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

“There is currently too much emphasis on the countries that pose the least proliferation threat and on achieving universal and standardized reporting applicable both to countries that have nuclear weapons and nuclear, chemical and biological capabilities, on the one hand, and to those that do not, on the other. South Africa welcomes the fact that the Security Council, through resolution 1540 (2004), underscored the centrality of the existing multilateral arrangements dealing with the scourge of weapons of mass destruction. These multilateral arrangements are premised on maintaining an appropriate balance between disarmament and non-proliferation, while upholding the rights of all States to the peaceful use of relevant technologies under appropriate safeguards.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“At the outset, it is important to bear in mind that resolution 1540 (2004) is a limited and selective instrument that addresses only potential proliferation by non-State actors. It cannot be cited when considering potential horizontal proliferation by State actors, nor does it address vertical proliferation or disarmament. Whilst no State is immune to the threat of weapons of mass destruction in terrorist hands and no State has room for complacency insofar as implementing their 1540 obligations are concerned, the 1540 Committee ought to acknowledge the differing proliferation risk profiles of States.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“It is encouraging that the Committee continues to apply the exemptions under resolution 1452 (2002), as they are aimed at alleviating unnecessary hardship for listed individuals and their dependents. The Committee should examine obstacles to reaching speedy decisions on exemptions, particularly the use of holds. We look forward to receiving a report on this matter at the next briefing to the Council. Turning to the 1540 Committee, it is South Africa's firm conviction that weapons of mass destruction do not guarantee security, but rather detract from it. 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.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“The practical utility of the Consolidated List continues to be undermined by the omission of the names of a large number of alleged Al-Qaida and Taliban suspects who are currently detained in numerous parts of the world, by the continued inclusion of deceased persons on the List and by inadequate identifiers and procedures for conducting reviews of the List pursuant to paragraph 6 (i) of the Committee's Guidelines. The procedures of the Committee, which do not adequately provide for due process, are inherently flawed and are aimed at maintaining the status quo. The Monitoring Team has made useful recommendations on improving Committee procedures in its seventh report that warrant serious consideration. We also welcome the independent study that is being conducted on this topic.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“The democratization of the United Nations anti-terror agenda can be achieved by shifting the focus from the Security Council to the General Assembly and to the international treaty regimes and relevant technical bodies. The recently adopted United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is an important step in that direction. We would like to highlight the following points that relate to the work of the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“My delegation wishes to express its appreciation to the Chairs of the three subsidiary bodies for their joint statement, as well as for the individual briefings relating to their mandates. This is the second briefing of this nature to the Council this year on the important subject of anti-terrorism and we acknowledge that some progress has been made, including with respect to coordinating the work of the Security Council's various subsidiary structures dealing with terrorism. Notwithstanding this limited progress, South Africa is firmly of the view that the time has come to include all States Members of the United Nations in the decision-making processes with regard to United Nations anti-terror activities.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“Gambari's efforts and in assisting all the parties in Myanmar to resolve the challenges facing their country. We note that the forthcoming ASEAN Summit, to be held on 20 November 2007, will discuss the situation in Myanmar as part of its agenda. In that regard, South Africa stands ready to support the efforts of that regional body. In conclusion, we urge the entire international community, in particular the Security Council, to rally behind the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, Mr. Gambari, as well as Myanmar's neighbours, as they continue in their endeavours aimed at bringing about lasting peace in Myanmar.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“South Africa welcomes the decision by the Government of Myanmar to allow Professor Paolo Sergio Pinheiro, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, to also visit Myanmar. We encourage the Government to continue to provide Mr. Pinheiro with all the cooperation necessary for the fulfilment of his mandate from the Human Rights Council. South Africa continues to support the efforts by the international community, including the Secretary- General's good offices and Special Envoy Gambari's tireless efforts, to facilitate dialogue in Myanmar that will bring about a resolution of the country's challenges. We further commend the continuing role played by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its neighbouring countries in supporting Mr.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“We further note with satisfaction that, for the first time in four years, Aung San Suu Kyi was able to meet with her fellow Central Committee leaders of the National League for Democracy. My delegation is optimistic that those positive steps will have a significant impact in bringing about much-needed political progress in Myanmar. The lifting of the curfew and the release of the detainees and even of some of the political prisoners, as mentioned by Professor Gambari, are proof to us that we are now in a new situation of progress in Myanmar. My delegation believes that only negotiations among all parties will lead to a resolution of the country's challenges. We wish to encourage all parties in Myanmar to remain committed to finding a long-term and lasting solution to the challenges facing their country.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“We too thank Mr. Gambari for his comprehensive briefing on his recent visit to Myanmar. His efforts on behalf of the good offices of the Secretary-General bear witness to the international community's commitment to, and unwavering support for, peace and stability in Myanmar. South Africa fully supported the Secretary- General's decision to send his Special Envoy, Mr. Gambari, to visit Myanmar for the second time in three months. We also wish to express our thanks to the Government of Myanmar for having allowed the Special Envoy to visit the country in fulfilment of his mandate. South Africa welcomes recent developments in Myanmar that saw talks between opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of the Government.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“The Secretary-General asked, in his report, that the Council extend the mandate of MINURSO for a further six months and provide support for the negotiating process. We believe that that request by the Secretary-General is important enough for us to support draft resolution S/2007/637 in spite of our 07-57264 reservations. My delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution in the hope that through the negotiating process and with the support of MINURSO, the people of Western Sahara can one day achieve their right to self-determination, because that may be the only way for them not only to be in charge of their lives, but even to protect their own human rights.”
