YouSaid · the spoken record

Lajeak

lines on the record: 36
first: 2008-05-19
most recent: 2016-08-23
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“We have developed an effective national export-control system. As an integral part of the strong European Union export-control regime, it is regularly updated to reflect contemporary non-proliferation developments and requirements. Let me assure Council members that Slovakia remains fully committed to its disarmament and non-proliferation obligations. We stand ready to continue to help and assist the international community in combating proliferation threats and challenges. Finally, allow me to reiterate my appreciation for the convening of this open debate and to wish Malaysia a successful conclusion of its Security Council presidency.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“We should also reach out to industry and civil society to raise awareness and create a true partnership in our efforts to prevent the proliferation of sensitive items to non-State actors. Slovakia's strong commitment to resolution 1540 (2004) was underlined by our chairmanship of the 1540 Committee during our non-permanent membership of the Security Council in 2006 and 2007. As a former Chair, we know at first hand how challenging that work is. We therefore fully support Spain in its efforts, including the establishment of the Group of Friends of resolution 1540 (2004). Slovakia is proud to be one of the founding members. Slovakia has also been active in promoting domestic legislation on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We introduced a wide range of legislative, executive and enforcement measures before and after April 2004.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Assistance should be cooperative and goal-oriented and respect the countries' needs and the interests of the international community. Furthermore, the 1540 Committee and its Panel of Experts should have all the necessary resources at their disposal. That is a prerequisite for the effective and efficient fulfilment of their tasks. It is crucial to take advantage of the rapid developments and breakthroughs in science, technology, finance and commerce. Non-State actors exploit new technologies to pursue their illicit activities and often have enough financial and human resources to avoid existing export-control mechanisms. We must therefore keep our national export-control mechanisms up-to- date and dedicate sufficient financial and personnel capacities to them.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Its ongoing comprehensive review process provides an opportunity to work together towards its enhanced functioning. But how can that goal be achieved? Preventing non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction cannot be accomplished by a single country alone. Collective efforts and international cooperation are therefore required. Security for of all of us is interdependent. We are only as strong as our weakest link. We are therefore convinced that we should adjust and improve the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) to the fullest extent possible. Countries that have difficulties with their national implementation and reporting mechanisms should have access to adequate assistance. We should foster and utilize regional expertise and capacities and ensure their availability to the countries that need it.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“It has been further aggravated by an increased risk of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorist groups and other non-State actors. It should therefore be our highest priority to avoid and prevent such dangerous events from happening. In that regard, I wish to highlight the centrality and contribution of resolution 1540 (2004). Together with the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and their implementing mechanisms and agencies, resolution 1540 (2004) has become a significant component of the robust global security architecture. It is also an efficient tool for tackling the non-proliferation challenges connected with various militant and terrorist groups.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Let me express my gratitude to you, Mr. President, and to your country, Malaysia, for convening today's open debate. It provides a great opportunity for all of us to discuss and share our views, particularly on the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004). Allow me also to express my great appreciation for Spain's initiative, as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), in organizing the formal open consultations in June that addressed the comprehensive review of the status of implementation of the resolution. We found that meeting to be very timely and beneficial and conducted in the spirit of cooperation and transparency. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is one of the major threats to international peace and security.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“It is a cornerstone in the maintenance of international peace and security. The General Assembly also has considerable potential and an important role to play. We look forward to the Secretary-General's global action plan against Violent extremism. We hope it will reflect many of the inspiring proposals raised at the regional conferences on countering violent extremism.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“Security will not be sustainable unless it is reached with respect for the rule of law. All the relevant resolutions must be fully implemented in a timely manner, whether they be adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations or not. The consensus of Security Council members is far too important not to focus all our efforts on trying to achieve it. Monitoring by United Nations entities and other relevant international organizations with competence and expertise in the matter should help to ensure better implementation by States of their commitments. For that reason, I must say that I appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and the relevant United Nations bodies. The role of the Security Council in the fight against terrorism remains crucial.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“Successful political transitions in the Middle East require strong and consensual international support. Any foreign involvement in favour of individual parties can break the fragile trust in the political track. A sincere, candid and regular exchange of views produces an increase in understanding and, ideally, in trust. That, in turn, might lead to a more flexible and increased exchange of information and intelligence, and police and judicial cooperation, which are all vital components of counter-terrorism efforts. In addressing the issue of foreign terrorist fighters, it is crucial for each State to participate in order to prevent gaps in implementation. Weak links are windows of opportunity for foreign fighters. At the same time, we need to keep in mind the balance between security and respect for human rights.