YouSaid · the spoken record

Laing

lines on the record: 41
first: 1995-01-30
most recent: 2023-10-19
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-security-council

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“It is essential to prepare early for a smooth security transition and for that to be based on a clear assessment of capabilities needed and funding requirements. I look forward to the December security conference, which will be a critical opportunity to agree on the detail of the post-2024 security architecture. In conclusion, Somalia is at a critical juncture. While there is every expectation that Somalia will prevail, that is more likely if there is an honest reflection of the areas where things are off track, as well as a celebration of the many successes. I urge all international partners to continue to support Somalia to ensure we lock in the gains achieved so far. The United Nations remains firmly committed to supporting Somalia in achieving and consolidating peace and prosperity.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Looking ahead, it is essential that agreement is reached with Puntland to ensure the state can benefit from post- HIPC large-scale concessional finance and to enable the finalization of the fiscal federal model for Somalia as a whole. Finally, I would like to provide an update on the United Nations preparation for the three transitions outlined in the 2022 UNSOM strategic review (see S/2022/716). The transition cell is now fully established with three different workstreams for each of the three transitions. The Council will hear from the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia more detail on the security transition. Looking ahead, I commend the Government for the work under way to prepare for a post-2024 security architecture.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“I reiterate my call to the Somali authorities to urgently adopt legislation to address sexual violence crimes in compliance with the international human rights obligations to which Somalia has already committed. I also urge the Government to harmonize all legislative and policy reforms to define the child as a person under the age of 18 years. As highlighted in my briefing to the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, the Government must take all necessary precautions to protect children during military operations. My seventh update is on the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC). I am encouraged by the commitment and progress made by the Government of Somalia towards reaching the HIPC completion point by December. I welcome in particular the passage of the audit bill as one of the final milestones.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“The plan is currently only 39.4 per cent funded, and partners are having to prioritize the most vulnerable people in areas with the most severe needs. I call on all of Somalia’s friends to increase the much-needed funding and to do so without delay. My sixth update will be on human rights. The legislative developments in the reporting period are encouraging. I commend the Federal Government for approving a disability rights bill, as well as a child rights bill and a juvenile justice bill. An age verification policy, which is the first formal procedure for age assessment in the country, was also adopted. The United Nations provided technical support and advice in drafting the bills and policy. I want to take this opportunity to call for their timely enactment and implementation. However, despite that progress, more needs to be done.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“The situation is projected to deteriorate further from mid-October to December, mainly due to the enhanced Deyr rains, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which are expected to cause flash and riverine flooding in large parts of the country. The number of food-insecure people is predicted to rise to approximately 4.3 million, with 1.2 million displaced. It is essential that we scale up programmes that tackle the underlying drivers of the humanitarian crisis and integrate the humanitarian response with longer-term climate adaptation. It is also critical to ensure the funding of the 2023 humanitarian response plan, which is seeking more than $2.6 billion to meet the priority needs of 7.6 million people.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“I also recently met with courageous Somali women leaders and heard of their pioneering work to ensure that Somali women play a significant role in critical areas, from politics to climate change. The women stressed the need to agree on a clear plan to achieve the 30 per cent women’s quota. In our engagement with Somali officials, the United Nations continues to raise the importance of women’s rights and to ensure that women are consulted and their views are reflected in legislative frameworks. The fifth part of my briefing focuses on the humanitarian situation and links to climate change. The humanitarian crisis in Somalia remains deeply concerning, with close to 4 million people continuing to be food insecure and in need of assistance.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“The United Nations is working with the Government through the joint programme on women, peace and protection, focusing on engaging and empowering women in peacebuilding processes. As the United Nations scales up its work on stabilization in newly recovered areas, we are paying particular attention to the role of women as peacemakers. The United Nations also continues to undertake advocacy to strengthen the legislative framework for addressing impunity regarding sexual violence. On the political side, UNSOM continues to work with female members of the federal Parliament, including as part of the ongoing efforts to implement the 30 per cent quota for women. To that end, the United Nations continues to provide capacity development training for parliamentarians.