YouSaid · the spoken record

Koonjul

lines on the record: 565
first: 2001-07-24
most recent: 2003-05-30
sittings or episodes: 63
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 easy-going qualities that usually characterize the month of August at the United Nations, and in the Security Council in particular, gave way to some very important debates in the Council under the Colombian presidency. Indeed, we had very useful informal consultations on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and on Liberia, as well as an important and urgent public meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. We regret, however, that despite the very wide participation and the intense debate on the latter issue, the Council was unable to agree on an outcome document. That is indeed very unfortunate given the gravity of the situation on the ground. We really have to address this issue in the future.”
2001-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4363 (2001) · source
“Allow me first of all, Mr. Minister, to thank you for presiding over the work of the Security Council today. We were also very appreciative of your personal presence during the open debate on small arms and the meeting on regional approaches to conflict management in Africa. Your personal contribution has been invaluable and underscores the commitment of Colombia to global disarmament and international peace and security. Let me also express our heartiest congratulations to Ambassador Valdivieso on the professional and exemplary manner in which he guided the work of the Council in both informal and formal meetings, making the Colombian presidency a very successful one indeed.”
2001-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4363 (2001) · source
“In this respect, my delegation proposes that the Secretary-General, who will be visiting the region shortly, facilitate more frequent meetings among the leaders. Finally, my delegation reiterates its appeal for the respect for human rights and humanitarian law all over the Congolese territory. We also call upon the humanitarian agencies to come to the help of those who are needy in the country.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“The activities of the armed groups in the east of the country are also matters of serious concern. All support to these armed groups must immediately cease. There are reports that the Front pour la liberation du Congo (FLC) of Mr. Bemba is not withdrawing from Equateur province as envisaged. We appeal to them to honour their earlier commitment and to withdraw their forces as early as possible. The dialogue among the leaders of the region, in particular those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, seems to have slowed down, if not disappeared. We feel that it is important that leaders of the region communicate with each other as a measure of confidence building. The international community should encourage the leaders to engage in dialogue as often as possible.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“My delegation is particularly concerned about the recent events and reports that have been brought to our attention, namely, the gunshots at the helicopter used by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) earlier this month, fortunately without any casualties. We condemn this act, and we appeal to all the parties, signatory and non- signatory of the Lusaka Agreement, to cooperate fully with MONUC. The status-quo situation in Kisangani needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms. The Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) cannot continue defying the relevant Security Council resolutions on the demilitarization of Kisangani. The international community must continue to exert all possible pressure on the RCD-Goma to comply with the Security Council resolutions.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“We call upon all the parties concerned to extend their full cooperation to the Panel. We wish to stress that the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo belong to the people of that country alone. We condemn all illegal exploitation, especially by foreign elements. It is in this spirit that my delegation looks forward to the report of the Panel of Experts. Notwithstanding the progress made in the peace process, we have still not reached an irreversible situation. We urge all the parties to the Lusaka Agreement to commit themselves fully to implementing the agreement and to refrain from any act that might derail the process.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“Thirdly, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) will require additional manpower in the important task that it will be called upon to undertake during the third phase. My delegation believes that the next phase should be addressed with all the seriousness it deserves, particularly the issue of MONUC's strength, which we once again emphasize should be compatible with the task it faces. The complete cessation of the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an objective that the Council should pursue vigorously. We understand that the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently in the region.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“First, the parties to the Lusaka Agreement should now be urged actively and urgently to finalize their comprehensive plans for the withdrawal of foreign forces and for the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement (DDRRR) of armed groups. Secondly, the DDRRR process should proceed without any further delay. The Council must also start giving due consideration to the issue of the economic recovery of the country to accompany the DDRRR process. While we recognize that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have been sensitized to play an important role in the country's economic recovery, it would perhaps be a positive stride forward if a pledging conference of bilateral and multilateral donors could be held in the near future.