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

“The ultimate success of complex United Nations peacekeeping operations - such as those in East Timor, Sierra Leone and the Balkans - depends on our ability to ensure follow-up in the areas of reconstruction, rehabilitation and longer-term development. To prevent the re-emergence of violent conflict, it is necessary for us to stay the course and to remain focused on the perspective beyond the immediate violence and humanitarian crisis. We must also remain focused after the cameras are gone. The Security Council, of course, bears a particular responsibility for preventing disputes from breaking out into violent conflicts in the first place. Success in solving a conflict is headline news. Success in preventing conflict gets much less attention, but prevention, as we all know is much less costly than cure.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Norway commends the initiative of the Jamaican presidency to organize this follow-up debate on the important topic of conflict prevention. It is an honour to us that you, Mr. President, are chairing this meeting. In our view, the Jamaican delegation is making a great contribution to the work of the Council. Norway appreciates the fact that non-members have been given the opportunity to participate in this debate. Increased transparency in the working methods of the Council continues to be a priority issue for Norway and the other Nordic countries. "Development is the best form of conflict prevention." This observation, made by our Secretary- General, has Norway's full support. When involved in efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, the United Nations and the Security Council need a multifaceted, integrated approach.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We would like to see these matters addressed as soon as possible by the Security Council in order to prepare the ground well for the establishment of appropriate security mechanisms before independence.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“My Government has supported the East Timorese right to self-determination and has assisted in the humanitarian efforts to bring relief after the devastation left behind last autumn. Norway remains firmly committed to continuing to assist in the reconstruction and development of East Timor. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and to deal with the urgent needs. At the same time, Norway is increasingly addressing the reconstruction and longer-term development needs through contributions to the World Bank Trust Fund and the UNTAET Trust Fund, and through United Nations agencies and international organizations. An especially complex and important issue is addressing East Timor's future security needs. This is a legitimate concern of all sovereign States.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“Aid coordination also implies that we as donors effectively design our own respective projects and programmes in such a manner that they meet the priorities of the East Timorese and that they do not overlap or leave any gaps. Projects can be sustainable only if they are in accordance with the future resources of an independent East Timor. Progress on implementing decisions from the Tokyo donors' meeting in December last year has been uneven and, in some cases, too slow. We urge the donor community to ensure that pledges and commitments are translated into disbursements. At the same time, we urge UNTAET and international organizations to review their operational procedures to speed up the implementation of programmes on the ground. Norway has provided strong support for East Timor since long before the crisis of 1999.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“Norway urges the United Nations to make every effort to increase the participation of East Timorese in the building of this new nation. We feel that the transfer of competencies, investment in human resources and training of personnel for the public sector could be even more concentrated and efficient. We would again like to request, as we stated at last week's donors' meeting in Lisbon, that the greatest possible effort be made with regard to these processes. Coordination of aid in support of reconstruction and development in East Timor is essential. We are particularly pleased in this context with the cooperation between the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank in establishing the Trust Fund for East Timor jointly.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“The leadership of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) has our confidence and support in laying the foundation for a new democratic and prosperous nation. We realize the difficulties and recognize the need for appropriate planning and coordination. We also share the frustration of East Timorese over a process that has at times been slow. At this juncture, all parties involved must focus on a speedy implementation of programmes that facilitate a rapid recovery of the economy and create employment activity, so that the people of East Timor can participate directly in the recovery of their country. We must never lose sight of the primary goal, namely, that the East Timorese themselves, within a short period of time, will be able to govern their own country and lead their own administration.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“I would like to join the two previous speakers in commending you, Mr. President, for allowing non-members of the Council to participate in this debate. I also wish to thank Mr. Vieira de Mello for his interesting presentation. The Government of Norway is pleased to note the very positive developments in East Timor since the establishment of an interim Administration under United Nations leadership less than a year ago. Remarkable progress has been made in recent months in establishing the basis for a new central administration, in building up the social sectors and in the training of civil servants, as well as in rebuilding infrastructure. However, the challenges are formidable. East Timor will emerge as an independent country within a few years. But it will carry a heavy burden of development needs.