YouSaid · the spoken record

Kumalo

lines on the record: 1,090
first: 1999-08-25
most recent: 2008-12-31
sittings or episodes: 160
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

“South Africa supports efforts to develop global capacity and to raise international standards for implementing resolution 1540 (2004) on the basis of best practices and the provision of technical assistance, upon request, to a willing recipient in a manner that respects the national priorities of the recipient. South Africa therefore welcomes the work that has been done to assist with the provision of technical assistance to those requiring it. We also believe that developing countries should be asked to complete simplified questionnaires on measures taken to implement resolution 1540 (2004), as compared with the questionnaires required of countries that possess, or are capable of possessing, weapons of mass destruction (WMD).”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“The Committee should conduct regular and comprehensive reviews of its List to delist persons and entities that are no longer associated with Al-Qaida or the Taliban, those incorrectly listed and persons who may be deceased. It is essential that the Committee consult the wider United Nations membership when considering recommendations by the Monitoring Team to strengthen the sanctions. Proposals to, inter alia, criminalize the misuse of the Internet, involve the private sector in sanctions implementation and assess compliance would have significant implications for Member States. Turning to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I would like to thank Ambassador Peter Burian for his work as Chair and for his briefing.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“South Africa notes progress with regard to the improvement of the Committee's Consolidated List and guidelines, as well as the establishment of a focal point in the Secretariat for delisting. We encourage the Committee to build on those initiatives with a view to promoting due process and transparency. My delegation would like to make the following specific remarks. The Committee should apply a high evidentiary standard when considering requests by Member States for the addition of individuals and entities to the Consolidated List, given the serious consequences of such listing. There should be a substantive nexus between an individual or entity and Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaida or the Taliban. The Committee's efforts to improve the Consolidated List are greatly appreciated.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Technical assistance is an outcome of the PIAs and the provision of such assistance should, from the very start, be carried out with the full consent of the recipient State and be tailored to its unique requirements. Technical assistance should not be imposed on Member States. 07-35274 The CTC and its experts should not digress from their mandate by pronouncing on other issues that are not directly relevant to terrorism. We encourage the CTC to continue its interaction with international and regional organizations to improve coordination and the sharing of best practices at the subregional and regional levels. We wish to thank Mr. Ruperez and his team for the work that they have done in that very important area. I now turn to the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee and thank Ambassador Johan Verbeke for his briefing.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“It is essential that consultation with the relevant Member State on the content of the PIA take place prior to its consideration by the CTC and its subcommittees. In the identification of shortfalls by Member States, due consideration should be given to the unique nature of the threat of terrorism as faced by individual Member States, as well as to their respective capacities and resources to address it. There should not be a one- size-fits-all approach. Committee members should also be given sufficient time to examine the PIAs, which are complex and lengthy documents, given the serious and far-reaching nature of the recommendations that they contain.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“My delegation, too, wishes to express its appreciation to the Chairmen of the three subsidiary bodies for their concise but detailed briefings today. We thank Ambassadors Verbeke, Arias and Burian for the work that they have done for the Committees. With regard to the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), my delegation acknowledges the leadership that Ambassador Ricardo Arias has provided since taking up the chairmanship of that subsidiary body. South Africa notes that the Committee and its subcommittees have considered a large number of Preliminary Implementation Assessments (PIAs). In that context, South Africa considers the following guiding principles to be relevant. The sovereignty and national priorities of Member States must be respected.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Holmes very much for his courage and pay tribute to all his colleagues on the ground, who are really the heroes of that work and represent a United Nations that is truly on the ground. We commit ourselves to assisting him in whatever way we can.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“Holmes' briefing on both northern Uganda and Somalia has now given the Council the basis of an experience that we can work with and build on as we seek ways to bring about change in those areas. When one remembers that, maybe a decade or so ago, northern Uganda was as desperate as Somalia is today, it gives us hope that, even though Somalia looks to be at its darkest moment at this time, that may be a sign, as we look at what is happening in northern Uganda, that in fact things may happen. I do not know whether it was by design that Mr. Holmes chose those two areas to visit, but in doing so he has given us a contrast highlighting what is likely to happen if the international community does not lose its commitment to staying with an issue under the most difficult circumstances. Once again, we thank Mr.