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“My delegation expresses its gratitude to Sir Ketumile Masire, the facilitator of the inter- Congolese dialogue, for his relentless efforts in organizing the preparatory meeting. It is now vital that the Council encourage the facilitator and the Congolese people to maintain the present momentum for the next stage of the dialogue itself. Mauritius has all along emphasized the need to ensure an open, representative and all-inclusive process for the dialogue, which should include civil society and Congolese women. We hope that representativity and all-inclusiveness will be maintained. As preparation for the inter-Congolese dialogue continues, we should not lose sight of other important aspects of the peace process. My delegation considers that the Council will have to address the following issues as a matter of priority.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“We note the positive outcome of the preparatory meeting of the inter-Congolese dialogue, which took place from 20 to 24 August at Gaborone. We welcome the decision of those attending the preparatory meeting to reconvene in Addis Ababa in October 2001. A first important step in the right direction has been made by bringing together for the first time since the war broke out, three years ago, the representatives of the Government, the rebel movement, opposition parties and civil society groups. We welcome the free and reconciliatory approach adopted by all the parties signatories to the Lusaka Agreement. This is a clear demonstration of the desire for peace and reconciliation by the Congolese people in general. We commend them for that and encourage them to pursue their efforts.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“We also thank Mr. Hedi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, for his comprehensive briefing this morning. Today's meeting is taking place at a very crucial stage in the peace process. This is an opportunity for us and for other participating States to assess the situation together and to look for ways and means to support and accelerate the return to normalcy, peace and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We would also like to welcome the appointment of Mr. Amos Namanga Ngongi as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We would like to assure him of our full support in the challenging task that awaits him.”
2001-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4361 (2001) · source
“Such cooperation is essential to ensuring the wide and safe participation of all the communities in the elections, which should hopefully lead to a multi-ethnic Government and should contribute to lasting peace in the region.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“We support the need for an enhanced public campaign to encourage voter registration and the eventual participation of the Kosovars in the election on 17 November. We also note that the issue of Kosovo Albanian detainees in Serbian prisons was discussed during the meeting. We hope that the Serbian authorities will soon hand over those detained to UNMIK so that these cases can be reviewed as appropriate by UNMIK. These measures should help build confidence between the communities. With the collaboration of the Serbian Ministry of Justice, UNMIK should be able to further improve the judicial process and enhance the trust of the people in the judicial system of Kosovo. My delegation encourages the Serbian authorities to continue dialogue and cooperation with UNMIK on the security arrangements in anticipation of the November elections.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“We also call on all those who have contact with the extremists to persuade them to cease violence and to participate in the UNMIK process to build and guarantee an autonomous, safe and peaceful Kosovo. The talks between Mr. Hans Haekkerup and the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Covic, on 15 August have reassured us of the support of the Serbian side for the principle that there should be no security and administrative structures parallel to those administered by UNMIK. We also welcome the positive attitude of Belgrade regarding the registration of Serb community voters for the forthcoming Kosovo- wide elections. It is crucial that all communities register to be counted as residents of Kosovo and have a chance to vote and be represented in the Kosovo Assembly.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“We support UNMIK efforts at curbing such acts, while stressing that it is the responsibility of the Kosovars themselves to create conditions conducive to a multi-ethnic Kosovo. With a large number of refugees in the province and with the closure of the border at Blace, the work of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo is being considerably hampered. We call on the Government of Macedonia to make arrangements for the re-opening of the route for easy access of supplies to United Nations personnel in Kosovo and for the return of refugees in Macedonia. We have noted KFOR's seizure of weapons, such as pistols, grenades, ammunition and anti-personnel landmines. My delegation encourages KFOR in its operations to cut down the supply lines of the extremists.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“The population of Kosovo must be made to understand that taking out their frustration on KFOR and United Nations personnel will not help solve their problem. The political leaders must do everything possible to convince their partisans not to resort to violence. We also deplore the murder of five members of a Kosovo Albanian family near Pristina on 20 August 2001 and the attack on a Serb convoy, which left three persons injured at the beginning of the month. These violent acts negatively impact on the creation of a safe environment for displaced persons and refugees to return to Kosovo and undermine efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. We equally deplore attempts at political assassinations, as well as continuing organized crime activities.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“We are grateful to the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, for his very comprehensive and useful briefing this morning. We have noted the progress made by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in preparations for the elections in Kosovo and in finalizing the institutions of provisional self-government. However, we are concerned about the security situation, in particular about reports that several Kosovo Force (KFOR) and UNMIK police members were recently injured during riots following a car accident in the north of Mitrovica. Such attacks on United Nations personnel are serious, and they hamper the work of those people who are dedicated to bringing peace to the province.