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“The international donor community must follow up on the Secretary-General's call for increased development assistance to get at the root causes of violent conflicts. My Government is committed to continue Norway's efforts in this regard.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Like the Secretary-General and other speakers, Norway is encouraged by the experience of Mozambique and would like to commend the United Nations and the Government of Mozambique for the successful efforts made. As the Secretary-General points out, reintegration represents a particularly complex part of the DDR process. The support of the international community for national plans for reconciliation, reconstruction and long- term social and economic development is crucial in order to persuade ex-combatants to rejoin civil society and thus to obtain lasting peace. In the View of the Norwegian Government, combating poverty and underdevelopment is vital to preventing conflicts and their recurrence.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Furthermore, it is important that disarmament and weapons destruction be incorporated as an element of peace settlements and that peace operations are given clear mandates in this regard. Funding for DDR activities is a crucial challenge and responsibility for the international community. Inadequate financial support can undermine peace implementation efforts. Norway will continue to provide a high level of voluntary contributions to the activities of the United Nations system in this field. My Government intends to further increase our assistance to peace-building efforts in Sierra Leone and elsewhere, particularly in Africa, in line with our large and long-standing engagement in that region.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Most contemporary conflicts have been fought with small arms and light weapons; international humanitarian law is often disregarded and civilians, as well as humanitarian operations and United Nations and other personnel, are often targeted. Proper safeguarding or destruction of post- conflict stockpiles of small arms and light weapons can alleviate such problems. Norway renders support to individual States, regional and multilateral organizations requiring assistance in weapons collection and destruction programmes. In this connection, Norway supports the United Nations Development Programme's trust fund for weapons collection, which is providing development for communities in return for arms they surrender.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Norway is pleased to have had the opportunity to support this study and will participate in its follow-up. One important aspect is the security of ex-combatants who comply with United Nations requests to hand in their weapons. For many, this is a difficult choice. Their comrades who do not make this courageous decision often see them as traitors. They can therefore become victims, of aggression not only by former enemies, but also by former brothers in arms. To avoid a situation where those who comply with United Nations requests are in fact punished, the security of disarmed soldiers must be an integral part of any DDR programme. The proliferation, misuse and excessive accumulation of small arms and light weapons is an area of great concern in carrying out peace operations.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Incorporating political, security, economic and social objectives, DDR provides a bridge from the cessation of hostilities to sustainable peace. As such, DDR must not only focus on short-term demobilization programmes, but also be an integral part of the longer-term process of reconciling formerly hostile communities and reintegrating ex-combatants, with a special emphasis on child soldiers and other vulnerable groups. It is essential that United Nations officials and others who take part in DDR verification operations have in-depth knowledge of all the mechanisms involved in this process. Excellent work has been done by the United Nations and other organizations and countries to strengthen education and training. The Lessons Learned Unit study on DDR in a peacekeeping environment is among the substantial contributions to this work.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“From Kosovo to the Congo, from Sierra Leone to East Timor, the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants is playing an increasingly important role in United Nations peace operations. Norway would therefore like to commend the Security Council and you, Mr. President, for calling this formal meeting, and to thank the Secretary-General for an excellent report on the subject. We would also like to commend the delegation of Malaysia for its efforts. Norway fully supports the objectives and recommendations of the Secretary- General. Following armed conflict, particularly internal conflicts, a comprehensive approach to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration is necessary in order to prevent the recurrence of violence.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“However, Norway is of the view that the guidelines published by the Secretariat in the Secretary-General's Bulletin need further study and consultation before they are ripe for implementation in peacekeeping operations. Finally, Norway pays tribute to those who have given their lives in the service of peace, and my country remains committed to working towards a safer environment for United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The Norwegian Government is pleased that attacks against United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel are included in the list of war crimes under article 8 of the Statute. When established, the Court will play an important role in bringing to justice those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law. At this stage, our main priority must be to ensure the final establishment of the Court, which presupposes 60 ratifications. We would also like to mention the question of the applicability of international humanitarian law in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Norway supports the general idea of guidelines for peacekeepers.