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

“"The Security Council stresses the need to end impunity for acts of gender-based violence in situations of armed conflict and emphasizes the responsibility of all States to put an end to impunity and to prosecute those responsible for 07-26179 genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, including those relating to sexual and other violence against women and girls, and in this regard stresses the need to exclude these crimes, where feasible, from amnesty provisions. "The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to ensure that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes take specific account of the situation of women and girls associated with armed forces and armed groups, as well as their children, and provide for their full access to these programmes.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“"The Security Council remains deeply concerned by the pervasiveness of all forms of violence against women and girls in armed conflict, including killing, maiming, grave sexual violence, abductions and trafficking in persons. The Council reiterates its utmost condemnation of such practices and calls on all parties to armed conflict to take specific measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, and all other forms of violence in situations of armed conflict.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“"The Security Council urges the Secretary- General to expand the role and contribution of 07-26179 women in the United Nations field-based operations, including at the decision-making level, and especially among military observers, civilian police and human rights and humanitarian personnel. "The Security Council emphasizes the need for the inclusion of gender components, where appropriate, in peacekeeping operations and welcomes United Nations peacekeeping operations policies to promote and protect the rights of women and to take into account a gender perspective as set out in resolution 1325 (2000). "The Security Council reaffirms also the need to implement fully international human rights and humanitarian law including the four Geneva Conventions that protect the rights of women and girls during and after conflicts.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“"The Security Council recognizes that an understanding of the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, effective institutional arrangements to guarantee their protection and full participation in the peace process can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security. "The Security Council recognizes the urgent need to intensify efforts to mainstream a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations, and in this regard takes note of the Windhoek Declaration and the Namibia Plan of Action on Mainstreaming a Gender Perspective in Multidimensional Peace Support Operations (S/2000/693).”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“"The Security Council urges the Secretary- General to continue to appoint more women as special representatives and envoys to pursue good offices on his behalf, and in this regard calls on Member States to provide candidates to the Secretary-General, for inclusion in a regularly updated centralized roster. "The Security Council recognizes that the protection and empowerment of women and support for their networks and initiatives are essential in the consolidation of peace to promote the equal and full participation of women and to improve their security and encourages Member States, donors and civil society to provide support in this respect.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“"The Security Council reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution. "The Security Council urges Member States to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“"The Security Council recalls the 2005 World Summit Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (A/CONF.177/20/Rev.l), the outcome document of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled 'Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century', and the Declaration of the forty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (E/CN.6/2005/ll).”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council. "The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and recalls the relevant statements of its President as reiterating that commitment.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of March, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Peter Burian, Permanent Representative of Slovakia - which today is represented by its Minister for Labour, Social Affairs and Family - for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of February 2007. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing our deep appreciation to Ambassador Burian and the Slovak delegation for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. Women and peace and security The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
2007-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5636 (2007) · source
“Their principled renunciation of weapons of mass destruction should be reciprocated by an equal commitment to the disarmament of these weapons. Without honouring this most fundamental bargain that underpins all of our efforts, significant progress with respect to both disarmament and non-proliferation will continue to elude us.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Bearing this in mind, we welcome the objective of today's discussion, which is to consider ways to harness the synergies that may exist between the work of the 1540 Committee and that of relevant international organizations. We believe this could assist non-reporting States in a manner that respects their sovereignty and also respects the mandates of the relevant international organizations. In conclusion, the vast majority of States still lend their primary support to cooperative approaches based on treaty-making combined with practical action within relevant international organizations. They see themselves as stakeholders in jointly managed systems of treaties and organizations for disarmament, arms control, verification and the building of security.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Instead of chastising these States for their late or non-reporting status, it is important to acknowledge that none of these States are possessors of weapons of mass destruction. The 2005 World Summit called on the Security Council to consolidate its anti-terrorism activities and reporting requirements. The overlap between the functions and reporting regimes of the Counter- Terrorism Committee, the Al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee and the 1540 Committee needs to be addressed. To avoid duplication, the outreach activities and programmes of those Committees, including their expert support structures, should include joint Visits to Member States that could benefit their work.