2007-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5773 (2007) · source
“Two plans have been presented to the Council: one by the Frente POLISARIO and another by the Kingdom of Morocco. Those are the plans that should be the basis for a negotiation by the parties. As we have often stated, the only solution for Western Sahara is a negotiated settlement. So any attempt to place one proposal over the other would undermine the negotiations process and would be counterproductive to the spirit of future negotiations based on the two proposals. The Council should remain objective without pre- empting any final status of the negotiations. While the parties are continuing to engage without any preconditions, we believe that it is important for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) to remain on the ground and for the Council to support the peace process.”
2007-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5773 (2007) · source
“Yet, in this Council we routinely welcome reports of the Secretary- General that are presented to the Council. This time, however, some did not like what was in the Secretary- General's report on Western Sahara. The Council therefore finds itself paralysed and made to appear as if we are choosing one side or the other on this very difficult issue. We also continue to be amazed by the relentless attempts by some members of this Council to try to describe the Moroccan proposal as being a "serious and credible effort to move the resolution forward". The fact is that the Moroccan proposal for autonomy is a unilateral attempt to prevent the Saharawi people from 07-57264 claiming their right to self-determination, which is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2007-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5773 (2007) · source
“67) The least that would have been expected from this Council would have been for it to support the Secretary-General in his warning to the parties, contained now in his past three consecutive reports, to respect the human rights of the people of Western Sahara. But the Council, which is very vocal about human rights issues in other parts of the world, has decided to be silent on the human rights of the people of Western Sahara. This double standard is the reason that people sometimes do not take the decisions of this Council seriously. My delegation is not only surprised but also wishes to record its deep regret that, even worse, the Council could not even welcome the report of the Secretary-General, presumably because the Secretary- General dared to raise the issue of the human rights violations against the Saharawi people.”
2007-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5773 (2007) · source
“Once again, the Council is being asked to vote on a draft resolution that will not include any mention of human rights violations in Western Sahara. The Secretary-General, in his observations and recommendations contained his report on Western Sahara, writes: "I would like to repeat my call (8/2006/817, para. 60 and S/2007/202, para. 52) to the parties to remain engaged in continuous and constructive dialogue with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with a view to ensuring respect for the human rights of the people of Western Sahara. I would like to reiterate that, although MINURSO does not have the mandate or resources to address this issue, the United Nations remains committed to upholding international human rights standards." (5/2007/619, para.”
