YouSaid · the spoken record

John Weston

lines on the record: 525
first: 1995-08-07
most recent: 1998-06-30
sittings or episodes: 79
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

“Bitter past experience has shown the fragility of peace efforts in Liberia. The Abuja Agreement represents the best chance for peace in a long time. We urge the Liberian people to seize this chance to end the misery which they have suffered for too long. I should like to conclude by paying tribute to the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, and all the personnel of UNOMIL, as well as to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Economic Community of West African States, in particular its Chairman, President Rawlings. The Abuja Agreement is a good example of the effectiveness of concerted regional efforts to promote peace and stability. The task is now to put it into effect.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“As he recognizes, improved and effective cooperation between UNOMIL and the Cease-fire Monitoring Group of ECOWAS (ECOMOG) will be the key to the success of both missions. We therefore welcome the task force that UNOMIL has established with ECOMOG, the Transitional Government and development agencies to recommend ways forward in the crucial areas of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants into civilian life. While the primary responsibility for the reconstruction of their country lies with the Liberian people, the international community will have an important role to play. We urge it to help the Liberians help themselves. The British Government will play its part. But continued international support will depend on further political progress and on the cease-fire holding.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“We call on all parties to respect that cease-fire. The Council's decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) until 31 January 1996 will give the factions time to demonstrate their commitment to the Abuja Agreement. It is vital that they make use of this limited period to demonstrate clearly their commitment to a genuine peace by proceeding with implementation of the Abuja provisions on disarmament, demobilization and steps towards free and fair elections in 1996. My delegation welcomes the Secretary-General's decision to increase immediately the number of military observers in UNOMIL. We hope that they will be deployed as soon as possible. We look forward to the Secretary-General's presentation of a new concept of operations for UNOMIL.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“Like other speakers before me, and on behalf of all of us in the British delegation, I should like to pay tribute to Ambassador Merimee, with whom we have all worked so closely, and whose contribution to the work of the Security Council has been immeasurable. We wish him bon voyage and bonne chance in Rome. The resolution we have just adopted marks what we hope will be a turning point for the long-suffering Liberian people. The Abuja Agreement signed last month gives grounds for cautious optimism. Prospects for peace in Liberia appear to be better than at any time since the war started. My delegation welcomes in particular the establishment of a broad-based Council of State and the presence in Monrovia of representatives of all the Liberian factions. We are concerned, however, about recent reports of violations of the cease-fire.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“It is clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Bosnia. We have emphasized throughout the crisis that all sides, including the Bosnian Serbs, must work towards a peaceful solution. We welcome the outcome of the meeting between the Contact Group and the Foreign Ministers of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, of Bosnia and of Croatia in Geneva earlier today. The principles agreed at this meeting represent an important step forward in the search for a political settlement. In particular, it means in effect that the Bosnian Serb leadership has agreed to negotiate on the basis of the Contact Group plan. This is only one step on the path to peace. Difficult negotiations lie ahead. All of the parties must be prepared to make compromises if a settlement is to be achieved. But a start has at last been made.”
1995-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3575 (1995) · source
“I have listened carefully to Ambassador Lavrov and I understand his wish at this time to air fully the Russian point of view. I shall not comment in detail on his presentation. I can say, however, that so far as the United Kingdom is concerned, we are quite confident that the recent United Nations/North Atlantic Treaty Organization action in Bosnia has been appropriate and justified. It has had clear and specific objectives designed to protect the safe areas in line with Security Council resolutions. The Bosnian Serbs have only to comply with the requirements explained to them by the United Nations commanders in theatre and the action will end. But the real focus of world attention today has been on Geneva and the progress achieved there in the political process.”
1995-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3575 (1995) · source
“We believe that the strengthening of the Burundi judicial system is vital to the stability of Burundi and look forward to receiving the Commission's recommendations on the measures necessary to prevent any repetition of the kind of events which took place during 1993. The cooperation of the Government of Burundi and all Burundi political parties will be vital if the commission is to succeed. We therefore trust that the Commission will be given the necessary access by the Government of Burundi and that the security of its members will be guaranteed. The resolution calls on States to contribute to the Trust Fund for the Commission to enable its work to start promptly and effectively. The United Kingdom will be making a contribution of Â£20,000 for this purpose.”
