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1998-04-24

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2003-06-17

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un-security-council

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1. “There is a real risk that the Bonn process will stall if security is not extended to the provinces. Peace, stability and economic development can be achieved only through a prolonged commitment from the international community in Afghanistan. Security is the most essential condition for positive development.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

2. “Norway has a long-term perspective on its commitment to Afghanistan. It is essential that the international community honour the pledges made at the Afghanistan Development Forum in March this year and disburse funding fully and as quickly as possible. Norway is a strong supporter of joint financing mechanisms, such as the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). In order to strengthen the Afghan Transitional Administration, it is important that the large donors also support the Afghan national budget through the ARTF. Norway is very pleased that the Afghan authorities have taken the leadership in donor coordination through the establishment of the Consultative Group mechanism. At the same time, we emphasize the continued need for flexible and independent humanitarian action.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

3. “Afghans have a right to choose their own leaders. This is clearly recognized in the Bonn Agreement. A prerequisite for free and fair elections is a security situation in which people feel free to express their views without fear of intimidation or persecution. The United Nations agreement to play a key role in preparing the elections is welcome and needed. Significant progress in clarifying relations between the central Government and the provinces has been achieved lately, especially as regards customs and tax revenue. We strongly support the Afghan Transitional Administration in its efforts to control domestic revenue collection. Afghanistan is one of the major recipients of Norwegian development assistance. Norway has pledged $53 million in assistance to Afghanistan in 2003. So far, about 80 per cent has been disbursed or committed.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

4. “Norway appreciates that President Hamid Karzai is firmly committed to carrying out this fight in Afghanistan in cooperation with the international community. It is a fight that requires a multidimensional approach and the United Kingdom's efforts as the lead nation of donors involved in counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan are highly commendable. The Bonn Agreement spells out an ambitious timetable for the adoption of a new constitution that should safeguard the interests of all Afghan women and men. In this regard, it is vital that the Afghan people actively take part in an open consultation process as soon as possible. Norway supports this process through the Constitutional Commission and by supporting non- governmental organizations that facilitate consultations with the population on grass-roots levels.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

5. “Norway will continue to participate both in that operation and in Operation Enduring Freedom. We are convinced that, in the long run, successful implementation of an Afghan-led security sector reform is essential in order to ensure positive political and economic development in Afghanistan with the assistance of the international community. We have noted with interest the ongoing discussions on establishing provincial reconstruction teams in order to increase security in Afghanistan. The concerns raised regarding a confusion of roles between those teams and civilian aid workers need to closely looked at. The expanding drug economy is also a threat to peace and stability, not only in Afghanistan, but also in the region as a whole. Narcotics are rightly described as a cancer, and excising that cancer is vital for our societies.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

6. “Brahimi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and are very pleased to note the excellent relations that have grown out of the cooperation between the Afghan Transitional Administration and the Special Representative. Norway is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. The difficult security situation - which led to the tragic death of four German members of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), to the assassination of a staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross and to several recent attacks on civilian aid workers - is undermining the possibility of providing humanitarian assistance throughout the country. ISAF is crucial in maintaining stability and security in the Kabul area.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

7. “Today, the international spotlight is not on Afghanistan. However, it is of crucial importance that we not lose focus on Afghanistan. Remarkable progress has been achieved since the Bonn Agreement, but there is still much to do before we can ensure viable and lasting peace and security. Norway believes that the United Nations should be a key actor in the reconstruction process in post- conflict environments. We therefore fully support the integrated approach of the United Nations in Afghanistan. In effect, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has succeeded in taking an appropriate assisting role - as opposed to a leadership role - in the development process. We also stand fully behind the work of Mr.”

   2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source

8. “We have supported the African Union's work towards the effective and comprehensive implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) by its member States and have provided support for a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of countries in the region of the Southern African Development Community in order to follow up the specific measures of the resolution. Similarly, Norway has contributed bilateral technical assistance in the implementation of the obligations under resolution 1373 (2001) and related international obligations, as well as in the drafting and formatting of the national reports required by resolution 1373 (2001). The process has provided Norway with valuable knowledge and experience, which we are prepared to share with the Committee and its members.”

