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

“We consider those incursions totally inadmissible. We equally condemn the attacks perpetrated on Israeli civilians by the suicide bombers. We believe that such actions on both sides are counter- productive and will only make the resumption of dialogue and negotiations between the two parties more difficult. We are also extremely sympathetic with regard to the plight of the Palestinians, who are subjected to atrocities of all kinds during such incursions. As an expression of support to, and solidarity with Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian people, a delegation of the Non-Aligned Movement led by the South African Foreign Minister, Ms. Zuma, and comprising, among others, the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, visited Ramallah earlier this month.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“On some occasions, the Council has even adopted what could be termed as important resolutions, but each one of them has remained a dead letter and has been completely ignored by the party concerned. The question that we should be asking ourselves today is whether the Council can continue in this logic without being able to ensure that its resolutions and recommendations are fully enforced. Or is it time for it to stop being reactive and seriously to address the root cause of the problem and come up with appropriate solutions? By taking this approach my delegation does not mean to undermine what is currently taking place in the occupied Palestinian territory or in Israel. We believe that the situation is indeed very serious, and we condemn the latest incursions by Israeli forces into Ramallah.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Council is again meeting today to discuss the situation in the Middle East, as a result of the latest incursions by Israel in the occupied territories, particularly in Ramallah, the very seat of the Palestinian leadership. Just like the unending cycle of violence that has plagued the Middle East, it seems that the Council itself is getting drawn in a logic of action and reaction without being able to do anything concrete that will end the violence and bring a lasting solution to the Middle East problem. Indeed, in the last few months the Council has met on numerous occasions, each time because the situation on the ground had become so grave and serious that the spill- over effects could have had tremendous consequences both to the peace process and to stability in the region.”
2002-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4552Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We certainly look forward to working very closely with Ambassador Ivan Simonovie on this matter, and we hope very soon to be able to have him attend one of our meetings and share his views on this. These are the few points that I wanted to make at this stage.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Somebody also mentioned the question of mercenaries, and that is also a matter that needs to be addressed. What we are going to try to do at the level of the Working Group is to revisit this issue and see whether the Working Group should be taking upon itself the work of trying to deal with the question of illicit trafficking in small weapons. The final point is the importance, which everybody has been stressing, of having very close contact with the Economic and Social Council in order to have very special working relations with the advisory group on African countries coming out of conflicts. What we need to do here is not only to enhance the cooperation, but also, as Ambassador Greenstock puts it, to make sure that we see the results on the ground.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The idea would be therefore to assist any Member State, obviously at its request, in the whole electoral process, right from the beginning all the way until the end. There is also the question of coordination of the observation between OAU observers, United Nations observers and occasionally European Union observers. The other important issue that has been mentioned is the question ofillicit traffic in small arms and the implementation of the recommendations of the Panel of Experts on this issue. Here I just want to say that the Working Group, as we said earlier, is not going to be duplicating the work of the Security Council or any other body. This is definitely an important issue, but we feel that this matter is being addressed in other forums and other groups.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We have all felt in the Working Group that very often democratic elections are the beginning of a peace process, such as what we are doing in Sierra Leone. Now there are going to be elections and hopefully there is going to peace after that. But in some cases, elections have been at the very origin of conflicts, as is the case, for example, in Madagascar. The idea here is not only to observe elections at the last stages, when the elections are actually taking place, but to help with the electoral process right from the beginning. The Ambassador of Benin clearly pointed out how important it is that electoral lists be up to date at the time that they are prepared and renewed, because that is the time when the whole election process can be defeated.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“But we have not found the same kind of contact between the Security Council and the OAU Office. This is why I think we will now have to work much harder with the OAU, and especially with the OAU Observer Office here. I think the point has also been made that we have to be very clear about initiatives which are taken, because very often there can be divergence of views and policies as to what the OAU and the Security Council might be doing. So it will be extremely important to have a special channel of communication, as Mr. Fall puts it, between the Security Council and the OAU Central Organ. One question was asked by the distinguished Ambassador of Benin. It was rather a point of clarification that he was looking for with regard to what we had in mind with respect to election observation. This is a pretty sensitive issue.