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“The problems they face - unemployment, poverty, the lack of life prospects for them and their children and, most important, no hope for a better future - have been blatantly exploited by groups like Daesh, which is a false, disillusioned and dangerous alternative form of governance rooted in fear and violence. Yet the military suppression of Daesh is only a fragment of the solution. The main part of a solution must be a commitment to better governance, better than Daesh's and also better than the one they had before. In order to reach a stage ofprevention, it is necessary to end the stage of continuing conflict. The international community cannot focus on preventive measures in an environment full of terror and fear where, as we speak, children hold weapons in their hands, and hospitals and schools are subject to deliberate attacks.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Sergey Lavrov of the Russian Federation for convening this debate. The unprecedented rise of terrorism is perhaps the most serious, shocking, painful and shameful reality facing us at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In the region of the Middle East and North Africa, but not only there, terrorism is sometimes the last, and sometimes the first, resort of individuals or groups that no longer feel the need to respect authority and abide by the rules. People resort to terrorism either because they choose to or because they have to. We shall focus here on those who are forced to be a part of an extremist, radical and violent group. Their previous experience is the key to understanding them. Quite often, they belonged to a marginalized community or ethnic or religious minority.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“Our priorities - "our" means the international community and myself - for the period ahead will be, first, to complete our work plan as it was defined by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in February this year, and second, what is equally important is to decide when is the right time to redefine our presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 20 to offer a greater role to the European Union. As I said, that is the joint responsibility of the international community. The best way for the local authorities to contribute to that is to behave in a mature way and to demonstrate that they are ready to be our partners rather than our opponents in this process. In our efforts I also count on the continuous attention and support of the United Nations and its Security Council, and I would like to thank you for that in advance.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Mr. Lajeak: I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and all members of the Security Council for the attention to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the statements in support of our mission there. I would like to stress two things. The first is the need for compromise and consensus among the three constituent peoples if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to move forward. Secondly - to repeat once again - the international community must support all the domestically led initiatives and honour the principle of ownership.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“The prospect of EU integration - the only positive alternative for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future - is advancing. We need to ensure that the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina make the most of that opportunity. The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a European future. They must have full confidence that we are here to help.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“As always, developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina will require careful handling. Our immediate task will be to ensure that political tensions during the municipal elections do not cause a serious deterioration in the political atmosphere. An important challenge for the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities will be the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, which contains not only benefits, but also obligations. The signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement means that everyone now has to deal with the future. Problems often develop as Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders frequently remain stuck in the past. That will need to be reflected in the EU's future overall engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in the engagement of the United Nations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have come a long way.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“However, we cannot afford a setback of the kind we had after the April 2006 amendments were rejected. Even when the parties demonstrate readiness for compromise, it will still be necessary for the international community to facilitate the process. Let me be clear: important progress has been made, but the international community's job in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not completed. It is foreseen that the European Union will take the lead international community role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the transition from the Office of the High Representative to the EU Special Representative. Now is the time to begin planning for the future leading role of the European Union, not only in terms of its own policy and capacities, but also in terms of how it will cooperate with other international community actors on the ground.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“It will clearly not be easy, but it must be completed so as to re-orient the engagement of the international community and to transfer as much responsibility as possible to local institutions. At some point, the parties will have to come together to address these issues through constitutional reform. In early February, political leaders decided to postpone discussion on constitutional reform until after the Stabilization and Association Agreement signing. At present, their proposals are at such wide variance that the issue runs the risk of becoming a renewed political battleground before serious discussions have even begun. There is a limited window of opportunity in the period after the municipal elections and before the 2010 general elections.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“Finally, I want to turn to consideration of the challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming six months. The overarching political challenge remains the same: how to deliver political agreements and agreement on reforms in a political system where the three communities have conflicting visions of the future of the country. Those conflicts play themselves out on a daily basis in the form of opposite views on almost every single issue on the agenda of the Government. I am sure that the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is present here, will confirm that observation. It is in that context that I will seek to assist the authorities to deliver the five objectives and two conditions for closure of the Office of the High Representative.