YouSaid · the spoken record

Kozyrev

lines on the record: 31
first: 1994-10-17
most recent: 1995-09-26
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“One of the main and most valuable achievements of the Council in recent years has been a new spirit and the new relations among its members. I believe that the Permanent Representatives of our countries deserve praise for that. At times they have held negotiations around the clock here in their search for mutually acceptable and important decisions. We are all responsible for the maintenance of this complex culture of constructive cooperation. That is the task of the next 50 years.”
1995-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3583 (1995) · source
“This has been made necessary by the realities of the post-confrontational world, which include, primarily, ever-greater threats arising from within States, the effects of major financial and economic crises, man-made disasters, international terrorism and illicit drug- trafficking. I believe that this is in keeping with the ideas expressed on this topic by Secretary of State Warren Christopher before the General Assembly yesterday. I propose that the Security Council hold a special meeting to compare the views of the member States on new challenges to security. It might also be possible to hold a special meeting of the Council on the problem of international terrorism. The walls of this Chamber remember the atmosphere of the cold war, in which mutual suspicion and confrontation were predominant.”
1995-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3583 (1995) · source
“We believe that the Security Council must conduct a thorough analysis of the issue of improving peace- keeping and sanctions mechanisms. Many who have spoken here have raised this issue. Most important is that the decisions taken on such measures and their implementation should not give rise to any suspicion of double standards. We share the concern expressed in this regard by the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, whom we support. Neither sanctions nor peace-keeping operations should serve as instruments for revenge or the punishment of entire nations. Among the main criteria should be transparent goals, clear conditions and a mechanism for ceasing operations or lifting sanctions. It is obviously high time that we considered broadening the definition of security.”
1995-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3583 (1995) · source
“First of all, it is necessary to improve the partnership among the Security Council members, particularly the permanent ones. I should like to assure members that democratic Russia will not abandon its chosen path of achieving its national and state interests, not through confrontation or diktat, but through equal partnership in keeping with its role and responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council. However, attempts to monopolize the settlement of international problems by one State or group of States, and to rely solely on military alliances rather than on a strengthened United Nations, can be as dangerous as the cold war itself to the integrity of the world and the work of the Security Council.”
1995-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3583 (1995) · source
“Mr. Kozyrev (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): It is a pleasure for us to greet the delegation of Italy, which is presiding over this special meeting of the Security Council, because Italy is a country with which Russia has traditionally had friendly relations. The past 50 years have convincingly demonstrated the foresight of the founders of the United Nations in establishing the Security Council. In the post- confrontational era, the Security Council has played a fruitful role in the settlement of dozens of conflicts. However, the commemorative nature of our meeting compels us not only to pay due tribute, but also to affirm that much remains to be done to improve the effectiveness of the Council's work.”
1995-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3583 (1995) · source
“It could be possible to accomplish this in the next two or three months, and I am sure that it would enhance even further the prestige and the effectiveness of the work of the Security Council.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Therefore, I should like to request that those present here, who are so experienced in the work of the Security Council - the Permanent Representatives - give thought to further exchanges of opinions on the question of improving the work of the Council, on, inter alia, those questions I have touched on. Council members themselves will have to determine the forms and methods for such work, but it seems to me that after some study and after recommendations have been formulated, then perhaps the Ministers of Foreign Affairs could meet in this Chamber. I know that the President of Argentina proposed the holding of a meeting of the Security Council at the summit level, the ministerial level, or even some other level, in January 1995.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Again, all of this gives grounds for talk of a double standard, which, of course, should be avoided in the work of the Security Council. I should like to be correctly understood. Naturally, each situation is unique. Naturally, each conflict situation requires specific, unique and concrete reactions. But at the same time, the Security Council should give thought to the general framework for improving the principles underlying the approach to the use of such instruments as sanctions or to the sending of peace-keeping or other missions, in order that all States might be aware of these conditions, these principles and this machinery. Incidentally, this would also have a restraining effect on those who resort to the use of weapons and are creating those conflict situations.