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We should be able to meet with anyone who can contribute, as well as with those countries that are directly concerned with any subject under discussion. I just want to reassure members who have raised these points. The other point that has been stressed is preventive actions and the possibility of using the subregional organizations as a means to get early warning on conflicts. We can also assure members that we will certainly look into that. When Mr. Ibrahima Fall made his statement early this morning he mentioned the close contact that exists already between the Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and our Secretary-General and also between the United Nations Secretariat and OAU secretariat. That is very true. They do meet every six months, once in New York and once when there is a meeting ofthe OAU Summit.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“First of all, it is agreed by one and all that there needs to be greater coordination between the Security Council and regional and subregional organizations. I think this point was made by almost all of the speakers. Therefore, there is a need to have very close coordination and contact, both with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) itself and with all the other subregional organizations. Another proposal was made to invite, whenever possible, the executive heads of subregional organizations. I want to just say that this idea is very much on our mind, because this Working Group is an informal one, and we are obviously in a position to invite whoever can help to contribute to the work ofthe Working Group. Likewise, the ad hoc Working Group is going to be open - and I think the question of transparency and openness has been stressed.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. President, since you are going to be summarizing today's discussions, I will take the floor very briefly simply to comment on some ofthe points that have been raised. First of all, I would like to thank all the speakers for their contributions and for their kind words addressed to me and to the members of the Working Group. Certain comments that they have made have already been answered by our colleagues in the Security Council. We are very much encouraged by the wide support for the ad hoc Working Group and for the programme of work that we have submitted. We are very appreciative of the comments that have been made, and we are certainly going to take them on board as we consider the future work of our Working Group. Let me just take one or two points that have been raised and comment briefly on them.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Before concluding, I would like to recognize the presence in this room of Mr. Ibrahima Fall, the Assistant Secretary-General. We are most thankful to him for the interest and the commitment he has shown for the work of the ad hoc Working Group. As everyone is aware, Mr. Fall will be leaving New York soon to take up his new assignment as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa. In his new role he will be involved in enhancing linkages in the work of the United Nations and other partners in the subregion, particularly the Economic Community of West African States and the Mano River Union, among others. We would like to wish him full success in this new assignment. The Working Group will look forward to continuing to receive his valuable contribution from Dakar. We wish him all the best.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“Taking into account the increasingly important role and contribution of non- governmental organizations, universities and the academia in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, the Group will consider the appropriateness of holding working sessions with them as required, on a case-by-case basis. Even though the Working Group has been very selective in choosing the issues that it is going to be dealing with, the programme of work, as you can see, Mr. President, is quite ambitious, and the ad hoc Working Group is aware of the difficult task that lies ahead. The Views of the non-Council members on how the Working Group can be operationalized to address the situation in Africa in concrete ways will be most welcome. We therefore look forward to the support of non-Council members as we strive to meet our objectives.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“In order to redress the situation, the ad hoc Working Group will be holding meetings on a regular basis with the Permanent Observer of the OAU - and eventually of the African Union - in New York with a View to improving contacts between the OAU/African Union and the Security Council. The Working Group will also discuss with the Permanent Observer of the OAU/African Union how the Working Group could contribute to the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development. The Working Group will also look into the possibility of establishing similar contacts with subregional organizations. The last point in the programme of work is to enlist the contribution of non-governmental organizations, universities and the academia in the work of the Group.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“The Working Group is also proposing to take a fresh look at the establishment of groups of friends for specific conflict situations. Drawing from the success encountered by existing groups of friends and the coordinating and drafting groups dealing with specific conflict situations, the ad hoc Working Group would see whether similar practices could be developed for other conflict situations. With respect to cooperation with the OAU and subregional organizations, the ad hoc Working Group felt that there is a general feeling among the members of the Council that there is a lack of communication and contact between the Council and the OAU.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“The Special Representatives of the Secretary-General constitute a vital link between the Council and the parties on the ground. In this context, the Group contemplates working to find ways to enhance the role of Special Representatives in Africa. It intends to consider institutional changes that could be enacted to help the Special Representatives in Africa discharge their functions more efficiently and effectively. The Working Group has also discussed questions relating to election observation and assistance to electoral processes. In this regard, the Group proposes that the United Nations Secretariat examine different ways in which the United Nations could provide assistance to electoral processes from start to finish, at the request of Member States and in accordance with the established United Nations electoral assistance procedures.