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“That has always been one of the most difficult things to achieve because sometimes the international community is moved by conditions that require relief, but development - which is far harder and requires more time and a longer commitment - becomes very difficult to undertake. Thus, when he says that the record of the international community in such transitions is not distinguished, he is absolutely right, because the international community tends to grow impatient to move on to the next crisis that we may have. And yet, without an assurance of some sustainable development, the areas tend to regress into even more conflict. I am particularly pleased that, on the whole, Mr.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“We would hope that the Transitional Federal Government will continue to make it possible for the humanitarian workers to do what they do best, and we also hope that the support that the international community can give to the Transitional Federal Government and to the non- governmental people on the ground will one day help the people of Somalia to overcome the difficulties that they have had. We thank Mr. Holmes for having had the courage to really go to that place and see for himself. On northern Uganda, we are very pleased and encouraged by the improvement of the situation there. However, I must say that Mr. Holmes once again brought a dose of sobriety to the question of what needs to happen in that situation when he referred to the need for a seamless transition from relief to development.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“Holmes, my delegation believes that, as difficult as the situation may be in Somalia, the solution lies in a very fully inclusive political process whereby all Somalis - those who live in Somaliland and those who are outside the border - can come together, discuss and try to find a way out of the tragedy that has befallen their country. We pay tribute to the humanitarian workers on the ground, for whom Mr. Holmes assures us the access they so desperately need is becoming better.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“I believe that, under those very difficult circumstances, his presence alone did much to provide credibility and, more important, give hope to those who are living under the most difficult circumstances. It is for that reason that my delegation would like to pay tribute to the Ugandan soldiers in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) who have given their lives trying to bring about a better life for the people of Somalia. Such setbacks and tragedies should encourage us to continue to seek a way out of this very difficult situation. Like Mr.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“I too wish to thank Mr. Holmes for his very detailed briefing to us today. He has brought an element of courage and urgency to the situation in the Great Lakes region, and that is greatly appreciated. His efforts are indicative of the courage and commitment of hundreds of non- governmental organizations and many of our colleagues, who are working on the ground under the most difficult of circumstances. I was moved and very pleased by Mr. Holmes's statement, particularly when he pointed out that his mere presence in Somalia gave hope to many of the people he came across, who had already given up on the United Nations or even thought that the United Nations had forgotten them.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“Finally, we support the High Representative and the policy of progressively handing over responsibilities to the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is therefore important that progress be maintained so that Bosnia and Herzegovina can become an even more democratic, multi-ethnic and stable country that contributes to the peace, stability and economic development of the Balkans.”
2007-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5675 (2007) · source
“A political agreement should be reached on police reform and to finalize the full integration of the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure enhanced cooperation with the justice system in the fight against organized crime. We have noted with concern the difficulties with regard to the permanent return of refugees and internally displaced persons, who are estimated to number more than 130,000. Of specific concern is the conclusion of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that returnees belonging to minority groups live in squalid conditions, with no access or limited access to even basic services. We call for more concerted efforts to enable those persons who wish to return to do so with the assurance that their rights and needs will be met.”
2007-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5675 (2007) · source
“Those factors have the ability to undermine stability in the country. The Balkans constitutes an area where peoples are surrounded by States that often reflect the same populations. Internal instability in any one country in the region always has the potential to disrupt the entire region, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is no exception. One way of creating a multi-ethnic society is for Bosnia Herzegovina to continue on its path of reform and for parliament to work resolutely to adopt the required amendment package, which would ensure the broader process of constitutional reform that is necessary to ensure effective government for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina must remain focused on implementing the reforms, since that will ensure the long-term stability of a democratic and prosperous society.”
2007-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5675 (2007) · source
“We, too, wish to thank the High Representative, Mr. Schwarz-Schilling, for his comprehensive report and briefing. It is encouraging to us to note the many positive developments indicating that Bosnia and Herzegovina is progressing on the road towards the establishment of a fully functioning democracy. Even though Bosnia and Herzegovina has made tremendous strides in establishing a political system that functions on democratic principles, work still needs to be done, especially with regard to bridging the ethnic divide and promoting reconciliation among the various ethnic groups in the country. We are specifically concerned about the developments relating to Republika Srpska as well as the apparent regression in Brcko district and the radicalization of issues relating to ethnicity.”