2007-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5773 (2007) · source
“South Africa remains committed to working within a consultative and collaborative framework to find peaceful resolutions to conflicts. To that end, we believe it would be important for women in local communities to be allowed to participate in finding solutions for the reconstruction and rebuilding of their own countries. Besides being the ones who are the first to suffer when there is conflict, women are often the ones who know when and how to rebuild the lives of their families and communities.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“We wish to thank the President of the Council, the Permanent Representative of Ghana, for circulating the report of the Africa Regional Meeting on Gender Justice as a document of the Security Council (S/2007/607). In conclusion, South Africa believes that there is still more work that needs to be done to address the situation of women and peace and security. There is a need for increased participation by women at all levels, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, as well as in United Nations field operations. More women should be appointed as special representatives and envoys of the Secretary-General. For that reason, we commend the Secretary-General for appointing our colleague Ambassador Ellen Loj of Denmark as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“The aim of that initiative is to forge a more coordinated and integrated system of collaboration to assist national stakeholders in achieving gender justice in conflict affected countries. We recently hosted in Cape Town the Africa Regional Meeting on Gender Justice, with the participation of ministers of justice and ministers of gender, at which there was a sharing of experiences on how best to identify gaps, challenges and opportunities with regard to implementing resolution 1325 (2000) at the national level. The Regional Meeting also focused on ways to promote gender justice and ensure the participation of women in the legal system.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“We believe that full implementation requires the resolve of Member States in forming partnerships with civil society, the private sector and community-based organizations to promote women's rights. During the negotiations for the drafting of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), South Africa was among the advocates of ensuring that gender-based violence was included in the list of war crimes. When the International Criminal Court was created, South Africa presented a woman candidate, who has since contributed meaningfully to the ICC's jurisprudence on violence against women in armed conflict. Judge Navi Pillay, a member of the ICC, is a well-known advocate for the protection of women's rights. Also, South Africa has joined with Sweden and others in promoting the Partners for Gender Justice initiative.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“While women may be the first casualties of conflict, it is also true that women have played and continue to play a meaningful role in the recovery of families and their reintegration into society. Women have also been among leading policymakers and have been instrumental in bringing about democracy in some post-conflict societies. As we approach the seventh anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), my country, South Africa, would like to pay tribute to those women. One of Africa's leaders is President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf of Liberia, who was one of the major contributors to resolution 1325 (2000), which we are discussing today. We also agree that Member States must continually look at measures to strengthen the full and effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“Recently, SAWID travelled to Darfur in solidarity with the displaced women of the Sudan. Despite those efforts, South Africa believes that there is still more work to be done in support of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict societies. Women and girls make up a disproportionate and overwhelming number of the victims of violence, particularly gender-based violence. Mothers and girls are the first to be affected in war situations and suffer among the highest casualties. Those who survive conflict are victimized and traumatized yet again just because they are women. While the situation of women, particularly in conflict areas, remains desperate and unacceptable, we should resist seeing women only as victims.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“From the beginning, South Africans recognized the need for mainstreaming a gender perspective in all aspects of our lives. As a result, we pride ourselves on having senior women in key government, business and civil society positions. As South Africa has increased its participation in the international arena, our representatives in regional and international peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts have always included women. Also from our experience, we have learned that it is important to build solidarity among all actors, particularly women. For example, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) has links with women throughout the world. SAWID has collaborated with women from the Great Lakes region, including women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“It has been seven years since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). While there has been progress in implementing that resolution, there is still a lot to be done to improve the lives of women, particularly women in conflict-affected areas. For this reason we agree with the concept paper, presented to us by the Ghanaian delegation (S/2007/598, annex), that one of the central objectives remains to meet the demand for gender mainstreaming in all its aspects. Throughout the history of South Africa, women have played a pivotal role in the liberation of our country. In the negotiations for a new South Africa, women were in the forefront in developing a constitutional framework centred on a non-sexist and non-racist policy.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“Mr. President, your presence in New York with us today is a clear indication of how seriously Ghana takes this matter. We commend the Ghanaian delegation for organizing the annual open debate on women and peace and security. We are also grateful for the contributions made to the debate by Mr. Jean-Marie Gue'henno on behalf of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Ms. Rachel Mayanja, Special Adviser to the Secretary- General on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, Ms. Joanne Sandler, Ad Interim Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women, and Ms. Gina Torry, Coordinator of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security. My delegation aligns itself with the statement that will be read out by the delegation of Zambia on behalf of the Southern African Development Community.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766 (2007) · source
