YouSaid · the spoken record

Kolby

lines on the record: 733
first: 1998-04-24
most recent: 2003-06-17
sittings or episodes: 118
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

“For elections to be held, we need a security framework as well as a legal framework. Kosovo Albanian leaders should know that the best support they can give to the election process is to take vigorous, public measures to prevent violence and create conditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons. However desirable province-wide elections may be, their success will depend on whether these requirements are met. In this connection, I would like to ask Mr. Guehenno whether it is his impression that the Kosovo leaders fully appreciate the need to do more with regard to the security situation. To ensure legitimate elections, it is essential that Kosovo Serbs and other minorities are properly represented in the preparations, the voting and the institutions.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“I, too, would like to thank Mr. Guehenno for his briefing. We note that work on the legal framework is progressing and that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General intends to hold Kosovo-wide elections this year. We are encouraged by Mr. Guehenno's information about progress towards ensuring the return of Kosovo Serbs to the working group. We expect that, as part of this process, more Kosovar energy will be directed towards the legal and political arena. Norway deeply regrets and condemns the violent attacks against minorities, which seem increasingly well organized and aimed at undermining our efforts to ensure a multi-ethnic Kosovo. Continued extremist violence, which is also taking place against fellow ethnic Albanians, shows that progress towards elections is not matched by improvement in the security situation.”
2001-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4309 (2001) · source
“Norway looks forward to receiving that report and to participating in the subsequent debates, the outcome of which will be instrumental for the success of the peace-building operation in East Timor. Let me conclude by paying tribute to UNTAET, and especially to Sergio Vieira de Mello for undertaking this most difficult task.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“We therefore remain deeply concerned about the slow progress in obtaining a durable solution to the issue of refugees. It is of crucial importance that all refugees wanting to participate in the forthcoming elections are enabled to repatriate under conditions of safety and dignity before the closing date for civil registration, set for 20 June 2001. In line with that, Norway continues to be seriously concerned about the security situation on the border with Indonesia and within the refugee camps in West Timor. We therefore again urge the Indonesian Government to take the necessary steps to fulfil Security Council resolution 1319 (2000). The report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of UNTAET's mandate, and his recommendations pertaining to a continued international presence in East Timor, are due this spring.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“A question of particular interest in that regard is the election to be held on 30 August 2001. Norway recently discussed with UNTAET and the East Timorese leadership the issue of regulations pertaining to the election of a constituent assembly, focusing in particular on the participation of women in political parties and throughout all stages of the electoral and constitutional process. It is our hope that the preambular paragraph in the regulation encouraging the equal participation of women and men will have the intended impact. We would also like to underline the importance of the elections being free and fair. It is crucial that East Timorese citizens living in Indonesia - especially those in refugee camps in West Timor - are enabled to exercise their right to vote.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“It is therefore important that we, the Member nations support the work done by UNTAET so that it can fulfil its mandate by the end of this year. In that regard, Norway would like to underline the importance of Timorese participation in the Transitional Administration. We welcome the further progress in delegation of authority to the East Timorese leadership. Moreover, Norway welcomes the achievements with regard to criminal proceedings in the wake of the serious crimes committed in 1999, and reiterates the crucial impact that such proceedings have on permanent peace and reconciliation in the area. In that regard, we would also welcome any further steps to strengthen the judicial system and the rule of law as a fundamental principle of governance in the future State of East Timor.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“During the Minister's recent visit, she announced a pledge of $1 million to the World Bank Trust Fund for East Timor. That grant has already been disbursed. To support a vulnerable peace agreement in a post-conflict area like East Timor, a comprehensive peace-building strategy is indeed required. In line with that, we would stress the need for an integrated approach with regard to political and development planning. The development agencies should work closely with UNTAET during the remaining part of its mandatory period. Subsequently, the agencies should be given a central role in the United Nations presence following independence. For its part, Norway is encouraged by the active engagement among the East Timorese population to achieve independence by the end of 2001.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“During her Visit, the Minister discussed with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and the East Timorese leadership how Norway could best contribute during the period leading up to independence and how we could assist in dealing with the many challenges the new country will face following its independence. In line with the contents of those talks, we have adopted a long-term development perspective in our East Timor policy. We will contribute to ensuring that the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, among others, are given sufficient resources to fulfil their mandatory tasks within the transitional period. Subsequently, we are committed to support the continued presence of the agents of those agencies following East Timorese independence.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“My delegation would like to thank the Secretariat for its most useful briefing on the situation in East Timor. For many years, Norway has attached great interest to East Timor, both at the political level and within Norwegian civil society. Norway is now in the process of planning our long-term engagement in East Timor. As part of that process, and as a manifestation of the close relationship between Norway and East Timor, Norway's Minister of International Development paid a visit to East Timor last month.”
