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

“But on the basis of past actions by Iraq, the Security Council has determined that Iraq's possession of such weapons constitutes a real threat to international peace and security. It is therefore imperative that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction be completely destroyed. Notwithstanding the track record of Iraq, we are pleased that there has been a positive evolution in the Iraqi position in the last few weeks. Following the intervention of the Secretary-General and Arab States, and appeals from the international community, Iraq has been persuaded to accept the return of United Nations inspectors. We welcome the decision of the Government of Iraq to accept the unconditional return of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC).”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“The almost four-year absence of United Nations inspectors has not only caused a serious break and delay in resolving the whole issue of the disarmament of Iraq in the area of weapons of mass destruction, but has intensified the uncertainties regarding the actual state of the Iraqi programme of weapons of mass destruction. With its delaying and evasive tactics, Iraq has created greater doubts and suspicions about its possession of weapons of mass destruction. Admittedly, Iraq is not the only country with regard to which the issue of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction arises, and we certainly support all actions aimed at eliminating all such weapons throughout the world.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“Following the adoption of resolution 687 (1991), Iraq ought to have completely disposed of its weapons of mass destruction and inspectors ought to have been allowed to complete their work. However, by choosing to reject the return of United Nations inspectors and by using other delaying tactics, Iraq defied the international community and the authority of the Security Council. Such defiance has not helped either the Government of Iraq or the people of Iraq, who continue to live under the regime of United Nations- imposed sanctions. Yet the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) made significant progress, and if resolution 1284 (1999) had been duly complied with, the situation today could have been altogether different.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“During this two-day debate, there has been a very rich and much-needed exchange of views on the situation between Iraq and Kuwait. We welcome the participation in this debate of such a large number of countries from the general membership. This was a clear indication of the wish of the membership to see this issue discussed within this multilateral setting. We thank the representative of South Africa, who, in his capacity as Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, requested this meeting. Mauritius fully supported this request. We have noted a convergence of views on several important points, and one on which there is complete unanimity is the fact that Iraq must dispose of all of its weapons of mass destruction in compliance with Security Council resolutions 687 (1991) and 1284 (1999).”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“I4) These weapons continue to move from one country to another, from one rebel group to another, and the embargoes themselves in some cases have failed to prevent the flow of weapons. While we do recognize their limited success, my delegation does not believe that arms embargoes represent the exclusive solution in stopping and eradicating the flow of small arms and light weapons. The problem needs to be addressed in a more comprehensive and concerted manner at the national, regional and global levels in order to ensure a lasting solution.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“In this context, we welcome the recommendation made by the Secretary-General in his special report on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the new approach to funding the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement programme. Finally, I would like to touch upon the question of arms embargoes and their enforcement. My delegation believes that arms embargoes bring temporary solutions to the problem of small arms and light weapons. The Secretary-General has rightly pointed out in his report that "While arms embargoes help to stop arms flows into the targeted countries and to rebel groups, they do not eradicate small arms and light weapons that already exist in areas of conflict". (S/2002/1053, para.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“In this regard, we appeal for the support and assistance of the donor community. At the same time, we favour the idea of including in the mandate of peacekeeping operations clear provisions regarding the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, as well as specific measures for collection and disposal of illicit and surplus arms and light weapons. We are also amongst those who believe that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration should not entirely depend upon voluntary contributions from Member States.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Fifthly, incomplete or improper disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are another factor that has an important bearing on the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. A comprehensive programme of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration should aim at achieving full collection and disposal of all arms and light weapons. Before the disposal of these weapons, it is important that they be properly catalogued and that their origins be traced back for reference purposes and, if necessary, for appropriate action against culprits. We must at all costs prevent the sale of such weapons by one former combatant to another. We should encourage weapons buy-back programmes, which have proved quite successful in some parts of Africa. As of now, this objective is heavily dependent on voluntary funding.