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“States need to hold States as well as non- State actors accountable for their attacks on humanitarian workers operating in territory under their control. The Secretary-General referred to this aspect in the statement he made in May last year in The Hague, referring to accountability for "every militia guilty of crimes against our common humanity." The Norwegian Government actively took part in the process leading towards the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. Two weeks ago, on 27 January, the Norwegian Parliament gave its approval to Norwegian ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. We urge all Governments to make an extra effort with a view to ensuring, through their early ratification of the Rome Statute, the establishment of the International Criminal Court without further delay.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Norway is encouraging other States to ratify and implement this important instrument, and supports the decision by the General Assembly last year to request the Secretary-General to submit by May this year a report containing analysis and recommendations addressing the scope of legal protection under the Convention. Norway has also contributed to the Trust Fund for Security of United Nations personnel in order to support training and enhanced security management. It should be recalled that under international law, the primary responsibility for the security and protection of United Nations and associated personnel lies with the Government hosting a United Nations operation, conducted under the United Nations Charter or in accordance with agreements with the relevant organization.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The Norwegian Government worked actively for the adoption of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and we are a party to the Convention. That Convention represents a major contribution to the safety of United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel. Its entry into force on 29 January last year was an important step forward. However, in order to make it an effective tool for enhancing the protection of United Nations and associated personnel, more States need to commit themselves to the Convention.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This requires compliance with the essential principles and rules of conduct of armed conflicts, including, inter alia, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977. Concrete measures must be taken. The Norwegian Government welcomes resolution 1265 (1999), adopted by the Security on 17 September last year, addressing the importance of safe and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel to civilians in armed conflicts and the establishment of a process to consider further appropriate steps as a follow-up to the report of the Secretary-General. Within this context, the safety of United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel is a critical issue.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“There is an acute need for enhanced protection of United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel. There has been an increasing number of violations of the security of humanitarian personnel in recent conflicts, including in the Sudan, Kosovo, Chechnya, Burundi and elsewhere. Norway therefore welcomes the initiative of Argentina, and the presence here today of the Argentine Foreign Minister. In our View, it is essential that the United Nations and the international community remain seized of the challenging task of increasing respect for international humanitarian law and contributing to ensuring the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In order to realize those important aims, those Member countries with greater financial resources and extensive experience in peace operations should provide funding and personnel to establish a self-sustaining peacekeeping capacity within the regional security organizations. In conclusion, let me mention that today a number of suggestions have been put forward on how to improve the effectiveness of the United Nations in its partnership with Africa. My delegation would like to emphasize, however, that, in order for such ideas to be implemented, sufficient resources are needed. We therefore call on the international community to increase its support to the United Nations and to African regional and subregional organizations in order to strengthen their capacity to meet the security and development concerns of Africa.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“While we believe that the United Nations is the organization best suited to lead and coordinate complex multi-functional peace operations, it will often need to draw on regional and subregional organizations when military forces are called for. It is therefore important to strengthen regional capacity for participation in peace operations. Norway is contributing to that end. Furthermore, the United Nations should work closely with regional organizations in order to establish common principles for training personnel and units intended for participation in peace operations. In our view, it is important also to establish common organizational structures for interaction between the United Nations and the regional organizations in question, and to improve effective multi-functional planning and coordination.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The international community should provide the necessary resources for such programmes to address such challenges effectively. Poverty, underdevelopment and violent conflict are closely linked. A significant challenge for the United Nations as a whole is to ensure that the measures decided upon by the Security Council work in tandem with other efforts, such as those of United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies, as well as those of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the regional banks. The Organization of African Unity (OAU), representing all African countries, has a particularly important role to play in promoting peace and stability in Africa. Close collaboration among the OAU, the United Nations and national Governments is needed to resolve conflicts on the African continent.