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“The United Nations is now assessing the drawdown and its implications. Our foremost concern is the impact of the drawdown on the civilian population. In that regard, I welcome the recent joint technical assessment, which reviewed lessons from the impact of the first phase of the drawdown on civilian populations. The safety and security of Somali people must be central to our considerations as we move forward with the transition. For the United Nations, we are assessing the potential impact of the drawdown on our operations and ability to deliver on our mandate. My fourth update is on women and peace and security, which remains at the forefront of the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Thirdly and finally, with regard to security, I want to update the Council on the ATMIS drawdown and its impact on citizens and United Nations operations. A particular challenge during August and September was that the military offensive was taking place alongside the preparations for the second phase of the ATMIS drawdown. The subsequent request by the Federal Government of Somalia for a 90-day technical delay, while maintaining overall security transition timelines, was endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 30 September. Work is now under way to mobilize the funding to support that. I urge all partners to consider providing support to fill the funding gap for ATMIS to ensure that the Mission can deliver on its mandate and its troops do not go unpaid.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Two issues in particular need attention — first, generating sufficient police capacity to hold recovered areas, and secondly, mobilizing additional resources from partners for stabilization efforts. On policing, the forthcoming Somalia security conference in December will present a more detailed needs assessment. In the meantime, while the Government continues to rely on local militia to hold recovered areas, it is essential to ensure that they operate within a clear legal framework. On funding, the stabilization programmes are drastically underresourced, with only $20 million being spent per year. I urge all our partners to scale up their support for stabilization to ensure that those hard-won security victories can translate into better lives for Somalis.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“But in parallel, smaller-scale operations in Galmudug and Hirshabelle by the Somali National Army, with ATMIS support, are making progress. In response to its own setbacks, Al-Shabaab has increased the use of 107 mm rockets, particularly in Mogadishu. It has also conducted targeted attacks on high-profile Somali politicians. The conflicts in Somalia continue to take a heavy toll on civilians. Last year, we saw the largest increase in civilian casualties since 2017. Sadly, early data indicate a similar trend in 2023, with 1,289 civilian casualties recorded so far. That is partly attributable to Al-Shabaab attacks, but also to the conflict in Laascaanood. Secondly, turning now to stabilization, the main findings and recommendations of the recently completed independent assessment will inform future United Nations efforts and guide our work.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“My third update focuses on the security situation, where I will cover three issues — first, the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab; secondly, stabilization efforts in newly recovered areas and thirdly, the ATMIS drawdown and its impact on the population and the ability of the United Nations to deliver on its mandate. First, with regard to the offensive, the President was in Dhuusamarreeb, the capital of Galmudug state, from 5 August until 8 October, to direct the military campaign against Al-Shabaab. Despite initial success, when the Somali National Army and allied clan militias took significant territory, there have been setbacks and operational challenges. The Government forces are now focused on regrouping, reinforcing and reorganizing, as well as mobilizing additional support from clans, before they resume large-scale operations.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Following the events of 25 August, we issued a joint statement on 27 August condemning the escalation of the conflict and calling for all involved to abide by human rights law and international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. My team and I have had numerous engagements with all the key stakeholders, including President Bihi Abdi, President Deni of Puntland, elders, the Dhulbahante leaders and the newly formed Sool, Sanaag and Cayn Committee. Our key messages to all the parties are threefold — to push first for an immediate exchange of detainees; secondly, for a commitment to no further violence, and thirdly, for the start of dialogue. The United Nations is also supporting demining efforts and a humanitarian needs assessment to enable people to return home.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“The constitutional review serves as the cornerstone of Somalia’s State-building agenda and is key to reaching an agreement on federalism in the country. My second update covers Laascaanood. As highlighted in my most recent briefing to the Council, the conflict in Laascaanood escalated on 25 August when the Dhulbahante militia advanced towards the town of Oog. The current situation is calm, and people are returning home. However, the potential for a relapse into violence cannot be ruled out. The United Nations continues to convene partners to coordinate its joint efforts towards a resolution of the conflict.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Those four proposals continue to dominate the political debate. In particular, the proposed change to a presidential system and the proposed synchronization of the election schedules for federal member states, with the implication of the extension of incumbent mandates, have proved to be contentious. There are particular tensions around term extensions in South- West and Jubaland states. I continue to stress that all constitutional amendments, including a decision on term extensions, should be based on inclusive dialogue, consensus and legislative processes. I remain concerned about the fact that Puntland has not participated in the NCC since January, and I urge the Puntland state Government and the Federal Government to seek spaces of compromise and pursue dialogue to enable the constitutional review process to move ahead.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“My briefing today will provide brief updates on eight areas: first, political developments; second, Laascaanood; third, security, including the ongoing offensive, stabilization and the impact of the ATMIS drawdown; fourth, women and peace and security; fifth, the humanitarian situation and links to climate change; sixth, human rights; seventh, the heavily indebted poor countries initiative (HIPC) and finally, transition. My first update is on political developments. The communiqué issued on 27 May by the National Consultative Council (NCC) set out four specific proposals for a future electoral system, with moves to a presidential system, a two-party system, one-person, one-vote throughout the country, and dates for local council elections and alignment of the federal member states’ terms of office.