2007-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5675 (2007) · source
“All we want is for the people of Morocco and the people of Western Sahara to come together and resolve their problems so 07-32348 that the people of Western Sahara will one day exercise their right to self-determination. We will support this draft resolution - reluctantly so - because we do not want to stand in the way of creating a platform whereby the Moroccan people and the people of Western Sahara will together have an opportunity to negotiate among themselves. A vote was taken by show ofhands. In favour: Belgium, China, Congo, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America 07-32348”
2007-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5669 (2007) · source
“That, in our View, amends paragraph 47 of the report of the Secretary-General, which reads in part: "I recommend that the Security Council call upon the parties, Morocco and the Frente Polisario, to enter into negotiations without preconditions, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara." We regret also that the Group of Friends, which produced this draft resolution, gave us less than 24 hours to decide on it. This is what sometimes causes the Council not to be viewed as more credible: some of us, who are not in these groups, are never given enough time to decide on such issues. We hope that in the future, those drafting resolutions will make room for the rest of us to fully participate.”
2007-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5669 (2007) · source
“We are delighted that both Morocco and the Polisario Front have expressed their interest to meet and resolve the last colonial issue on the African continent. We look forward to the meetings with the Secretary-General and hope that they will produce results that will indeed bring about change for the people of Western Sahara. Lastly, we regret that operative paragraph 2 simply states "Calls upon the parties".”
2007-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5669 (2007) · source
“I wish to refer the Council to the draft resolution before it on Western Sahara. My delegation wishes to place on record that, with regard to the reference in the fifth preambular paragraph to the Council "welcoming serious and credible Moroccan efforts", our understanding is that the word "credible" does not imply that the plan presented by the Polisario Front - which is based on previous Security Council resolutions and the Charter of the United Nations - is therefore less credible. We regret that this word managed to stay in the draft resolution, because we believe that it conveys an unintended meaning: that one plan is more worthy than the other. We also wish to place on record our view that the words "to move the process forward" are also unfortunate, in that they prejudge the situation that may be ahead of us.”
2007-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5669 (2007) · source
“We remain convinced that it is vital for all Member States to promote sustainable development, adhere to the Rio principles, especially the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", and to fully implement Agenda 21. We hope that these commitments will be reiterated at the fifteenth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, which will meet in New York in a couple of weeks. It is for this reason that South Africa attaches great importance to the assurance by the delegation of the United Kingdom that this Security Council meeting will not result in any outcome or summary. We further hope that these discussions will not in any way elevate the issue of climate change or the environment to being a Security Council agenda item.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“What is of the utmost importance is that the obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol are honoured by all countries if we are to avoid a catastrophe brought about by climate change. The examples we have raised to describe the impact of climate change do not as yet directly threaten international peace and security. Moreover, the issues discussed here are first and foremost of a developmental nature. These issues can be best dealt with regionally in the General Assembly, a more representative body than the Security Council. Furthermore, the mandate of the Security Council does not authorize it to deal with such matters.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“The least developed countries, especially in Africa and Asia, as well as the small island developing States, cannot bear the brunt of these costs. The appropriate United Nations bodies should strengthen their capacity to deal with disaster and humanitarian crises resulting from climate change, including new efforts focused on predicting, preventing, and handling climate-change- related disasters. The established multilateral processes in the climate debate in terms of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol are in place and we look forward to the Conference of the Parties of the Framework Convention on Climate Change serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to be held in Bali, Indonesia in December this year.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Clearly, an inequitable global response, in which the largest historical emitters in the developed world do not shoulder their respective responsibilities to mitigate climate change or assist vulnerable countries to adapt, may in future contribute to human insecurity and could thereby indirectly contribute to instability and exacerbate conflict potential. The developed countries should take the lead in providing new and additional funding for adaptation activities. It is also critical that all developed countries commit to legally binding emission reductions and meet their other obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. The developing world is relatively unprepared for disasters and is under-resourced to deal with the consequences of extreme weather events.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Some of the identified impacts for Africa resulting from climate change include the facts that, by 2020, between 75 million and 250 million people are projected to suffer exposure to an increase of water stress due to climate change; agricultural production, including access to food, is projected to be severely compromised by climate; local food supplies are projected to be negatively affected by decreasing fisheries; resource shortages in large lakes may be exacerbated by continued over-fishing; towards the end of the twenty- first century, projected sea-level rise will affect low- lying coastal areas with large populations; and the cost of adapting to those levels of climate change could amount to at least 5 to 10 per cent of gross domestic product.