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“With regard to confidence-building in the region of the Mano River Union, the Group will look into ways of encouraging cooperation between the countries of the Mano River Union as a means of ensuring peace and stability in that region. It will address the important role that the United Nations Regional Office in West Africa could play in promoting confidence- building measures in the region of the Mano River Union. With regard to the role of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General in Africa, the ad hoc Working Group considers that the Special Representatives appointed by the Secretary-General for conflict situations in Africa already shoulder a huge responsibility in carrying out the Council's policy and implementing its decisions.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“It is in this spirit that the ad hoc Working Group will invite the President of the Economic and Social Council and its bureau to discuss: ways of enhancing cooperation between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council; coordination between the ad hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa and the Economic and Social Council's ad hoc advisory group on African countries emerging from conflict; concentration on the post- conflict situation in Guinea-Bissau and on the situation in the Central African Republic; discussion of the contribution of other United Nations bodies, the subregional organizations and the Bretton Woods institutions in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“Let me now elaborate a little on the work programme. With respect to the Economic and Social Council, the importance of the economic rehabilitation and reconstruction of a country emerging from conflict cannot be underestimated. We greatly value the decision of the Economic and Social Council to set up an advisory group on African countries emerging from conflict. The responsibilities of the Security Council in a conflict situation and those of the Economic and Social Council in the post-conflict stage should be coordinated in a harmonized manner.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“Subsequently, the Group agreed on a concise programme of work as follows: enhancing cooperation between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, as well as with other United Nations agencies; confidence-building in the region of the Mann River Union; enhancing the role of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General in Africa; election observation and assistance to electoral processes in Africa; the establishment of groups of friends for specific conflict situations; cooperation with the Organization for African Unity and with subregional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States, the Southern African Development Community, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Community of Sahel-Saharan States and others; enlisting the contribution of non-governmental organizations, universities and the academia in the work ofthe group.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“There was a very rich exchange of views, and the Chair was tasked with drawing up a programme of work, bearing in mind that it should act selectively and be pragmatic, concrete and active, especially in its early stages.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“In establishing and drawing up the terms of reference of the ad hoc Working Group, there was a clear understanding among Council members that: first, the ad hoc Working Group would not duplicate work of the Security Council; secondly, the ad hoc Working Group would assist the Council in dealing with specific issues pertaining to Africa for which there could be a value-added contribution; and thirdly, the ad hoc Working Group would report to the Council whenever appropriate. At its first meeting, members of the ad hoc Working Group held a brainstorming session in order to reflect on how the Group could best implement its mandate.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“The Security Council subsequently established an ad hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa at the end of February, with the following mandate: first, to monitor the implementation of the provisions contained in presidential statement S/PRST/2002/2 and previous presidential statements and resolutions regarding conflict prevention and resolution in Africa; secondly, to propose recommendations on the enhancement of cooperation between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, as well as with other United Nations agencies dealing with Africa; thirdly, to examine, in particular, regional and cross-conflict issues that affect the Council's work on African conflict prevention and resolution; fourthly, to propose recommendations to the Security Council to enhance cooperation in conflict prevention and resolution between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in Africa.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“In presidential statement S/PRST/2002/2, adopted after the public meeting, the Council indicated that it would consider the setting up of an ad hoc working group to monitor the recommendations contained in S/PRST/2002/2 and to enhance coordination with the Economic and Social Council.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“I am particularly pleased to note the participation of Ambassador Ivan Simonovie, President of the Economic and Social Council, and of Ambassador Amadou Kebe, Permanent Observer of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) in this meeting. Their presence bears testimony to the commitment of the Economic and Social Council and of the OAU in the field of conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. Mr. President, you have mentioned earlier that the idea of the establishment of the ad hoc Working Group on Africa was raised in January this year during the public meeting on the situation in Africa under the Mauritius presidency.