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“The Committee's experts report that in addition to lack of capacity and reporting fatigue, one of the reasons offered by States finding themselves on the late or non-reporting list is that they do not have any proliferation-sensitive nuclear, biological or chemical capabilities and that reporting is therefore not considered a priority for them. Rather than assign international organizations the task of policing the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions or taking over the reporting obligations of Member States, we should acknowledge that the resolution 1540 (2004) reporting requirements themselves are overly complicated and unsuitable for many developing States. The reporting obligations ought to be differentiated according to the capabilities of the State in question.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“South Africa will not accept externally imposed norms or standards, whatever their source, on matters within the jurisdiction of the South African parliament, including national legislation, regulations or arrangements that are not consistent with South Africa's constitutional provisions and procedures, are contrary to South Africa's national interests or infringe on its sovereignty. Regarding compliance with resolution 1540 (2004), the list of non-reporting and late reporting States consists primarily of developing nations.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“South Africa reiterates its conviction that in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), structures such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which have already been established in accordance with international disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control agreements, should be utilized as the primary institutions in the international community's endeavours to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including to non-State actors. South Africa would also be concerned if the Security Council were to assume legislative and treaty- making powers not envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“This assistance should be provided upon request of a State in a way that respects the sovereignty and national priorities of the State making the request. We should not lose sight of the fact that the objective of such cooperation is to assist States in meeting their obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. Ensuring compliance with Security Council resolutions remains a national responsibility that cannot be transferred to international, regional or sub-regional organizations. International organizations and regimes are also not responsible for drawing up action plans and roadmaps for the implementation of Security Council resolutions by Member States.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“It is only through inclusive multilateralism and the reinvigoration of the relevant multilateral instruments and organizations that we can effectively deal with both old and new challenges in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, including those covered by resolution 1540 (2004). These international regimes provide a clear recognition of the inextricable link between disarmament and non-proliferation and set out the obligations of nuclear weapons States, while upholding the right of all States to peaceful uses of relevant technologies. My delegation wishes to highlight the importance of technical assistance and cooperation between Member States and international, regional and sub- regional organizations.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“In other words, the fear was that non-State actors could potentially obtain weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. Since the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), no credible efforts have been made to close the gap in the international regimes. Instead, the Security Council adopted resolution 1673 (2006), extending the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) until 27 April 2008. South Africa is of the view that challenges facing the international community in the area of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems can only be addressed in a balanced and comprehensive manner in the context of existing multilateral instruments.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“The overwhelming majority of States are as concerned about the vertical proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as they are about horizontal proliferation. With regard to horizontal proliferation, we note with grave concern a lack of even-handedness that further undermines efforts to deal effectively and credibly with proliferation issues. As it is, the existing arsenals of weapons of mass destruction are not only retained, but expanded and refined to make them more deployable in a conflict situation, especially when aimed at specific targets, with increased destructive power. When resolution 1540 (2004) was introduced, it was described by its sponsors as an emergency and temporary stopgap measure designed to close a missing link in the relevant international regimes addressing disarmament and non-proliferation.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“As long as such weapons exist, the world will always live under the threat of a nuclear catastrophe. Today, we are discussing the fear we all share that such weapons could fall into the wrong hands. However, since weapons of mass destruction are illegitimate and their destructive impact is indiscriminate, South Africa fails to find assurances in a status quo that seems to hold that such weapons are safe in some hands but not in others. South Africa continues to believe that the objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes that require continuous and irreversible progress on both fronts. We remain convinced that the only real guarantee against the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction is their complete elimination and the assurance that they will never again be produced.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Mr. Minister, we thank you once again for presiding over the work of the Council. We in South Africa hope that next month we will be able to achieve as much as your presidency has done. Let me also welcome the Under-Secretary- General for Disarmament Affairs; the Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; the Representative of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency; and the Director General of Compliance and Facilitation of the World Customs Organization. We thank them for their briefings. South Africa welcomes this opportunity to discuss with other Member States issues related to resolution 1540 (2004). It is South Africa's firm conviction that weapons of mass destruction do not guarantee security, but, rather, detract from it.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“My delegation hopes that the adoption of this resolution will demonstrate to the people of Somalia that the international community does indeed care about their situation. The deployment of the African Union Mission is a start. We hope that it will signal that the international community, through the Security Council, will in the coming months also be able to deploy to help the Somali people rebuild their country. We look forward to the comprehensive dialogue to be embarked upon by the Transitional Government, because we too believe that a dialogue that includes all parties, irrespective of their religious beliefs, will be the key to Somalia's people being able to live side-by- side in peace. We thank the Council for this resolution. We hope that this will be the beginning of a new relationship with the people of Somalia.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5633 (2007) · source