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“I would recall, for example, the live television coverage, broadcast to many countries, of the statement made in this Chamber by the President of one of those countries that is suffering from a fratricidal conflict and is experiencing enormous difficulties involving thousands of refugees, bloodshed, and so on. That well-known leader, on several occasions, made appeals, not only from this rostrum but even earlier to the Security Council, requesting that an appropriate contingent be sent to assist in restoring calm in his country. However, after lengthy debates, the action was limited to sending several dozen observers, which, of course, was inadequate to deal with the tragic situation that existed in that country. Other similar examples could be cited.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Of course, with regard to sanctions, as in other cases, we must avoid using double standards, for example in carrying out peace-keeping operations, operations designed to ensure security or - as we refer to them - peace-enforcement operations in a particular region of the world. I believe that in this area as well there is a great deal of scope for improving the practice of the Security Council, although on the whole it has proved itself and has acquired invaluable positive experience. But we must note that here too there are great extremes in terms of decision-making. In some cases, at the outset and as though in advance, very broad parameters are established for carrying out an operation that may number up to several thousand people. In others, however, the Security Council is, in my view, rather slow in reacting to the situation.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“In other words, thought should be given to the fact that sanctions should not punish the most those who are perhaps least of all capable of righting the situation. I believe also that thought must be given to laying down clear humanitarian limits in determining sanctions. Clearly, the side-effects of sanctions on third countries should be taken into account more carefully, and attention should also be given to ensuring that those countries' neighbours, who are often already suffering from the conflict situation, should not find themselves, in addition, the victims of the implementation of sanctions. I believe, therefore, that in this area there is room for improvement.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“The Security Council should devote greater attention to ensuring that, when sanctions are adopted, a procedure is, at the same time determined for halting or lifting them, in accordance with the implementation of the relevant demands. In addition, it should be noted that sanctions are not a punishment of peoples, but a reaction of the international community to concrete actions on the part of the ruling circles if they violate international law and order. That is why thought must be given to the question how sanctions may be aimed at political ¢lites, thereby reducing to a minimum the sufferings of broad strata of the population, including its most vulnerable categories, which in fact have minimal means of exerting any impact on the taking of State decisions.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“I think the Security Council could find a way of reaffirming what is an axiom of the United Nations Charter: that is, that decisions of the Council can be repealed only by the Council itself. A number of interesting proposals concerning the use of sanctions were made in his statement to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session by my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, Mr. Alain Juppe. I think that these proposals point in the right direction. Sanctions are a kind of sentence passed by the international community, but, as distinct from clearly defined conditions for the end of periods of punishment provided for by the norms of criminal law, these elements in our case are very often missing. At the same time, the very logic of law requires that clarity be introduced here.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“For example, I noted that following the inauguration of the legally elected President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, it was only some time afterwards that the Security Council took a decision to lift the sanctions, although we all saw on television the triumphant rejoicing over that historic event. Perhaps, in that case, the Council could have reacted more promptly. In a word, we see here a very varied and, in my view, not fully systematized practice in operation. This often lays the Security Council open to charges of "double standards", which, of course, is damaging to its prestige in the eyes of public opinion. A new phenomenon has emerged: Sometimes we hear calls by one or another country for unilateral withdrawal from a sanctions regime.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“We believe that certain corrections must be made in the sphere of application of sanctions, primarily as regards developing and improving the machinery for applying and lifting sanctions. If we look at the experience we have acquired, we see a significant inconsistency. In some cases, sanctions are lifted as a kind of advance, counting on the fact that the situation will develop in accordance with the best possible scenario. In other cases, the question of lifting or suspending sanctions is connected to a great number of fact-finding missions of all kinds, the submission of reports and so on.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Without claiming to be comprehensive or exhaustive, I should like to share with the Council some thoughts concerning an instrument such as sanctions. They have been and remain the most powerful non-military means of exerting an impact in accordance with the United Nations Charter on those who violate the international legal order. But like any powerful weapons, sanctions require a very careful and responsible attitude and their use must be very carefully directed. It is most important that the criteria to be taken into consideration should be the achievement of the goals set out by the Security Council, a solid legal basis, and consistency and rigour in the interpretation of decisions taken.