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“Mr. Koonjul: I would like first of all to thank the delegation of Singapore for arranging this meeting and for giving me, as Chairman of the Security Council ad hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, the opportunity to brief the wider membership on the Working Group's role, functions and programme of work. I am very grateful to Ambassador Mahbubani for bringing Africa back into the focus of the Security Council's work. This meeting is particularly significant, as it is taking place just a few days before the celebrations of Africa Day. I look forward to hearing the comments and proposals of non- Council members with respect to the work of the Group.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“My delegation is confident that the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), under the able guidance of the Special Representative, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, will maintain the momentum in the development, economic reconstruction and institution-building of East Timor. Mauritius looks forward to East Timor's becoming a member of the United Nations family very soon. We express our best wishes and our support to President Gusmao in his work to ensure the well-being of the people of East Timor and to shape their destiny.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“We acknowledge the significant role played by the Secretary-General, both through his Special Representative and in his personal capacity. The Security Council has also been continuously engaged throughout the process leading to the statehood of East Timor, and it is important that that engagement continue in order to assist East Timor in its economic reconstruction and its nation-building process. The continued support of multilateral and bilateral donors will also be crucial for East Timor's development programmes. We would like once again to place on record our tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, and to the entire staff of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), whose contributions have been extremely valuable.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Mauritius is pleased to be among the 92 countries whose dignitaries are attending the independence celebrations. We are represented by our President, Mr. Karl Offmann, on this auspicious occasion. We all know that the East Timorese people's road to independence has not been easy. We hail the courage and resilience of the people of East Timor in their fight against all adversity. Their great courage and perseverance in rising to every challenge that has confronted them deserve to be commended. It is our sincere hope that the constitutional and administrative structure put in place over the past two years by the international community will set out the path for the island State towards the successful establishment of a peaceful, democratic society, living in peace with its neighbours and promoting stability in the region.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“Today is a great day in the history of East Timor and in that of the United Nations as we celebrate the independence of East Timor. It is particularly significant that this meeting is taking place today under the presidency of Singapore, a country that in the Council has always shown special interest in matters concerning East Timor. My delegation is particularly happy to see you, Mr. Minister, presiding over today's meeting. Today is the culmination of the struggle of the East Timorese people, who, with the support of the United Nations and of the international community, will, from today, begin to enjoy the fruits of freedom and independence. We congratulate the Government and the people of East Timor on this historic achievement, and we convey our best wishes to President Xanana Gusmao and to his newly sworn-in Government.”
2002-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4537 (2002) · source
“We are confident, however, that, with his experience and great leadership qualities, he will be able to meet the challenges. Mauritius, as ever, will continue to lend its support to him and to the people of East Timor in building a viable and peace-loving State.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Let me say that Mauritius will be represented at that special and historic event. Before I conclude, allow me to express my appreciation to Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, who is not among us today, for the outstanding work accomplished by him in East Timor as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the Transitional Administration. His contribution in bringing peace to East Timor will become part of the history of the country. He and the entire staff of UNTAET deserve our heartiest appreciation for their laudable work in East Timor. We wish him plenty of success in his future undertakings. I also take this opportunity to convey my congratulations to Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Permanent Representative of India, who will now head UNMISET and who, no doubt, has a gigantic task ahead.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“This is the most pragmatic and realizable objective in the particular situation. The significant role played by Indonesia in the peace process and its continued support for all United Nations activities in East Timor must be highly commended. We are confident that both Indonesia and East Timor will continue to consult each other in addressing the outstanding issues. We encourage both countries to develop close, friendly and good- neighbourly relations that will permit regional stability and the optimal utilization of resources for the benefit of their respective peoples. We look forward to East Timor's joining the family of the United Nations after acceding to formal independence on 20 May, a celebration which the whole world will be watching with great interest, joy and emotion.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“East Timor will require a sustained and high level of development assistance, as mentioned in paragraph 100 of the Secretary-General's report. Top priority should be given to external security, law and order and the establishment of a solid and representative administrative service. We must therefore ensure that the needed help is given, especially in order to maintain the high level of security and to build a sustainable administrative and economic base. In this context, we fully support the proposal of the Secretary-General on the establishment of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), with the responsibilities outlined in paragraph 64 of the report. We particularly appreciate the idea of a gradual devolution of responsibilities and powers to the people of East Timor in all sectors.