YouSaid · the spoken record

Khalilzad

lines on the record: 562
first: 2007-05-02
most recent: 2009-01-16
sittings or episodes: 74
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

“Gambari's mission may have succeeded in cracking open the door. It is still too early to evaluate it, but we take note of the offer of General Than Shwe to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. At the same time, we deeply regret that that offer included unrealistic conditions. In our view, the regime must move beyond gestures and take concrete steps that respond to the concerns of the Burmese people and the international community. What does the Burmese regime need to do? The United States calls on the Burmese regime to implement the following measures: First, it must immediately end the violent crackdown, including an end to the raids, lifting of the curfew and the removal of the military presence around monasteries and on the streets of Burmese cities.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“We look forward to the continued support of China for the Secretary-General's Special Adviser in order to gain tangible results from its good offices mission. What next? We have heard today Special Adviser Gambari's assessment of his recent visit and an accounting of the "to do" list he provided to the regime. I must convey to you, however, our deep regret that the Burmese authorities did not fully cooperate with him during his visit. It is of particular concern that they limited his access to key people and places, including the leaders of the 88 Generation student group and monks and monasteries that participated in peaceful demonstrations. Moreover, the United States was greatly disturbed to see the regime resume the unlawful detention of citizens, just hours after his departure. Nevertheless, Mr.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“We welcomed the statement on 27 September by the Chair of ASEAN, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, in which he expressed the revulsion of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers over the actions of the Burmese security forces and urged a peaceful transition to a democratic Government. Others are also speaking out, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of India, the Prime Minister of Singapore, the European Union ambassadors - all those voices are indicative of an emerging regional, indeed international, consensus that the repression carried out by the Burmese regime against its own people is both indefensible and intolerable. I also wish to recognize the role of China in using its special influence to persuade the regime to receive Special Adviser Gambari.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Fortunately, they were released. But there are many who are still in jail, rounded up by the Burmese regime in raids in the middle of the night. Given past practice, we fear that they are being kept in unimaginably inhumane conditions and denied access to international humanitarian organizations. The impact of the violent repression is clearly felt throughout the region, and the region itself is faced with an exodus of refugees from Burma, the spread of controllable infectious diseases and the trafficking of narcotics and people - all closely tied to the political crisis in that country. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers made the point, and we agree, that the events in Burma undermine the reputation and credibility of that important regional organization.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“In considering those events, I wish to quote the words of Nay Tin Myint, a Burmese exile who underwent dreadful forms of torture during 15 years in a Burmese prison, which he called "the closest thing to hell". In a recent opinion piece he reminded us that the world was not watching in 1988 when thousands were killed by the guns of the regime. It is watching now. The people of Burma must not be let down. Because the brutal repression by the regime is now occurring far from cameras and public view, it is difficult to verify the facts on the ground. Only yesterday, the regime admitted that it had arrested over 2,000 demonstrators and claimed that it had released 692 persons. The regime even arrested several United Nations staff members during the sweep of houses and apartments in the area where major protests have occurred.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“The beatings, mass detentions, torture and even murder of citizens - children, women, students, monks and nuns - and even murder simply for participation in peaceful demonstrations are unacceptable. And they should be unacceptable to Powers with influence over Burma, to regional States and, indeed, to all of us in this Chamber. Despite the Burmese regime's attempt to block news of the recent disturbing events from reaching the rest of the world by shutting off access to the Internet, courageous Burmese citizens made sure we saw the truth of what was happening on the ground. The images were gripping - photographs of the death of a Japanese journalist shot down by Burmese security forces and images of the lifeless body, floating in a river, of a monk who had been executed.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“The United States welcomes the Secretary-General's participation in today's meeting. We want to thank him for dispatching his Special Adviser to Burma and for working very hard - as I know he did - to make sure that he was admitted to Burma. Those steps demonstrate, Sir, your commitment to helping the Burmese people during this critical time. We appreciate Special Adviser Gambari's report on his most recent visit to Burma and commend his efforts. We support his mission and have confidence in his diplomacy. Terrible things have happened in Burma over the past few weeks. The United States is appalled by the brutal repression that has been carried out by the Burmese regime against its own people.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“The resolution underscores the widespread belief that what happens in Iraq has strategic implications not only for the region, but for the entire world. I thank my fellow members of the Security Council for their commitment to the people of Iraq and to the United Nations important role. We hope that today's resolution will be a springboard to greater international support for Iraq's Government and people. The United States stands ready to work with other countries in the region and elsewhere to support the Iraqi Government and people as they build a democratic, prosperous and stable society.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“We are fully dedicated to success in Iraq, and our commitments to Iraq, to the region, to the United Nations and to the rest of the international community remain. The United States looks forward to standing side by side with the Iraqi people for a stable, secure Iraq at peace with itself and its neighbours, and we intend to continue our considerable efforts to help build that new Iraq and to help the Iraqis overcome the challenges of sectarianism and terrorism. Without a doubt, we in the international community have had our differences with regard to Iraq. Despite those differences, I believe that we all share the same vision for Iraq's future. That is clearly the case today. Today's forward-looking resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council, is an important signal that the page has turned.