   2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734Resumption1 (2003) · source

9. “The action plan touches upon crucial themes such as information flow, international best practices, codes and standards and the role of regional and subregional organizations, as well as facilitating the provision of assistance. We are mindful of the technical difficulties some Member States may have in implementing the legal and financial measures envisaged in resolution 1373 (2001). Implementation through national legislation that covers all aspects and the establishment of appropriate executive instruments is no small task. This situation raises concerns that must be resolved through positive and coordinated action. We are, therefore, pleased to see that the action plan contains measures for facilitating the provision of assistance. Norway has provided technical assistance at the regional as well as the bilateral level.”

   2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734Resumption1 (2003) · source

10. “The strategy of cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations on promulgating best practices, seeking synergies of approach and the provision of assistance to Member States requiring technical support seems to have been very successful. Norway welcomed the convening of the special meeting of the Committee on 6 March, which brought together representatives of international, regional and subregional organizations with the aim of ensuring effective and systematic cooperation in the fight against terrorism. We are pleased to see that the contact has been formalized through the Committee's follow- up action plan.”

    2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734Resumption1 (2003) · source

11. “Norway aligns itself with the statement by the European Union. However, I would like to make some additional comments. First, I would like to join in thanking Ambassador Greenstock and his team for chairing the Counter- Terrorism Committee in an excellent manner since its creation in October 2001 and to congratulate him on the remarkable progress achieved under his leadership. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Ambassador Arias of Spain as the new Chairman, and to assure him of our full support in the work that lies ahead. The Committee's emphasis on cooperation, dialogue, partnership and transparency seems to have paid dividends.”

    2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734Resumption1 (2003) · source

12. “In this respect, we would like to appeal to the Security Council to agree quickly on the continuation of the oil for food programme, giving the Secretary-General the necessary authority and flexibility to respond to urgent humanitarian needs. Iraq is a country rich on resources and human capital and will, no doubt, also contribute to rapid reconstruction once the present conflict is over. It is important that the overall international assistance is coordinated by the United Nations. We welcome the Secretary-General's statement outlining such a role for the United Nations. If the Security Council is to play its role of safeguarding international peace and security, as envisaged in the United Nations Charter, it is imperative that the unity of the Council is maintained. This must be the lesson learned.”

    2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source

13. “We will continue our close dialogue with the United Nations, its specialized agencies and the Red Cross system. We will also support Norwegian humanitarian non-governmental organizations, already active in the region. In addition to our contributions to meet the acute humanitarian needs, we will also consider assistance towards reconstruction of infrastructure. Norway will contribute in the areas where we have capabilities and competence on the basis of assessed needs and in coordination with others. There are considerable resources vested in the oil for food programme. Norway joins others in urging the Security Council to keep this programme running, to meet the most immediate humanitarian needs of the population. The oil for food programme should be used to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis and for reconstruction.”

    2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source

14. “We had hoped that disarming Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction could be done peacefully through a united approach by the Security Council. This was unfortunately not the case. A major task before us now is to ensure the protection of the civilian population by all parties to the conflict and to alleviate suffering through effective humanitarian assistance. For the longer term, Iraq and the Middle East must be ensured a stable future, based on peace and prosperity for the peoples of the region. As the war unfolds, the international community must be prepared to meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. Norway will shoulder its responsibility by playing an active role in easing the suffering by increasing our humanitarian assistance and participating in the reconstruction of Iraq.”

    2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source

15. “We know that the United Nations agencies are preparing for a possible humanitarian crisis in Iraq in the event of a military conflict. Norway stands ready to fully contribute to those efforts. In such humanitarian operations, the United Nations must be given a leading and coordinating role. In the present situation it is essential that the Security Council stands united in its efforts to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction. We urge all members of the Council to stand up to their responsibility. This is crucial for the role of this Council, for the people of Iraq and for the maintenance of international peace and security.”

    2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source

16. “The inspectors have not received the information necessary to draw conclusions about Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction. In this situation, the inspections should continue, as long as they can produce meaningful and concrete results. At the same time, it is important to set a time limit and clear criteria for Iraq to comply with resolution 1441 (2002). The inspections cannot go on indefinitely. The time limit must be short and precise, but achievable. There is still a possibility to achieve the peaceful disarmament of Iraq. That is what Norway will continue to work for. Much is at stake. The onus is now on Iraq. This is the last opportunity to reach a peaceful outcome. Iraq must not miss this opportunity.”

