YouSaid · the spoken record

Koenders

lines on the record: 182
first: 2007-04-17
most recent: 2017-01-10
sittings or episodes: 15
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The elections were held across the national territory thanks to the preliminary agreement, adopted on 18 June in Ouagadougou by the Government and the armed groups in the northern regions of Mali. The agreement paved the way for elections in the north, and will be followed by inclusive talks on a comprehensive peace settlement, which will start 60 days after the establishment of a new Government. The United Nations has played an important role in the negotiations, in close collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. I welcome the critical contributions of those organizations in those endeavours.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“Through that exemplary event, Malian men and women demonstrated their desire to turn the page after the disturbing events of the recent past - the occupation of the north by extremist groups, the coup d'etat and the collapse of national institutions. A decisive step was taken to restore constitutional order and the country's stability. The second major achievement concerns the successful, although incomplete, establishment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). On 1 July, we welcomed the troops of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali. Although MINUSMA had just been established, it still actively contributed to ensuring the safety of the presidential elections and creating favourable political conditions for holding the elections.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“It is a great pleasure and an honour for me to address the Security Council today. The second report of the Secretary- General on the situation in Mali, which is before the Council (8/2013/582), follows up on resolution 2100 (2013). I wish to offer an overview of the political and security situation in Mali, the progress made since my briefing at the end of June (see S/PV.6985) and the challenges that lie ahead. At the outset, it is important to underscore two important achievements. In July and August, the Malian people massively and calmly participated in the presidential elections. The transitional authorities, political actors and all the national stakeholders rallied to ensure the success of the elections throughout the national territory.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“I take this opportunity to call on Member States to fully support us and contribute critical and immediate resources, military and police personnel, and key enablers. In closing, allow me to thank the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and other international partners for their commitment to addressing the Malian crisis. I particularly would like to extend my gratitude to the African Union Special Representative for Mali and Head of AFISMA, former President Pierre Buyoya, for his personal role and involvement in ongoing stabilization efforts. Also, I would like to commend AFISMA troops for their courage and dedication to the cause of peace and stability in Mali and reiterate my condolences to the bereaved families of their fallen brothers in arms.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“It underlines the need to emphasize a political solution to the fundamental problems of the country, including human rights, the restoration of State authority and the rule of law sectors. It underlines, if agreed, the need to deploy a peacekeeping operation in a context of asymmetric threats that will be taken very seriously. At present, naturally, our resources are still limited. We are immediately called to assist in two key areas - the implementation of the preliminary accord and the upcoming elections - that constitute preliminary steps towards the next important phase. The success of these activities will depend on key confidence-building and assistance to put Mali on the path of stability.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“In this regard, I welcome the preliminary agreement and call on the parties to support its full implementation in the spirit of national cohesion and long-lasting peace. Further, I invite the political class to reach a firm consensus on the electoral process, in spite of anticipated risks, and encourage all Malians to ensure an inclusive non-violent electoral and post- electoral period. Supporting the transitional authorities in providing an environment conducive to the holding of peaceful and transparent elections and the implementation of the preliminary agreement will be a key focus of my efforts in the weeks to come. The robust mandate the Council has given us includes the stabilization of key population centres and the protection of civilians.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“As we focus on the wider region, we also need to acknowledge that long-term support will be required. In Mali, the root causes of the crises will need to be addressed, as noted above, including bad governance, corruption, cleavages within and between regions and groups, a sense of political exclusion on the part of a new generation, poverty and the lack of security sector reform. Any solution can only be Malian in nature, and accompanied by the international community. For that to happen, broad based dialogue is needed, thoroughly analysing the complex causes of the crisis that has shocked so many Malians, in order to prevent it from happening again. The international community is showing great solidarity, and I urge all Malians to seize this opportunity to steer their country in the right direction.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“The recent attacks in Niger are a stark reminder of the magnitude of the problems facing the Sahel region. As international attention is focused on Mali, terrorist and other criminal groups will continue to shift their operations to neighbouring countries as a result of the porous and extremely weak border management control systems in place. Effectively addressing the challenges facing the Sahel region will require time and very concerted efforts. The upcoming meeting of the Support and Follow-up Group on Mali on 1 July in Bamako and the presentation of the United Nations integrated strategy to the Council tomorrow will provide good opportunities to further highlight the transnational nature of threats and the need for a coherent and coordinated approach in tackling them.