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“These same names also appear on the list of those involved in the trade of illegally exploited natural resources. We believe that, as long as actions are not taken against those individuals and those engaged in such activities, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons will continue and that the weapons will continue to fall into the wrong hands, perpetuating a vicious cycle. The members of the international community, particularly those with sophisticated intelligence services, must assist the countries directly affected by the illicit trafficking to combat this scourge. Member States must maintain strict national registration of each arms manufacturer, dealer, broker, transporter and financer, even where they are arranging deliveries through third countries, and both buyer and seller must use only registered brokers and dealers.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“It has been documented, for example, that arms which have been declared destroyed by fire in some countries have actually found their way into the hands of rebel groups in other parts of the continent. Fourthly, we are yet to find an effective way to deal with brokers and middlemen involved in the trade of small arms and light weapons. The greater part of arms sales, both legal and illegal, are made through the intervention of intermediaries and brokers. In the case of illegal arms deals, monitoring mechanisms in respect of arms embargoes time and again point to the same individuals or companies, which continue to operate unaffected. It is not a mere coincidence that the same names have been cited by the panels of experts on Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“In that regard, we fully support the Secretary- General's recommendation that the Council should encourage States that have not already done so to establish the necessary legislative and regulatory measures, including the use of authenticated end-user certificates, to ensure effective control over the export and transit of small arms and light weapons. We also support the idea that Member States should enter all details about the transfers of small and light weapons in regional registers and in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. It is also important that buyer countries exercise full and effective control over the arms that they buy or possess.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Since we all agree that small arms are indeed contributing enormously to fuelling conflicts, it is time for the Council to seriously look into the matter and to set up some kind of system which will help monitor the compliance of Member States with all decisions relating to small arms. Thirdly, my delegation has always stressed that arms-producing countries should act with utmost responsibility in arms sales transactions. It is important that all sales be made to bona fide dealers and that the end-users are clearly known. It is equally important that weapon manufacturers appropriately mark their weapons to enable easy identification and tracing if required.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“We therefore fully support the Secretary-General's recommendation to set up a small arms advisory service to ensure, inter alia, the optimal coordination and harmonization of the United Nations response on this matter. Secondly, there is very little follow-up or monitoring to ensure that decisions and recommendations are actually being implemented. Apart from those areas which are under arms embargoes and where appropriate monitoring mechanisms exist, the implementation of decisions is very much left to the will and discretion of individuals countries. Hence, in many parts of Africa, especially where there are ongoing conflicts, very little attention is paid to the implementation and follow-up of decisions.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“While we encourage all such initiatives, it is extremely important that there be proper coordination not only at the regional and subregional levels but also at the international level, since the problem can be tackled only if all key players - producers, buyers, dealers and middlemen - cooperate fully. In that respect, the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects adopted last year was a major step towards a global approach to fighting the proliferation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons. It is also important that the General Assembly and the Security Council work closely together to ensure proper coordination.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Several reasons can be put forward to explain this situation. I will try to enumerate just a few of them which my delegation considers to be very important. First, it is our View that there has not been enough concerted and coordinated effort to address the issue in a comprehensive manner. The General Assembly has been doing things on its own, and the Security Council has been pursuing its efforts on its own. There have been several plans at the regional and subregional levels as well. For example, two years ago the countries of the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa launched an initiative to combat the problem of arms trafficking.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“The problem of illicit flows of small arms and light weapons affects almost every region of the world. However, Africa remains the most severely affected continent, with certain parts, namely the Horn of Africa and the Western African region, being particularly afflicted. Those regions have become the leading destinations for illicit weapons, fuelling conflicts and causing economic decline and political instability, which, in turn, have had serious humanitarian consequences. Small arms and light weapons are also easily finding their way into the hands of bandits and terrorists, who, as we all know, are causing havoc throughout the world. We should ask ourselves today why the international community has not so far been able to make any serious dent in the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Today's meeting should therefore aim at identifying concrete and practical ways and means to curb and to eliminate the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. We need to look beyond the classical approach of simply coming out with another statement which will remain a dead letter. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on small arms and for the importance that he attaches to this issue. We fully support his 12 recommendations. The statistics presented in the report are very alarming. He says that 40 per cent of the estimated 639 million small arms in the world today are held illegally. Half a million people, mostly women, the elderly and children, fall victim to small and light weapons annually. These are indeed matters of very serious concern.