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Recently, the report on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability issued by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reconfirmed that Africa is one of the continents most vulnerable to climate variability and change because of multiple stresses and low adaptive capacity.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Among those was the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which was accepted by the heads of State and Government as being fundamental to any debate on climate change. Ten years later in September 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, reaffirmed that principle. Furthermore, the Johannesburg Summit assigned the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission on Sustainable Development, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol with the responsibility of following up on climate and sustainable development.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“We, too, are very honoured and pleased that you, Madam, have come all this way to chair our meeting today. I would also like to associate myself with the statements to be made by the representative of Pakistan on behalf of the Group of 77 and China; by the representative of Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement; and by the representative of the Sudan on behalf of the African Group. While underscoring the fact that this debate does not fall within the mandate of the Security Council, South Africa would like to use this opportunity to outline the priorities for mitigating and adapting to climate change that are best addressed elsewhere within the United Nations system. In 1992, the historic Earth Summit held in Brazil adopted the Rio Principles.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“He said that he hoped that he would not have to give it again; we, too, would hope that we will hear a different report next time, but at the pace at which we are going it is doubtful that we will be that successful. Let us hope we are.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“We have been waiting for this report to come out and remind us that it is really about the people who are suffering in that part of the world. Sometimes, here, we get involved in all the difficult issues of political complications that can overshadow the fact that it is the people who are suffering. I am glad that the United Nations is finally doing what it does best, which is to remind the international community that, while we argue about hybrids, letters, memos and all the rest, the people on the ground continue to suffer; the people on the ground remain at the mercy of the Janjaweed and all the other characters there; and the people on the ground are the ones who we have to remember, because it is about them in the end. So I say this to thank Mr. Holmes for the report. It is a very difficult report to hear.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“AMIS, however, is not going to be there forever; in fact, AMIS is threatening to leave by June or July this year. Then the people of Darfur will really be left to the mercy of the Janjaweed, the bandits and all those other characters that Mr. Holmes described so well in his testimony. I therefore think that we, too, wish to join the call to the international community to redouble our efforts in trying to resolve the situation in Darfur. Until we are successful there, there will always be people who will flee for their lives into Chad and the Central African Republic, where they face even more challenges. I am very pleased that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is shining a spotlight on the conditions of the people there.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“Unfortunately, no amount of help or aid given will be enough as long as the political situation in Darfur is not resolved. We also share the view of Mr. Holmes that the situation in Darfur is also threatening to affect the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and the South of the Sudan. If that goes, then the situation will be really even more tragic than it is. What the situation in Darfur needs is a very intense political effort to try and bring about a solution that can embrace the rebel forces, the Government of the Sudan and all the other actors in the area so as to establish peace there. The terrifying thought is that the only thing that seems to ameliorate the situation in Darfur is, of course, the presence of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS).”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“Let me also thank Sir John Holmes for his very comprehensive briefing. I must confess, though, that it was rather depressing to listen and to hear about the continued suffering of the people in Chad, the Central African Republic and the Sudan. But one of the bright spots of his briefing came at the end, when Sir John began to share some of his thoughts regarding his visit to the region. I am particularly pleased that among the impressions that he had is that of the regional nature of the situation. My delegation has always argued that, until the international community resolves the situation in Darfur, people will always suffer in the camps in Chad, the Central African Republic and elsewhere. Darfur is the key; until the situation is unlocked, the suffering will continue.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“In favour: Belgium, China, Congo, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1750 (2007). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter. The meeting rose at 10.15 am. 07-290 1 0”
2007-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5652 (2007) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2007/151, which contains the fourteenth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Members also have before them document S/2007/l76, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by Show ofhands.”
2007-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5652 (2007) · source
“A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Belgium, China, Congo, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1748 (2007). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 11.05 am. 07-28398”
2007-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5648 (2007) · source
“Members of the Council have before them document 5/2007/171, which contains the text of a 2 draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. Members also have before them document S/2007/150, which contains a letter dated 15 March 2007 from the Secretary-General transmitting the seventh report of the International Independent Investigation Commission. I wish to draw the attention of members to document S/2007/159, which contains a letter dated 20 March 2007 from the Charge d'affaires of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon addressed to the Secretary-General. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided.”
