YouSaid · the spoken record

Lavrov

lines on the record: 2,533
first: 1994-09-23
most recent: 2023-09-20
sittings or episodes: 322
sources: un-security-council

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“We believe that the pace should be set taking account, inter alia, of the effectiveness of the work of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in areas in which they have already received all of the necessary authority. The process of handing over authority should in no way subvert the decision of principle regarding the status of the province; that decision should be taken at a later stage, in strict compliance with resolution 1244 (1999). We consistently advocate the continuation of constructive cooperation between UNMIK and the Belgrade authorities. In this connection, we welcome Belgrade's invitation to the Mission to become involved in the resolution of practical questions related to the opening of two new border crossing points on the Kosovo section of the border between Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“We call on UNMIK to continue its robust action to establish the rule of law in the province, as required by resolution 1244 (1999). Attempts by the Kosovo Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to call into question UNMIK's authority are unacceptable. We reaffirm our support for the concept of "standards before status". We note the importance of the planned process of transferring further responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government of the province, which are clearly outlined in chapter 5 of the Constitutional Framework. This process must be carried out in strict compliance with resolution 1244 (1999). We do not deem it advisable to accelerate action in this area.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“Failing that, we cannot hope to see full participation by minority representatives in the activities of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in the province or in the dismantling of parallel structures. Naturally, we agree with the View of the Secretary-General regarding the need for the constructive participation of all Kosovo communities in the work of the provincial and municipal Institutions of Self-Government. We hope that UNMIK and its leader, Mr. Steiner, will continue to take a consistent position in opposing the growth of radical tendencies in the province and in preventing Albanian extremists from using the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government to attain their political goals and to turn Kosovo into a quasi-State.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“It is, in fact, the successor of the so- called Kosovo Liberation Army. We deem it unacceptable that, notwithstanding the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999) and of the Constitutional Framework, KPC leaders openly proclaim their allegiance to the military values of the KLA and their goal of turning the KPC into an army of an independent Kosovo. Maintaining the status quo regarding the KPC is a potential source of destabilization in the province - one that could spark a new war of violence on inter-ethnic grounds. We are convinced that mere pro forma verbal assurances by the Kosovo political leaders with respect to their commitment to resolution 1244 (1999) and to the Constitutional Framework are not sufficient. Such assurances need to be backed by real practical steps.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“There is still no equality in terms of conditions of security or freedom of movement for all inhabitants of the province. Minorities continue to face serious obstacles in terms of employment in the administrative structures and in the area of access to public institutions or to the judicial system. This year saw an upsurge in ethnically motivated violence and political crimes within the Kosovo Albanian community. Terrorist acts have even been committed, including the destruction of the railway bridge in Zvecan. The perpetrators of those acts openly proclaim their presence and their goals. Those activities must be strongly condemned and specific measures taken to put an end to them. We are seriously concerned at the maintenance of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) as a paramilitary organization.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“The Kosovo Assembly's attempts to enact laws on higher education and on a property tax, without their being approved by the Special Representative, are a clear example of this. Furthermore, the Kosovo Albanian leaders are taking these actions in spite of the clearly expressed negative position of Michael Steiner - actions that could derail the inter-ethnic dialogue and reconciliation process in Kosovo. Unfortunately, in this area the overall picture is far from what we had hoped for. As is clear from the report, in two thirds of the Kosovo municipalities conditions are unsatisfactory for the return of non- Albanian refugees. Violence, harassment and discrimination are continuing against minorities, primarily the Serb minority.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his report and to Assistant Secretary-General Hedi Annabi for introducing it. We agree with the assessments and recommendations contained in the report. Unfortunately, they paint a troubling picture of developments in the province. We note, of course, the progress that has been made in the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), in particular in the economic area and with regard to assisting in the setting up of the Kosovo Police Service. However, we share the concern expressed in the report of the Secretary-General at the challenge presented to the international community by the leaders of the Kosovo Albanians. Their actions run counter to resolution 1244 (1999) and to the authority of the Mission.”