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“A total of 14 of Timbuktu's mausoleums, including those that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, have been totally destroyed, along with two others at the Djingareyber Mosque. The emblematic E1 Farouk monument at the entrance to the city was also razed. An estimated 4,203 manuscripts from the Ahmed Baba research centre were lost, while another 300,000 that had been pre-emptively removed i mainly to Bamako - and are in urgent need of conservation. On the basis of this early assessment, MINUSMA and UNESCO will join hands, as requested by the Security Council, in efforts to support the safeguarding of Malian cultural and historical heritage, which has been seriously affected by the armed conflict in northern Mali. The situation in Mali has, as Council members know, broad regional and international repercussions.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Meanwhile, the Mission continues to mainstream gender issues throughout its activities. In cooperation with UN-Women and the Ministry of Women's Affairs, it is supporting the national strategy for women's participation in the elections, as well as advocacy towards the allocation of a women's quota in the electoral process. Also, the Mission is setting up mechanisms to address and prevent conflict-related sexual violence. In turn, these mechanisms will pave the way to support for the Government in the establishment of institutional structures to address sexual and gender-based violence in the framework of security sector reform. With regard to support for cultural preservation, UNESCO and the Government of Mali have recently jointly assessed the damage to Timbuktu's cultural heritage, including the situation of ancient manuscripts.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“I have sent human rights teams to Gao, Gossi, Timbuktu and Kidal. They have registered violations committed by all parties. These include disappearances, extrajudicial executions, ill-treatment, looting of private property, illegal arrests and arbitrary detention, as well as impunity, which is exacerbated by ethnic tensions between different communities. In addition, there is a severe shortage in the delivery of basic services such as clean water, health care and education, which are our top priorities. Following the organization of the national colloquium on transitional justice, discussions are taking place as we speak in Bamako on transitional justice processes, entailing truth-seeking, investigations, the prosecution of perpetrators and reparations, with the support of UNDP and MINUSMA.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Although most of the administration has returned to the Gao and Timbuktu regions, the delivery of services remains a very serious challenge. Some schools have reopened in those regions, but in Kidal the administration has yet to deploy and no schools are functioning. It is estimated that more than 100,000 children still have no access to education in the north. Access to health care also remains limited. As of 18 June, the consolidated appeal process for Mali for 2013 was 32-per cent funded, having raised $133 million. In my view, additional resources are urgently needed to address the basic needs of millions of Malians and pave the way for early recovery, which will be critical to gaining and retaining the trust and support of the people. The human rights situation remains precarious.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“We are currently assessing the needs in the context of our capabilities. Humanitarian needs in Mali remain of concern to me. About 3.5 million people are considered food insecure, with 1.4 million of them in need of immediate food assistance and at least one in five households in the three northern regions facing a severe food shortage. Some 660,000 children under the age of five remain at risk of acute malnutrition. Mali, north and south combined, has the third highest child mortality rate worldwide, with 176 deaths per 1,000 live births. Humanitarian activities in the northern regions are being carried out where possible in spite of the security challenges and the coming rainy season, which will to a certain extent limit the delivery of assistance.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“One of the challenges is to ensure that IDPs can retrieve their NINA cards so they can vote in their current places of residence. Concerning the participation of refugees, on 14 June a Government delegation visited Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger to conduct a census of refugees with a view to identifying potential voters and discuss modalities for setting up polling stations in the respective countries. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration are working closely with the Government in this regard. Concerning the provision of security throughout the electoral period, the Government has requested the support of MINUSMA, particularly for the northern regions.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Meanwhile, importantly for the Council, preparations are under way for the elections, starting with the presidential polls on 28 July. At the request of the Government, MINUSMA is supporting the deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the northern regions as we speak. These include the national identification card - known as NINA cards - which will be the sole cards allowing individuals to vote. Meanwhile, coordination mechanisms have been established to enhance joint United Nations support to the elections as the Mission continues to deploy. Major challenges remain, including the need to maintain the broad political consensus on technical aspects of the elections, the timely delivery of electoral materials, and issues of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“The long-awaited National Commission for Dialogue and Reconciliation was established on 25 April and its 33 members, including its President and two Vice -Presidents, were appointed. The Commission came under some criticism for the perceived lack of transparency and inclusiveness in the selection of its members. Its mandate and scope were also deemed by many as too broad. However, people generally welcomed its establishment and look forward to the start of its activities if it addresses long-standing issues of truth and impunity. The Commission nonetheless faces technical and logistical challenges. The international community on the ground is determined to provide the necessary support and resources, and has established for this purpose a coordination mechanism at the request of the Commission and led by MINUSMA.