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“On the question of the prevention of conflict, we all agree that there is a need now to move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention, as the Secretary-General has put it. We must strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to conduct preventive diplomacy. In that connection, my Government would appeal to other donor countries to support the Trust Fund for Preventive Action. Effective programmes for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants are of crucial importance in establishing comprehensive peace operations. It is a fact that the presence of a large number of small arms and light weapons can be a major destabilizing factor, can undermine the security of war-affected populations, and can threaten the safety of international peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for this timely initiative. Norway remains firmly committed to peace and development in Africa, and we welcome this opportunity to discuss suggestions and ideas for improving the effectiveness of the United Nations in its partnership with the African continent. We believe that it is important, first, to build a comprehensive approach to conflicts in Africa and, secondly, to develop effective cooperation with African institutions. By a comprehensive approach, we are thinking of the capacity of the United Nations to prevent conflicts, to apply a set of measures attuned to the various stages of a conflict, and to support post-conflict measures.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Unless we can devise approaches to prevent conflicts and foster reconciliation, our development efforts will be undermined or even reversed. Building a culture of prevention is not easy. But the approach taken by the Secretary-General, notably in his report on Africa, is without doubt a most constructive way forward. Poverty, underdevelopment and violent conflicts are closely linked. We cannot address one without addressing the System Name: W:\WP51DOC\FINAL\9986581E System Filetype: WP5.1 Document Name: 9986581e Document Type: Creation Date: 11-30-99 08:12p Revision Date: 11-30-99 11:22p Author: ed (F) Typist: Subject: SfPV.4072 (Resumption 1) Account: 28 pp. Keywords: Abstract: C:\WP51\WP)WP[DS.000581EH-'”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Effective crisis management and long-term conflict prevention must include assistance in promoting lasting and sustainable development, combating poverty and relieving poor countries of their unsustainable debt burden, as well as efforts to promote democratic and economic reforms, good governance and human rights. Norway has adopted a national strategy combining humanitarian assistance, including demining, with conflict prevention, peace and reconciliation, and development. We will be proactive in the further development of coordinated efforts. We must involve bilateral donors, multilateral organizations like the United Nations and its agencies, regional organizations, and national Governments in constructive partnerships.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Furthermore, we are actively involved in efforts to provide humanitarian relief and assistance in solidarity with the victims of natural disasters, wars, and other violent conflicts. And we have been engaged in various peace and reconciliation processes in conflict areas around the world. Increasingly, we have realized the need for an integrated approach to our peace and development efforts. Conflict prevention, humanitarian aid and development assistance must go hand in hand. We must deal with the root causes of conflict, not just the symptoms.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The existence of a permanent, global institution of this kind will significantly enhance deterrence against the most heinous international crimes. As current Chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Norway has worked to develop further cooperation with the United Nations. Close and cooperative relations between the United Nations and regional organizations in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter is of paramount importance to successful conflict prevention internationally. Norway has a long tradition of assisting efforts at development and poverty alleviation in developing countries, both bilaterally and through the United Nations.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Norway supports efforts to combat the illicit proliferation of small arms and the various initiatives to curtail this lethal trade that are currently being pursued within the United Nations and elsewhere. Norway believes in continued efforts to counter the culture of impunity for serious violations of humanitarian law. The International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia represent important new building blocks in international jurisprudence with regard to the prosecution of the most serious international crimes. The experience obtained is also a stepping stone towards the establishment of the International Criminal Court, in accordance with the Rome Statute. Norway urges all States to ratify the Rome Statute in order to ensure early establishment of the Court.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Preventive diplomacy and peacemaking are highly cost-effective activities for the maintenance of international peace and security. The financing of this activity should no longer be dependent on exchange rate gains, vacancy rate management and trust funds. Norway therefore welcomes the inclusion in the Programme Budget for 2000 and 2001 of funds for special political missions, which Norway considers to be of great importance. Preventive deployment and preventive disarmament are other strategies that have proved successful in later years. Norway participated from the beginning with peacekeeping troops in the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in Macedonia, the first preventive United Nations deployment mission ever.