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Likewise, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2001/21) on 31 August of last year which contained several recommendations on ways to combat arms trafficking. In addition, we have had a series of regional and subregional initiatives such as the Bamako Declaration and the moratorium declared by the Economic Community of West African States, all aimed at checking the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. Yet we have not seen any substantial reduction in the circulation of illicit small arms and light weapons. If anything, the illicit flow has increased. The current situation in Cote d'Ivoire, for instance, with the sudden appearance of a large number of sophisticated weapons, clearly shows that we have had little success in addressing this scourge.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Let me first thank Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General (S/2002/ 1053). I would also like to thank your delegation, Mr. President, and the delegation of Colombia for circulating the orientation papers for this meeting, which we found extremely useful. Today we are having yet another discussion, following a fresh report from the Secretary-General setting out the serious security, humanitarian and development challenges posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. Last year saw the convening of a United Nations Conference on this important issue, at which a Programme of Action was adopted.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“We therefore welcome the idea that the CTC will remain in touch with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Sergio de Mello. Likewise, it will be important for the international community to reach agreement as quickly as possible on an acceptable definition of terrorism. We sincerely hope that work in that respect will continue in the appropriate forum. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all the Members for the support that they have extended to me as Chairman of Sub-Committee B. I look forward to enjoying the same trust and cooperation for the next three months.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“In this respect, however, care must be taken to ensure that basic individual human rights are not sacrificed in an obsessive drive to fight terrorism. Here I would like to recall the very insightful statement that the Secretary- General has just made. The place of respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism has, indeed, been the object of extensive deliberations in many parts of the world. There is, indeed, a very fine line between the respect of fundamental rights and the need for a country to take all necessary measures to prevent terror-related activities. While resolution 1373 (2001) does not contain any specific provision concerning respect for human rights, it is important that the concept be clearly embodied in all national legislation governing the fight against terrorism.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“The work of the CTC therefore remains extremely relevant inasmuch as it can assist and monitor legislative, judicial and administrative mechanisms put in place by Member States to fight terrorism. The CTC is fully aware of the fact that not all countries are or can be at the same level of implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). We therefore support the gradual approach that the CTC is following and which gives time to allow for capacity-building at the national level and to respond to the obligations of resolution 1373 (2001). We believe that the monitoring exercise should continue until we are satisfied that each country has been equipped legislatively and administratively to create a terrorist-proof society.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“We would therefore encourage those countries which have problems to get in touch with the CTC or the experts in order to discuss their specific problems. At the same time, we renew our appeal to those Member States who have not submitted their initial reports to do so as soon as possible. The cornerstone of resolution 1373 (2001) is to develop a truly comprehensive and concerted approach to robustly deal with the scourge of terrorism, which manifested itself in the most disastrous and evil manner on 11 September 2001. It is absolutely imperative that all nations work individually and collectively to ensure that the world does not witness a repetition of those acts.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“Mauritius has also become a party to the United Nations International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Conscious of the threat posed by terrorism to national, regional and international peace and security, Mauritius has aligned itself with all international and regional initiatives in the fight against terrorism. We recognize the difficulties many countries are facing in effectively implementing resolution 1373 (2001). Those difficulties range from the lack of necessary expertise to the total absence of regulatory and legislative frameworks. We are pleased that the CTC is paying particular attention to the question of assistance, and we are grateful to all those countries, institutions and agencies that have expressed their readiness to extend assistance in the various areas.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“In our initial report, submitted to the CTC in December, we highlighted the major steps we had taken and which we proposed to take in order to combat terrorism. In July 2002, when we submitted our reply, we reported on the various actions taken at the national level. Several pieces of legislations were passed, among others the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the Financial Intelligence and Anti- Money-Laundering Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Banking Act and the Financial Services Regulations, which govern our offshore activities as well as our local banking sector, do not provide for any hawala-type banking system. Since 1990, Mauritius has no foreign exchange restrictions, and transactions through an informal banking system are, therefore, neither convenient nor profitable.