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“An international commission of inquiry will also have to be established to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, crimes of sexual violence, drug trafficking and other serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law throughout the territory of Mali. Although a first and preliminary step, the agreement is critical, not only because ofthe forthcoming elections, but also because it commits the parties to a post- electoral dialogue. If it is to be successful, the dialogue will need to be comprehensive and inclusive, and tackle the root causes of the recurrent crises in Mali. Some limited progress was also registered on the broader political front.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“From 1 July onwards, if the Council so agrees, the MINUSMA Force Commander will chair the established Joint Technical Security Commission, which has started overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire in Kidal. This includes the process of cantonment as a first step in the process of disarmament and demobilization, the return to Kidal of the Malian armed forces with Serval and AFISMA, and the return of the administration. For my part, I will chair on behalf of the United Nations the international commission that will monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) In that context, I am happy to report that on 18 June the transitional Government of Mali and armed groups in the northern regions, particularly the MNLA and the Haut Conseil de l'Azawad signed a preliminary agreement on the presidential elections and inclusive negotiations. The Mouvement arabe de 1'Azawad and the popular front officially adhered to the preliminary agreement on the same day. I signed as a witness on behalf of the United Nations. The preliminary agreement is, in my view, an important first step towards the full restoration of constitutional order and territorial integrity. It paves the way for the holding of elections nationwide, including in Kidal, and subsequent dialogue with elected officials on governance, justice, security sector reform and reconciliation issues.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Meanwhile, the Malian army has reinforced its presence in Gao. On 4 June, the Malian army launched an attack on the MNLA, taking the town of Anefis, which it holds to this day. As the threat of asymmetric actions and violent clashes remains signficant, the protection of civilians and the security of United Nations personnel are among my main concerns as we lay the groundwork for MINUSMA in Bamako and the regions of the north. In this fragile security situation, regional and international partners, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union and the United Nations have stepped up their efforts to convince the Government of Mali and the MNLA to resume dialogue under the auspices of the ECOWAS mediator and his team in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“We have reported clashes between the Mouvement national pour la liberation de l'Azawad (MNLA) and various armed groups in the north - essentially the Mouvement arabe de l'Azawad, the Mouvement pour l'unicite et le jihad en Afrique de l'Ouest and other armed Tuareg and Arab elements. Several reasons have been behind the clashes, including fighting for control of some routes used for drug trafficking and other goods, as well as acts of revenge for the atrocities committed against civilians during the occupation. In addition, another armed Tuareg movement - the Haut Conseil de l'Azawad - has been established as a coalition of the Mouvement islamique de l'Azawad and elements of the MNLA. As for the region ofKidal, the MNLA has maintained control of the city of Kidal and its surroundings and strengthened its presence in some localities.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“The major fighting has stopped and the security situation in Timbuktu and Gao is gradually returning to normal, thanks to the presence of AFISMA and Operation Serval alongside the Malian forces. The incidents recorded in these areas recently should be seen as isolated acts of banditry. Furthermore, the extremist groups seem to be avoiding direct confrontation with the Malian army and its allies. However, scattered operations continue, leading to the discovery of several weapons caches. Despite this improvement in the security situation, the situation remains complex and fragile.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“Ladsous will focus more specifically on strategic and operational issues related to the transition, and Ms. Haq on the complex issue of support to the Mission. The security situation has gradually improved as a result of the military operations launched in January by the Malian army and France against extremist groups in northern Mali. Most large cities in the north have been taken. Since these large-scale operations, the forces of Operation Serval and the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) have undertaken tactical operations. There have been no major clashes. Since these operations, some extremist elements have joined the population and others have left the country.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“It is an honour and a pleasure for me to address the Security Council from Bamako in my new capacity as Special Representative of the Secretary General for Mali. The report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Mali, which is before the Council in document S/2013/338, follows up on resolution 2100 (2013) of 25 April, establishing the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). I wish to offer an overview of the situation on the ground in my briefing, focusing on four main themes: the security situation; the mediation process and national reconciliation, including the recently concluded preliminary agreement; preparations for the elections; and the humanitarian and human rights situations. Mr.”