2001-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4308 (2001) · source
“I would urge all members to keep alive the spirit of cooperation demonstrated during our many hours of negotiations and to return to this issue when we all feel that our efforts can have a positive impact on the situation in the Middle East.”
2001-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4305 (2001) · source
“We were not able to have such unity in the Council at this time. Norway regrets this, and I am convinced that all members of the Council share our feelings. Norway abstained tonight because we do not believe this resolution would be helpful to the efforts to get the peace process back on track at this time. The Security Council must not be a forum only for an exchange of views, but a constructive actor for peace and security. We did not manage to reach our common goal on making a statement by a unified Council on this important issue at this time. However, we must not give up hope for reaching such a result at a later stage. I would appeal to all members of the Council to not let our lack of common approach today make us give up on this noble goal.”
2001-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4305 (2001) · source
“The situation in the Middle East is an issue of the utmost importance to Norway, and we were therefore particularly glad to see that the caucus of the Non- Aligned Movement and other members of the Council were willing to participate in a serious discussion with us. We appreciate the commitment made by everyone to strive for a result that could find the support of all members. The result of these negotiations up to this point is not what we had hoped for. Our wish was to give the Secretary-General a strong mandate for his further efforts, both for his discussions at the Summit in Amman and for the difficult times in the coming weeks and months, and to give the Security Council an important and active role in this issue, which has been with us since the early days of this Organization.”
2001-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4305 (2001) · source
“the situation in the Middle East is tense and gives us reason to fear a further deterioration. At this critical time it is important that the international community, and the Security Council in particular, behave with caution and in a constructive manner. Norway therefore felt it to be of crucial importance for a unified Security Council to make a statement with a call for an end to violence, for a return to normal economic activity and daily life, for a resumption of peace talks with the aim of reaching a final agreement and to provide strong support for the role of the Secretary-General in the quest for peace. It was this need for the Council to speak with one voice that made Norway engage with our European colleagues in a serious effort that we hoped would receive the support of the full Council.”
2001-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4305 (2001) · source
“Norway has over the years been a consistent provider of personnel and financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the significant efforts of the international community to bring lasting peace and stability. It is now time for the governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its constituent entities to shoulder a greater share of the responsibility in developing a sustainable, peaceful and democratic solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“We expect that the recent democratic changes in Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will have a positive impact on the political development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My Government would like to stress the importance of taking a regional approach to the problems in the Balkans. The tensions in southern Serbia, Kosovo and on the Macedonian side of the border could also adversely affect political and economic developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The increasing problems of organized crime, illegal trafficking, economic stagnation and political instability can be adequately dealt with only within a regional framework and with a unified international approach.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“This clearly contradicts the Dayton Peace Agreement and threatens the political stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following repeated undermining of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the High Representative had no other option but to remove Mr. Jelavic from the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as other officials holding public office and positions within the Croat National Congress. Norway appreciates the efforts of the High Representative to ensure that the Agreement on Special Parallel Relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Republika Srpska is in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Norway underlines the crucial role of neighbouring countries in promoting a viable, stable, multi-ethnic and unified State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“The High Representative's decision to establish constitutional commissions in both entities is an important, though temporary, measure to protect the vital interests of the constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Norway is concerned about the political and economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome the formation of non-nationalist Governments at State and entity levels following the general elections in November last year and call upon the respective Governments to implement policies in accordance with the priorities given by the Peace Implementation Council meeting in May 2000. My Government firmly condemns attempts by the Croat National Congress to establish a Croat entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“It is a pleasure to welcome High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch to the Council and to hear his comprehensive briefing on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I can assure him of my Government's continued support in his efforts to implement the Dayton/Paris Accords. Norway commends the High Representative's peace implementation initiatives in the areas of economic reform, refugee return and the consolidation of State institutions. We recognize that important progress has been made in these areas in 2000. But many challenges remain. The Dayton/Paris process has proved far from self-sustaining. We emphasize the fundamental responsibility of the Bosnia and Herzegovina State, entity and local authorities in this regard.”