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Secretary-General, being provided the possibility, in Article 99 of the Charter, to bring to the attention of the Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security, has a crucial early warning function in crisis situations. Norway shares the view that the preventive capacity of the Secretary-General should be strengthened further, including through the allocation of human and financial resources. To assist in this regard, Norway has contributed to the Trust Fund for Preventive Action, with a total of $4 million since 1996. In addition, in the same period, Norway has also contributed some $4 million to other trust funds and activities of the United Nations Secretariat related to conflict prevention worldwide.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Security Council, acting on behalf of the universal membership of the United Nations, has been given the pre-eminent position and obligation to take effective and collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter. Early consideration and preventive action by the Security Council in disputes or potential conflict situations should thus remain the primary instrument of the international community's conflict prevention efforts as we enter a new century. The higher the readiness of the Council for preventive action, the more likely it is that disputes can be settled peacefully, in accordance with Article 33 of the Charter. The role of the Secretary-General is vital in this regard.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It goes without saying that the United Nations and the Security Council have a pivotal role to play in this regard. I would therefore like to express Norway's appreciation, Mr. President, for your timely initiative and for the opportunity to participate in this important debate on the role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed conflicts. Norway welcomes the measure of transparency and openness involved in allowing non- Council members to present their views and to inspire fresh ideas in open thematic debates like this one. We encourage the Council to further expand the practice of meeting in open formats rather than behind closed doors. There can be no doubt about Norway's commitment to upholding the primary role and responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“According to one estimate, 5.5 million people have died in war during the 1990s. Many more have had their lives ruined. The vast majority of these conflicts occur in the developing world, where many countries also have taken on a heavy burden by accepting refugees from conflicts in neighbouring nations, often without receiving due credit for their efforts. Norway has no doubt that the international community needs to pay far more attention and direct far more resources to resolving the many conflicts hampering development, creating human suffering and burdening the response capacity of developing nations, not least in Africa. We are convinced that preventing conflicts clearly contributes to lasting and sustainable development, just as poverty alleviation and social progress may reduce the risk of war and conflicts.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is important to see the present situation in Burundi in the context of political events elsewhere in the Great Lakes region, in particular in the light of the still volatile situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It will be difficult to ensure peace and reconciliation in Burundi if the Lusaka Agreement is not effectively implemented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are therefore concerned by the recent reports of an increasing number of Violations of the ceasefire in that country. We urge all the parties to the Lusaka Agreement to respect the commitments they have made in this respect, and we also urge the Security Council to follow the situation in that country with close attention.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My Government is concerned that his passing at this critical juncture in the peace negotiations on Burundi could lead to a vacuum in the efforts for peace and reconciliation, which could further aggravate the security situation in Burundi and cause a new escalation of violence. We also fear that the violence in Burundi may spread to neighbouring States and create increased instability in the region at large. We therefore strongly urge all the parties concerned to join in the effort to appoint, as soon as possible, a new facilitator to replace the late Mwalimu Nyerere, and also to resume without any delay the peace talks in Arusha in a constructive manner in order to overcome the present dangerous standstill in the peace process.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“So far this year we have channelled $4.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Burundi. Another $4.7 million has been channelled through the United Nations system to the Great Lakes region in response to United Nations regional appeals. Taking into account the present severe situation and the need for supporting the humanitarian efforts to restore peace in Burundi, we are now also considering additional support in the near future. The demise of Mwalimu Nyerere was met with great sorrow. His leadership, as the first head of State of the United Republic of Tanzania and as a peacemaker in the region, made lasting contributions to a better world. He will be greatly missed by us all.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I would like to begin by expressing our appreciation to your Presidency, Sir, for the initiative to hold an open debate in the Security Council on the situation in Burundi. Norway is deeply concerned by the recent increase in violence in Burundi, in particular in the south and in the environs of Bujumbura. We believe that this spiral of violence must be stopped. The international community has a special responsibility to prevent another human tragedy from happening in this region. Norway therefore believes that the United Nations should and could play a more active role in ensuring peace and stability in Burundi. Norway has for several years actively supported the peace and reconciliation efforts in Burundi and has also been one of the major financial contributors to the Arusha process.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Based on lessons learned from similar situations, Norway would like to call upon the international community to be prepared for a massive human relief operation once security is restored.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We insist that the Indonesian Government allow international humanitarian workers access to those refugees. Furthermore, we support the Portuguese proposal to call for a special session of the Human Rights Commission on East Timor. If the situation does not improve, it may also be expected of the international community to introduce economic sanctions. Finally, what we are confronted with is a severe situation where a whole population is lacking basic human freedom. We are also confronted with enormous needs in terms of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. Norway is ready to provide economic support to the efforts to promote peace, stability and development in East Timor.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043Resumption1 (1999) · source