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“It is a matter of great success for the United Nations that 173 Members of the United Nations community submitted their reports, as required by the resolution. That shows the commitment of the international community to tackle the problem of terrorism in a serious manner. Mauritius fully subscribes to the assessment made in this respect by Ambassador Greenstock, the Chairman of the CTC. We are pleased with the progress made, and we are confident that Member States will continue to take all necessary measures to comply fully with resolution 1373 (2001). Immediately after the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001), Mauritius strengthened its legislative and administrative mechanisms in order to address the problems of terrorism.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“We are pleased to learn that he will continue to chair the Committee for the next six months. We will continue to cooperate closely with him, and we assure him of our full support. Let me also express my deep appreciation for the outstanding work performed by the team of the counter-terrorism experts, whose contribution to the work of the CTC has been extremely valuable and positive. I seize this opportunity to wish Dr. Gehr, Mr. Daoues and Ms. Broekhuis, who, I understand, will be leaving us shortly, plenty of success in their new endeavours. We will indeed miss them. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the state of implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) almost exactly one year after it was adopted on 28 September 2001.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“Since this is the first formal meeting under your presidency, let me, first of all, convey my sincere congratulations to you, Sir, on your assumption as President of the Security Council for the month of October. Let me also place on record our warm thanks to your predecessor, His Excellency Ambassador Tafrov of Bulgaria, for his wise stewardship of the Council last month. Heartiest congratulations go to Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), for the outstanding work he and his team continue to do in the Committee. Despite the demanding nature of the task, Ambassador Greenstock has steered the work of the Committee not only with resolute determination and unmatched professionalism, but also with great openness and transparency.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“Without such unity it would be difficult to project a credible and undivided image, which may give a wrong signal to parties concerned. In most cases the Council has lived up to its standard and has been instrumental in dealing with those problems. This has contributed to the credibility of the Council by making the body more transparent, answerable and accountable. We hope that this report will be the object of serious discussion and analysis by the wider membership of the United Nations, because we believe that through such discussion we will be able to strengthen the relationship and the confidence between the General Assembly and the Security Council, enhance the credibility of the Council and above all preserve the centrality of the Council.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Security Council missions to various troubled areas have also been extremely helpful in addressing the core of the problems and in instilling necessary confidence in the work of the Council. We believe that field visits are essential in helping members understand and assess the real situation on the ground. We therefore encourage such visits, which have also had very positive impacts on the local actors involved in conflict situations. While we acknowledge the efforts of the Council toward achieving the objectives of the United Nations Charter, as well as the strong commitment of the members to its principles, we believe collective interest should not be sacrificed on the altar of national interest. Preserving unity in the Council should be the guiding mantra, which every Council member must strive to achieve.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“On the other hand, the implied condoning by the Security Council of non-compliance with its resolutions by some Members prevented the Council from attaining the desired result. Likewise, the Council has not yet been able to reach agreement on the issue of sanctions. We have witnessed the proactive role of the Council in dealing with African issues. The creation of the ad hoc Working Group on Africa, to which many of our colleagues have referred, and the productive use of retreats have immensely helped in enhancing the role of the Council. I agree with Ambassador Corr that ad hoc working groups on other complex issues can be useful and can contribute to the work ofthe Council.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“The Council energetically reacted to the 11 September attacks and the immediate threats of terror and attacks by adopting resolutions 1363 (2001), 1368 (2001) and 1373 (2001). Likewise, the Council has been fully involved in addressing problems in Afghanistan, Kosovo, East Timor, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Angola and Burundi. In some cases, however, the Council has not been able to deal with certain problems in the same successful manner. On the Middle East, for example, while the Council made a tremendous leap by deciding in January 2002 to have regular monthly briefings, unfortunately it has not been able to make real progress in helping with the peace process.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Some cases worth citing are the discussions on Africa held under the presidency of the Minster for Foreign Affairs of Mauritius in January 2002; discussions on the Mano River Union under the presidency of Baroness Amos; discussions on the Democratic Republic of Congo under the presidency of Ambassador Negroponte; and discussions on Angola, Afghanistan, East Timor and many others. On the substantive issues, the report clearly shows how busy Council was during the period covered. It not only reacted to threats to international and regional peace and security, but was also proactive in dealing with many problems affecting peace and security at both regional and international levels.