“South Africa looks forward to co-hosting a workshop on SSR, together with the Slovak Republic, later this year as a way to continue the valuable contributions we are receiving today.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“It is worth recalling that the various contexts in which SSR takes place will not always be in line with the mandate of the Security Council. There have been cases of countries not on the agenda of the Council having chosen to undertake SSR activities. The framework that we seek to elaborate should therefore recognize the different contexts in which SSR occurs. That will enable us to make a proper determination as to whether we should seek a rigid United Nations framework for SSR or an indication of comprehensive guidelines and best practices. It is for that reason that we believe that this meeting affords us the opportunity to undertake a realistic evaluation of how we can all work together to develop a comprehensive approach to SSR.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“It may be argued that one agency of the United Nations may have precedence over others. Yet the discourse on the development of an approach to security sector reform cannot take place in isolation from the ongoing discussion on the reform of the United Nations, and in particular that of the Security Council. The fact that the Security Council factors in some elements of security sector reform in authorizing peacekeeping missions should not be misunderstood to imply that the Council has precedence over other United Nations organs. The role of the various United Nations organs in relation to security sector reform initiatives should also be clarified. The lessons from regional and subregional organizations should be taken into account where appropriate.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“Corruption, which is also brought about by the lack of accountability and proper functioning of a State, can become rampant. Human rights abuses increase, and the threat of a country relapsing into violence is always great. The experience of South Africa's approach to security sector reform was based on many factors that were underpinned by an inclusive process involving all South Africans, especially women. Despite the historical institutional marginalization of South African women, their participation and the supportive role they played in our SSR process was crucial, as women participated as decision-makers advocating for democratic change and for a more equitable and just society for all. There was recognition that this was to be a long-term process that required commitment from all.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“The need for the preservation of multilateralism should translate into enabling the country receiving assistance to develop its own all- inclusive national priorities. For countries on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, SSR could perhaps benefit from the overall coordination of the reconstruction and development of that country. While external actors can inform and advise, they cannot prescribe when it comes to matters of national security. That can be achieved through an open and transparent national process, with the assistance of the international community. We have witnessed disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes being applied with deadly consequences. The insecurity brought about by ineffective police and military is manifested in the flow of small arms and light weapons.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“In the recent past, the international community, and the donor community in particular, has had a tendency to impose solutions on countries emerging from conflict. The uncertainty brought about by the competing, and sometimes conflicting, interests of donors on the one side and national interests on the other have often led to a number of challenges for countries emerging from conflict. As a result, the process has ended up favouring the donor country rather than the national reconciliation process or nation-building. The role of the various agencies of the United Nations should be clearly defined as well. Central in defining the role of all United Nations agencies should be the need to guard against the potential of eroding the rules-based international order for which the United Nations stands.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“Successful SSR therefore requires good coordination, given the diverse national institutions that may exist even in a country that has just come out of conflict. The international community has been involved in various aspects of SSR, but not in a coordinated manner. The idea of security sector reform as a distinct approach requires that it be coordinated. The process should be inclusive of all national stakeholders, thereby contributing to restoring the confidence of the population in a country emerging from conflict. Yet, the assistance provided by the international community should be clearly defined. The donor community should avoid imposing solutions, which are often at variance with the interests of a country emerging from conflict. The process should be one that favours conflict resolution and promotes national reconciliation.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“In that regard, the linkages between elements of security sector reform, such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and a development framework are important. For example, in countries demobilizing youth, particularly child soldiers, a development framework providing for jobs and education are critical to the success of security sector reform. It is imperative that the international community, including the United Nations, seriously define its role in the security sector reform process. Locally and internationally, there is a shortage of available specialists who can assist with security sector reform, particularly in the policy-making arena. While different countries emerging from conflict may present common challenges, their security, political and development needs may vary, and may even be unique.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“Security sector reform, therefore, is not a process that is restricted only to building the State institutions. It is also about the building of trust between populations and newly established democratic institutions. The reform of the security sector requires full country ownership, backed by an informed and active legislature, a clear Government policy framework, and an effective executive authority, together with an active civil society. The roles and responsibilities of all those responsible for the security of a country need to be spelled out and fully understood by everyone. Security sector reform also needs to be perceived as part of the broader post-conflict reconstruction and development framework of a country emerging from conflict.