2007-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5648 (2007) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Lebanon in which she requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Ms. Ziade (Lebanon) took a seat at the Council table. The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”
2007-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5648 (2007) · source
“There are no further speakers on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter. The meeting rose at 5.15pm. 07-28152”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“It is now my honour to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Manouchehr Motaki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. On behalf of the Security Council, I extend to him a warm welcome and invite him to take the floor.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. A vote was taken by show ofhands. In favour: Belgium, China, Congo, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1747 (2007). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“South Africa urges Iran to provide the necessary assistance and cooperation to the Agency in its efforts to resolve the outstanding issues as soon as possible, since that will make a substantial contribution to building confidence in Iran's nuclear programme. It is imperative that confidence be established in Iran's nuclear programme for peaceful purposes. Every effort must be made to resume dialogue and enter into meaningful negotiations to find a sustainable long-term solution to this matter, since no one will win through a process of confrontation that could lead to disastrous consequences in a highly volatile region. We hope, therefore, that support for this draft resolution will not be perceived as an obstacle to future negotiations. It is in that spirit that we will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“Like other members of the Council, South Africa sought to engage in the negotiation process in its national capacity, mindful of the duty bestowed on all Council members to contribute towards a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear stand-off, which is an issue that affects the entire international community - indeed, humanity as a whole. The 15 members of the Security Council will take a difficult decision, and after today's vote a great deal of work still lies ahead if the international community hopes to prevent heightened tensions from spiralling out of control, to the detriment of all. A path needs to be urgently found back to negotiations, restraint and compromise on all sides. South Africa therefore hopes that the latest offer by Iran to resume negotiations will lead to concrete results.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“We are particularly pleased with the fact that the resolution now reaffirms the need of all States parties to the NPT to comply fully with all their obligations, which corresponds to our view that the twin obligations of nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation require our equal attention. After all, there is no basis for arguing that weapons of mass destruction are safe in some hands and not in others. We note that the IAEA has been able to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran. However, we share the concern of the IAEA Director General that the Agency continues to be unable "to reconstruct fully the history of Iran's nuclear programme and some of its components" because the necessary level of transparency and cooperation have not been provided by Iran.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“South Africa proposed a number of constructive amendments to the draft resolution. Our purpose was to assist the Security Council to find language for a new resolution that matched the stated objectives of the sponsors that the resolution would be "proportionate, incremental and reversible". We remain deeply disappointed that not all our proposals were accommodated. The resolution does, however, correctly acknowledge that there is a need to respect the right of all countries, including Iran, to exploit the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, subject to appropriate safeguards.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“South Africa's interventions in the Council have therefore focused on trying to de-escalate tensions, promote dialogue to establish confidence in the nuclear programme of Iran and ensure that the IAEA inspectors remain on the ground in Iran and that Iran remains part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. South Africa has always been very clear, as a matter of principle, that the Security Council must remain within its mandate of addressing threats to international peace and security. If the sponsors of the resolution were convinced that the Iranian programme was a threat to international peace, then the Security Council should have been asked to take a decision on a draft that would have concentrated on that, and not to act as if the Iranian Government itself posed a threat to international peace and security.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“Our position is informed by our own national experience as the only country, to have voluntarily dismantled its nuclear weapons and related programmes. In that regard, South Africa acts on the basis of principle and in full support of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where we are an active member of the Board of Governors. We work consistently to promote consensus within the IAEA. While South Africa recognizes that the Security Council may be called upon to impose coercive measures such as sanctions, we believe those measures should be utilized with great caution and only to support the resumption of political dialogue and negotiations to achieve a peaceful solution.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“I should like to make a statement in explanation of vote in my national capacity, as the representative of South Africa. South Africa will vote in favour of the resolution before the Council today. Although far from ideal, it is a consequence of concern about the need to build international confidence in Iran's nuclear programme. South Africa approached the resolution on its merits and with the perspective of a country that is not party to any dispute or conflict. The Council is well aware that South Africa is fully committed to the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction and is therefore a strong advocate against both the horizontal and vertical proliferation of nuclear weapons. Inevitably, we are against the development of nuclear weapons by Iran, or any other country, for that matter.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source
“There being no objection, it is so decided. I shall first call on those members of the Council who wish to make statements before the voting.”
2007-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5647 (2007) · source