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“My delegation would support such an initiative, if the matter were to be considered by the Council, and we call upon all members to give serious consideration to this course of action.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“We also endorse the statement made by the Group of Eight in Genoa, Italy, which reaffirmed that the implementation of the Mitchell report was the way forward to break the deadlock, stop the escalation of violence and resume the political process. It is clear that in the case of such an impasse, the international community should provide all possible assistance and avenues to the two sides to stop the violence and resume the peace talks. My delegation supports the idea of creating a monitoring mechanism that would help the two parties to implement the Mitchell report. This is the only way for us to ensure that the recommendations of the report are respected and implemented.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“Mauritius believes that both sides should look forward to, and promptly consider adopting, the confidence-building measures recommended by the Mitchell report. We appeal to both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government to put an end to the cycle of violence and return to the negotiating table. In this regard, we wish to commend all the efforts undertaken so far by the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to narrow down the differences between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. We encourage the Secretary-General, as well as the leaders of the region and those of the European Union, the United States and the Russian Federation, to pursue their efforts to break the deadlock.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“Beginning from the Camp David Accords in 1978, we moved to the Madrid Conference, the Oslo peace agreements and the Sharm el-Sheikh understandings of October 2000. Each time we have expressed hope, confidence and expectations that peace will finally be within reach, but each time there has been disappointment. Now we have the Mitchell report, which provides a viable process for a peaceful settlement. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity. The acceptance of the Mitchell report four months ago by both sides created expectations which, unfortunately, have not been realized. Time has been lost, but no more time should be lost. The report offers a sensible and coherent foundation for resolving the crisis and resuming meaningful negotiations.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“The establishment of an independent state of Palestine, together with the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), are the only safeguards for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine and in the Middle East region. Israel, too, has the right to exist within secure borders. Since November last year, the Non-Aligned Movement caucus of the Security Council has relentlessly undertaken efforts to move the Council to establish a United Nations observer force to provide protection to the Palestinian people. We are convinced that, had the Council agreed to the deployment of such an observer force, the situation would not be as it is today. Over the past 23 years, several milestones have been reached in the protracted peace process.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“In the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the blockades imposed by Israel have only further worsened the sufferings of the Palestinian people and resulted in untold daily hardship to the residents in the Palestine-controlled areas. The blockade has cost the Palestinian economy millions of dollars; unemployment has soared, and hundreds of thousand of people are struggling for their survival. It goes without saying that unemployment, misery and frustration are breeding grounds for more violent actions. We call upon Israel to immediately remove all the blockades so that the Palestinian people may resume their normal activities. My delegation is reminded of the remarks made seven years ago by the late Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, that Israelis and Palestinians are destined to live together on the same soil, in the same land.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“Orient House is a symbol of peace and of the very dignity of the Palestinian people; its occupation by Israel is unacceptable. These unwarranted Israeli acts, which are flagrant violations of past agreements signed by the two sides, would further undermine prospects for reviving the peace process and would constitute a deliberate act of provocation. Unless such practices are immediately halted, there will be a further radicalization of the Palestinians. All acts of provocation should stop. We join our voice to the call made by the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, for Israel to immediately end its occupation of Orient House and other Palestinian buildings. Both Israel and Palestine should exercise the highest degree of restraint and act responsibly in order not to exacerbate the situation any further.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“Today, the eyes of the international community are once more focused on the Security Council, which under the United Nations Charter has the responsibility to intervene and stop the situation from deteriorating any further. The Council has no option but to remain actively engaged and undertake the necessary action to contain the ongoing violence and encourage confidence-building measures between the two parties so that the peace talks may resume. My delegation urges Israel to put an end to all acts of violence and targeted assassinations. Mauritius strongly condemns the excessive and indiscriminate use of force and violence against the Palestinian people. We also strongly condemn the Israeli occupation of Orient House in East Jerusalem and the closure of other buildings belonging to the Palestinian Authority.