“According to numerous reports, the Indonesian armed forces have in many cases played an active and leading role in the intimidation and violence against the population. We now seem to be witnessing what can only be described as crimes against humanity, and we expect those responsible for these crimes to be held accountable. Since Indonesia is unable to control the situation and re-establish the rule of law, Indonesia should immediately invite the international community to assist. We hope that reports received this morning indicate that such an invitation is forthcoming. Norway commends the leadership taken on by Australia to provide such assistance. We are also gravely concerned about the fate of the large numbers of refugees who have been deported to West Timor, from where it has been impossible to get information.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is with grave concern that Norway is receiving news from East Timor of persistent and devastating acts of violence against United Nations personnel, civilians, international humanitarian workers, journalists and religious leaders. Since the announcement of the results of the historic consultation on 30 August, when the overwhelming majority of the East Timorese people voted for independence, the situation has deteriorated day by day. Norway has repeatedly urged the Indonesian authorities to fulfil their responsibility in accordance with the Tripartite Agreement signed on 5 May. We deeply regret that the Indonesian Government has failed to maintain order and provide security for the people of East Timor.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Yugoslavia Tribunal and the Rwanda Tribunal, as well as efforts to establish an International Criminal Court, are important steps in enhancing accountability to international standards. It is critical to focus on the improved protection of civilians in armed conflict through a comprehensive and coordinated approach by Member States and the international organizations and agencies. Norway is contributing its utmost to the efforts that are being made. We look forward to the report requested of the Secretary- General, which will identify areas in which the Security Council can contribute more to improved physical and legal protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“We are deeply concerned with the spread of internal conflicts that has contributed to an undermining of respect for the core of humanitarian law and human rights standards in situations of internal conflict and civil war. There is thus a need for strengthened international cooperation with a view to enhancing the legal protection of vulnerable groups in internal conflict, to improve international monitoring and to promote an active role of the international community in protecting human rights and fundamental humanitarian standards in such situations. In order to enforce standards set in international law, we have to put an end to impunity from genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“We call for a rights-based approach to children affected by war. The principle of unimpeded access of humanitarian personnel to those in need is being disregarded as never before, and we are facing a rising number of attacks on humanitarian personnel. Firm measures must be taken by the international community against parties who deliberately attack such people. To this end, Norway has contributed $100,000 to the recently established Trust Fund for the security of United Nations personnel for training and enhanced security management. In this connection, we welcome the entry into force of the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“This year we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We should take this opportunity to adopt further measures to protect children, who are the least responsible yet most vulnerable in conflict situations. Agreement on an additional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, by which the age limit for participation in armed conflict would be raised from 15 to 18, would be a step in the right direction. In addition to the provision of food and medicine for mere survival, children in conflict situations need access to educational activities. This can provide children with some sense of normality and hope in the midst of despair as well as being a way of preventing the recruitment of children and bringing about the demobilization of child soldiers.”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source
“Among these are initiatives in the area of small arms, anti-personnel landmines and the protection of vulnerable groups. For example, to combat the proliferation of small arms through local, national and regional projects in conflict-prone developing countries, Norway has launched a United Nations trust fund. In the area of anti-personnel landmines, the international community will soon mark the entry into force of a legally binding instrument that prohibits the use, stockpiling, transfer and production of anti-personnel landmines, with emphasis shifting from advocacy to implementation. Children are often the most vulnerable victims in times of war. The United Nations Charter clearly states the determination of Member States "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war".”
1999-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3980 (1999) · source