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Ms. Laing: I am pleased to address Council members on developments in Somalia since my last briefing, in June (see S/PV.9356). I am delighted to do so alongside the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Mohamed El- Amine Souef. I want to pay tribute to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the dedicated service of its personnel and troops. At the beginning of my remarks, I would also like to reiterate the commitment and dedication of the United Nations to supporting Somalia on its historic journey to create, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says, “Somalia, a country at peace with itself and the world”. Since my last briefing, I updated the Council on the situation in Laascaanood on 7 September. Also, I briefed the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict on 6 September.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, the United Nations stands ready to support His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in achieving his vision of Somalia as a country at peace with itself and the world. I thank you, Mr. President, and the Security Council for your continued support.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, I will be prioritizing support for the various elements of the State-building process, in particular those related to the elections process, ensuring inclusive consultations, including with Puntland. Fourthly, I will support the ongoing efforts to bring the conflict in Laascaanood to a peaceful conclusion. Fifthly, I will support the Federal Government of Somalia to reach the completion point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative and an associated shift from humanitarian into resilience-based development programming, including on climate. Across all priorities, I will encourage the rightful participation and representation of women. Somalia needs to draw on the full talent of all of its population if it is to tackle the numerous challenges ahead.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“That team is now working intensively on transition in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. I would like to reassure the members of the Security Council that we are identifying the questions that need to be addressed, but many of the solutions will demand a collective endeavour. For the eighth and final section of my briefing, I will conclude by highlighting my top five priorities for the UNSOM mission over the next six months. My first priority will be preparing the United Nations for the three transitions ahead, taking account of the challenges I have outlined. Secondly, I will be focusing on positioning UNSOM to play a lead role in bringing together the international community’s efforts on stabilization.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“The third transition is the eventual handover from UNSOM to the United Nations country team. Those three transitions are interdependent, and we cannot make decisions on one without carefully considering the consequences for the others. But the overriding driver is the security transition. As we will hear from President Mohamud and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the planned June drawdown of ATMIS and handover to the Somali security forces is proceeding. My provisional assessment of the transition going forward is that the complexity, constraints and pace of the transition process present risks, which will be challenging. I have started by forming a transition cell to ensure coherent mission-wide planning.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“UNSOM has responded to the request by the Federal Government of Somalia to step up our response on stabilization. A stabilization cell has been created, which will report directly to me. Our shared ambition must be matched with the resources to deliver the necessary stabilization response, and future military operations must be planned alongside stabilization interventions. For the seventh section of my briefing, I would like to discuss our transition plans. The Council will recall that UNSOM’s strategic review (S/2022/716, annex) recommends that the Mission plan for a triple transition. The first is the security transition. The second is the possible drawdown of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia and the handover of its mission-support functions to UNSOM.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“In the recent district elections held in Puntland, only 17 per cent of those elected were women, down from 27 per cent in phase 1. Women’s participation and representation needs to be codified in relevant legal frameworks, including the Constitution. As the first female Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, I will be putting those issues at the forefront of my work. For the sixth part of my briefing, I would like to make observations on stabilization. Stabilization activities continue to be implemented in areas recovered from Al-Shabaab. The challenge remains to ensure the sustainability of those gains. That will require ongoing security, the provision of basic services, reconciliation and long-term political and State-building processes.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Traditional pastoral livelihoods are under severe pressure, and we are seeing significant urbanization as a result, including an estimated 800,000 more people now in Mogadishu. That calls for durable solutions, including through urban planning and investments in different forms of livelihoods. Somalia urgently needs to access large-scale climate finance for resilience and adaptation, and that will be a priority for me going forward. My fifth update is on women and peace and security. The inspirational women leaders of Somalia continue, rightly, to advocate their rightful inclusion in political processes and decision-making. The commitment made by Somalia’s political leaders to a 30 per cent quota of women representation in the previous federal elections remains unrealized.