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“Hundreds of innocent victims, including children and women from both the Palestinian and Israeli sides, continue to suffer because of the apparent inability and failure by the international community to take the necessary steps to stem the violence. The death toll only continues to rise day after day. Loss of life in any situation is tragic, but when loss of life is avoidable, it becomes immoral. Prospects for a durable peace in the Middle East have been seriously jeopardized by recent events. If appropriate steps are not taken promptly, there is a high risk that the entire Middle East will be embroiled in a full-scale war. No one wishes this to happen. We at the Security Council need to assume our responsibilities. Several Council resolutions continue to remain unimplemented, and peace in the Middle East still remains elusive.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“My delegation remains deeply concerned over the escalating violence in the Middle East, which has exacted a high toll of casualties and deaths, mostly among Palestinian civilians. For almost a year now, violence has continued to ravage the occupied Palestinian territories and is becoming more intense. The increasing violence not only shatters the confidence in the peace process, but also compromises the sacrifice, time and energy invested so far in the quest for peace and security in the region. The extrajudicial killings of Palestinians by the Israeli forces are proceeding at a dangerously accelerated rate. This practice is unacceptable and must be condemned. The situation on the ground today has become alarming and explosive.”
2001-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4357 (2001) · source
“The international community is fully aware that when it comes to Africa, it is the heavily armed negative forces that continue to undermine peace and security for decades. My delegation hopes that in the coming years, good faith will prevail and a consensus will eventually emerge in this regard.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Mauritius welcomes the decision of the Economic Community of West African States to renew for a further period of three years the moratorium banning the importation, exportation and manufacture of small arms and light weapons. Such initiatives should be encouraged and emulated by other regions. The recent United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms has now added a new impetus for fighting the illicit trade in small arms at all levels. The Programme of Action is indeed an important road map that should guide us all in constraining the scourge caused by the illicit trade in these weapons. However, we Africans are somewhat disappointed that there was not a consensus on the issue of the sale of small arms and light weapons to non-State actors.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“The ability of the Security Council, of sanctions committees and of the Secretariat to monitor arms embargoes needs to be enhanced, and the Security Council has to show the political determination to do this. It would be very important for the sanctions committees to be provided with the means to submit in their annual reports a section on the implementation of the arms embargoes, on possible violations of the measures reported to them and appropriate recommendations for strengthening the effectiveness of the arms embargoes. The United Nations Secretariat should have a permanent pool of experts to verify any non- compliance with arms embargoes, which must then be followed by concrete actions. We also have to intensify the "name and shame" campaign against those involved in breaching arms embargoes.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“In the case of the United Nations arms embargo against UNITA, the Panel of Experts established by the Security Council pursuant to resolution 1237 (1999) last year systematically detailed and denounced the role of arms brokers and shipping agents in providing UNITA with arms. The Security Council, in resolution 1196 (1998), called upon States to adopt legislation making the violation of arms embargoes a criminal offence. Such a call was reiterated in the Programme of Action of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. But the Security Council will have to take further measures to improve the effectiveness of its arms embargoes.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Special efforts should be made also to reunite such children with their families. The Programme of Action of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects includes several recommendations in that regard, and it is important for the Council to take them fully into account when formulating peacekeeping mandates. In recent years, targeted sanctions have shown their effectiveness. The imposition of sanctions in the form of arms embargoes by the Security Council has to some extent helped in reducing the flow of arms to areas of conflict. Such measures also make the acquisition of these weapons more difficult and expensive. However, we note that unscrupulous elements continue to breach many United Nations arms embargoes.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“This would generate greater confidence among their citizens. Most people in post-conflict regions will not readily give up their weapons unless they feel that their lives and property are adequately secure. For an effective and successful demobilization programme, former combatants should be given such assurances, and should also be the object of appropriate reintegration programmes - except, of course, when there is justification for prosecution for crimes against humanity. Incentives should be given to combatants to surrender their weapons. Similarly, adequate measures need to be taken when dealing with the disarmament and demobilization of child soldiers. Provisions should be made for their education and training, which would facilitate their reintegration into society.