“(ibid) South Africa therefore commits itself to working with the leaders of Cote d'Ivoire and the international community in ensuring that the promises of the Ouagadougou Agreement come to fruition and that peace, stability and prosperity once again return to the people of Cote d'Ivoire.”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation shares the view of the Secretary-General expressed in his most recent report, in which he states that "The positive political atmosphere that has prevailed in Cote d'Ivoire since the signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement gives the Ivorian parties the opportunity to make concrete progress towards its implementation." (S/2007/593, para. 59) We also agree with the Secretary-General that the momentum generated by the signing of the Agreement should not be lost and that "The overall peace process and the improved security situation will remain fragile and vulnerable to reversals unless it is underpinned by concrete progress".”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“Nevertheless, we are confident that, with the assistance of the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire, the support of the international community and the political commitment of the parties, those challenges are not insurmountable. The recently held donors' round table is demonstrative of the goodwill, commitment and desire of the international community to see peace, prosperity and development return to Cote d'Ivoire. We welcome the pledge of $388 million in support of the peace process made by the international community. What is now required is for those pledges to be honoured. South Africa calls on the international and donor communities to continue their material and technical support for the Government of C6te d'Ivoire and for the full implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement.”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“South Africa welcomes the setting up of the Integrated Command Centre, the establishment of the six mixed brigade units and the launch of the mobile courts, as well as the initial work done with regard to the identification and registration of voters, the disarmament and dismantling of militias, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme and the restoration of State authority throughout the country. My delegation is particularly mindful of the technical, logistical and capacity challenges that hamper the efforts of the parties to fully adhere to the timetable for the implementation of such difficult technical processes as the dismantling of militias, the cantonment of former fighting forces, the redeployment of State authority and the deployment of the mobile courts.”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“"Ownership of the peace process", the Secretary- General has stated, "imposes a unique responsibility on the Ivorian parties to implement the Ouagadougou Agreement in full and in good faith". Since the signing of the Agreement, it has often been pointed out that some of the processes and obligations that the Parties had to carry out in terms of the Ouagadougou Agreement have not yet materialized. South Africa, however, remains optimistic that all the parties in Cote d'Ivoire have demonstrated the political will to move the process forward and to adhere to the agreed-upon time frames. We agree with Prime Minister Soro, who has reassured everyone that his commitment to preserving the credibility of the electoral process is more important than adhering to strict deadlines.”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“Abou Moussa, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General in cote d'Ivoire for his continued dedication, and the work of the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire (UNOCI), under his leadership, as well as for the briefing to this Council. The signing of the Ouagadougou political Agreement on 4 March 2007 was historic. It led the Ivorian parties, with the assistance of their neighbours, particularly President Compaore of Burkina Faso, to reach an agreement and create ownership for resolving an issue that had baffled the international community for many years. The Secretary-General has described the signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement as a "unique turning point" in the Ivorian peace process.”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“South Africa wishes to welcome His Excellency Mr. Djibrill Bassole, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, in his capacity as representative of the Facilitator of the Ivorian peace process, President Blaise Compaore, and thank him for his briefing here today. May I also use this opportunity to express my delegation's sincere appreciation for the continuing and active facilitation role of President Compaore. I would be remiss if I did not also congratulate Burkina Faso on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2008-2009. We look forward to working together with Burkina Faso on this Council. My delegation also wishes to thank Mr.”
2007-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5765 (2007) · source
“However, with regard to a more direct role of the United Nations, as resolution 1770 (2007) itself implies, an expanded role can only be realized as "circumstances permit" (resolution 1770 (2007), para. 2). The safety of United Nations personnel must be an overriding consideration. We reiterate that, notwithstanding the events that led to the current situation, the Security Council has a responsibility to ensure that the powers granted to the Multinational Force in Iraq are exercised in a manner consistent with the decisions of the Security Council, that Iraq's natural resources and the funds in the Development Fund for Iraq are used for the benefit of the Iraqi people and that international law and human rights laws are upheld and respected by all parties.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“22) Resolution 1770 (2007) bears testimony to the determination of the international community to assist the Iraqi people in moving beyond the current crisis. My delegation strongly supports an expanded United Nations role in Iraq, in line with our commitment to multilateralism and conflict resolution. The United Nations has a particularly important role to play with regard to national reconciliation in Iraq. As the Secretary-General indicated in his report, the United Nations not only enjoys good relations with all parties across the political spectrum in Iraq, but also has the advantage of relying on past best practices gained from operating in other global conflicts.