2013-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6985 (2013) · source
“This will be a critical year for cote d'Ivoire and for UNOCI, which I hope will continue to enjoy the strong and sustained support of the Security Council. In the context of a volatile regional security situation, the stability and economic success of Cote d'Ivoire are more important than ever to the stability of West Africa. As requested by the Council, a Headquarters assessment mission will be deployed in early February. The mission will thoroughly assess the situation on the ground, assist the mission in developing benchmarks with the Government, as requested, to measure progress, and prepare a special report to the Council to be issued by 31 March.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“It is essential that those who are responsible for gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law be held accountable, irrespective of their political affiliation and in accordance with the country's international obligations. Improvements in the justice and penitentiary systems have been triggered and can be further enhanced to combat impunity in a sustainable way and improve access to equitable justice. In conclusion, the Government of Cote d'Ivoire will continue to need the support and engagement of its international and regional partners, including the United Nations, in order to consolidate the significant gains achieved and address remaining challenges and the root causes - notably land and identity issues - of the repeated crises that have engulfed the country on so many occasions over the past decades.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“Turning to human rights, violence has been reported during attacks on civilians and security forces, as well as during operations and arrests undertaken by security forces. I condemn all violence and violations of human rights. UNOCI is engaged in activities aimed at preventing and promoting the respect of human rights, especially those of women and children, and the mission has also strengthened training on human rights for Ivoirian security forces and provides assistance on issues related to the justice reform and investigations. I am troubled about continued reports of sexual violence. Perceived impunity remains an important concern, and recent violations - including those in Bonon and Nahibly - have to be thoroughly investigated, as requested by the Council.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“The two missions have also enhanced information-sharing and regular meetings, and are developing a cross-border communication strategy within the context of intermission cooperation. UNOCI is also strengthening its cooperation with the United Nations country team in Ghana on issues of common concern, notably that of Ivorian refugees living in Ghana. I would also like to bring to the Council's attention the fact that, in response to recent developments in Mali and as part of prudent planning, UNOCI has increased its vigilance and security preparedness along Cote d'Ivoire's northern border with Mali and in support of Ivorian efforts to secure the border. The United Nations humanitarian community, meanwhile, is finalizing contingency planning efforts.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“This process also aims at fostering a more integrated approach between the mission and the country team, as the Council requested at our most recent meeting, and more proactive outreach to other key actors on the ground, such as non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector. Meanwhile, and with a view to strengthening the important tool of inter-mission cooperation, UNOCI and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) have also been coordinating actions and the use of assets in the border area, in support of the increased cooperation between Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, notably through the use of the three armed helicopters that shortly will be transferred from UNMIL to UNOCI for cross-border operations.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“For our part, UNOCI has strengthened its military presence along the borders with Liberia and Ghana. As per the mandate assigned by the Council to the mission, protection of civilians remains a major priority, requiring concerted efforts on the part of the Government and UNOCI, without prejudice to the Government's primary responsibility to protect its people. In order to maximize synergies and enhance the implementation of its mandate at the local level and throughout the country, we have, in cooperation with the United Nations Country Team, strengthened the presence of civilian personnel in a number of field offices assisting the process of conflict prevention and mitigation.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“Although their intensity has diminished somewhat in recent weeks, these attacks have highlighted both a higher degree of paramilitary organization within opposition groups and vulnerabilities in the national security and law enforcement institutions. They also highlighted the need to prioritize SSR and DDR programmes, as mentioned earlier, including support to the police and judicial actors in investigating such attacks more professionally and rapidly. To address those challenges and, more generally, prevailing insecurity in western Cote d'Ivoire, including criminal activities, armed robbery, the illegal circulation of weapons and cross-border movements, which also affect international development partners and the private sector, the Government has responded swiftly, including recently by conducting a joint operation with Liberia.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“Finally, a new and smaller Government was formed in late November under the leadership of Prime Minister Duncan. While Cote d'Ivoire has registered remarkable progress on several fronts, significant challenges remain to be addressed in 2013. The root causes of instability and potential triggers of violence still need to be tackled, including some of the issues I have mentioned, related to governance, justice and human rights, as well as land tenure and identity. As Members of the Council are aware, between August and October 2012 there was a spate of attacks targeting national security forces in and around Abidjan, and along the borders with Ghana and Liberia, with the aim of destabilizing President Ouattara's Government.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“Following the recent meetings of the Consultative Group held in Paris on 4 and 5 December 2012, at which donors pledged over $8 billion to fill the funding gap of the country's national development plan for 2013-2015, investments in employment and basic social services, notably health and education in vulnerable areas, are now particularly critical, as is sustained focus on good governance and fighting corruption, and continued coordination with donors to follow through on the commitments made in Paris. It is also noteworthy that State authority is being restored throughout the country and that the National Assembly is functional. Before going on recess in December 2012, the Assembly passed some important bills, including one relating to the ratification of the Rome Statute.