavour to mobilize resources for the reconstruction efforts in Guinea-Bissau. This was done bearing in mind the vicissitudes of the transition process. More often than not, the situation is precarious - thus the need for sustained external assistance to consolidate the modest gains made by the people and their leaders. It is necessary in this connection to recall the successful emergency Round Table Conference of donors for Guinea-Bissau that was held in Geneva last year. It was successful in terms of the pledges made, but, as we all know, donors have yet to make good on their promises. I need hardly emphasize that democracy and the rule of law cannot flourish in conditions of active poverty.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I would like to request the Namibian delegation to convey to Ambassador Andjaba the fact that we are very proud of him. Allow me to join previous speakers in welcoming the high-ranking delegation from Guinea-Bissau, led by the Vice-Prime Minister. After his eloquent presentation this morning, it will not be necessary to go into great detail. But as neighbours of Guinea-Bissau, we in the Gambia cannot afford to be indifferent to the plight of our brothers and sisters in that country. In fact, this body will recall the preponderant role played by President Jammeh in the quest for a lasting solution. Furthermore, the situation has a regional dimension that cannot be ignored. In other words, the potential for serious ramifications throughout our West African subregion still exists.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I remember vividly Ambassador van Walsum's early days in the Security Council, when he demonstrated a keen interest in post-conflict peace- building and even suggested Guinea-Bissau as a possible example. Those efforts will not be in vain. It is our fervent hope, therefore, that the people of Guinea-Bissau will reap the benefits at the end of the day. As he will be leaving us soon, allow me to wish him success in his future endeavours. In the same vein, I would like to pay tribute to his predecessor, our brother and colleague Ambassador Andjaba, for a job well done during Namibia's presidency last month. We recall encouraging Ambassador Andjaba, when we were leaving the Council, to keep the flag flying. Well, he has not only kept it flying, but kept it flying even higher.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We are honoured to see you presiding over this open briefing on the situation in Guinea-Bissau, Madam President. Your presence is clear testimony to the importance that your great country attaches to the crucial issue of post-conflict peace-building and, by extension, to development cooperation generally. The enthusiasm, zeal and energy with which you have presided over this meeting are indeed remarkable. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador van Walsum on his presidency this month. It has been an eventful and successful month by all accounts. Through you, Madam President, we owe the Netherlands a debt of gratitude for arranging this meeting.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Finally, we have every reason to believe that, apart from the problems associated with the lack of infrastructure and the fate of the large number of refugees still in West Timor, the future of East Timor is very promising indeed. The Ambassador of France made reference to the generosity of the donor community regarding East Timor and wished that the same degree of generosity was extended to other regions. My delegation cannot agree more with him that by demonstrating the same zeal, the same resolve, the same degree of enthusiasm and the same degree of generosity we would succeed as a community of nations in making this small planet that we all share a much better place for present and future generations and would assure all our children and their children's children a bright, bright future.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We join others in thanking the Government of Japan for its preponderant role, as both host and donor, in making it a resounding success. It is also pleasing to note that UNTAET has established a skeleton administration. The Government of the Gambia has contributed a sizable number of civilian police and is ready to contribute more. We are also willing to provide civil servants to work with UNTAET. My delegation also notes with satisfaction the laudable efforts being made by President Wahid and Mr. Gusmao to place East Timorese-Indonesian relations on a firm footing. We hope that the international community will continue to support these commendable initiatives.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Without their timely intervention, the situation in East Timor would have been something else altogether. My delegation is glad to note that the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) has now been established and its military observers deployed. We note with satisfaction that international staff of the United Nations are arriving in East Timor and starting their work. My delegation welcomes the appointment of Sergio Vieira de Mello as the Secretary-General's Special Representative and transitional administrator for East Timor. There could not have been a better choice. We were heartened to learn that relations between UNTAET and the East Timorese are very good. This augured well for the donor conference, reported to have been very successful.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“My delegation would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting in this format. We are also grateful to Mr. Annabi for his important and useful briefing. Since the announcement of the results of the popular consultation, the United Nations, together with the Governments concerned, has made enormous progress in seeing to it that the wish of the East Timorese people for an independent East Timor is being implemented. My delegation would therefore pay tribute, in particular, to the Government of Indonesia for its vital cooperation throughout this period, without which we would not have reached the point where we are today. We would also like to pay a special tribute to Australia and the countries which have contributed troops to the International Force, East Timor (INTERFET).”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We are convinced more than ever before that by cooperating earnestly towards the implementation of this draft resolution, on which the Council will soon be taking action, Iraq has everything to gain and nothing to lose. In any case, half a loaf is better than none. Finally, the delegation of the Gambia would like once more to pay a special tribute to Ambassador Celso Amorim for the pioneering role that he played in the quest for a Viable solution to the Iraqi problem. He is a true trail- blazer.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“In fact, the draft resolution before us recalls the goal of establishing in the Middle East a zone free from weapons of mass destruction and all missiles for their delivery, and the objective of a global ban on chemical weapons. In the light of all that I have said, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us. It shows the way forward, so that Iraq too - provided that it cooperates in all aspects - can join the ranks of that category of countries which have earned the respect and admiration of all not because of the misleading notion of military might but because of the enlightened pursuit of economic miracles and success stories associated with technological breakthroughs in the service of mankind.