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“With regard to the transition from the Office of the High Representative to the European Union Special Representative, the June meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board is likely to be a good opportunity to assess progress since February, but it will probably be too early for a clear view on progress on all the objectives. My Office is fully engaged with the local politicians and officials to achieve the maximum progress possible. With progress in several fields ongoing, we are looking to transfer as much responsibility as possible ahead of a decision on complete transition. The Peace Implementation Council will then meet again in October, and it will most likely provide a comprehensive review of the objectives and conditions required for transition.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“The fact of the matter is that, until recently, EU integration had become collateral damage to that calculation. To avoid further disputes, what is required is a strategic agreement on the distribution of competencies between the State and the entities, so that Bosnia and Herzegovina can focus on its EU integration process. That is, after all, what the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina want. They wholeheartedly wish to join the European Union. They are every inch Europeans, and we need to help them get there. Clearly, much remains to be done. My priority for the coming period is to assist the local authorities to deliver further progress on the five objectives and two conditions for closure of the Office of the High Representative.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“The EU integration agenda and the perspective of Euro-Atlantic integration is our only positive leverage to encourage the political elite to overcome their differences, reach consensus and make progress. However, we must be aware that in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU agenda has competition. Nationalism remains strong, and the forthcoming campaign for municipal elections will lead to a rise in inflammatory rhetoric. Unfortunately, we must not be in any doubt that that is not just a short-term phenomenon. Nationalist politics is ever-present, constantly exerting an undertow away from the positive dynamic of European integration. The simple arithmetic is: nationalism means votes, and it has been a successful recipe for winning elections.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“That has enormous significance for the country. The question now is not if further European Union integration is desirable; it is how and when it is to be achieved. Progress will not come on its own. Hard work and difficult compromises mark the way ahead. I know from the experience of my own country that the challenges of EU membership are not to be underestimated. Ultimately, a country and its political class must have a vision of themselves as a member of the EU that has earned the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other members of the Union. We as the international community also have a role to play and must play it professionally.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“Playing a facilitating role, together with some members of the international community, two weeks ago we assisted the local authorities in changing the election law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, enabling all those who lived in Srebrenica before the war to register to vote in that municipality regardless of where they live now. That was a significant development in terms of substance, but also in terms of the fact that there was full agreement on such a sensitive issue. That is the sort of political maturity we need to see much more of, not only on Srebrenica, but on all political challenges the country will face. This is where we currently stand. As I noted, the main recognition of the country's progress is the fact that in a few weeks it will sign its first concrete step in the EU integration process.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“I should also mention that recent calls by three senior Bosniak politicians for Srebrenica to secede from Republika Srpska were clear anti-Dayton statements and only served to increase tensions with the Serbs. Regarding cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), it is the assessment of both the ICTY and the European Commission that the cooperation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Tribunal is satisfactory. I share that View, but remain ready to assist the ICTY in fulfilling its mandate, should it request it. In April, our attention was once again focused on Srebrenica, where there have been concerns about participation in forthcoming municipal elections by Bosniaks who have not yet returned to Srebrenica.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“The Federation Government, on the other hand, kept increasing payments to war veterans and other social transfers, despite repeated warnings from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank that, in the medium term, neither entity nor State governments have the necessary funding. The Federation Finance Minister has already warned that the Federation is close to bankruptcy and is unable to meet those obligations. It is of additional concern that the Bosniak parties outvoted their Croat counterparts, both in the Government and in the parliament, to approve the increase in payments to veterans. That decision increased political tensions between the two ethnic groups and is indicative of broader concerns about the position of the Croats in the Federation.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“More generally, both entities continue to pursue their own agendas at the expense of the State. There have been numerous rhetorical attacks on State institutions, including the State judiciary and State public broadcasting service, from both sides. Republika Srpska has signed, without the consent of the State, an agreement with the Republic of Serbia allowing the Serbian Government to build a bridge over the Sava river. Republika Srpska has also illegally adopted legislation that confers on it the right to issue financial bonds - again, a clear State competency.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“I reacted to this in a public statement and stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina is an internationally recognized State, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Agreement. The entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have no right to secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Equally, no one has the right to call for or seek abolition of the entities. The position of the Peace Implementation Council's Steering Board was also explicitly clear when, in the declaration annexed to the report before the Council it unanimously expressed "deep concern with regard to official calls for secession", adding that it "strongly emphasizes that under the Dayton Peace Agreement an entity has no right to secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina".”