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“I note the importance of launching, immediately and on an urgent basis, initiatives aimed at building confidence within and among the police, the gendarmerie and the armed forces. Such an approach is essential not only to security but also to the other national priorities, in particular reconciliation and political dialogue. (spoke in English) Over the past six months, cote d'Ivoire has continued to make important progress in terms of economic development. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General, the economy is on a fast track to recovery and growth rates are impressive.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“In close cooperation with its bilateral and multilateral partners, UNOCI has made its expertise in those two fields available to the Government, with a stress on reinsertion and reintegration, which are critical to any DDR process. We appreciate the Government's move to launch the DDR process as soon as possible, and we encourage it to pursue that dynamic on the basis of three priorities: a politically balanced process; a database of ex-combatants with credible numbers and clearly defined eligibility criteria to which UNOCI has full access, as demanded in resolution 2062 (2012); and meaningful and innovative reinsertion and reintegration programmes. With respect to security reform, the Secretary- General's report provides detailed information on the priorities requiring sustained follow-up.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“A comprehensive SSR strategy, which defines immediate and long-term priorities for national security, has been drawn up and a secretariat has been created to pilot the reform's implementation. It provides for key phases for the establishment of a disciplined, republican and responsible armed force, enhanced effectiveness of the gendarmerie and police, and strengthened protection for civilians throughout the country. At the same time, the Government has adopted a national DDR policy and created a single authority in charge of DDR. It is is now imperative that cote D'Ivoire begin implementing these two programmes in a concrete fashion. SSR and DDR are critical tools for consolidating stability in the country, and are also among the most arduous of tasks.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“Resolution 2062 (2012) calls for the coming local elections to "foster political inclusiveness and reconciliation, considering proper timing, security conditions and relevant electoral reform" (ibia'., para. 16). The elections were scheduled for late February, but this week the President announced a delay of several weeks in order to "allow all major political parties to participate". As Council members know, pursuant to our mandate and in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme, UNOCI will provide limited support to the local elections, as its electoral assistance division was shut down, although a small number of experts have been retained to support the process. Allow me now to raise the critical question of security. The Government has launched significant reforms.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“I welcome the easing of tensions in recent weeks, which I believe offers a genuine opportunity. I recall here the terms of resolution 2062 (2012), adopted by the Council last July, which welcomed Government initiatives to "enhance political dialogue with the political opposition, including extra-parliamentary political parties" (resolution 2062 (2012), para. 11), and further called on the Government to "continue to step up concrete measures in this regard and ensure political space for the opposition" (ibid.). At the same time, the resolution very clearly urges the opposition parties to play a constructive role in reconciliation. Moreover, open, transparent, free and regular elections could be an opportunity to bolster the democratic process in C6te D'Ivoire and contribute to national reconciliation.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“I would like to turn first to the question of political dialogue and reconciliation by underlining a number of commendable Government initiatives that have recently contributed to an easing of political tensions. I am thinking in particular of the provisional release of political detainees in late December 2012, several meetings of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the most recent of which was held this morning, and the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Duncan and the the Front populaire ivoirien. These efforts are critical as significant political divisions and tensions society still exist within Ivorian. As Special Representative of the Secretary-General, I use my good offices to encourage inclusive processes and facilitate reconciliation.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“At the same time, to ensure that the progress made is robust and lasting in a political and security situation that remains sensitive at both the national and regional levels, several urgent structural measures must be taken and implemented in the coming months, especially in the closely interlinked areas of security, political dialogue, justice and reconciliation. The year 2013 will be an important one for Cote d'Ivoire. The situation is encouraging but remains fragile. Progress must be made simultaneously in the areas of security sector reform (SSR), disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), and political dialogue and reconciliation so that C6te d'Ivoire can act as a pillar of stability in its troubled subregion.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“It is a great honour and pleasure for me to address the Security Council today. The thirty-first progress report of the Secretary- General (S/2012/964) on the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire (UNOCI), which Council members have before them, provides an update on the situation on the ground since my last briefing on 26 July 2012 (see S/PV.6808) and the implementation of resolution 2062 (2012). Eighteen months on from the post-electoral crisis and following the difficult weeks of summer and early autumn, marked by alarming security incidents, Cote d'Ivoire is now at an important turning point. Under the determined leadership of President Ouattara, the country is making encouraging progress towards economic growth, peace and stability. Most leaders and people want to turn the page and move towards the future.”