    2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source

17. “Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei have again presented a thorough and detailed report of the work of the weapons inspectors and their findings. It is positive that Iraq is now cooperating more actively and that there has been some progress in the inspections. The destruction of the Al Samoud 2 missiles is encouraging. This progress is a result of a united and firm stand by the international community. It confirms that the pressure on Iraq must be maintained. We deeply regret, however, that Iraq has not been cooperating with the inspectors, as required by resolution 1441 (2002). The Iraqi cooperation with the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not been immediate, unconditional and active.”

    2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source

18. “Similarly, it is of utmost importance that the members of the Security Council seek a common approach. Thirdly, and most importantly, Iraq must recognize the full extent of the serious consequences stated in resolution 1441 (2002), while terminating 12 years of disregard for the authority of our world Organization. This would pave the way for the peaceful outcome that we all seek.”

    2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source

19. “It is a challenge to the Council and an affront to the international community at large that Iraq is withholding full cooperation. The authorities in Baghdad cannot fail to understand that it is in their hands only to demonstrate how present uncertainties can be eliminated and a peaceful outcome ensured. As a former member of the Security Council that supported the adoption of resolution 1441 (2002), Norway wishes to make the following points. First, any further steps with regard to Iraq must be anchored in the Security Council, as the pre-eminent body responsible for upholding international peace and security. Secondly, we will see progress only if pressure is upheld. The international community must therefore remain united in its approach to Iraq.”

    2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source

20. “The United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) need urgent answers to their highly important and legitimate questions. What has happened to the weapons of mass destruction that remain unaccounted for? We should not have to beg for these answers. Iraq is required to provide them. They should have been given a long time ago. Norway agrees that the inspections should continue. But more inspectors or better equipment cannot by themselves resolve the outstanding issues. We want to recognize the valuable efforts that UNMOVIC and the IAEA are undertaking under difficult conditions. But, as Mr. Blix stated last Friday, the period of disarmament through inspections could be short if Iraq chose to cooperate fully, as required.”

    2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source

21. “We are meeting at a time of great uncertainty. Many people are concerned. At the same time, the Council has given Iraq one last chance to comply with the demands of the international community. Time has not run out. The use of force is not unavoidable. We must do everything in our power to achieve a peaceful solution. But for this to happen, it requires the immediate, active and unconditional cooperation of Iraq, as stated in Security Council resolution 1441 (2002). It is with the greatest concern that we note that Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei, in their reports to the Security Council on 27 January and again on 14 February, described Iraqi cooperation on process, but no real breakthrough on substance.”

    2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source

22. “Terrorist organizations must stop killing innocent civilians; they must disarm and engage in a democratic political process. In parallel, the Palestinians should advance the entire reform agenda and fully respect democratic principles, the rule of law and freedom of speech. Only thus will the international community be able to fully engage in building a viable Palestinian state.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source

23. “Norway voted in favour of the draft resolution. Norway urges both parties to avoid harming civilians and to fully respect international law. It is particularly important that international humanitarian personnel carry out their important humanitarian mission without threat to their personal security. Having said that, we would like to reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorist attacks by Palestinian groups against Israeli civilians. Such attacks achieve nothing but misery; they escalate the conflict and create obstacles to a resumption of the peace process. We call on the Palestinian Authority to fight terrorism one hundred per cent, in words as well as in deeds, with strengthened and reformed security structures.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4681 (2002) · source

24. “We hope that in 2003 the Council will also approach thematic issues with the aim of translating words into concrete action. Finally, the Norwegian delegation would like to express its gratitude to the other members of the Council for the cooperation they have extended to us. I would like also to thank the Secretariat, and I would like to like to express special thanks to my own staff for their dedication and hard work throughout our two years on the Council.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

25. “A fourth and final lesson learned as we look to 2003 is the need to continue the work with so-called thematic issues and to make our deliberations on these issues as relevant as possible to the good work being done in peace operations around the world. Norway believes strongly in the importance of issues such as protection of civilians in armed conflict and children and armed conflict. Debates in the Council and reports by the Secretary-General on these and other issues are important in and of themselves. However, the impact is much greater if we follow up with concrete action. Norway did so in March of this year when it produced, in cooperation with the United Nations Secretariat and others, an aide-memoire on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

26. “In Somalia, the Council has tried to support the peace process, led by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, and to focus on attempts to limit the flow of arms to the country. However, even if the warring parties agree to a peace agreement in Eldoret, there is a distinct need for continued and coordinated pressure and assistance from the international community to ensure stability and security. We anticipate stronger coordination efforts concerning the Somalia conflict to be carried out within the United Nations framework, as well as in a regional context. The Council continues to have an important role to play in this connection, and we encourage it to act resolutely on forthcoming recommendations from United Nations experts monitoring the arms embargo.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