2001-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4303 (2001) · source
“We welcome the cease- fire agreements signed on 12 March. It is particularly important that armed ethnic Albanian groups comply fully with the terms of these agreements, refrain from provocations and engage constructively in substantial dialogue. At the same time, we expect the Yugoslav forces to continue their restraint also after having entered the ground safety zone.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“It is important to recognize Macedonian security concerns. There is a serious threat to the stability of the country. We support the Macedonian authorities in their legitimate efforts to restore internal peace and security. The Government in Skopje is to be commended for their measured response to the activities of the extremist groups. It is essential that the security response is proportional to the challenges on the ground and is based on a broad domestic consensus within Macedonia. Norway stresses the importance of the decision by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to allow the phased and controlled return of Yugoslav forces to the ground safety zone in southern Serbia. It is vital that confidence-building measures be implemented on the Yugoslav side aimed at creating a climate conducive to reaching a political solution.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“The most important feature of elections is not to hold them, but what they result in. Norway strongly condemns the violence carried out by armed ethnic Albanian extremists in the area surrounding Kosovo, which have caused the death of both Yugoslav and Macedonian soldiers. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region must be fully respected and supported. Any action violating these fundamentals must be condemned. The Council will reiterate this in the statement to be made by the President today. All ethnic Albanian political leaders in the region who have not yet done so must publicly condemn such acts of violence. We believe the Kosovo Albanian leaders have a particular responsibility to reject violence and promote political dialogue. We welcome the statements made by the Government of Albania in this regard.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“Consultations between UNMIK and the Yugoslav authorities are essential in order to ensure Belgrade's political support for moving forward in this process. In elaborating a framework for elections, we must ensure arrangements that facilitate the participation of minorities and allow for their legitimate interests to be adequately protected. To that end, it is essential that the Kosovo Serb community be represented in the joint Working Group. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage Yugoslav authorities to use their influence to ensure the participation of the Kosovo Serbs in these important endeavours. It is of utmost importance that the elections be seen as meaningful. All provisions of resolution 1244 (1999) must be kept in mind, including the provision regarding substantial autonomy for Kosovo.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“The lack of public trust in the law enforcement agencies and in the judiciary makes this an urgent task for UNMIK. We therefore welcome the priority given by Mr. Haekkerup to this issue. We believe it is important that preparations for province-wide elections have started and that elections be held only when all necessary requirements have been met. Premature or ill-prepared elections for a provincial assembly risk undermining the stability we set out to bolster. The role and functions of a provincial assembly, including in relation to the powers retained by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General under resolution 1244 (1999), must be clarified first. Registration of voters, including refugees and displaced persons, must be conducted.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“Norway is of the opinion that the highest priority must be given to establish a safe environment for the minorities, which is a prerequisite for an acceptable solution to Kosovo's problems. Any attempt to reach agreement on the legal framework for elections, however well prepared, is likely to fail if widespread violence and violations of the human rights of minority groups in Kosovo continue. In our view, Kosovo Albanian leaders must take greater responsibility for actively preventing ethnically motivated violence and combating extremism and crime. Kosovo Serb leaders have the same responsibility, especially in the area north of the Ibar River. Strengthening the judiciary and law enforcement must be an essential and integrated part of the process aimed at developing a legal framework for provisional self-government in Kosovo.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“Let me first of all say how pleased I am to see you, Mr. Hans Haekkerup, in this Council. We look forward to working even closer with you when Norway takes over as Commander of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) next month. We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report. My Government welcomes and supports the efforts by the Special Representative and the staff of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as well that of KFOR, to find solutions to the problems in Kosovo and to ensure the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). We welcome the initiation of a process towards establishing a legal framework for provisional self- government, as outlined by Mr. Haekkerup.”