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“The election held this month shows once again the political maturity of the people, their love of peace and democracy and their undivided commitment to East Timor's future. We are very happy to see the positive developments in almost all sectors in East Timor. This is a sure and steady path in the process to independence. The success registered so far in the making of East Timor as a nation State is the outcome of the indomitable and undying spirit of sacrifice and dedication of its people and that of the international community, particularly the Security Council, which has engaged itself fully in the whole process from the very beginning. The progress achieved should now be consolidated and the international community should continue to accompany East Timor in its efforts.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Let me start by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Annabi for his briefing on the situation in East Timor and for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for the important statement he made earlier this morning. We are very pleased to welcome once again Mr. Xanana Gusmao - this time as the first President-elect of East Timor - and Chief Minister Mari Alkatari to the Security Council. We thank them for their statements outlining the policies that they will be following to address the immediate needs of their country. Let me also seize this opportunity to congratulate them on their election and to express our best wishes to them and to the entire population that they are going to be leading.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“We therefore call on all the members of the Council, as well as on the international community, to give careful consideration to this proposal, in order to avert any further aggravation of the situation, which could lead to full-scale disaster in the region. The Middle East peace process is going through a very difficult time, and the credibility of the Security Council is being affected. It is very important that we all work together in the interest of international peace and security.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We need to reflect on what further action should be taken by the Security Council to pull the two parties out of the cycle of self-destruction and to bring them to the negotiating table, thereby leading to a political settlement based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and the vision envisaged in resolution 1397 (2002). In this context, the proposal outlined by the Secretary-General before the Council yesterday to put together a robust and credible multinational force to assist the parties in ending the violence appears to be not only timely but the only solution to this crisis. We share the View of the Secretary-General that left alone, the parties will not be able to extricate themselves from the current impasse.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“While he may have made some progress towards a path to peace, it is clear that the main objective of resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002) concerning a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian cities has not been achieved, nor has the siege on Chairman Arafat ended, despite the statement he made last week denouncing all acts of terrorism. We welcome that statement, and we urge the Palestinians fully to abide by it. It is time for us carefully to examine what needs to be done to ensure a complete Israeli withdrawal, as called for in Security Council resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002).”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Besieging Chairman Arafat, as has been done for four months now, can only add to the growing anger of the Palestinians and to that of the Arab world. It is unwise and a clear miscalculation to sideline him, as he remains, as even foreign Minister Peres has admitted, the only avenue for any peace negotiation with Palestine. We call upon Israel once again immediately to withdraw from all the Palestinian cities and immediately to implement Security Council resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002). We condemn the siege on the Church of the Nativity just as much as we condemn the use of the Church as a sanctuary by militants. Secretary of State Powell, to whom the Council gave its full support through its resolution 1403 (2002), is now back from his mission in the Middle East.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Israel should immediately lift the curfew on Jenin, and it should cooperate fully with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which are trying to rescue the civilians who remain trapped in the rubble and to alleviate the sufferings of those left in the area. While we understand Israel's preoccupation with eliminating terrorist elements, it has clearly made no distinction between those who are engaged in terror and innocent Palestinian civilians. The deliberate and systematic humiliation of the Palestinian people and their leader will result only in the creation of many more militants and extremists, as was stated by the representative of Ireland during our most recent debate.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It would be worth finding out from the Israeli authorities how many innocent Palestinian civilians had to be sacrificed in the process of targeting the suspected terrorist elements in Jenin. Mauritius believes that there should be a full- scale international investigation of the events that took place there. Furthermore, Israel should cooperate with the fact-finding mission that Ms. Mary Robinson, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, intends to lead to the occupied Palestinian territories. While we await the investigation, the humanitarian situation in Jenin should be addressed immediately.