2003-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4742 (2003) · source
“The effective achievement of those goals at this stage should be facilitated by the adoption by consensus, during the current session of the Assembly, of resolution 57/145, "Responding to global threats and challenges". That resolution provides for contributions by regional organizations to the tasks outlined therein, and we hope that their contribution will be an important one.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“We believe that, in today's environment, in order to practically implement the concept of collective security enshrined in the Charter, we need to establish a global system to deal with current challenges and threats. Clearly, this kind of system must be universal and comprehensive in order to ensure that effective decisions are adopted, bearing in mind the direct link between those new challenges and threats. Of course, the coordinating centre for that kind of system must be the United Nations. The Millennium Declaration, adopted at the Millennium Summit of the General Assembly, outlined the main goals of this future work.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“Success in developing the interaction of the United Nations with regional and other organizations will, to a large extent, determine how effective the international community's response will be to the multitude of new challenges facing us today, including the threat of international terrorism. That threat led to the creation of the Security Council's Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC). We actively support the work of the CTC, and we support the further development of cooperation between the Committee and regional organizations with a view to implementing the various decisions adopted by the Council. Russia is firmly convinced that the future lies with collective efforts to resolve problems common to the international community as a whole.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“We continue to believe that authorization by and accountability to the Security Council should be inherent in any regional or coalition peacekeeping operation, particularly when enforcement action is included in its mandate. Here, the indisputable guidelines continue to be the basic principles and criteria of international peacekeeping activities, including strict compliance with the Charter of the United Nations and with the generally recognized norms and principles of international law, in accordance with which the Security Council bears primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“That should be done on the solid foundation of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly on the basis of Article VIII, which has been referred to today by the Secretary-General, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and other participants in this meeting. Bearing in mind the growing role of regional peacekeeping, we support the further development of cooperation in that field while more effectively utilizing the potential and resources of regional organizations and increasing coordination and complementarity between them and the United Nations. Such interaction should be flexible and should be developed in the light of the leading role played by the Organization, with a sensible division of labour among regional and subregional structures, taking each of their comparative advantages into account.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“We would also like to emphasize the role being played by the Collective Security Treaty Organization, whose members were the first to raise the matter of the need to move against the Taliban regime that ruled Afghanistan. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is very important to providing stability and security in the vast Asian region, which includes the countries of Central Asia, China and Russia. At this complicated stage in international relations, it is more pressing than ever that we consistently develop and improve cooperation at the United Nations, in particular the cooperation between the Security Council and regional and subregional bodies.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“Of course, those invited to our meeting today do not represent the complete list of regional organizations that, in cooperation with the Security Council, have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to maintaining regional security in various parts of the world. Among those other organizations is the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which works closely with the United Nations to resolve conflicts. CIS peacekeepers have already made a significant contribution to settling the crisis in Tajikistan. At the moment, they and the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia are maintaining security and stability in the area of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“The Council has actively cooperated with the Organization of American States (OAS) to resolve conflicts in Central America and in Haiti. The Council has also had reliable partners in working to find settlements for hot spots in Africa, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other subregional organizations of the continent. The European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are making an important contribution to our common efforts to resolve conflicts in the Balkans and other parts of the world. We are convinced that the League of Arab States (LAS) should play an important role in the search for peaceful ways to resolve the many problems in the Middle East.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are happy to see you in the Chair, Mr. President. We welcome Mexico's initiative to hold this meeting, and also welcome the statement made by the Secretary-General, who has given his constant attention to forming various partnerships in order to fulfil the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. We would also like to welcome the high-level representatives of the regional organizations participating in today's debate. That participation underscores the importance of the subject proposed by Mexico for today's discussion. As other speakers have noted, a wealth of experience has been attained with regard to the Security Council's cooperation with the organizations participating in this meeting, as well as with other organizations.”