2013-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6902 (2013) · source
“In conclusion, let me say that the continued support of the Security Council is at this stage still crucial in order to ensure that we, together, successfully tackle the generalized risks that are typical of countries transitioning to a peacebuilding phase. I remain convinced that, with the Council's support, we can make a positive contribution to making C6te d'Ivoire a success story for its own people and, we hope, for the United Nations as a whole.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“In order to maximize its impact in these areas, UNOCI, together with the United Nations country team, is reinforcing its field presence. We have opened field offices with our military, police and civilian personnel presence in Guiglo, Tabou, Tai' and Toulepleu - some of the villages that members of the Security Council visited during the impressive mission that they undertook to Cote d'Ivoire in May. We will soon be opening additional offices and strengthening existing ones to enhance closer cooperation and coordination within the United Nations family, within existing resources. Our action is based on continuous vigilance, research for political solutions and efforts to enhance reconciliation as key to accomplishing our tasks successfully.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“Thus, efforts that could speed up security sector reform (SSR) and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) should be encouraged. In this regard, I wish to highlight the positive steps taken by President Ouattara to further the SSR and DDR agenda, including the creation of an inter-ministerial working group to develop a national framework for SSR and DDR. UNOCI stands ready to continue assisting the Government's efforts to make SSR and DDR a reality, which requires a unified DDR entity, strict rules on eligibility, and a reliable base. In this complex phase, it is important that the United Nations continue to play its supportive role in assisting the Government's efforts to stabilize the security situation, protect civilians, restore State authority, promote reconciliation, and undertake post-conflict development assistance.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“It is of crucial importance that the progress made be solidified, that impunity for human rights violations end, that perpetrators be brought to justice irrespective of their status or political affiliation, that all detainees receive clarity about their status, and that the investigation commission speed up its work. UNOCI remains preoccupied about this situation and asks the Security Council to pay special attention to this important issue. It is worth noting that, as indicated by the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Cote d'Ivoire, many human rights violations resulted less from the State's complicity than from its failure to prevent them, especially owing to the slow progress in reforming the security sector and restoring State authority throughout the country.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“However, if these elections are to be successful, it is necessary that certain conditions be met in terms of a larger responsibility of the Ivorian Government and clarity on proper timing, inclusiveness and security, as well as allowing for the reform of the electoral and administrative bodies concerned. It is only under clearly specified conditions related to these issues that any possible UNOCI support should be considered and given the means in financial, administrative and military terms to do undertake such tasks. Successful national reconciliation also requires the promotion of a culture of respect for human rights.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“It is important now that the Government continue working towards genuine political dialogue and reconciliation at all levels, and ensure political space for the opposition by clarifying the context and timetable for these consultations and taking reconciliatory measures where and when possible. At the same time, the opposition should play the role of a constructive opposition, use reconciliatory language, and contribute towards building a better future for the country and reconciliation. The upcoming local elections, for which the Government has requested United Nations assistance, could contribute to strengthening national reconciliation at the local level.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“On 27 and 28 April, a conclave chaired by the Prime Minister was held in Grand-Bassam, with the participation of the opposition parties, which resulted subsequently in a communique announcing the establishment of a follow-up mechanism for ongoing dialogue through which the Government and opposition have an opportunity to continue their exchanges. Yet, a new momentum should be created to allow the constructive engagement of all parties in political dialogue. All parties should strengthen their political will to engage in a well-formulated agenda for a serious political dialogue. The Government's initiative to engage in dialogue with the political opposition is a positive step.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“In particular, there is in our View an urgent need to tackle the root causes of the conflict and promote reconciliation through concrete measures at the national level, while prioritizing the strengthening of the rule of law and the restoration of State authority. It is important that the Government of C6te d'Ivoire place increasing emphasis on this very burning issue. National reconciliation is key to any process aimed at stabilization and peacebuilding. In this regard, the need for substantive genuine political dialogue remains paramount.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source
“Of special note are an action plan adopted by UNOCI and UNMIL and a quadripartite meeting comprising the Governments of the two countries, as well as UNOCI and UNMIL, that was held in Abidjan on 14 June - just a few days after the attacks - and resulted in an agreement between the parties to further enhance cooperation, including by reinforcing their presence on both sides of the border, intensified air and foot patrols, and activities to protect civilians, strengthened judicial cooperation, and measures to promote reconciliation and development. The need to combine firmness and vigilance, and to call on the Government to further increase its civilian presence, invest in development and ensure the equitable treatment concerning the land issue cannot be overemphasized at this stage.”
2012-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6808 (2012) · source