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“To a great extent, this experience has been innovative, and I must express my admiration for the work of the diplomats here present, the Permanent Representatives and those who assist them, for their ability to find prompt and correct solutions, sometimes in the most unusual circumstances. However, it is possible that this innovative element is linked to the fact that this acquired experience has both positive and negative features. That, incidentally, is characteristic of any human endeavour and of all that mankind undertakes. Both the positive and the negative elements, both achievements and setbacks, deserve thorough consideration in a collective manner to ensure that the Council works effectively.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Since I do not often have the opportunity to speak in the Security Council, I should like to take this opportunity to share some views concerning the improvement of its activities in settling crisis situations and conflicts on a broader level. I should like first of all to note with satisfaction that in our view the Council has over the last few years convincingly demonstrated its effectiveness and its ability to cope with many situations that cause concern among the international community. Solid experience has been gained and, in fact, a whole range of instrumentalities has been elaborated that has shown its effectiveness in exerting an impact on the parties to conflicts.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“I believe that, if the crisis is ended and the conditions laid down in the resolution that the Security Council adopted on Saturday are fulfilled, it would be possible to begin long-term monitoring in about a month, and approximately six months after the beginning of this testing period - on condition, of course, that Iraq cooperated honestly with the United Nations - to take a decision on lifting the oil embargo, as laid down in paragraph 22 of resolution 687 (1991). Then, as Iraq complied with all the appropriate resolutions of the Security Council, the Council should of course consider lifting or mitigating the remaining sanctions. In other words, we need to see and we need to propose prospects that would inspire the Iraqi leadership and the people of Iraq to comply strictly with all Security Council resolutions.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“In this connection, I should like to emphasize in particular that if, so far, the question of monitoring has not been linked to the recognition of Kuwait, which flows from the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, the joint declaration states the position more tightly, thus improving the interpretation. In other words, it is clearly stated that monitoring can begin after Iraq's official recognition of the sovereignty and borders of Kuwait. This greater clarity, in our view, improves the prospects and will promote the Security Council's ability to demonstrate greater determination in reacting to Iraq's actions. This means giving thought to a realistic programme for further action concerning implementation of the Council's resolutions on Traq.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“This is one of the matters mentioned in the joint declaration, which says: "The Russian Federation affirms that, subject to Iraq's implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, it will advocate the lifting of other sanctions." (S/1994/1173, annex) Practically speaking, we believe that, following Iraq's official recognition of the sovereignty and borders of Kuwait, it would be possible to start the control period for long-term monitoring, in accordance with resolution 715 (1991) on the basis of the United Nations Special Commission's report of 7 October, which, on the whole, received a positive assessment in the Council.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Moreover, some of their judgements - as the authors of those judgements themselves recognize - were made even before they had had a chance to read the text of the joint declaration or the clarifications that we immediately sent to the capitals of the States concerned. I hope that these inadequate and misguided assessments can be written off as being a result of the intensity of the crisis and of the emotions that overcame all of us at that time. I hope that they are simply some of the inevitable obstacles on the path of partnership and are now things of the past. In the course of further consideration of this question, the Security Council must be ready to take "Yes" for an answer. If Iraq really complies with all the demands in all the resolutions the current sanctions regime will cease to have any sense.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Thus the people of Iraq were given an opportunity to understand clearly the fact that lifting the sanctions, which are having a serious effect on ordinary people and on the country's economic situation, is linked not to military efforts or to the struggle against a foreign plot, but to one thing only - strict implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. This alone made the trip to Baghdad worthwhile. I wish once again to emphasize that none of these provisions has conditions attached or is linked to the present crisis. This is a contribution to the Security Council's future work towards finding a solution to this long-festering problem. Unfortunately, I cannot fail to note that some of my colleagues were hasty in making their assessments.