2003-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4739 (2003) · source
“The special meeting of the CTC held on 6 March 2003 was highly commendable. The meeting gave a positive impetus to the Committee's interface with regional structures, among which, we note with pleasure, the Anti-Terrorist Centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the regional anti-terrorist structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We think that these contacts should be regular. The effective activities of the CTC embody the resolve of the Security Council to actively stand up to the threat to international peace and security that is emerging from terrorism. The Russian Federation, which is one of the Vice-Chairmen of the CTC, will continue actively to cooperate with all United Nations Member States to achieve real success in our anti- terrorism campaign.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“Our common goal is to establish effective international, regional and national mechanisms that are compatible and that make it impossible for terrorists to evade punishment or to take advantage of the weakness of certain individual elements of the global anti-terrorist endeavour. This approach implies strict compliance with all of the requirements of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). We support the urgent appeal to those States that have not yet submitted their initial reports to the CTC or are seriously late in submitting their second reports to establish immediate ongoing cooperation with the Committee. The CTC has adopted a strategically correct decision in placing particular stress in its future work on cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“The benchmarks contained therein will make it possible to maintain high output standards and to have a clear picture of the gaps that exist in anti-terrorist activity, to continue to seek to eliminate those gaps and to create a universal information network, as well as to concentrate on priorities for providing assistance to individual countries. In the CTC's new work stage, which will be devoted not merely to assessing the legislative basis and infrastructure of counter-terrorism but also to monitoring effective implementation, a balanced and very well-considered approach will be particularly important.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“I do not think that anyone could doubt that its success, to a large extent, is due to the talent and the personal dynamism of Ambassador Greenstock. We are sure that the best characteristics of the CTC - its effectiveness, its non- confrontational approach and its transparency - will be maintained and built upon under Ambassador Arias' leadership. I would also like to take this opportunity today once again to express gratitude to the whole CTC team, colleagues, Permanent Representatives of Security Council members, the United Nations Secretariat and, in particular, to the CTC experts. We support the CTC's recently adopted programme of work for the upcoming 90-day period.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Over the year and half of its work, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) has played a leading role in the system that has been created under the auspices of the United Nations to counter new threats and challenges. Its lead role in building up a global anti-terrorist capacity and its authority in strengthening international cooperation in this area are well recognized and respected by all States. We associate ourselves with the words of gratitude addressed to Ambassador Greenstock for the detailed information about the results achieved by that body, and we note the dynamism and the high quality of its work. I am pleased to associate myself with the words of praise for the personal contribution made by Ambassador Greenstock to that work.”
2003-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4734 (2003) · source
“The resolution clearly calls the participants in the coalition "occupying Powers" whose actions on the occupied territory must be guided strictly by all norms of international humanitarian law, without exception. The resolution casts no doubt on Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it requires respect for the right of the Iraqi people to independently decide their own political future and to exercise control over their natural resources.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4732 (2003) · source
“With regard to the United Nations humanitarian programme for Iraq, the resolution's adjustments to the programme have a technical and provisional nature and make it possible to use contracts that have been signed but not yet implemented in order to solve individual practical humanitarian issues caused by the war. The resolution does not change the essence of the humanitarian programme, and it fully retains the Security Council's control over the United Nations special account that is accumulating revenue from the export of Iraqi oil. The adoption of the resolution, of course, in no way signifies any type of legitimization of the military action being carried out by the coalition in violation of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4732 (2003) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We have just unanimously adopted a resolution as a step that we were obliged to take in connection with the need to resolve the Iraqi population's humanitarian problems caused by the military actions of the United States and the United Kingdom against Iraq. First and foremost, those problems should be solved on the basis of the Fourth Geneva Convention, under whose provisions those who began this war bear responsibility for meeting the civilian population's humanitarian needs. Indeed, this resolution reaffirms that responsibility.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4732 (2003) · source
“However, the extent to which we can all resolve this problem together, pooling our efforts to minimize the damage caused by that crisis, will directly determine the kind of world in which we shall live in the future - be it a world based on the supremacy of international law or one in which chaos and the arbitrary use of military might prevail. I hope we will all recognize our responsibility vis-a-vis that matter.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We are open to engaging in a dialogue with everyone. We are convinced that differences with regard to the problem of Iraq should not become a pretext to rush to confrontation in world affairs. However the situation concerning Iraq evolves, we cannot escape the need to search together for effective answers to new threats and challenges and to strengthen the mechanisms of the United Nations that are necessary to do so. The goal of the international community to find mutually advantageous collective solutions to global problems cannot become hostage to the situation in Iraq.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The fundamental principles that must underpin those efforts were formulated yesterday by the Secretary- General. They include respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Iraq and the inalienable right of the Iraqi people to determine their political future for themselves and to exercise control over their natural resources. I am convinced that no member of the Security Council would really object to those principles. Russia's leaders are pursuing intensive contacts with a broad range of States, including members of the Security Council, in order to find a political solution to the crisis. Objective conditions to that end still exist. The potential of the United Nations is far from being exhausted, a fact that even those who support the use of force have recognized.