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“We were disturbed by reports of activities by military contractors that have resulted in the deaths of innocent Iraqi civilians. We therefore once again call upon all those involved in Iraq to exercise extreme caution and for tighter regulations governing the actions of private security companies. It should be noted that the recent human rights report of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) indicated that UNAMI shares the View of the International Committee of the Red Cross that "private military firms must respect international humanitarian law and that the increasing recourse to their services 'risks eroding the fundamental distinction between civilians and combatants'". (UNAMI, Human Rights Report, 1 April-30 June 2007, para.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“We reiterate that any resolution to the conflict in Iraq must include an all-inclusive political process and national reconciliation and constructive dialogue with all neighbouring States. In that regard, we welcome the conference on Iraq that is soon to be held in Istanbul and attended by its neighbours. The role of regional actors cannot be overemphasized, and my delegation supports all efforts aimed at addressing the violence and the issue of internally displaced persons and refugees. Regional cooperation is necessary for ensuring stability not only in Iraq, but in the entire region. The continued humanitarian crisis is cause for serious concern and requires urgent collective attention. If unresolved, the issue of internally displaced persons and refugees could have dire consequences for the country and indeed the entire region.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“We thank Under- Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his briefing on the report before us and the representative of the United States, Ambassador Khalilzad, for his briefing on the activities of the Multinational Force in Iraq. We view positively the rounds of talks, negotiations and visits by the Iraqi Prime Minister to neighbouring countries and further abroad in trying to find lasting solutions to the problems of Iraq. We also welcome the ongoing work of the International Compact with Iraq and we note the commitment of the participants, who work in partnership with the Government of Iraq to ensure stability, security and economic reconstruction. Notwithstanding those positive developments, my delegation remains gravely concerned that the security situation in Iraq is still precarious.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“The ability of the Commission to coordinate with those bodies can only improve the lives of people on the ground. Finally, my delegation has followed with interest the debate about whether so-called criteria should be developed for countries that are referred to the Commission. We believe that the criteria for countries to be included on the Commission agenda are already contained in the resolutions that created that body. Any further so-called criteria will have the undesirable effect of micromanaging the work of the Commission's Organizational Committee. In that context, South Africa strongly supports the request by the Government of Guinea-Bissau to be included on the agenda of the Commission.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“Its role is simply to be a bridge and a catalyst for attracting long-term development aid to countries that have emerged from conflict. The Commission needs to further strengthen its relationship with relevant organs and institutions, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and regional and subregional organizations. The African Union continues to play its role in the peacebuilding field, including through the adoption of a post-conflict reconstruction and development policy. It is for that reason that we hope that in the year ahead the Commission will strengthen its cooperation with the relevant subregional bodies on the African continent. The African Union and regional economic communities, including the African Development Bank, have a key supportive role to play in peacebuilding efforts.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“Quick-impact projects and a sufficient injection of predictable resources in a country emerging from conflict is crucial to ensuring stability and development on the ground. For that reason, the invaluable support provided by the donor community to the activities of the Commission needs to be consolidated and enhanced if we are to succeed in achieving peace, security and development, in particular in the early post-conflict stages. However, it should be made clear that the Peacebuilding Fund cannot and should not replace regular official development assistance. The simple reason is that the Peacebuilding Fund will never raise enough contributions to rival the United Nations Development Programme or even the World Bank.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“In addition, while there is no argument that the Commission has an advisory role, the Commission should be prepared to listen to the priorities, needs and Views of the country under consideration. After all, the primary clients of the Commission are the countries emerging from conflict. The Peacebuilding Fund was created for the specific purpose of assisting in the facilitation of peacebuilding activities. In this context, the Fund was understood to be a catalyst for attracting much-needed official development assistance and resources, particularly at times when there may be little hope of success towards recovery. It is for that reason that we hope that there will be clarity on the role of the Peacebuilding Fund.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“The success of the Commission will be judged by its ability to make a real difference on the ground, far away from New York, in places such as Freetown, Bujumbura and beyond. The ultimate success of the Commission's work lies in the transformation of all of its plans and policies into concrete actions. The main challenge facing the Commission is to maximize its impact on the ground in full alignment and cooperation with the policies and strategies of the national Governments. On the issue of national ownership, we should ensure that the countries emerging from conflict have full ownership of peacebuilding processes for the benefit of all their people. In that regard, we believe that the concerned countries must be allowed a genuine national ownership in identifying priorities for peacebuilding.