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“The disarmament process should not only involve the collection of small arms and light weapons; it should also include programmes dealing with arms management, including measures for the safe storage of these arms and for their eventual destruction. Peace agreements should make provisions for accurate information on the size and location of armed forces and for details of weapons used in the conflict in question. In that field, the cooperation and assistance of civil society and of non-governmental organizations is most desirable. Such provisions would facilitate the easy retrieval of these weapons for their eventual destruction. The destruction of these small arms not only serves as a means of creating an atmosphere of security, but also sends a strong signal that the countries emerging from conflict are now embarking on an era of peace.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Experiences such as the one in Liberia have shown that large quantities of small arms which are not destroyed in the aftermath of a conflict represent a serious hurdle to the post-conflict peace-building process and hinder reconstruction efforts when they find their way into the hands of thugs, terrorists and other antisocial elements. In both conflict and post-conflict situations, peacekeeping personnel and humanitarian workers have been the victims of armed groups. In most cases, small arms have been utilized to perpetrate these assaults, resulting in loss of life and undermining the confidence of co-workers in the field.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“In that regard, it is important that we strengthen peacekeeping operations to incorporate comprehensive programmes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. The first United Nations peacekeeping operation with such a component, deployed in Central America in 1989, paved the way for similar operations elsewhere. The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, which had been mandated to carry out the destruction of weapons as part of their peace-building activities, should be emulated.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“In June, the Council had a thorough discussion of the report of the Secretary-General on prevention of armed conflict (S/2001/574), in which it was acknowledged that there could be no effective strategy to prevent armed conflicts if the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons were not properly addressed. The Security Council can and should play an effective role in that regard. With conflicts becoming more and more complex, peacekeeping operations should increasingly be viewed as part of a broader process that should include post- conflict peace-building strategies. Experience has shown that well planned disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes are an important and effective instrument for reconstructing post-conflict societies.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Unfortunately, when it comes to Africa, such words are not adequately translated into deeds. In the statement (S/PRST/1999/28) made by its President on 24 September 1999, the Security Council called for measures to discourage arms flows to countries or regions engaged in or emerging from armed conflicts. That presidential statement also encouraged Governments of arms-exporting countries to exercise the highest degree of responsibility in their transactions. In that regard, my delegation believes that, before selling weapons, those countries have a moral duty under international law to ascertain that the end user will put the consignments to rightful use. They should also be in a position to verify and confirm the identity of end users and their capacity to maintain control over the arms and the ammunition.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Expert panels have established beyond doubt the nexus between the acquisition of weapons through illegal means and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, such as diamonds and other precious metals, which are used to pay for the weapons. Although the Security Council is relentlessly making intensive efforts to find ways and means to end various African conflicts, we have yet to witness a decrease in the flow to Africa of small arms and light weapons, most of which are manufactured in the developed countries. Resolution 1209 (1998) stressed the importance of all Member States, in particular those involved in the manufacturing or marketing of weapons, restricting arms transfers which could provoke or prolong armed conflicts or aggravate existing tensions in Africa.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Having primary responsibility under the United Nations Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council has more than a moral obligation to address the issue of small arms. Africa is the continent most affected by small arms and light weapons. In its resolution 1209 (1998), on illicit arms flows in Africa, the Security Council expressed grave concern over the destabilizing effects of the illicit flow of arms, particularly small arms, to Africa. Three years later, Africa is still awash in small arms and light weapons, which continue to fuel and sustain innumerable conflicts.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“I wish also to express the appreciation of my delegation to the Secretary-General for his valuable statement this morning. It is a widely acknowledged fact that small arms and light weapons are today the weapons of choice in armed conflicts. They continue to be extensively used by rebel groups, warlords and terrorists to sustain conflicts, to destabilize Governments and societies and to create havoc. The brutal civil wars in Somalia, Angola and Rwanda during the past decade, which claimed more than 2.5 million lives, were fought mainly with small arms. These weapons are small and light only in name. The miseries they cause have been immense and widespread. Their proliferation remains a major threat to international peace and security.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Allow me first of all, Sir, to congratulate your country on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. It is indeed a pleasure for my delegation to see you, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, presiding over this open debate of the Security Council. Your presence among us bears testimony to the commitment and tireless efforts of Colombia in the global fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The recent conclusion of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects under the presidency of Ambassador Reyes further underscored the importance that Colombia attaches to this issue. I am grateful to your delegation for providing a background paper (S/2001/732, annex) to guide us in our deliberations.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355 (2001) · source