27. “The Council's workload has now become so great that we all depend on the expertise not only of the excellent United Nations Secretariat but also of other members to provide information and insight that will be useful to us all. Norway has tried to carry its share of this responsibility by trying to coordinate the Council's work on the Horn of Africa. In Ethiopia and Eritrea the Council has been instrumental in helping the parties to move towards sustainable peace, but there is still a lot of work to be done to complete the peace process and reconcile the two countries. The Council's continued engagement is needed to ensure implementation of the Border Commission's decision, and the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea still plays a crucial role in maintaining peace along the border.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

28. “Decisions made by the Council in 2002 might not have had an immediate impact on the situation on the ground in that very troubled part of the world. However, the Council has been able to express views that will be important when the parties are again able to sit down and negotiate a peace agreement that will benefit the peoples on all sides. The fact that the Council has expressed a vision for a Palestinian State is important. We should continue to strive for unity in our deliberations on the Middle East. The Council will have an opportunity to do so again this afternoon and, I am certain, on several occasions in the coming year. A third lesson learned is the need for Council members to assume a special responsibility for certain issues.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

29. “Our first lesson learned is thus the need for new elected members to be assisted in every way possible by other members of the Council. Elected members should therefore do their utmost to give their successors a flying start by sharing their experiences, not only on the substantive issues before the Council but also on procedural questions and on the working methods of the Council. Another lesson learned is the importance of unity in the Council. It is when we are able to speak with one voice that the impact of our decisions is greatest. This has been demonstrated on several occasions during the past year. Unity is particularly important with regard to one of the most difficult issues before the Council - the situation in the Middle East.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

30. “Let me at the outset stress that I appreciate your initiative, Mr. President, to provide the members of the Council with an opportunity to briefly reflect on the year that is almost over and to consider what lessons have been learned that might be useful for the year ahead. This opportunity is particularly appreciated by my delegation, which - along with those of our colleagues from Ireland, Mauritius, Singapore and your own country, Colombia - is leaving the Council. The permanent five members of the Council can draw on their extensive institutional memory, but the elected members have to start almost anew every time they serve on this body. Norway last served on the Security Council in 1979 and 1980, and both the world and the Council were very different in those days.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

31. “The implementation of resolution 1244 (1999) remains high on the Security Council's agenda, and the Mission is impressed by the hard-working dedication of the men and women, local and international, of UNMIK, working together with local and international partners, to implement that resolution. Those are the findings of the Mission. Finally, let me thank my fellow Council members for their constructive participation in the Mission.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

32. “That is linked not only to political issues, but also to security, law and order and economic development. The Mission points to the need for regional cooperation in order, for example, to effectively combat organized crime, including trafficking. In the light of the many difficult issues yet to be resolved, the Mission is of the view that continued substantial international engagement in Kosovo will be necessary for the foreseeable future. The Mission would like to express its appreciation to Special Representative Michael Steiner and the staff of UNMIK for their efforts to realize the decision of the Security Council. The Mission likewise expresses its gratitude to General Fabio Mini and KFOR.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

33. “UNMIK should support efforts in that regard. The Mission urges UNMIK, in consultation with local institutions and elected representatives, to further elaborate the proposal for the decentralization of competences to municipalities without delay. It is the opinion of the Mission that the time has come for cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade on practical issues. UNMIK should consider ways and means of facilitating such contacts and practical cooperation. The Provisional Institutions of Self- Government should similarly take steps within their competences to make that possible. The Mission underscores the importance of viewing developments in Kosovo in a regional perspective. Events in Kosovo have an impact on the surrounding region and vice versa.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

34. “Special emphasis is given to the inclusion of, and respect for, the views and interests of all communities by the local institutions. The Mission stresses a results- oriented approach through consensus. The Mission underscores the necessity that elected representatives act in a responsible and solution-oriented manner in order to provide basic services for the inhabitants of their municipalities. The Mission emphasizes that the handing over of responsibilities from UNMIK administrators to the locally elected bodies needs to be done in a way that ensures local ownership and accountability. There are huge tasks for the municipal assemblies to address. Municipalities have a particular responsibility to foster dialogue, reconciliation and conditions for sustainable return, and to act against corruption.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