2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source
“The Sharm el-Sheikh fact-finding committee, of which the Norwegian Foreign Minister Thorbjorn Jagland is a member, is due to visit Israel and the Palestinian area next week. In our view, the committee can play a moderating role in the present situation and assist in charting the way ahead. Norway believes that the Security Council has a clear role to play in the continuing quest for peace in the Middle East. We should do what we can to bring the parties back to the negotiating table and bring the present situation of violence and bloodshed to an end.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Norway also wants to stress that the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war, is fully applicable to the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. We urge Israel as the occupying Power to comply with its legal obligations and responsibilities under the said Convention. Norway supports the idea of an international observer presence. If such a presence is to play a meaningful role, it must have the full support of both parties. We therefore call on the Secretary-General to continue his consultations with the parties to ascertain when and within what framework such a presence might appropriately be established in the area.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Norway has repeatedly urged the parties to resume the negotiations and to renew their dialogue on security issues. We have also called on both Israel and the Palestinians to bring an end to violence. While we understand Israel's security needs, Israel must also respect the safety and security of the Palestinians. Furthermore, we have urged the Israeli Government to lift the closure of the West Bank and Gaza and to transfer the outstanding tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority. We have also called on Israel to freeze settlement activities. The basis of any solution to the present crisis must be Security Council resolutions 242 (1967)and 338 (l973)and other relevant United Nations resolutions.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“However, it will take a lot of time and effort to bring the peace process back on track. Building a sustainable peace means finding a balance of interest and establishing mutual trust between the parties. If the Security Council is to play a constructive role in order to achieve this aim, we need a common approach and a common platform. The priority at this stage should be to halt the violence and to stabilize the situation. Furthermore, we should strongly encourage confidence-building measures, in order to re-establish the dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians. The Security Council should be a bridge-builder and should strive to achieve the broadest possible agreement on issues related to peace and security in the region.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is almost a decade since the first Middle East Peace Conference in Madrid in 1991. At the time, we were filled with hope and expectations. For the first time the two sides recognized each other's right to exist and vowed to work together towards peace. Over the last six months, the situation in the Middle East has deteriorated dramatically. The situation is critical, both in terms of the overall security situation and the level of violence and acts of terrorism. We have also seen a worsening of the human rights situation, the living conditions for the Palestinians and the fiscal situation for the Palestinian Authority. There is no alternative to peace. In our View, the peace process is the only viable way of resolving the difference between the parties.”
2001-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4295Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Norwegian State Secretary, Raymond Johansen, will participate at the opening of the conference. Humanitarian workers carry out their relief and assistance work under extremely difficult and often dangerous conditions. In some conflicts, the warring parties have targeted humanitarian workers themselves. There have been serious incidents and episodes of harassment of humanitarian workers in West Africa. Hostages have been taken, and humanitarian workers have lost their lives. We strongly condemn such incidents, and we urge the Governments in the region to do whatever possible to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, as well as their free and unimpeded access to the people who so desperately need their assistance.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“Over recent decades, the increasing number of internally displaced persons has presented the international community and the humanitarian agencies with especially difficult challenges. Very often, internally displaced persons are among the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict and complex emergencies. As a group, they are not protected by any particular mandated international humanitarian organization. It is necessary, therefore, to address these challenges on a pragmatic basis. Norway appreciates the cooperation between the Sierra Leonean Government and the Norwegian Refugee Council in organizing an internally displaced persons conference in Freetown later this month, aimed at finding practical solutions to the needs of the internally displaced persons in that country.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“In an extremely difficult situation, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration have started an organized and voluntary repatriation programme for Sierra Leonean refugees, travelling from Conakry to Freetown by boat. We are concerned about the reception capacity for refugees in Sierra Leone. It is extremely important that the returnees do not become permanent internally displaced persons when they return home. The return of large numbers of refugees may contribute to the destabilization of such areas. We encourage the authorities, as well as the humanitarian agencies, to take steps to prevent further destabilization, if necessary with the assistance of the international community.