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“In fulfilling the tasks set out in this resolution, United Nations staff members in Iraq are making, have made and will make a vital contribution to Iraq's future stability, and we deeply appreciate their sacrifices and their dedicated and selfless work. The United States, as part of the multinational forces in Iraq, will do its part to ensure that the United Nations security and resource needs are met so that the United Nations expertise can be fully deployed to help address the challenges in Iraq. We are indeed grateful for the expanding United Nations role in helping the Iraqi people shape their future. However, let me be clear. The United States will continue to shoulder all of its responsibilities to assist Iraq's Government and people.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“Clearly, domestic reconciliation is the responsibility of the Iraqi people and Government, but the United Nations can lend specific expertise to help this process. Secondly, the United Nations can also help promote regional understanding that supports Iraqi reconciliation. This updated mandate marks another important step along the road to increased support for Iraq from the region and the international community. This process is already underway with meetings in Baghdad, Sharm el-Sheikh and elsewhere. Thirdly, as the Secretary-General said, the United Nations will help marshal resources to assist those Iraqis affected by the humanitarian crisis.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“I wish to extend a warm welcome to the Secretary-General and thank him for his statement. I would like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude and sincere thanks to Ambassador Jones Parry for our work together in the Security Council. He will be missed. I would also like to warmly welcome Ambassador Ripert. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the French Mission on the many issues before the Council. Today's adoption of the resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq marks an important new phase in the role of the United Nations in Iraq. It expands United Nations involvement in three ways. First, it will provide increased assistance to the Iraqi people and their Government on domestic reconciliation that leads to a national compact.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“Just as all eyes are on the Council to help protect the civilians of Darfur, so too are all eyes upon the Sudan, and we look to its Government to do the right thing and pursue the path of peace.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“We hope that his acceptance of the force marks a new chapter in his cooperation with the international community. If the Sudan does not comply with the Darfur Agreement, and if the Sudan does not comply with this resolution, the United States will move for the swift adoption of unilateral and multilateral measures. On 29 May, President Bush made a promise to the people of Darfur. He said, "The United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world". Today, the Council has acted and taken a significant step towards ending that crisis by mandating the deployment of a peacekeeping force in Darfur. Now the Sudan faces a choice: the Sudan can choose the path of cooperation or defiance.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“The parties must also comply with the requirements of the present resolution, which in turn demands compliance with relevant agreements. We call on the Government of the Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur to cooperate fully with the implementation of this resolution and all other relevant resolutions, to cease attacks against civilians immediately, to permit full and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and to engage fully in the political process led by the United Nations and the African Union to promote peace. The United States will continue its efforts to promote a broadly supported and inclusive political settlement, which is the only long-term solution to the crisis in Darfur. We call, in particular, on President Al-Bashir to provide maximum cooperation with the deployment of the new peacekeeping force.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“In adopting this resolution, the Council is entrusting UNAMID, its force commander and its personnel with carrying out its mandate using the full range of its authorities. UNAMID has the authority under Chapter VII to use force to prevent armed attacks, to protect civilians and to prevent any disruption of the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement. It is imperative that the Government of the Sudan and other signatories comply fully with the Darfur Peace Agreement. The Agreement, among other things, prohibits attacks on civilians and protects them from being harassed, abducted, intimidated or injured. The Agreement also prohibits obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, restricting the free movement of people and goods, issuing hostile propaganda and inciting military action.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“In its initial phase, the hybrid operation will draw most of its forces from the existing African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and from the United Nations light and heavy support packages of assistance to AMIS. The transfer of authority from AMIS to the hybrid operation must occur as soon as possible. The transition is imperative, because it will combine the resources of the United Nations and of the African Union under a unified command and control. It will also allow additional hybrid forces to rapidly deploy and supplement the troops on the ground. The transfer could take place before the end of 2007, and we call on the United Nations and the African Union to expedite that transition.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“More than 200,000 people have died from conflict, and more than 2 million people have been forced from their homes and Villages into camps both inside and outside the country. These displaced people are highly vulnerable to attack, malnutrition and disease, and they need our immediate help. The brutal treatment of innocent civilians in Darfur is unacceptable to the United States. Since 2005, the American people have given more than $2 billion towards humanitarian relief and development. The hybrid operation represents a new and unique form of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, and the adoption of this resolution is the culmination of intense efforts by many in the international community over the past several months. It must now be implemented without delay.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“First, I would like to welcome the presence of the Secretary- General. I take this as another indication of his resolve to work for the resolution of the crisis in Darfur. The United States is pleased that the Security Council has mandated a United Nations/African Union hybrid peacekeeping operation for the Darfur region of the Sudan. This force, known as UNAMID, will have a strong mandate to protect civilians and to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement. UNAMID is the largest operation ever deployed by the United Nations. This peacekeeping force of nearly 26,000 military personnel and police promises to play a critical role in ending the suffering of the people of Darfur. The human toll in Darfur has been staggering.”