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“At the end of January, Republika Srpska's ruling party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), called for the transformation of Bosnia and Herzegovina into an asymmetric federation or confederation and claimed that Republika Srpska had the right - supposedly based on the Charter of the United Nations - to self- determination, up to and including secession. The National Assembly of Republika Srpska raised the stakes in February when it passed a resolution stating that Republika Srpska could have the right to establish 3 its future legal status by means of a referendum. The resolution claimed that that right would be triggered should a majority of EU member States recognize the independence of Kosovo. That was the first time that such a claim had been officially made by an institution of Republika Srpska.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“Following Kosovo's declaration of independence, some analysts expected that to there would be increased political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, public reaction was relatively muted. Public order was maintained, and there was certainly no official support for the more extreme manifestations of Serb anger over Kosovo's declaration. Public demonstrations against Kosovo's independence in Republika Srpska were relatively small-scale and were easily contained by the police of Republika Srpska. However, the leadership of Republika Srpska officially linked the future status of that entity with the status of Kosovo.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“One of the conditions of the rule of law benchmark - the adoption of the law on the stay of aliens and asylum - was adopted at the beginning of April. An agreement was signed at the end of March between the State and entities on movable defence property. That contributed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's securing intensified dialogue with NATO at the Bucharest summit, thereby allowing the country to take another important step towards NATO membership. There has also been progress on other issues, and we are expecting further results over the summer. Although all of those priority reform areas were established a long time ago and all were previously recognized by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina as obligations, achieving those objectives will not be easy.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“The five objectives that will need to be delivered by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina are, first, an acceptable and sustainable resolution of the issue of State property; secondly, an acceptable and sustainable resolution of the question of defence property; thirdly, the completion of the Brcko Final Award; fourthly, 08-34548 fiscal sustainability; and, fifthly, the entrenchment of the rule oflaw. In addition to those objectives, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board agreed that two conditions needed to be met: the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, and a positive assessment of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“That was a hard-fought victory that required constant involvement by the international community and lobbying to negotiate the Agreement. In February, the international community took a major step forward in defining its strategy for transition from the Office of the High Representative. The Peace Implementation Council Steering Board met to discuss a wide range of issues but focused on defining a conditions-based strategy for transition from the Office of the High Representative to the EU Special Representative. The Peace Implementation Council reached unanimous agreement on a strategy based on five objectives and two conditions that have to be delivered by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina before the transition can take place.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“The EU welcomed that long-awaited agreement by initialling the Stabilization and Association Agreement on 4 December, with the full signature of the Agreement remaining conditional on parliament's adoption of the two police reform laws. Despite the subsequent rejection of the Mostar agreement by one of the leading Bosniak parties, the parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina finally passed those two laws on 16 April. With the legislation in place and progress on all the other conditions required for the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, EU Commissioner Olli Rehn recommended to EU member States to proceed with the signing of the Agreement. The signing ceremony will take place on 16 June at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“At the end of November, my negotiations with party leaders 08-34548 resulted in an agreement to improve the efficiency of the voting procedures in Bosnia and Herzegovina's parliament and Council of Ministers. My second priority was to help Bosnia and Herzegovina to make progress in order to sign the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. Following the resolution of the November crisis, I facilitated talks between the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina's six governing parties on the key EU condition: police reform. The six party leaders reached an agreement on police reform that became known as the Mostar Declaration and Action Plan.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“It is all too easy to get lost in the microcosm of Bosnia and Herzegovina's ethnically dominated politics. However, we must keep our eyes on the bigger picture. I hope that my update will give the Council a clear understanding of the overall situation. For the sake of clarity, I would like to divide my speech into three parts. First of all, I will update the Council on developments and what has been achieved since my last report. I will then set out where we are now. Finally, I want to outline the future challenges we will face in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first task in the reporting period was to resolve the political crisis of last November.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source
“Mr. Lajeak: When I spoke to the Security Council some six months ago we faced what many would describe as a political crisis. I am pleased to inform the Council today that the situation has improved noticeably. The country of Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a significant step towards the stabilization of the political situation. It is on the verge of signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) and is moving towards NATO membership. The Council will have seen much of the detail in my most recent report (8/2008/300). In addition, in February, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board reached consensus on a set of clear conditions for transition from the Office of the High Representative to a European Union special representative.”
2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source