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“We understand that the redeployment of United Nations humanitarian workers in the region depends upon security on both sides of the border area. We have taken note of the assessment that an organized return of refugees through northern Sierra Leone is not possible in the current situation. We understand from the High Commissioner's report that an agreement for safe passage for refugees moving further north was made with the Guinean Government during his visit. That is a welcome development. In our view, in the current situation it is of the utmost importance that the Guinean authorities and the humanitarian agencies cooperate in relocating these vulnerable groups.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“My delegation would also like to welcome the High Commissioner and to thank him for his briefing. We would also like to join him in his tribute to women on this International Women's Day. The Prime Minister of Norway has issued a statement in that regard in Oslo. Norway views with increasing concern the humanitarian situation of the refugees, internally displaced persons and civilian populations at large in the areas of conflict in West Africa. Humanitarian agencies have only recently gained access to a few individuals among what may total as many as 200,000 Sierra Leonean refugees and Guinean internally displaced persons in the "parrot's beak". The humanitarian agencies still lack access to refugees who return through the areas controlled by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“We also agree on the importance of keeping close contact between the Macedonian army and KFOR in order to achieve the best possible control of these border areas. In conclusion, we firmly believe that today's presidential statement will provide important support for the Foreign Minister's future efforts.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source
“It is, not least, important that leaders in the region isolate the extremist forces and clearly condemn acts of violence. We support the Macedonian authorities in their legitimate efforts to restore internal peace and security, including confidence-building measures on the Macedonian side of the border with Kosovo. It is important that the measures used be proportionate to the challenges on the ground and we commend the responsibility and restraint shown by the Foreign Minister's Government in responding to this situation. My Government notes with interest the plan of activities proposed by the Macedonian authorities. Norway agrees that the Kosovo Force (KFOR) must intensify its activities to control the border areas in Kosovo.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source
“Norway appreciates the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's achievements and we will work to ensure that the international community actively supports the Foreign Minister's efforts to maintain peace and stability in the future as well. At the outset, we must make it clear that the Foreign Minister's country has legitimate security concerns which must be addressed and that its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully upheld and respected. Norway strongly condemns all violent activities of extremist armed groups in the region, including the Albanian extremist attack last Sunday, which tragically caused the deaths of three Macedonian soldiers. Such activities constitute a threat to internal as well as regional peace and stability and must be firmly rejected.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source
“We, too, are very pleased to have this opportunity to meet with the Foreign Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and to hear his views on the issues of peace and security in the region, which are important to the Council. First of all, Norway would like to commend Macedonian authorities for having successfully maintained peace and stability and developed democracy in their country during a decade of independence under difficult circumstances. This has been achieved not least thanks to a consistent policy of constructive cooperation between the various ethnic groups, Macedonian Slavs and Albanians.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4289 (2001) · source
“Norway is of the opinion that secondary sanctions may only be imposed pursuant to Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, on the grounds that non-compliance with the sanctions regime, either in itself or as part of a State or an entity's conduct, constitutes a threat to international peace and security. In order to make existing and future sanctions more effective, we find that the recommendation regarding the establishment of a general mechanism for monitoring the implementation of sanctions deserves serious consideration. In conclusion, I would like to underline the importance of a concrete follow-up ofthe report and its recommendations. Norway will fully cooperate to this end. In this connection we are also glad that the Mechanism's mandate has been extended, and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the continued work.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Specifically, the report has already made a positive contribution by encouraging African countries to comply with the sanctions regime regarding travel and representation by UNITA members. Norway shares the concern of the Monitoring Mechanism that the Security Council resolutions on sanctions against UNITA are being broken with impunity. Through its recommendations, the report raises the question of imposing secondary sanctions. I will use this opportunity to make some general comments on the issue of secondary sanctions. We believe that we should exert caution with regard to this important but difficult issue. The need for thorough documentation before introducing secondary sanctions would entail complex assessments.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“It is also important to ensure that documents are of such a quality that they cannot easily be misused or falsified. Close cooperation between Governments is necessary in order to allow for the effective exchange of information needed for verifying the validity of end-user certificates and other documents. A general improvement with regard to the circulation of small arms would help improve the security situation for both the civilian population - including a huge number of internally displaced persons - and humanitarian workers in Angola. We welcome suggestions from the Southern African Development Community sectoral committees on how to control the movement of petroleum and petroleum products in the region.