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“In other words, it is hard to imagine long-lasting post-conflict reconstruction and development without addressing security sector reform. When a country is in the grip of conflict, State institutions are the first to collapse and the democratic way of life, including the culture of human rights, is eroded. Organs of State - such as the judiciary, the police and the military - begin to serve those in power rather than the rest of the population. As a result of the democratic breakdown, the various parties to the conflict resort to creating their own private armies. All that leads to a general breakdown of trust in State institutions, as everyone is left to conclude that democracy has been abandoned and human rights no longer apply.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“Let me start by commending the delegation of Slovakia for organizing this important initiative. We commend it particularly for developing this theme over a long time before this debate and for its commitment to continue refining it further beyond today. We, too, would like to recognize the contribution made by the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, the President of the Economic and Social Council, and the Chairman of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission. Security sector reform is a relatively new tool for building long-lasting peace and development, but a critical one indeed. It is a necessary tool for creating an enabling environment for the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the rule of law.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“Finally, let me remind the Council that the United Nations Charter entrusts the Security Council with the mandate to maintain international peace and security. Global challenges such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict threaten the whole world and demand multilateral solutions that the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, is qualified to lead and address.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The grave situation in the Middle East demands the concerted attention and action of the countries in the region as well as the rest of the world. As South African President Thabo Mbeki wrote recently, "the question can no longer be avoided - is it not time that the United Nations, genuinely representing all nations, assumes its rightful position and leads a global process to address all the interconnected challenges facing the peoples of the Middle East and West Asia? None of us is entitled to succumb to a destructive paralysis by resigning ourselves to the expectation that the sister peoples of the Middle East are ineluctably condemned to be consumed by an unstoppable conflagration, foretold by current events as an impending and modern frightening apocalypse, as a result of which outright anarchy would be loosed upon the world".”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The situation in the Middle East, and in particular the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has been on the agenda of the Security Council since the creation of the United Nations. However, there has been a consistent failure by the parties themselves and by the international community to address seriously the challenges facing that region. A regional solution must address the plight of the millions of Palestinians who live as refugees outside Israel. The international community, particularly Israel, can no longer pretend that those living in appalling conditions in refugee camps in Lebanon and elsewhere do not exist. Furthermore, peace in the region also hinges on ending the occupation of the Lebanese Sheba'a farms and the Syrian Golan Heights.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The above-mentioned Israeli action is obviously another measure aimed at the judaization of the city, creating yet additional facts with regard to the Holy City's status, thus adversely affecting the outcome of the final status negotiations". (S/2007/75, p. Z) The concern of my delegation, confirmed by many other letters the Council has received in the past few days from other United Nations delegations, is that the Al-Aqsa mosque compound is one of Jerusalem's sites revered by millions of Muslims throughout the world and that therefore any damage to it is likely to have serious repercussions. We urge the Israeli Government to avoid the destruction of this vital infrastructure.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Similar excavations have been conducted in the past, and are indeed common in cities with such rich in archaeology and history, like Jerusalem." On 9 February 2007, the Palestinian Mission reminded the Council in a letter circulated to members that "The Security Council has repeatedly affirmed the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to all the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and has called upon Israel to abide by the provisions of the Convention. In several of its resolutions, the Council declared all Israeli measures and actions which aim at changing the status of Jerusalem as invalid, and it called upon Israel to rescind all such measures and to desist from further action changing the status of Jerusalem.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“"The Israel Antiquities Authority has begun salvage excavations in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park for the sole purpose of erecting support pillars for a permanent access ramp. This is for the benefit and safety of visitors to the area. The new ramp will replace a temporary wooden bridge built following the collapse of the old ramp. The former Mugrabim was declared a "hazardous structure' on account of erosion and decay caused by natural disasters over time. Salvage excavations are standard archaeological excavations conducted in declared archaeological sites slated for construction and development. Salvage excavations prevent and minimize damage which could be caused to ancient remains as a result of construction.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Among other things, the letter stated: "Additionally, Israeli occupying authorities continue to carry out excavation works below the Holy Al-Aqsa Compound, undermining its foundations and threatening it with collapse. "There are also concerning reports that Israel, the occupying Power, plans to construct a tourist site below the Holy Al-Aqsa Compound, further raising fears about serious threats facing the Holy Compound. Additionally, Israeli occupying authorities have banned Palestinians below the age of 45 from entering the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in grave contravention of their basic right to access their holy sites and clear violation of Israel's obligations, as an occupying Power, to ensure and protect that right." On 7 February 2007, the Israeli Mission responded as follows.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Regarding the situation on the ground, South Africa reiterates that Israel should refrain from taking any unilateral action - such as the building of settlements and the separation wall - that would predetermine final-status negotiations. The building of new settlements in the West Bank is contrary to international law. My delegation is particularly concerned about the excavation work being carried out by Israel beneath the holy Al-Aqsa mosque compound and the demolition of the historic road connecting Bab al-Maghariba with the compound. The excavation work is undermining the foundations and threatening a collapse of the mosque, which is located in an area declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Mission of Palestine brought this matter to the attention of the Council in a letter dated 6 February 2007 (S/2007/58).”