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“However, we will not support the proposal to restructure the mechanism for this humanitarian programme in the light of the military scenario. That is not a technical matter. While humanitarian issues are important, there is no more urgent task at the moment than to try to halt the war and to return to the path of a political settlement within the context of the Security Council. The overwhelming majority of participants in our debate have spoken out in favour of that. To that end, we will continue to oppose both direct and indirect attempts to legitimize the use of force against Iraq or to shift the responsibility for that action to the international community through the United Nations. That will be our approach to any effort made by the Council with regard to settling the question of Iraq.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Of course, all parties must comply with all other norms of international humanitarian law, particularly as they pertain to the treatment of wounded persons and prisoners of war, the protection of civilians and of facilities vital to the population and to preventing the use of excessively injurious materiel. Bearing in mind the exceptional circumstances in which the Iraqi population finds itself, we are also prepared, along with other members of the Security Council, to resolve the issue of temporary amendments to the procedures followed in the oil for food programme in order to meet the humanitarian needs of Iraqis, given that the programme's international personnel have been evacuated due to the war.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Russia is contributing to those efforts, in cooperation with the Governments of the appropriate countries, in particular with those of Iran and Turkey, as well as with the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees. Steps are being taken to provide humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees. In particular, a hospital capable of accommodating 5,000 patients will be set up in Iran. Thereafter, another two hospitals will be set up, as well as a refugee camp. In addition, plans are being made to establish refugee camps in Turkey. I would like in particular to emphasize the need for full compliance with the Fourth Geneva Convention. Under the Convention, the forces occupying Iraq's territory bear responsibility for resolving the humanitarian problems of its people.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The entire course of events bears out the Russian Government's assessment of the war in Iraq as a serious political mistake. The military action has already gone beyond the local context. It is not only the population of Iraq that is suffering, so too are the peoples of neighbouring countries. That action has become a potential source of destabilization for the situation in the Middle East, as well as for the world as a whole. We are also seriously alarmed at the humanitarian situation in Iraq. We support the efforts being made by the Secretary-General, in cooperation with United Nations programmes and funds, to mobilize voluntary contributions to meet the needs of the Iraqi people.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The military action undertaken by the United States and the United Kingdom just at that moment - in violation of Security Council resolutions - cannot be justified in any way. In fact, those countries were unable to provide any proof to support their allegations regarding Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction and Baghdad's support for international terrorism - or with regard to a threat to the countries of the region or to international security emanating from Iraq. I would also like to note that no proof has been found in the course of the ongoing military action to support such accusations. It is clear to everyone that the use of force against Iraq in an effort to change the political regime of a sovereign State runs totally counter to the fundamental principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The unanimous adoption of resolution 1441 (2002), together with all other measures of exerting pressure on Baghdad, provided a realistic way to disarm Iraq through peaceful means in full keeping with the decisions of the United Nations. To our profound regret, that possibility was thwarted precisely at a time when Iraq was more actively cooperating with inspectors and when the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency had submitted their work programmes to the Council. The implementation of those programmes would have made it possible to provide a final and objective answer to the question of whether Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): An unprovoked military action has been undertaken, in violation of international law and in circumvention of the Charter, against Iraq, a sovereign State and Member of the United Nations. The toll of casualties and destruction is growing. There is a looming threat of a humanitarian, economic and ecological disaster. The negative consequences of this illegal military action are already having an impact on other countries of the region, the Muslim world and the overall state of international relations. Russia, together with other States, made vigorous efforts to prevent war and achieve a political settlement of the Iraq problem.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It is also necessary to take steps to improve domestic legislation to stop small arms and light weapons from falling into the illicit trade system. Above all in countries in which such legislation is lacking, steps must be taken to upgrade and codify a national system of export controls and to establish a broad-based exchange of information between States regarding existing legislation and practical experience in this area. We hope that today's meeting under your presidency, Sir, will allow us to move forward on all these issues.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It is important to help countries of the West African region to implement measures to monitor and combat the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. Of great significance is developing practical measures to combat the illegal shipments of small arms and light weapons at the preventive stage and in the post-conflict phase of settlement. Regional organizations have a solid body of useful experience, including in Africa. We believe that the measures proposed within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) - such the establishment of an information-exchange mechanism in the area of small arms and light weapons, the introduction of a regional register that would provide data on the national stocks of such weapons in the ECOWAS countries and other practical steps - deserve to be approved and supported.