2007-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5727 (2007) · source
“Furthermore, the United States and others have also been working with the Iraqi Government to ensure that the Iraqi scientists previously engaged in Iraqi WMD programmes, many of whom are accomplished scientists and experts in their respective fields, are gainfully employed and contributing their substantial expertise to the reconstruction of Iraq. Perhaps most importantly, Iraq is no longer a country that has any political intent or military plan to utilize such terrible weapons.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“Nonetheless, in spite of exhaustive investigations, the Iraqi Survey Group uncovered no evidence suggesting that Iraq possessed or was developing biological weapons, agents or production facilities. In summation, with the findings of the Iraqi Survey Group, the extensive and careful efforts of the Multinational Force and experts, and the aggressive corrective actions taken by the Iraqi Government, at present there is no longer any reason to believe that significant quantities of Saddam-era weapons of mass destruction remain undiscovered in Iraq.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“Given Iraq's investment in technology and infrastructure improvements in an effective procurement network, skilled scientists and designs already on the books for longer-range missiles, the Iraqi Survey Group assessed that Saddam Hussein clearly intended to reconstitute long-range delivery systems that could potentially be used as a delivery platform for weapons of mass destruction. The Iraq Survey Group also determined that Iraq could have established an elementary biological weapons programme within one month or less if desired. The Group judged that in 1991 and 1992 Iraq destroyed most of its undeclared stocks of biological weapons and agents. Some remaining biological- weapons-related seed stocks were destroyed following their discovery by coalition forces following Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“Debriefing of Iraqi officials from the former regime, in addition to some documentation that has been reviewed, suggests that Iraq did not retain such missiles after 1991. However, the Group did find Iraqi plans or designs for three long-range ballistic missiles with ranges from 400 to 1,000 kilometres, and for a 1,000-kilometre-range cruise missile, although none of those systems progressed to production and only one reportedly passed the design phase. The Iraq Survey Group assessed that those plans demonstrated Saddam's continuing desire, up to the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to acquire a long-range delivery capability.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“The Government of Iraq has also distributed hand-held monitoring equipment to 17 border points thus far. That project represents Iraq's first move to implement radiological border monitoring. Since 2003, coalition forces have also worked closely with the Government of Iraq to ensure that radiological sources are properly secured and closely monitored. Proper and secure arrangements for their appropriate disposition are made at the discretion of the Iraqi authorities. This close cooperation with coalition forces and careful accountability of radiological sources have prevented the compromise of this sensitive material. The Iraqi Survey Group uncovered no evidence that Iraq has retained SCUD-variant missiles.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“With Iraqi survey teams checking locations known to have had radioactive sources in the past, the organization has nearly completed an inventory of Iraq's radioactive sources and has confirmed and inventoried all those currently in use. Unwanted radioactive sources have been collected and placed in secure storage. Last year alone 260 missions were conducted covering all Iraqi governorates. Field survey missions are ongoing, concentrating now on lost or orphan radioactive sources. As a result, 1,130 radiation sources have been recovered, while 1,680 radiation sources have been accounted for and updated in the inventory. To help secure Iraq's borders, a radioactive border control training programme has been established for customs officers and others.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“The Government of Iraq has requested and is receiving IAEA and other international assistance to help Iraqi authorities establish full compliance with all IAEA requirements concerning remaining material connected to nuclear- weapon programmes. Furthermore, the Iraqi Government has established the Iraqi Radioactive Source Regulatory Authority (IRSRA), in cooperation with the IAEA, along with the United States Departments of State and of Energy and the Nuclear Research Council. Iraq has committed itself to operating this new, independent agency in accordance with the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. IRSRA currently has a staff of 54 people.