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“In that context, the Commission adopted provisional rules of procedure, provisional guidelines on the participation of civil society and a country-specific format to consider the cases of Burundi and Sierra Leone. The processes for developing integrated peacebuilding strategies were also launched. It is important that the Commission continue to be driven by member States. In that context, the Organizational Committee must continue to be the focal point of all the Commission's activities and decisions, and its central role should be strengthened. In other words, we believe that the Organizational Committee of the Commission must be the master of its own procedures. In the year ahead, under the able leadership of Japan, the Commission must work towards more practical and concrete outcomes from its efforts to promote peace consolidation.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“The Working Group on Lessons Learned, chaired by Ambassador Gallardo Hernandez of El Salvador, has also started very important work, from which this Council could have benefited. All of their work has made a difference in the lives of the people of the two African countries, which have just emerged from conflict. We believe that the Commission is poised for even more success under the leadership of Japan's Ambassador Yukio Takasu, the newly elected Chairperson of the Commission's Organizational Committee. In its first year, under the excellent leadership of Angola, the Commission was able to operate within a flexible framework, in order to develop working relationships with all its various partners and constituencies.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“We too believe that it is important for the Security Council to debate the report of the Peacebuilding Commission. South Africa would have aligned itself with the statement to be made by the distinguished representative of Jamaica on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and regret that he will not be able to participate in this debate. We would like to thank the Chairperson of the Commission's first Organizational Committee, Ambassador Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins, the Permanent Representative of Angola. We also wish to extend our gratitude to the contribution made by the Chairs of the country-specific configurations, the Netherlands's Ambassador Frank Majoor, on Sierra Leone, and Norway's Ambassador Johan Lovald, on Burundi.”
2007-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5761 (2007) · source
“We commend this improvement in the relations between the two countries, as it is critical to foster the trust required to improve security in the border areas and to achieve peace and stability in the region. We would like to stress the importance of regional cooperation in the success of Afghanistan. On the political front, South Africa supports political dialogue and peaceful efforts aimed at achieving reconciliation and resolving challenges facing the country. Finally, we believe that the best way to break the cycle of challenges in Afghanistan is to continue sustained international efforts in support of the Government of Afghanistan.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“In addition, we recognize the link between narcotics and development. In this context, we have also encouraged the Government of Afghanistan to provide alternative livelihoods to farmers. We encourage the Government of Afghanistan to improve its institutional capacity for service, delivery and development in support of viable alternatives to poppy cultivation. We also call on the international community to continue rallying behind Afghan-led efforts to curb the drug problem through development. We welcome the improved relations between Afghanistan and its neighbours. The Secretary-General's report notes in paragraph 26 that "Tensions in the crucial relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan eased during the reporting period".”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Despite the efforts by the Government to adopt counter-narcotics measures, the report makes it clear that opium poppy cultivation and production experienced an unprecedented increase in 2007. This increase in poppy cultivation is very alarming and constitutes a growing threat to national security, social stability and governmental effectiveness. The Secretary-General's report sadly notes once again that civilians continue to bear the consequences of the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, we are encouraged by the fact that United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has started to closely monitor the situation of civilians in armed conflict. We call on the Government to put additional efforts into the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“We support the efforts of the Afghan security forces, in cooperation with the International Security Assistance Force, to maintain security in Afghanistan. The Secretary-General's report described the state of affairs in Afghanistan in all its complexities. Its paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 may well be the synthesis of the present situation. The Government is making commendable progress in areas such as the economy, reconstruction, development and in strengthening democratic institutions. For this reason, we reiterate our support for the role played by the Joint Coordinating and Monitoring Board and the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. The report also draws a bleak picture of the narcotics issue in Afghanistan.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“We join others in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Afghanistan, Mr. Tom Koenigs, for his valuable presentation of the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in Afghanistan. There has been timid progress in such areas as the rule of law, the disbanding of illegal armed groups, and counter-narcotics in Afghanistan. The Secretary- General's report makes it clear that increased insurgent activities, the escalating cultivation of opium poppies, and slow progress in economic and social development persist in Afghanistan. Promoting security and stability in Afghanistan remains the vital challenge currently facing that country. The security problem is clearly the main challenge because it poses a serious threat to nation-building in the country.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“The Council, with its Charter-mandated responsibility for international peace and security, cannot afford to ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people. Inaction on the part of the Council will always be misunderstood as condoning the suffering on the ground. Once again, my delegation wishes to reiterate that the way forward to peace must include the establishment of an independent State of Palestinian, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel, with both States enjoying secure and internationally recognized borders. That vision of a two-State solution has already been enshrined in resolution 1397 (2002). We cannot allow that vision to fade.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source