35. “A case in point is the further specification and implementation of the benchmarks for the eight standards articulated in the "standards before status" policy. A greater degree of local ownership of, and commitment to, the realization of those standards is a prerequisite for their ultimate successful implementation. Naturally, the communities themselves also have a critical responsibility in that regard. The recently held municipal elections were conducted in a well-organized and non-violent fashion. Participation levels were on average disappointingly low, and especially so with regard to Kosovo Serbs. Greater effort must be made to promote participation in the political process in Kosovo. Effective participation by all communities in those institutions is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy in Kosovo.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

36. “UNMIK is encouraged to press forward on these issues in consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), KFOR, the Provisional Institutions and concerned local non- governmental organizations, and with Belgrade. UNMIK is requested to keep the Council regularly informed. The Council is urged to continue to follow the issue. The Mission points out that the progress achieved so far has been driven to a large extent by the international community. The Mission has the firm impression that local ownership and commitment to these processes has been less than could have been expected. It is important that UNMIK make further efforts to involve the local institutions and political leaders in the practical formulation and implementation of political goals and strategies.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

37. “A considerable amount of attention and resources should be dedicated to this issue. Even more than financial assistance, there is a need for region-wide and local commitment to supporting conditions for sustainable returns. Security, confidence-building and economic viability are all vital factors that must be addressed in order to achieve a significant, sustainable and successful return process. This is a responsibility for all levels of Kosovo society. UNMIK should, together with local institutions and civil society, continue to work, with a comprehensive approach, in order to move the return process forward. Reconciliation and dialogue measures are paramount in this regard. One important contribution to reconciliation between the communities is the resolution of the fate of the missing persons from all communities.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

38. “The Mission notes that, in spite of these positive developments, the situation in Kosovo remains fragile. Much work remains to be done, by both UNMIK and the Kosovo institutions and communities. This covers, inter alia, the rule of law, sustainable returns, local ownership of Kosovo's progress, democratic development, inter-ethnic reconciliation and dialogue, cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade and the combat against organized crime. The firm establishment of the rule of law is central to achieving security, functioning democracy and sustainable economic development. Even though there has been notable progress in this area, the Mission finds that a continued strong effort is necessary to achieve the goals in this area. The sustainable return of minorities is a precondition for a multi-ethnic society.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

39. “The Mission looks forward to the next report on UNMIK, with a further detailing of the benchmarks, so as to measure progress. The Mission hopes that these can be worked out with local authorities in Kosovo in order to build local ownership of them. The Mission holds the view that "standards before status" is the only viable way forward. The Mission was consistent in its message to all interlocutors regarding "standards before status", multi-ethnicity and integration of all communities, and their responsibility for the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). It urges the newly elected bodies to use their competencies, transferred in accordance with the Constitutional Framework, for the benefit of all inhabitants. The Mission stresses the importance of participation by all communities in the work of the elected bodies.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

40. “The establishment of UNMIK administration in the northern part of Mitrovica has been necessary for the implementation of a uniform standard of administration throughout Kosovo and marks an important move against parallel institutions. The Mission believes that UNMIK's presence in the northern part of Mitrovica is an important step forward for the normalization of living conditions in the city. In that respect, the Mission is impressed by the work of UNMIK and KFOR. It also notes the interest in, and dedication to, this work by some members of the community in Kosovo. The formulation of benchmarks for a realization of standards is a constructive approach for the further development of Kosovo towards a democratic, multi- ethnic society.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

41. “The Kosovo Police Service continues to increase in numbers, and the judiciary is in the process of being established, both of them as multi-ethnic bodies. For the first time, the number of minority returns is larger than that of those leaving. Nevertheless, the overall figures of internally displaced persons and refugees from minority communities returning remains low. The Mission noted a sharp contrast between the number of returnees and the number of those who still remained internally displaced, as well as the daunting task that lies ahead and the financial implications of that task. There is also progress in the preparations for the privatization process. Cooperation between UNMIK and Belgrade has improved.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

42. “Allow me, in this context, to express our appreciation to UNMIK and to Special Representative Steiner, as well as to the Security Council secretariat, for an excellent programme and for the impressive organization of the visit. These are our findings on Kosovo. Since the last Mission of the Security Council to Kosovo, the Mission finds notable progress in several areas with regard to implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). Elections held for the Kosovo Assembly in 2001 and in municipalities in 2002 have led to the formation of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and the new municipal assemblies. The process of handing over power and responsibilities to the local institutions continues. There is also progress in the area of the rule of law. Crime rates are down, and security is improving.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