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“That is why my delegation vehemently opposed the idea of "implementability"; it is synonymous with palatability and, is therefore, a non-starter. We have always said that Iraq is a great country with a rich cultural heritage, home to one of the oldest civilizations known, and that, by virtue of its abundant natural, mineral, human and other resources, it has huge potential to become an economic force to be reckoned with, not only in the Gulf region but also worldwide. Today, there are a number of countries that are not military Powers yet are forces to be reckoned with because of their economic, cultural, scientific and technological strength. In our view, that is real greatness - not military might and the accumulation of weapons of mass destruction.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“The ball is now in Iraq's court, and we sincerely urge the Iraqi authorities to seize this unique opportunity to set in motion the process for the countdown to the suspension of sanctions and their eventual lifting. It must be understood, however, that what is being offered in this draft resolution is the lowest common denominator, and we should be mindful of the fact that, inasmuch as there is need for consensus, the Council should endeavour to set and maintain high standards that are consistent and even-handed at all times. If it makes the sad mistake of changing or lowering the standards that it sets for itself for one reason or another, it will be setting a dangerous precedent. The Council must guard against giving special treatment to any country, no matter what happens. All countries should be treated fairly and equally.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Henceforth, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990) will be directed to take a decision on all applications in respect of humanitarian and essential civilian needs within two working days. To crown it all, there is a trigger mechanism to suspend sanctions, provided that Iraq cooperates in all aspects in honouring its obligations within the framework of the relevant Security Council resolutions. While acknowledging the progress made by Iraq to fulfil some of these obligations, there are still key tasks that remain to be completed. UNMOVIC and the International Atomic Energy Agency will identify them, and then we will move on.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Moreover, provision has been made to appoint a group of experts with the mandate speedily to approve contracts for spare parts and other equipment necessary to enable Iraq to increase its exports of petroleum and petroleum products. This would eliminate the problem of holds on spare parts for specified projects. Furthermore, this draft resolution also makes provision for the appointment of another group of experts, including oil industry experts, to report on Iraq's existing petroleum production and export capacity and to make recommendations. The use of additional import routes for Iraqi petroleum and petroleum products is not even ruled out. We could continue to enumerate and extol the qualities and merits of this draft resolution.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“It will now be possible for Iraq to sell as much petroleum and petroleum products as it can. As soon as a list is drawn up, humanitarian items such as foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, as well as basic or standard medical and agricultural equipment and educational items, will no longer be submitted to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990) for approval. Only the Secretary-General will need to be notified of their importation. This will remove the most depressing constraints on the Iraqi programme and hence make it possible for more humanitarian goods to reach Iraq as and when required.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Iraq must agree to resume cooperation with the Tripartite Commission so that we can bring to a close the question of the prisoners of war and other missing persons. Some delegations have been lamenting the nine years of sanctions against Iraq. But it is also fair to lament the nine years of pain, anguish and uncertainty that 600 Kuwaiti families have been undergoing. Imagine the mental torture of 600 Kuwaiti families - they do not know the fate of their loved ones. The archives must be returned; failing to do so would be like robbing a country of its national identity. T hirdly, the draft resolution addresses the humanitarian dimension of the Iraqi problem in a manner that we hope will go a long way to alleviating the suffering of the people of Iraq.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Secondly, on the issue of Kuwaiti prisoners of war and Kuwaiti archives and other property, this draft resolution provides a new approach. From now on there is going to be an active and close follow-up process. This important issue will not, therefore, be relegated to a secondary position. It is a serious humanitarian problem and must be treated as such. Today, it is not the intention of my delegation to dwell on this issue, since the Permanent Representative of Kuwait has already spoken about it with unrivalled eloquence. My delegation agrees fully with everything that he has said on this issue. It will be recalled that the Gambian delegation has always maintained that the question of Kuwaiti prisoners of war, national archives and other property cannot be swept under the carpet.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“Moreover, for the first time since the imposition of sanctions against Iraq, this draft resolution offers real prospects for sanctions to be suspended and for their eventual lifting. In other words, it holds out the prospect of our seeing light at the end of the tunnel. The other day, my delegation drew the attention of the Council to the fact that the important thing is there is light at the end of the tunnel. But if we just stand by, and ask ourselves whether the light at the end of the tunnel is candlelight or moonlight, we are not making any progress; we are not helping Iraq. There is no hidden agenda. Paragraph 7 is abundantly clear about where we want to go and what the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) is required to do, in that it clearly states what is required of Iraq.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“At long last, the much- heralded "solution" resolution on the question of Iraq is before us. Your delegation, Sir, deserves commendation for all the effort that was put into it. We are confident that with the adoption of this draft resolution, the Council will succeed in breaking the logjam that cast a spell on it and threw it into a state of near-paralysis for a year, with serious ramifications for regional peace and security. The Council has been divided for much too long over Iraq, and the continued stalemate has not been in anybody's interest. That is why my delegation added its voice to those of other members of the Council who wanted this matter to be brought to a close as soon as possible. The efforts deployed with patience, persistence and perseverance, were not in vain.”
1999-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4084 (1999) · source
“All we are saying is that the situation is bad enough and that we should therefore act now to prevent the situation from worsening. That is all we are asking for. We hope we will not be misunderstood. We need the Council's partnership; we need its support; we need its cooperation. We said this here yesterday, and we said it when we had our lunch together. We have been encouraged by the signs we are seeing in the Council. We have talked to some of our colleagues, other African representatives, who asked us as African members of the Council about the prospects for the Council resolving conflict situations in Africa. We told them that the trend is positive, and that we are hopeful. The signs are positive. So, all we are asking of the Council is to make good on its promises.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source