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The vision of a two-State solution, as enshrined in Security Council resolution 1397 (2002), and the principle of land for peace must underpin any permanent settlement of the Middle East conflict. It is our hope that the upcoming trilateral meeting that will take place among Israel, Palestine and the United States, followed by a meeting of the Quartet, will help reinvigorate the peace process and ultimately lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital, existing side by side with Israel, with both States enjoying secure and internationally recognized borders.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Therefore, the opportunity presented by the Mecca accord should not be squandered, and direct negotiations on final-status issues should commence without delay. We hope that a new dialogue will be followed by the establishment of confidence-building measures such as the extension of the ceasefire to the West Bank and the release of prisoners on both sides. We urge the international community to ease its financial blockade against the Palestinian Authority. In particular, we urge Israel to release all Palestinian tax revenues. The taxes withheld by Israel belong to the Palestinian people and are neither development assistance nor generosity of any kind. These funds are urgently required to alleviate socio-economic hardship, including the deteriorating Palestinian institutions.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“My delegation wishes to associate itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We, too, welcome the decision by Fatah and Hamas to form a government of national unity in Palestine. The significance of the Mecca accord lies in the fact that it provides clear evidence that Palestinians are both able and willing to settle their internal differences. The Palestinian leaders have also demonstrated their aim of forging a united and peaceful front to address the urgent task of ending the illegal occupation of their country, which remains the key to peace and development throughout the Middle East region. Furthermore, both Fatah and Hamas have made significant concessions, which we hope are sufficient to break the international siege imposed on the Palestinian people.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“UNMIT and the country team continue to work in a complementary manner, with UNMIT focusing on the immediate security needs and the United Nations country team addressing medium- and long-term development needs, including addressing the humanitarian situation. My delegation has no doubt that the Security Council will continue to have great confidence in, and attach high priority to, the people of Timor-Leste. The Prime Minister has said that Timor-Leste is not the centre of the universe. But it is a centre of our best efforts in helping the Timorese people achieve the better life they deserve. Let me assure the Prime Minister that, as far as we in South Africa are concerned, Timor-Leste is indeed the centre of the world.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“We welcome the signing, on 26 January 2007, of the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Timor-Leste, the United Nations and the Government of Australia, which established a Trilateral Coordination Forum to enhance security activities. We are optimistic that such a forum will add value to the role played by the international community in assisting Timor-Leste to achieve long-term peace and stability, including the much-needed security- sector reform and the strengthening of the justice system. In conclusion, we reiterate our position that the long-term commitment of the international community to Timor-Leste remains essential.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“In addition, a Consolidated Appeal project for Timor-Leste was launched on 17 January 2007 to respond to remaining humanitarian needs for a period of six months. The Government of Timor-Leste presented donors with a "compact" that set priorities and refocused the national development plan to address the eradication of poverty and related socio-economic needs. The compact also places focus on the security challenges facing the country. We would hope that the international donor community will continue to contribute generously to the development programmes presented by the Government of Timor-Leste. Any signs of a better life for the people of Timor-Leste will help to create a better security and political environment, which is necessary for the holding of the important upcoming elections.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“Several neighbouring countries - such as Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the members of the group of small islands of the Pacific - continue to provide the necessary assistance for Timor-Leste's long-term development. The decision by the Government of Indonesia to promote and support Timor-Leste for membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the signing by Timor- Leste of the initial accession memorandum are critical for the strengthening of relations between those two friendly nations. An official visit to Indonesia last December by President Gusmao not only strengthened cross-border cooperation between the two countries; it also helped attract Indonesian business investments to Timor-Leste.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“The country of Timor-Leste continues to be mired in poverty and underdevelopment. One in five people in Timor-Leste live on less than one dollar a day. The majority of the Timorese population, especially the young people, face unemployment and a general lack of opportunities. Thousands of people remain internally displaced and live in camps, following the political crisis of the past year. The Government of Timor-Leste has instituted a number of programmes to address those challenges, including public works projects in different parts of the country of Timor- Leste. However, those projects have not been enough by themselves to address the deeper needs of the country.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“The Prime Minister has called that recommendation and its implementation a first instalment towards lasting success for a State that is only five years old. We could not agree more. The overall situation in Timor-Leste has improved, even though security conditions remain volatile. The Government and the people of Timor- Leste must redouble their efforts aimed at promoting and consolidating stability in their country. South Africa supports any steps towards consolidating stability, promoting democratic governance and political dialogue and fostering social cohesion. The Dialogue Commission, launched last November by President Gusmao, has helped to introduce a spirit of reconciliation in the country. But, as I said, the challenges facing Timor-Leste extend beyond political and security factors.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source