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Somalia’s overall humanitarian situation remains precarious, with 8.25 million people — half the population — requiring humanitarian assistance. While famine has been averted owing to a scale-up of humanitarian assistance and better-than-forecast rain patterns, the rains have also resulted in flooding, affecting at least 468,000 people and displacing 247,000 others. To address critical humanitarian needs, the 2023 humanitarian response plan needs more than $2.6 billion. Halfway through the year, the plan is only 29.8 per cent funded. I call on all Somalia’s friends to increase the much-needed funding urgently. Droughts and flooding are, sadly, becoming more frequent in Somalia owing to recurrent climate shocks.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“It will be essential to plan the next phase carefully to ensure the full integration of military and civilian efforts, including planned stabilization. Thirdly, operations will occur concurrently with the ATMIS drawdown, putting pressure on planning and logistics. My fourth update covers the humanitarian situation and the links to conflict and climate change. The current operation against Al-Shabaab has created opportunities for humanitarian access to people in need. However, insecurity has also contributed to an extremely challenging operating environment for humanitarian agencies. From January to March, around 430,000 people across Somalia were displaced by conflict and insecurity. Approximately 580,000 people live within territories controlled by non-State armed actors, and most of those displaced are women and children.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Additionally, Operation Black Lion, a Somali-led initiative with the front-line States, is also due to start in the coming weeks. That is intended to place additional pressure on Al-Shabaab. Three other security challenges regarding the next phase of operations merit attention. First, operations will take place against a recent resurgence in the scale, tempo and geographic distribution of attacks from Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab’s continuing capability and intent were demonstrated by its attack on the Pearl Beach Hotel in Mogadishu on 9 June, which killed nine people, including one member of the United Nations family. Secondly, the next phase of operations, which moves further south, presents more challenging politics and clan dynamics.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“To that end, I have engaged key stakeholders and held my first phone call with President Bihi to convey messages on the importance of dialogue, the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access. My third update covers the security situation. The Federal Government-led counter-Al-Shabaab operations have largely been focused on the Middle Shabelle region, eastern Hiraan and Galmudug. During those operations, Al-Shabaab has been degraded militarily and dislodged from a number of areas. That is a notable achievement. But Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat. The remaining operations under the current phase 1 offensive are to be completed in the coming weeks. Preparations for phase 2 have begun and are also expected to be launched in the coming weeks.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Puntland remains outside the NCC process but has indicated it will engage directly with the Federal Government. I encourage that dialogue to start urgently to ensure the process is fully inclusive. Finally, under my political update, I would like to express my grave concern regarding the ongoing conflict in Laascaanood. The violence has resulted to date in 308 civilian casualties, with 36 people killed and 272 individuals injured. I commend the efforts by all parties and, indeed, the Council to bring about a ceasefire. Following press statement SC/15313 of 7 June, UNSOM good offices are at the disposal of all parties to help agree on a peaceful way forward.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“The proposed electoral model provides for one-person, one-vote elections at all the different layers of Government. That aspect has been well received. Other elements of the NCC electoral proposal, including a shift to a presidential system, a move to two political parties and the alignment of electoral terms have received more mixed reactions. I therefore welcome clarification from His Excellency the President that proposals from the NCC are a starting point for further consultation. With that in mind, I urge the Federal Government to set out its plans for a rigorous and inclusive consultation process, including precise options for consultation and clarity on how agreements will be reached before decisions are codified into law or fed into the constitution-making process.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“I urge all international partners to lean in and provide additional support to the people of Somalia. My second update covers the political situation. Somalia has made significant progress in advancing key national priorities. Those include, first, the appointment of the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission; secondly, the passage of 11 pieces of legislation, of which 6 have already been signed into law; and thirdly, the successful one-person, one-vote district council elections in Puntland state. The March and May meetings of the National Consultative Council (NCC) resulted in three governance proposals: first, the revision of the national security architecture; secondly, a model for fiscal federalism; and thirdly, an electoral model.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“I have met members of civil society organizations and engaged with international partners, including the ambassadors from ATMIS troop-contributing countries. I have also spoken by phone to President Muse Bihi Abdi of “Somaliland”. On my way to New York, I stopped in Addis Ababa, where I met with the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, His Excellency Mr. Bankole Adeoye, and the State Minister of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, His Excellency Ambassador Mesganu Arega. My travels around Somalia have highlighted for me the tremendous progress that the country has made in State-building and peacebuilding. His Excellency the President has rightly set out an ambitious vision for his country, and while many challenges and risks lie ahead, there are also many opportunities.