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“This has helped in preparing comprehensive approaches to many complex and difficult issues. We think that the Council, through very busy with an agenda that is more or less routine, should find more time for informal, candid, free and frank exchanges so it can prepare strategic approaches to various issues confronting us. The outcome of these procedural innovations has been very positive. We have seen a more Vibrant Council with a free flow of ideas and a more interactive and animated exchange of views on many issues.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Secondly, the Council has held a large number of open briefings followed by informal consultations, thus giving non- members the opportunity to be apprised of the latest developments of topics under discussion. Thirdly, there have been several wrap-up sessions, giving members as well as non-members of the Council the opportunity to express their views on topics of interest in a more candid, frank and open manner. Fourthly, greater interaction has resulted through interventions in Council debates when speakers alternated between members and non-members. Fifthly, the Council has begun a new practice of drawing lots for the speakers list, and this has helped make a fairer and more transparent system for the list. Sixthly, there has been a series of brainstorming sessions both inside and outside the Security Council.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“More importantly, it has resulted in substantial savings in publication costs, compared with previous reports. As for the report itself, let me divide my observations into two parts; first, procedural matters with regard to the works of the Security Council, and secondly, substantive issues with which the Council has been involved in the year covered by the report. During the period from July 2001 through June 2002, there was a marked improvement in the working methods ofthis Council. I will cite a few. First, there here has been a greater number of public meetings with greater participation of non- Council members, and this has created more openness and transparency in the work of the Council.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“The informal working group of the Security Council concerning the Council's documentation and other procedural questions has done excellent work, and we would like to thank the Secretariat and its team for their very good work in the preparation of the report, as well as their invaluable support to the Council. We also wish to express our warm gratitude to the five elected members who left the Council in December 2001 and who contributed enormously to the Council's work. We wish that they could have been invited to give their views on the report at this meeting today, since they were also involved in the first six months of our reporting period. Compared to last year's report, the report we have before us today represents a major improvement. It is shorter, reader-friendly, more focussed and more organized.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“My delegation welcomes the holding oftoday's meeting to discuss the annual report of the Security Council, which will be submitted to the General Assembly in accordance with Article 24, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations. We are grateful to Ambassador Mahbubani, the Permanent Representative of Singapore, and to his deputy, Ms. Christine Lee, for their relentless drive in making this year's report the way it is. Ambassador Mahbubani's unyielding determination and his innovative approach based on modern business practices, which some of us might have found a little overbearing, have today lead to a report which the entire membership of the United Nations would be proud of.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“At a time when so much importance is being given to the need for Members to respect and comply with all Security Council resolutions, it is essential that the centrality and the credibility of the Council be made to be unreservedly and indiscriminately respected by one and all.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Six weeks of calm in the Middle East has not helped in making any significant headway in the peace process. It proves that a sequential approach is not going to work. Mauritius therefore supports the strategy outlined by the Secretary-General for a parallel approach, rather than a sequential one, to deal with the Middle East situation in a comprehensive manner. The diplomatic and political process should continue, along with discussions on the security and economic dimensions. Mauritius believes that the Council must send a clear message to both sides that violence will not help to bring peace: it must be stopped, and negotiations must continue.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“It is important that we take a fresh look at the recommendations contained in the Bertini report and that we harness all efforts towards the alleviation of the sufferings of the innocent Palestinians. The statistics showing 50 per cent of the population living on food hand-outs, a 50-per-cent unemployment rate, 70-per-cent poverty levels and an acute shortage in the food supply should not go unheeded. We call on the international community to assist the Palestinian people by implementing without delay the recommendations of Ms. Bertini, the Personal Humanitarian Envoy of the Secretary-General. We also call on Israel to lift the restrictions imposed on the Palestinian people and to continue releasing funds - collected as tax revenues - that are due to the Palestinians, in order to relieve their economic hardships.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Such a step will be the single most effective confidence-building measure, which, in our View, will go a long way in curbing the violence, as the people of Palestine will thus be given a real ray of hope. In order to make that happen, however, there must be strong commitments on both sides to achieve those goals. Israel should immediately stop the siege of the Palestinian Authority, withdraw its forces from the occupied areas and return to positions held prior to September 2000. It should also stop the illegal settlements. We call on the Palestinians, on their side, to honour their commitment to renounce violence and terrorist attacks. The chilling briefing by Mr. Roed-Larsen on the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories last Friday highlighted the need for urgent action by the international community.