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“This is the principled position that guides us and will continue to guide our decisions and our statements for the rest of our tenure in the Security Council. Today, with Israel only partially easing restrictions on access to the Jenin refugee camp, we are already hearing reports of the horrific scale of the devastation perpetrated by Israel in that area. The Special Coordinator of the United Nations for the Middle East, Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, stated yesterday that the scene in Jenin was "horrifying beyond belief, as if there had been an earthquake there". This, sadly, reminds us of the devastation of 11 September, which occurred closer to us. It is still unclear how many innocent Palestinians were killed in Jenin.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In Madrid the Secretary-General stated that "respect for international humanitarian law and the humanitarian organizations is the most basic requirement for any nation that lays claim to democracy and membership of the international community." Given the human tragedy that was unfolding in the Palestinian refugee camps, especially in Jenin, where women and children were falling victim to indiscriminate attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces, the position of Mauritius can certainly be well understood. Mauritius is a law-abiding country which believes strongly in the sanctity of international institutions and has the greatest respect for international law and for the decisions of the Security Council.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Let me also recall that the heads of the major international humanitarian agencies have expressed their deep dismay and outrage at the military actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and the consequences of such actions in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. They also noted increasing and worrying incidences of flagrant disrespect for international law and the security of humanitarian personnel. Even the Secretary-General, in his address to the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, stated that in the Middle East international norms of human rights and humanitarian law were being violated on a massive scale. He also added that targeting civilians and the disproportionate use of force beyond legitimate military objectives are a violation of international humanitarian law and must be rejected.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“On 10 April, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Mr. Hansen, said that "the situation in the Jenin refugee camp is fast turning into a catastrophe". UNRWA press reports indicated that Israeli tanks and bulldozers were intensifying their demolition of shelters in the Jenin camp and that bulldozers were "shaving off" shelters. Humanitarian workers were being denied access to the refugee camps and were prevented from providing basic necessities - food, water and medicine - to those in need. Ambulances were being shot at and doctors killed. In other words, Israel continued to flout Council resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002).”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It is obvious that my good friend had not taken into account the specific context in which the statement was made. Our colleague is certainly aware of our unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, as well as of suicide bombings; we have expressed that position in many statements, both here and elsewhere. The statement we made on 9 April came at a time when the entire international community was calling upon Israel to stop its military assaults in the occupied Palestinian territories; when Israel was turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the pressing calls made by the Security Council and the international community as a whole for withdrawal from the Palestinian cities; and when violations of international humanitarian law by Israel were taking place in defiance of the calls of the international community.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I would like to start by expressing our deepest condolences to our good friend Ambassador Yehuda Lancry, the Permanent Representative of Israel, for the untimely demise of his niece, who lost her life in a terrorist attack last week. Such untimely deaths bring home once again how important it is to stop the cycle of violence, which seems to have become the order of the day in the region. Neither side in this conflict will be able to advance its cause through violence and military assault; such acts can bring only destruction, loss and suffering to both sides. At the end of the Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East that took place on 9 April, the Permanent Representative of Israel expressed dismay at the statement made by Mauritius during the debate, claiming that it was one-sided.”
2002-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4515Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Robinson has agreed to lead such a mission as soon as is practicable. We urge Israel to fully cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to facilitate such a mission. The international community has the right to be fully informed about the human rights situation in the territories. Finally, we would like to reiterate what we have said on many occasions in the Council: Chairman Arafat remains the only valid interlocutor that Israel has to make peace with. Any attempt to sideline or marginalize him would not be acceptable.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Israel claims that its military assaults are aimed at rooting out terrorist networks and at the elements of Hamas and the Hizbullah terrorists who have killed innocent Israeli citizens. But over the past 18 months of hostilities, more than 400 of the 1,300 Palestinians killed by Israel have been children and women. One wonders, therefore, which side is involved in terror. If this is not terror, it closely resembles terror. We believe that Israel should stop those senseless acts. The Commission on Human Rights last Friday adopted a resolution calling upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, to undertake a fact-finding mission to the occupied Palestinian territories and to report to the Commission at its current session. We are very pleased that Mrs.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source