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“My briefing today will cover eight areas: first, an update on my first two weeks in Somalia; second, a political update; third, a security update; fourth, a humanitarian update; fifth, an update on women and peace and security; sixth, observations on stabilization; seventh, observations on the transition of the Missions and, finally, the priorities for UNSOM over the next six months. My first update briefly summarizes my first two weeks on the ground. Since my arrival in Somalia — a country I first served in as a young United Nations staff member in the mid-1990s — I have had the opportunity to meet with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Prime Minister, other ministers and senior Government officials and to visit four of the five federal member states.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“The recent visit of the Secretary-General to Somalia is testimony to that strong commitment. I am grateful in particular for the close partnership with the African Union Commission. I pay tribute to the dedicated service and sacrifice of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). I would like take this opportunity to convey my sincere condolences to the people and the Government of Uganda for the soldiers who lost their lives and were injured in the attack on the ATMIS forward operating base in Buulo Mareer, Lower Shabelle. While I condemn that heinous attack in the strongest terms, it is a stark reminder of the real and persistent threat Al-Shabaab continues to pose.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Ms. Laing: I am pleased to address Council members for the first time since assuming my duties in Somalia on 5 June. I am delighted to do so alongside the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Mohamed El-Amine Souef; and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Ms. Cindy McCain. I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve in Somalia and assure Council members of my commitment to implement the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). I am grateful for the warm welcome extended to me by the Federal Government of Somalia, federal member states and the Somali people. The United Nations stands by the people and the Government of Somalia.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Many crucial steps remain to be taken to achieve the political, economic, social and institutional reconstruction of Haiti and to provide for the Haitian people a peaceful and stable future based on democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law and on economic and social justice. CARICOM. member States and Suriname are committed to playing a constructive role, to the extent of their means, in this critical part of the process.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“It is vital that the present security situation in Haiti should be sustainable after the departure of the Multinational Force and the full deployment of UNMIH. For this reason, CARICOM. Governments and Suriname feel compelled to stress the need for effective deterrence to continue after the hand-over to UNMIH and to respond to any residual subversive threats to the Government of Haiti. A capability for swift, coordinated and overwhelming action anywhere in the country is therefore a necessity. In this regard, we note the indications given in the Secretary-General's report that the military component of UNMIH will include a quick-reaction force. We trust that it will be of a strength and capacity adequate to satisfy this vital security need.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“We therefore fully support the decision concerning this matter contained in the draft resolution before the Security Council. Many of our Governments will also participate in the next phase, under the aegis of UNMIH, in testimony of our deep commitment to the process of creating the conditions necessary to ensure that the fledgling Haitian democracy is maintained and strengthened. The current situation in Haiti gives us much cause for hope. At the same time, however, there is no room for complacency. In his report to the Council, the Secretary- General has stressed that the relative security currently enjoyed by the Haitian people remains fragile and that the political and social environment now prevailing contains many factors that could lead to future instability.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“The Governments of the CARICOM. States and the Republic of Suriname were greatly encouraged by the fact that the deployment of Multinational Force into Haiti took place under peaceful circumstances. We continue to be encouraged by the effective manner in which it has carried out its important mandate in the four months that it has been on the ground in Haiti. Our Governments have concurred with the assessment of the Commander of the Multinational Force that a secure and stable environment now exists in Haiti, and we have been pleased to join other participants in the MNF in recommending that the Security Council determine that it is appropriate for the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) to begin assuming its full range of functions.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“With deep fraternal concern, our Governments participated actively in the efforts for international monitoring of the democratically elected Government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and we repudiated the actions that removed him from power. We were therefore proud to be able to contribute, to the extent that our limited security capabilities permitted, in the formation of the Multinational Force (MNF) authorized under paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 940 (1994). The deployment of the Multinational Force in Haiti, on 19 September 1994, represented the first phase in the international community's delicate and difficult undertaking to restore to office the democratically elected Government of President Aristide and to assist that Government in the economic, social and institutional reconstruction of its devastated country.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“I wish to thank the members of the Security Council for granting our request to participate in the discussion on the important item before the Council tonight. In this regard, I have the honour to address the Council on behalf of the 12 States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which are Members of the United Nations: Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Republic of Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and my own country, Belize, and also on behalf of the Republic of Suriname. As the Council is aware, the Governments and the peoples of the CARICOM. States have been active parties in the efforts to create a just and democratic order in Haiti.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source