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“With regard to nuclear weapons, the Iraq Survey Group uncovered evidence of the maturity and intent of the pre-1991 Iraqi nuclear programme. The Government determined, however, that the Iraqi ability to reconstitute a nuclear weapons programme had progressively deteriorated after 1991, despite Saddam Hussein's interest in nuclear weapons and in retaining nuclear weapons scientists. There was no evidence that his Government made a serious effort to acquire the fissile materials needed to develop a nuclear-weapon programme. The Iraq National Monitoring Directorate has been transformed by the Government of Iraq into an organization that fully supports international non- proliferation goals.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“The Iraq Survey Group determined that, following the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq abandoned efforts to preserve its pre-1991 chemical weapon capability and destroyed most of its undeclared chemical weapon stockpiles in 1991. A significant number of old, pre-1991 abandoned chemical munitions have since been discovered and secured by Coalition forces. Since 2003, multinational experts have implemented a series of measures to seal and secure remaining chemical weapon sites. Coalition forces have worked hard to investigate reports of abandoned chemical munitions to ensure that they are accounted for, analyzed and destroyed to prevent any hazard to Iraqi civilians. Coalition forces continue to work with the Government of Iraq to ensure the safety and structural integrity of these sites.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“The Iraq Survey Group report made clear Saddam Hussein's intent to develop weapons of mass destruction as soon as United Nations sanctions were lifted, the fact that he maintained a breakout capacity that would have enabled rapid production of chemical and biological weapons and the fact that he repeatedly made false reports to United Nations inspectors of WMD programmes. With regard to chemical weapons, it is evident that Iraq had constructed facilities prior to March 2003 that could produce chemical weapons. Iraq had the capacity to produce large quantities of sulphur mustards within three to six months, as well as the capacity to produce nerve agents within two years.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“In looking to the future, the Iraqi Government has a solid commitment to non-proliferation embodied in its Constitution, approved by the citizens of Iraq in October 2005. Article 9 states, "The Iraqi government shall respect and implement Iraq's international commitments regarding the non-proliferation, non- development, non-production, and non-use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and shall prohibit associated equipment, material, technologies, and delivery systems for use in the development, manufacture, production, and use of such weapons." This fact and this commitment stand in contrast to the circumstances under Saddam Hussein's regime.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“The Iraq Survey Group, comprised of 1,400 experts from several countries, worked diligently from the spring of 2003 through early 2005 to investigate Iraq's WMD stockpiles, such as chemical and biological agents, and any research programmes and infrastructure that could be used to develop WMDs. While security conditions in Iraq have at times made this work difficult and dangerous, the Iraq Survey Group and the Multinational Force have been well equipped and trained to conduct such investigations. These efforts have demonstrated that the current Government of Iraq does not possess any weapons of mass destruction or delivery systems. The Multinational Force, however, continues from time to time to discover residual abandoned stocks of munitions, which are handled appropriately in coordination with the Government of Iraq.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“As the Council prepares to vote to terminate the mandates of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Iraq Nuclear Verification Office upon completion of their missions, I appreciate this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the subject of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in Iraq from 2003 to the present. First, I would like to commend the work of the dedicated professionals in UNMOVIC, IAEA and the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) since 1991. The United States and the United Kingdom, along with the other United Nations Members who constitute the Multinational Force in Iraq, have taken all appropriate steps to investigate each credible report of the presence of weapons of mass destruction or their delivery systems in Iraq.”