1995-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3571 (1995) · source
“The events of 1993 which inspired this resolution were tragic; they marked the beginning of very difficult times for Burundi, which have, regrettably, continued to the present day. The United Kingdom Government shares the concern expressed by others at the continuing instability in Burundi. We believe that the culture of violence and impunity is a major factor in the troubles there, and hope that the Commission will identify those responsible for the events of 1993 and thus help counter this climate of impunity. This resolution sends a clear message that those responsible for grave violations of humanitarian law will be held responsible for their actions. The British Government therefore strongly supports the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, and my delegation is pleased to have co-sponsored the resolution which provides for this.”
1995-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3571 (1995) · source
“We look forward to receiving the Secretary-General's report on his efforts to convene a regional conference on security, stability and development, and on the case for a possible regional meeting on the repatriation of refugees, in which, no doubt, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will have a role.”
1995-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3566 (1995) · source
“At the same time, we believe that a lasting solution to the problems of this region can be brought about only by peaceful means, through political and diplomatic activity, including, in particular, dialogue and negotiation. In that context, we welcome the efforts made by the Government of Rwanda to promote national reconciliation. We hope these efforts can be intensified in order to help create an atmosphere of security, trust and confidence conducive to the safe return of refugees, which remains essential for the long-term stability of Rwanda and the region as a whole. The international community must also play a part in this process.”
1995-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3566 (1995) · source
“In this context we are pleased to see that the resolution reinforces the ban on arms transfers to exiled extremist groups. We look forward to receiving the Secretary-General' s recommendations on a commission to investigate alleged arms flows to forces of the former Rwandan Government in the Great Lakes region. We call upon all States in the region to respond positively and constructively to the Secretary-General's further consultations concerning the deployment of United Nations military observers to monitor the embargo. The British Government hopes that, when the Security Council comes to review the issue of the operation of the arms embargo in 12 months' time, we will be able to register a net improvement in the political and security situation in the Great Lakes region.”
1995-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3566 (1995) · source
“The British Government welcomes the adoption of this resolution. We believe it is a sensible, balanced text, the provisions of which will contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. My delegation is particularly grateful for the helpful and constructive contribution made by the Rwandan delegation during the negotiations on the text. We welcome its agreement to the arrangements for notification of all arms supplied to the Government of Rwanda under the terms of this resolution, which we believe will be an important confidence-building measure with respect to neighbouring countries. My delegation also welcomes the provisions in this resolution aimed at tightening the embargo where it remains in place.”
1995-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3566 (1995) · source
“But it is imperative that the international community should not forget or lose sight of those civilians still suffering from the consequences of those attacks. By the beginning of next month, the Secretary-General will report back to the Council on progress in respect of implementation of the resolution that we have just adopted. The British Government looks forward to that report. The onus is now on the Bosnian Serb authorities to demonstrate whether or not they are prepared to cooperate constructively.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3564 (1995) · source
“The British Government therefore joins with others in demanding that the Bosnian Serb authorities give immediate access to the international humanitarian agencies, and cooperate fully and unreservedly with the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and others to determine the whereabouts of those still unaccounted for. We look for the early release of those who are still detained, and we remind the Bosnian Serb authorities of their obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure the safety and well-being of those who are under their control. The focus of events in the former Yugoslavia has already shifted elsewhere since the attacks last month on Srebrenica and Zepa.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3564 (1995) · source
“Barely one month ago, this Council, following the adoption of resolution 1004 (1995), expressed grave concern at the plight of the civilian population in Srebrenica as a result of Bosnian Serb attacks, and demanded unimpeded access to the area for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international humanitarian agencies. The Council's adoption today of a further resolution underlines the international community's continuing concern about increasing reports that atrocities have taken place in and around Srebrenica and Zepa following the Bosnian Serb military offensive. It is particularly worrying that the whereabouts of so many inhabitants of Srebrenica are still unknown; the evidence provided to Council members today by the United States delegation was particularly disturbing.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3564 (1995) · source
“In the meantime, the future of the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO) in the Republic of Croatia will need careful consideration, and we, too, look forward to receiving the Secretary-General's recommendations in the near future.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3563 (1995) · source
“Akashi for his strenuous efforts in that regard. As a troop contributor to the United Nations peace forces in the former Yugoslavia, the British Government has also joined those who have strongly condemned the attacks on and the treatment of United Nations peace- keepers, who were present in the Republic of Croatia at the request of its Government. Our condolences go to the Danish and Czech Governments, and also to the families of those soldiers who were killed as a result of actions by the Croatian armed forces. This Council expects the Croatian Government to punish all those responsible without delay, and we expect the Secretary-General to be in a position shortly to confirm that this is in hand.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3563 (1995) · source