43. “In Belgrade, we had separate meetings that day with the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Vojislav Kostunica, the Serbian Prime Minister, Goran Djinjic, the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and the President of the Coordination Centre of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Serbia for Kosovo and Metohija. Members of the Mission had a meeting with the representatives of the Serbian Association of Families of Missing Persons. On Tuesday, 17 September, the Mission met with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Goran Svilanovic. At the end of our visit, the Mission held a press conference.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

44. “Back in Pristina, we had a meeting on return with leaders of returnees from Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb communities, with the municipal assembly presidents of anilane municipality, as well as with representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and of various non- governmental organizations. In Pristina, we also had a meeting with deputies from various political parties from the Pristina municipal assembly. The day ended with a meeting with women representing different ethnic communities, members of the political establishment and civil society. On Monday, 16 December, at the end of the visit, I held a joint conference with Special Representative Steiner before leaving for Belgrade.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

45. “The Mission then walked across the bridge to southern Mitrovica to receive a briefing from the Special Representative, the Mitrovica regional administrator and the Mitrovica municipal administrator on the evolution of UNMIK's presence in northern Mitrovica and the status of implementation of UNMIK's Mitrovica strategy. This was followed by a meeting with the Presidents of the municipal assemblies in the Mitrovica region, three of whom are Kosovo Albanians and three Kosovo Serbs. We visited the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) in Vucitrn, where we were briefed by the Director, Mr. Steven Bennet, and the Police Commissioner, Mr. Stefan Feller, as well as a high-ranking KPS officer, Colonel Ahmeti and where we met with a multi-ethnic group of KPS officers.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

46. “Members of the Mission met with families of missing persons. On Sunday, 15 December, the Mission received a briefing from KFOR on the security situation and the main tasks and challenges of the international security presence. The briefing was led by the KFOR Commander, Lieutenant General Fabi Mini. It then went to Mitrovica. In northern Mitrovica, the Mission was briefed on the Kosovo Trust Agency and the process towards privatization. We had a meeting with representatives of Serb and Bosnian civil society in northern Mitrovica.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

47. “As head of the Mission, I gave two press conferences, one in Pristina and one in Belgrade, and had to give a number of statements to the press after specific meetings. In Pristina, on 14 and 15 December, the Mission met with the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Michael Steiner, and his staff for briefings on the work of UNMIK and assessments of the situation. We met with representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government, including President Ibrahim Rugova, Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi, President of the Assembly Nexhat Daci and the Inter- Ministerial Coordinator for Returns, Milorad Todorovic. We met with representatives of the Kosovo Assembly from all major Kosovo Albanian parties and the Kosovo Serb coalition, as well as representatives of other ethnic communities.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

48. “The Mission's fourth objective was to explore ways to enhance cooperation between UNMIK and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, on the basis of the UNMIK-Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Common Document of 5 November 2001, and the opportunities for increased cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade. The fifth objective of the Mission was to look at the impact of the regional situation on the work of UNMIK. All Council members decided to be represented in the Mission. As planned, the Mission was able to travel on 13 December, and during our four days in Kosovo and Belgrade, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, we had an intensive programme, meeting with the representatives of the international community, Kosovo politicians, Yugoslav authorities and civil society groups in Pristina, Mitrovica and Belgrade.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

49. “Thirdly, the Mission's objective was to convey a strong message to the provisional institutions for self- government, local leaders, the newly elected municipal officials and all others concerned about the need to, first, use the opportunity created by the local elections to move forward with the decentralization process and to further develop democratic institutions; secondly, promote inter-ethnic reconciliation and inclusion; thirdly, reject all violence and condemn extremist and terrorist activities; fourthly, ensure public safety and order and promote stability and security; and, finally, support the full and effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and fully cooperate with UNMIK and the international security presence to these ends.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source

50. “To this end, the second objective was to observe UNMIK's operation and the situation on the ground and, specifically, to obtain an update on Special Representative of the Secretary-General Steiner's benchmarks, including the rule of law, the rate of sustainable return and the privatization agenda. In addition, it was to face the challenges faced by UNMIK, particularly the follow-up to the local elections, decentralization in Mitrovica and to report its conclusions to the Security Council.”

    2002-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4676 (2002) · source