2007-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5710 (2007) · source
“Yet, revenues from natural resources continue to fund violent conflicts throughout the world. For that reason, we welcome the efforts of Foreign Minister De Gucht - whom we welcome and thank for his leadership and for presiding over this meeting - to host this meeting and this opportunity to focus on ways that national Governments and the international community can harness natural resources for productive purposes. We look forward to continuing to contribute to this effort. We expect that this dialogue and the surge of interest in this important issue will continue.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Good governance includes working within the country's financial and judicial institutions, which are responsible for collecting Government revenues from the extractive industries and enforcing contracts and regulatory actions. Good governance also includes civil society participation in deciding how resources are managed and in clarifying resource rights, which is particularly important in post- conflict settings and peace agreements to prevent further eruptions of violence over control of resources. Finally, together we have made progress, but, as I said before, we still have a long way to go to prevent the struggle over natural resources from fuelling conflict. It was 10 years ago that the United States had the opportunity to raise this issue during our presidency of the Council.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia and Cambodia, we are assisting efforts to clarify forest use rights and land tenure, particularly for poor and indigenous populations. Our work to support the Sava River Commission has brought formerly hostile parties together in several former Yugoslav republics to collaborate in managing a key transboundary resource represented by the water of the Sava River. Fourthly, the issue of addressing and properly managing natural resources is necessarily related to good governance and transparency. Those are the essential factors needed to delink natural resources from violent conflict.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Thirdly, if we adopt innovative approaches, we can make progress. For example, the Liberia Forest Initiative - which the United States launched in 2003 together with the Government of Liberia, other donors and non-governmental organizations - is increasingly viewed as a model for forest reform efforts in Africa and elsewhere. The United States co-sponsored the Forest Law Enforcement and Governance ministerial meetings in East Asia in 2001, Africa in 2003, and Europe and North Asian in 2005, which have gone a long way towards raising political awareness and commitment to action to address illegal activities in the forest sector worldwide. The United States is also working across Asia to reduce pervasive forest-related conflicts.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In our bilateral assistance programmes, the United States has made the sustainable management of natural resources a component of our development strategies in countries where extractive industries are a major or potentially major revenue source. In particular, we have focused on forests, land, minerals and water and their linkages to violent conflict and post-conflict peacebuilding. The transparent, sustainable management of forests achieves many goals. It can keep timber revenues from being used to finance violent conflict; prevent forests from serving as safe havens for armed groups; ensure equitable access to and benefits from forest resources to reduce the risk of conflicts involving indigenous people, local elites and outsiders; and is essential for sustainable development and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Those voluntary principles provide practical guidance to companies to strengthen human rights safeguards in their security arrangements in the extractive sector. In 2003, the United States signed on to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to control and monitor the world's trade in rough diamonds and to prevent diamonds from being used to finance rebel movements. At the G-8 summit in 2003, the United States joined other G-8 leaders in committing to a broad- based anti-corruption and transparency action plan that included one component to pilot, on a voluntary basis, an intensified approach to transparency in the extractive industries sector. That G-8 initiative spurred the negotiation and adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, signed by 140 countries to date.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Those efforts should put a particular focus on the participation of women, since they are often dependent on natural resources and most affected by violent conflicts. The United States has also been at the forefront of efforts by the international community - Governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, the World Bank, the United Nations, the Global Environment Facility, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the G-8 - both to prevent the illicit use of resources from fuelling conflicts and to harness those natural resources for sustainable development. In 2000, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands; 16 oil, mining and energy companies; together with human rights, labour and corporate responsibility groups developed voluntary principles on security and human rights.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Since then, the international community has taken important steps to address the use of natural resources to finance conflict, particularly in Africa, and to help ensure that revenues from natural resources are put to good use. However, we still have a long way to go. Secondly, the United States has taken this issue seriously in multilateral and bilateral venues alike. The United States has strongly supported efforts by the Security Council to prevent the use of natural resources to sustain conflicts in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the implementation of regulatory mechanisms and, as necessary, sanctions. We also believe that the transparent, equitable management of natural resources is a key aspect of post-conflict reconstruction that should be addressed by the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“I would like to start by thanking you, Sir, and your entire delegation for your efforts to bring this important issue before the Council during your presidency. In terms of our discussion, I would like to make five points. First, this is an important issue - one that we have been interested in for some time. Ten years ago, the Security Council convened a ministerial-level meeting to discuss the causes of conflict in Africa. In response to the Council's request, then-Secretary- General Arman issued a report on the sources of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa that identified the struggle for control over natural resources - diamonds, timber and other raw materials - as factors contributing to conflicts in Liberia, Angola and Sierra Leone.