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Here, too, we note a definite positive turn. Iraq, for the first time officially, recognized the need for a positive resolution of the question of recognizing the sovereignty and borders of Kuwait, in accordance with Security Council resolution 833 (1993), without any preconditions. This is set down in writing in the joint document. In my view, it is significant that this document was given wide coverage in the Iraqi mass media. Thus its content, including those parts relating to the need to recognize Kuwait and its borders, is now known to the Iraqi people. In the same way, this document includes the first acknowledgement that Iraq must comply with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Each time the Council has demonstrated firmness and a consistent position, this has promoted a shift by the Iraqi leadership to a position of realism - as, in any case, it should. That circumstance played a significant role in our ability to achieve a positive decision by the Iraqi leadership concerning the withdrawal of troops from the south of Iraq, and thus make a positive contribution to the resolution of the present crisis. Of course, one does not make such a trip every day. This, we could say, was a unique opportunity to talk with the leaders. We made use of it for another purpose, in addition to defusing the crisis itself. I refer to something that is of interest to the Security Council and has been of interest to it for a long time: progress towards a comprehensive settlement in the Persian Gulf.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Of course, in the process of work on the draft resolution, there were some moments of haste and some rather nervous times; but what is most important is the result. Moreover, we have shown both restraint and flexibility, particularly in reacting to the direct appeals of the leaders of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, for whom it was important that the Security Council demonstrate its ability to take a balanced and unanimous decision on a situation affecting the very essence of stability in the region. It was precisely the interest of the region and stability that we regarded as the cornerstone of our work on the draft resolution and as the factor determining our vote. The Security Council has acquired considerable and, let us say frankly, very complex experience in its relations with Iraq.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“I note with satisfaction that all those three elements are reflected in resolution 949 (1994), adopted yesterday by the Security Council. The merits of the resolution consist in the fact that it puts an end to this crisis and is directed not towards military escalation - which, as we became convinced after the negotiations in the capitals of the States of the region, nobody wants - but, rather, towards preventing such escalation and strengthening stability. Thanks to the amendments that were made, by the Russian delegation among others, the resolution was enriched. It is aimed at diplomatic methods and points the way to a return to political channels. All of this is a cause of satisfaction to me.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“In one of those conversations - and I am particularly gratified to note this - a positive assessment was given of my own idea of making a trip to the region. In addition, the basic objectives were laid out: I shared my plans with my colleagues the heads of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the United States, France, China and many other countries, and with the Secretary- General of the United Nations, Mr. Boutros-Ghali. Our position was clearly and firmly set out to the President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. We pointed out to him all three of its major elements: a condemnation of the Iraqi troop movements, a declaration of the need for their withdrawal, and a declaration that such actions must not be repeated in the future.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Thus the events demanded an immediate reaction, but all the circumstances needed to be taken into account in determining the parameters of that reaction. We immediately expressed ourselves in favour of taking decisive measures to prevent an escalation of tensions and - I once again wish to emphasize - to return the situation to normal channels through political and diplomatic efforts. Moreover, in so doing, from the very outset - and I take note of this as a positive element - we acted in close and continuous contact with our partners, including the permanent and other members of the Security Council. Among those contacts I can note those on the highest level, including telephone conversations, between President Yeltsin and the President of the United States, Bill Clinton.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“The recent actions by Iraq in building up its military presence in the south of the country created a dangerous situation, and once again there was the smell of gunpowder over the region. From the very outset we very firmly expressed our negative attitude to this. I should like to note at the same time that a number of States, including Russia, had information concerning movements of troops planned by Iraq. There were reports concerning upcoming manoeuvres in the Iraqi press as well, and there were reports that Iraq was not planning to attack Kuwait. That information was available to many States. At the same time, we understood the intense concern felt by lIraq's neighbours over the troop movements, and first and foremost by Kuwait, taking into account the tragic experience of the past.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source
“Mr. Kozyrev (Russian Federation)(interpretation from Russian): I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to share with the Council my impressions concerning the trip I have just completed to the region of the Persian Gulf and my talks with the leaders of a number of States, which I shall list in the order in which I visited them: Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. I should also like to share with the Council some views on the work of the Security Council itself. The trip to the countries of the Gulf was undertaken in accordance with a mission entrusted to me by the President of Russia, Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, with the aim of defusing the crisis and returning the situation to its political channel.”
1994-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3439 (1994) · source