“Mauritius supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General to adjust the international presence in East Timor, bearing in mind the situation on the ground in the period following elections, and we reaffirm the need for a substantial international presence in the country after independence as recommended in resolution 1338 (2001). The people of East Timor are on the eve of a new era in the life of their country. It is extremely important that they put aside all their differences and work together in a spirit of national reconciliation in the process of rebuilding their nation and shaping their economy. Likewise, it is vital for the international community to extend all the necessary assistance to the country and its new administration.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This can be possible only if the Timorization process is accelerated in all sectors, through capacity-building in specific sectors of public finance, public administration, policing and maintenance of law and order. A sound and representative legislative system, an effective and efficient administrative body and an independent judiciary are fundamentals for a sustained democratic society and political stability. It is therefore extremely important to lay the foundation for and to consolidate the democratic institutions, which will ensure good governance and rule of law, respect for human rights and an independent judiciary in East Timor. It is equally important that a massive campaign be undertaken to educate the population at large as to their civic duties and obligations and also their rights in a free and democratic society.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We also appeal to the Government of Indonesia to fully respect the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in legal, judicial and human rights matters, concluded on 6 April 2000 with UNTAET, especially section 9, which provides for the transfer of persons for purposes of prosecution. The task lying ahead is not easy, but it is not unattainable either. Bearing in mind the inexperience of the various new departments, we cannot, at this stage, afford an exit without strategy. The strategy is clear. We need to prepare the East Timorese people to take the responsibility for and the destiny of their newly born State in their own hands.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We urge the international community to continue and to increase its assistance in these areas. My delegation appreciates the setting up of the Working Group on the Post-UNTAET Planning in East Timor, together with an Integrated Mission Task Force in New York on the modality of international support that would be required in East Timor after independence. We believe that the Working Group should take into consideration the findings of the inter- agency security assessment team and, in the light of its recommendations, suggest an appropriate plan of action. The positive developments in East Timor could not have been possible without the active cooperation of the Government of Indonesia. We urge the new leadership in Indonesia to pursue its efforts to implement all the measures called for by the Council in its resolution 1319 (2000).”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are also pleased to note that the district constitutional commissions are conducting hearings on systems of government, basic rights and other issues related to the constitution. It is important that the population at large, especially civil society, be made to feel that it is part of this important political process. We hope that these consultations will lead to the preparation of a constitution tailored to the needs and legitimate aspirations of the East Timorese people. We also welcome the news that various sectors of the economy have generally seen improvements. However, appropriate funding and proper planning are still needed to ensure continued progress and sustainability. The pressing issues of security, resettlement of returnees and law and order need to be addressed urgently.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Ramos-Horta, member of the Transitional Cabinet of East Timor responsible for Foreign Affairs. The political development in East Timor seems to be moving in the right direction, and the dream of independence culminating in statehood for East Timor is now only a matter of time. In the light of the progressive infrastructural development that has taken place during the past six months, and in view of the strong commitment of both UNTAET and the East Timorese to nation-building, we feel confident that the forthcoming elections scheduled for 30 days from now will proceed peacefully. We note with satisfaction that the majority of parties have signed the pact of national unity to carry out a peaceful political campaign and to accept the outcome of the elections.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) brings much good and encouraging news about the ongoing political process in East Timor. It also brings to the attention of the international community the need for consistent and concerted action to ensure a successful transfer of authority from UNTAET to the new executive authority which will be set up after the election. We commend the Secretary-General for his report. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Vieira de Mello, for his lucid and comprehensive briefing. We join other delegations in expressing our appreciation for his formidable and most constructive work in East Timor. We are also grateful for the briefing given to us this morning by Mr.”
2001-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4351Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Coming from Mauritius, we know that this is possible. We exhort the international community to support this process fully.”
2001-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4350 (2001) · source