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In closing, let me confirm that the multinational forces remain dedicated to helping the Iraqi security forces build their capabilities so that they may assume full responsibility for securing and defending their country. The international community shares a common interest in ensuring the success of the Iraqi efforts to create a peaceful, stable and prosperous country, which is important not only for the people of Iraq, but also for the region and the entire world.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“Sustained international support in Iraq - including through contributions to the fund for security expenses, as well as the provision of forces for United Nations security - will enable the United Nations to remain focused on its core assistance objectives in Iraq. MNF-I is ready to assist with United Nations security as necessary. We extend our sincere appreciation to Special Representative Qazi for his efforts over the past three years to assist the Iraqi Government and people in their rebuilding efforts. Special Representative Qazi has worked closely with the Government of Iraq, the Iraqi people, the multinational forces and regional governments in support of Iraq, and we thank him for his dedication and service.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“We laud the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which remains firm in its ongoing commitment to help the Iraqi people despite the difficult security environment. The specialized assistance of the United Nations will be critical to Iraq's long-term development and stability. We look forward to the upcoming discussions on how to revise UNAMI's mandate so as to encourage a robust presence to assist Iraq's political and economic progress and to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced people. We welcome the contributions made in support of United Nations security efforts in Iraq. Georgia, South Korea and Romania have provided security forces for UNAMI that have been essential to the United Nations operations in Iraq. Fiji continues to provide United Nations guard protection.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“Iraqi leaders also continue their bilateral outreach to strengthen relations with Iraq's neighbours, and we encourage all parties to expand those efforts. We welcome Turkey's offer to host the next expanded neighbours' meeting later this year. Securing Iraq's borders is vital. Iraq is not able to accomplish that task on its own; it requires the goodwill and efforts of Iraq's neighbours as well. Not all of Iraq's neighbours have been helpful. We remain concerned that certain countries continue to support violent extremists who seek to undermine Iraq's political progress. The flow of foreign terrorists and weapons into Iraq is particularly destabilizing. We call upon all Member States to repudiate that behaviour and to endorse Prime Minister Al-Maliki's repeated requests for an end to foreign interference in Iraq's political process.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“As part of the continuing process of handing over the security lead to Iraqi security forces, multinational forces transferred security responsibility for the southern Iraq province of Maysan in April and for the northern provinces of Sulaimaniya, Erbil and Dohuk on 30 May. Iraqi security forces have now assumed the security lead in seven provinces. We are working steadily to achieve further transfers as the Iraqi security forces and Iraqi provincial governments build their capacity to take on that responsibility. On 4 May, the Egyptian Government hosted an expanded neighbours' meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh to facilitate greater regional dialogue and support for Iraqi efforts to rebuild the country. Follow-up, particularly by the working groups established in Sharm, is needed to continue the momentum begun by that initiative.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“We see considerable interest and activity in other provinces with regard to extending the success of the popular resistance to Al- Qaida that has been demonstrated in Anbar province. Iraqi security forces are undertaking a greater role in Iraq's security, taking the lead in raids and other operations to combat insurgents, militias, terrorists and criminals. In the month of May, the Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade alone conducted more than 48 operations targeting terrorists, regardless of their sect. Iraqi forces continue to conduct operations throughout the country.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“Iraqi and multinational forces continue to establish joint security stations and combat outposts in the city and in surrounding areas. The performance of the Iraqi Security Forces is critical to the success of those efforts. There are other developments in Iraq's stand against the insurgency. Opposition to Al-Qaida in Anbar province is growing, aided by combined operations in Ramadi with Iraqi security and multinational forces that include the establishment of Iraqi police stations and joint security stations throughout the city. Iraqi security forces are recruiting in greater numbers in Anbar province, demonstrating the determination of the people to participate in the fight against insurgents and Al-Qaida and to assist with the security of the country.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“In a demonstration of resolve to stand up to terrorists, the Council met the following day. We applaud that courageous act and commitment to serving the interests of the Iraqi people. Operation Fardh al-Qanun - "imposing the law" - continues to work to improve security in the Baghdad area in order to provide the time and space for political and economic progress. The Operation is entering its fifth month, and although it is still too early to project results, there have been signs of a significant shift in the distribution of the Violence. While high-profile terrorist attacks and attacks against coalition forces are still frequent, sectarian murders and attacks against civilians in Baghdad have decreased from the levels seen in January. We are also seeing significant increases in the number of weapons caches found.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“It is another deliberate attempt by terrorists to sow dissent and inflame sectarian strife among the people of Iraq. We call on all Iraqis to reject that provocation. Most of the attacks in Iraq have occurred in Baghdad, Anbar, Salah al Din and Diyala provinces, and the majority of the victims are Iraqi civilians. We regret the suffering of the Iraqi people and the many innocent lives lost. Those seeking to undermine Iraq continue to use a variety of methods to kill and maim, as witnessed by the use of lethal vehicle-borne improvised explosive bombings in the Baghdad area in April. Also in April, a suicide bomber blew himself up in the building housing the Iraqi Council of Representatives, killing one Council member and wounding several other people.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source