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“While we fully support the vision of the two States living in peace with secure borders, it is imperative that that vision be given some material shape. In that respect, we support the efforts of the Quartet for a solution to the Middle East crisis based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002), as well as the road map outlined at its meeting last week. We equally support the Quartet's vision of a three-phase plan of action for achieving a two-State solution. But we believe that the first priority after the elections of January 2003 should be a declaration of statehood for the Palestinians, with provisional borders.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Israel must realize that an improvement in the security situation can come about only if the Palestinian security institutions are not undermined and if they are allowed to operate freely and effectively. A few months before the January elections, it is all the more important that all necessary precautions be taken to create an atmosphere conducive to the organization of those elections, in respect of which we call on all parties to ensure that they are free and fair and that nothing is done that could potentially predetermine their outcome. As long as we do not address the root cause of the Middle East problem, we will not be able to find a long-term, durable solution. The problem of occupation and the need for the Palestinians to have their own homeland must be seriously considered.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Mauritius recognizes Chairman Arafat as the elected and legitimate leader of the Palestinian people; subjugating the latter will only incite hatred and violence and will therefore serve only the motives of the extremist groups. Mauritius is convinced that Israel's legitimate concerns will be met only through cooperation and dialogue, rather than by destroying the Palestinian Authority. The continued siege on the Palestinian headquarters will also seriously undermine and slow the reform process, the importance of which we all underscore. The need to build a new and efficient Palestinian security capability on a sound basis of unified command, transparency and accountability should be the number-one priority. We call on Israel to review its conduct and strategy in dealing with the Palestinian Authority.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“We fully understand and support Israel's need to provide security to its people, and we deplore and condemn the attacks on its civilians. What we cannot understand is the unwarranted and unjustified siege on the Palestinian Authority, which still represents the only authority with which any peace agreement can be contemplated. The surgical destruction of the buildings around Chairman Arafat's compound, aimed at isolating and humiliating him, constitutes a serious act of provocation that, in the mildest terms, not only is most unhelpful and will not stop the cycle of violence, but in fact will lead to more uncontrolled violence and more terrorist attacks.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“The Council is meeting today to discuss once again the situation in the Middle East following the escalation of the violence in the past few days. We have seen such violence before, but today, if the current situation is not brought under control, we run the risk of completely compromising the peace process, and we even face the possibility of wide-scale conflict. Mauritius condemns all violence, be it in the form of reprehensible terrorist attacks and suicide bombings or in the form of the unchecked and disproportionate use of military force. Mauritius condemns, in the strongest terms, the continued siege and the systematic destruction of Chairman Arafat's compound in total defiance of resolution 1402 (2002), and we demand an immediate end to the blockade as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces from Ramallah.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“As regards the economic situation of Kosovo, we have taken note of the positive developments, especially the plans for privatizations and so on, and we encourage the donor community to continue its contribution in order to boost Kosovo's economy. Finally, I wish to express the appreciation of my delegation to the head of UNMIK, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Steiner, and his team for the good work which they are doing in fulfilling their mandate under resolution 1244 (1999).”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“My delegation notes with satisfaction that preparations for the elections are going well, and we welcome the certification of Serb parties to participate in these forthcoming elections. It is equally important to ensure the full success of these October elections. In this regard, we call on the Belgrade authorities to use all their influence on the Serb and other minority communities so that they may participate in great numbers during the forthcoming elections. On the issue of refugees and internally displaced persons, we welcome the various steps taken by UNMIK to encourage their return. Though the return process has been rather slow, we hope that in the future, with the completion of the various projects under way and the availability of more facilities, the number of returnees will increase considerably.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“We also support UNMIK in its effort to prevent any further escalation of last month's incidents and to uphold the rule of law as mandated by resolution 1244 (1999). Municipal elections are due on 26 October, and the widest participation of all Kosovars is important to ensure a free, fair and democratic election. We call on all Kosovars, especially the Serb minority community, to participate fully in the process to ensure that they are represented at all levels of decision-making in the Government of Kosovo. It is also important for political leaders to refrain during their election campaigns from making statements in public that may destabilize the situation in the province.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source