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“The Government of Angola and other state authorities have taken important steps to gain control of the flux of illicit diamonds. However, more efforts are needed in order to provide increased transparency and accountability in the control of the trade in diamonds. As we recently said during the Council's open debate on sanctions related to Sierra Leone, Norway supports the idea of establishing a standardized global certification scheme for diamonds as soon as possible and we co-sponsored the General Assembly resolution ofl December 2000 on the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict. Much remains to be done in order to strengthen the control systems in connection with the export and import of arms. The use of end-user certificates is essential in this regard.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“It is unfortunate that the United Nations sanctions measures are not fully followed up, as is evident from the present report and the earlier report of the Panel of Experts. Strict compliance with the sanctions by all Member States is needed in order to demonstrate to UNITA that it must fully comply with the Lusaka Protocol. The illicit trade in arms, drugs or diamonds nurtures devastating conflicts in many parts of the world. The Monitoring Mechanism's report describes serious cases of illicit trade in diamonds and arms, contrary to the sanctions regime against UNITA. The report provides useful suggestions about how each State may further improve its implementation of the sanctions. These suggestions should be thoroughly considered.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Obvious, too, is the need for improved implementation of the sanctions regime. As we see it, finding a solution to the protracted conflict in Angola, as well as in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, represents two of the most important challenges facing the Security Council at present. In this connection, Norway encourages the Government of Angola to play a constructive part in the ongoing and revitalized process in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. We have carefully studied the recommendations included in the report of the Monitoring Mechanism. First, let me stress the importance of the general responsibility of Member States to implement the obligations laid down in the Security Council resolutions establishing sanctions.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“This includes supporting the Government's initiatives to implement the Lusaka Protocol, such as the amnesty law and the efforts to reintegrate former UNITA soldiers into Angolan society. Equally important is support for the various peace initiatives recently taken by the Angolan churches and civil society. In the past, Jonas Savimbi and UNITA have demonstrated their ability to rebuild their forces. The Monitoring Mechanism describes how Savimbi set up his diamond activities to pay for rearmament. It further describes the importance to UNITA of petroleum and petroleum products and the significance of UNITA's representation abroad in relation to continued warfare. In light ofthe report's conclusion that the sanctions are hurting UNITA's ability to wage war, the need for continued sanctions is obvious.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“My delegation joins others in welcoming the Foreign Minister of Angola to this meeting. We also thank Ambassador Ryan for his presentation. Norway commends the Monitoring Mechanism for its thorough work and welcomes its report and recommendations on improving adherence to the sanctions regime against UNITA. The report is a vital follow-up to the adoption of resolution 1295 (2000). We welcome this opportunity to discuss the report in an open meeting, thus publicly focusing on the issues of arms and diamonds as they relate to the conflict in Angola. Before I go into specifics, allow me to make some general comments. In Angola, every effort must be made to bring the peace process back on track.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Given careful and speedy implementation, the constructive participation of all involved and adequate international assistance, the plan will contribute to reducing tension in the area. The Kosovo Force and UNMIK must further strengthen their efforts to curb violations of the ground safety zone. This should be carried out in close cooperation with the Belgrade authorities. At the same time, local Albanian leaders must be discouraged from providing overt or implicit support to the armed groups. Let me end by expressing Norway's full support for the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Its mandate also covers Kosovo, and we trust it will be accorded full cooperation by all parties involved.”
2001-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4277 (2001) · source
“The Belgrade authorities have taken a constructive approach to the situation in southern Serbia. Norway welcomes the elaboration of a comprehensive plan on how to address the crisis, as recently discussed in the Serbian and Federal Governments. The seriousness of the situation on the ground requires a rapid implementation of the plan. The dialogue established between the Serb authorities and ethnic Albanian leaders in southern Serbia is an encouraging first step in this respect. While it is urgent to initiate further confidence-building measures, we believe it is also important to provide international assistance, as requested by Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities, without delay.”
2001-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4277 (2001) · source
“We are very concerned about the recent surge in tension and violent clashes in Mitrovica, which underline the need for additional confidence-building efforts. Kosovo Serb and Kosovo Albanian leaders must take a larger responsibility for preventing further escalation of violence. Any attacks on international personnel or on minorities must be condemned in the strongest terms. Developments in the Presevo Valley continue to give reason for deep concern. The tense situation in the area threatens to make it the next focal point of conflict in the Balkans, with potential implications not only for Serbia proper, but also for the Kosovo province as well as for neighbouring countries. With the arrival of spring, tension might easily escalate further. It is therefore paramount that the crisis be addressed now.”
2001-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4277 (2001) · source