“We also look, in particular, to the Croatian Government fully to uphold the civil rights of minorities in its country and actively to promote the conditions that will help persuade those Serbs who have fled that it is indeed safe to return and that they will be treated fairly by the local Croatian authorities. If the Croatian Government is to give the lie to accusations of de facto "ethnic cleansing", it must demonstrate by actions, and not just by words, that it is committed to fulfilling its obligations, including those allowed for in its Constitution, as far as civil rights are concerned. This will require a sustained commitment at all levels. Access to the region by international monitors is the essential first step to help re-establish that confidence. The British Government is grateful to Mr.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3563 (1995) · source
“The immediate priorities now are to bring the fighting to an end; to provide humanitarian relief for the very large numbers of displaced persons - by many estimates well over 100,000; to prevent a resurgence of fighting in Eastern Slavonia and the consequent risks of an escalation in the conflict; and to see that the safety and rights of the members of the Serb community who want to stay in Croatia are guaranteed. Thereafter, we look to all concerned to resume the dialogue on a negotiated settlement, which is the only way in which long-term stability can be assured. We call on all concerned to show the utmost restraint.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3563 (1995) · source
“Furthermore, the decision to choose the military option, which has been condemned by the British Government, was made at a time when it was clear that the potential for further political negotiations had not been exhausted. It has inevitably meant the loss of innocent life - including lives of United Nations peace-keepers - and the exodus of Croatian Serbs from their rightful homes. Nor are we prepared to condone what has been called de facto "ethnic cleansing". We deeply regret that these Croatian actions have inevitably called into question Croatia's future relations with the rest of Europe.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3563 (1995) · source
“For over three years the international community has worked to secure a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Croatia and to seek the reconciliation of a divided country. Numerous efforts by international mediators have been made without success, not least because of the intransigence of the local Croatian Serb authorities in acknowledging that their future lies as part of the Republic of Croatia. The British Government is fully aware of the deep frustration experienced by the Croatian Government as a result of this intransigence, and we have repeatedly affirmed our commitment to Croatian sovereignty and territorial integrity and sought to help bring about a negotiated settlement preserving that territorial integrity. But that frustration does not justify a recourse to military action to impose a settlement.”
1995-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3563 (1995) · source
“Further delays would carry with them risks, and everything possible must be done to avoid these. I should like to make two further points. First, the British Government has played a major part in humanitarian relief in Angola. I should like to stress the importance we attach to UNITA and the Government of Angola continuing to cooperate fully with the international humanitarian relief effort. Secondly, I should like to take this opportunity to welcome the Secretary-General's proposal for an expansion in the human rights component of UNAVEM. III. The additional human rights observers will have an important role to play in helping to ensure that basic rights are respected. Their presence will underline our common goal of achieving a stable, prosperous and democratic future for the people of Angola.”
1995-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3562 (1995) · source
“We attach the greatest importance to the avoidance of delays in the crucial areas of troop disengagement, demining and the quartering of former combatants. These are the essential, practical bases for a lasting peace, and it is vital that work on them now be carried forward promptly. It is a source of satisfaction to my delegation that the British logistics battalion with UNAVEM. III has been able to play its part in establishing the infrastructure for the Mission's deployment. Within UNAVEM. III, the battalion and the civilian contractors who are to replace it are working together to ensure a smooth hand-over. The first infantry battalions are in place. It is important that conditions be established as soon as possible for the full deployment of the remaining infantry battalions.”
1995-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3562 (1995) · source
“Much remains to be done, but Angola is now closer to peace than seemed possible even a short time ago. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the achievements of the Secretary-General, whose useful visit to Angola last month helped take the peace process forward, to his Special Representative, Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye, to the personnel of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) and to those in the Government of Angola and UNITA who are actively involved in carrying forward the peace process. The meeting between President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi on 6 May 1995 was a milestone in this process. It is essential that the momentum generated by that meeting be maintained at all levels. The parties need to demonstrate their commitment both in high-level talks and in action on the ground.”
1995-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3562 (1995) · source
“Speaking for the first time in a formal meeting of the Security Council, may I begin by joining others in welcoming you, Sir, to your duties as President of the Council and expressing my delegation's readiness to work closely with you during your period in office. May I also take the opportunity to express the thanks of my delegation to Ambassador Martinez Blanco for his very effective conduct of business during the month of July. May I also, on my own personal account, express thanks to all the colleagues around the table who have been good enough to express words of personal welcome to me. In voting in favour of this resolution, my delegation warmly welcomes the progress which has been made so far in consolidation of the cease-fire in Angola and implementation of the Lusaka Protocol.”
1995-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3562 (1995) · source