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“During the past years we have managed to fine- tune the oversight mechanism for monitoring the Council's weapons embargoes. This has been made very clear by the regular reports of the Chairpersons of the relevant sanctions committees. Of course, much remains to be done, particularly to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring of the investigation of the facts of embargo violations. We consider it justified that in the context of carrying out peacekeeping operations under United Nations auspices, the peace agreements between the parties should include specific provisions for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants. It is also essential to endeavour to include in the mandate of such operations adequate resources to collect and destroy illegal small arms and light weapons used in conflicts.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Many practical questions related to the supply of small arms and light weapons, including brokerage, end-user certificates and others, will be discussed during the meeting of the group of governmental experts to be convened by the Secretary-General. We believe that the Security Council should focus its attention on instances in which the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons is directly related to conflict situations in Africa that are on its agenda. The Russian Federation has consistently called for tough measures in cases in which weapons are supplied by illegal armed groups. We believe the Security Council is justified in imposing an embargo on arms shipments in conflict regions. This certainly will have a positive impact, and the examples of Sierra Leone, Angola and other crisis situations have convinced us of this.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Current Russian law includes special norms that carry criminal penalties not only for direct involvement of mercenaries in armed conflict, but also for activities for their recruitment, training, financing and other logistical support. Recently within the United Nations there has been substantially heightened interest in the problem of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and its impact on regional security. Of great significance in this regard were the 2001 Conference and the Programme of Action adopted at it. This summer there will be the first biennial review conference on the implementation of the Programme, which undoubtedly will facilitate the further resolution of pressing problems connected with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“An important landmark in the process of establishing universal approaches to defining the illegal nature of this phenomenon was the adoption of the first Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions, which fleshed out the legal content of the concept of a mercenary. The entry into force in 2001 of the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries has significantly expanded the means available to combat this scourge. Without a doubt, the establishment of effective mechanisms to counter mercenary activities requires a corresponding measure of political will in order to consistently carry out international standards in national legal systems.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Such services have become particularly in demand in the recent decades, during which armed mercenaries have been used in the struggle against legitimate Governments that had freed themselves from colonial dependence on certain States. Everyone is aware of the tragic consequences of the involvement of mercenaries in regional and national conflicts. We have become aware of them from the tragic examples in Sierra Leone, cote d'Ivoire, Angola and other countries. Mercenary activities are highly unethical and illegal, according to the generally recognized principles of international law.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are very glad to see you, Sir, preside over the Council. We thank you for convening today's meeting and welcome in this Chamber the Ministers for Foreign Affairs from the Economic Community of West African States. Today's meeting is further proof of the great interest that the international community and the Security Council have shown in cooperating to resolve the complex problems of maintaining and restoring international peace and security on the African continent. It is proof of our common aspiration to work out effective strategies to combat the scourge of the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons and mercenary activities. Russia firmly condemns mercenary activities and has consistently supported international efforts to eradicate this criminal phenomenon.”
2003-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4720Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Viewed on a broader level, we believe that all of this confirms the relevance of the Russian initiative to establish a legal basis for stability in the Balkans through the conclusion by the countries of the region of legally binding agreements on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and on the inviolability of borders, all with appropriate international guarantees. The implementation of such an approach would favour the achievement of a comprehensive settlement in Kosovo in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Attempts by the Kosovo institutions of self- government to cast doubt on the actions of UNMIK are inadmissible. The Security Council must clearly reaffirm the unfailing dedication of the international community to the strict implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), including that part which deals with the reaffirmation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the new State of Serbia and Montenegro, as a successor to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We also believe that there is a need to create a favourable dynamic in the development of the situation in the Balkans. Here we include constructive dialogue with Serbia and Montenegro, gradual movement towards a settlement in Macedonia, the further normalization of relations between Belgrade and Zagreb and other processes.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“It is clear they are not doing enough to involve ethnic minorities in the activities of regional bodies of self-government at all levels. We continue to see that, despite statements regarding dedication to multi-ethnicity, the regional institutions of self-government in fact very often ignore the interests of the minorities. We believe that UNMIK and its head, Mr. Steiner, regarding this issue, will continue to take a consistent position to prevent attempts by Albanian extremists to make use of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to achieve their political goals and the transformation of Kosovo into an independent, quasi-State entity. We are also convinced that the United Nations Mission must continue actively to work to affirm legality in the region, as is required by resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Some leaders of the Kosovo Albanians have even made statements to the effect that the international presences allegedly are abusing the hospitality rendered them, and are speaking in favour of their withdrawal. Demands are also being made, despite resolution 1244 (1999), for the speeding up of the transfer of all competencies of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. This is taking place in conditions where, as indicated in the report of the Secretary-General, the Kosovo Albanian majority continues to shirk its responsibility for the development of the situation in the region. This above all affects the creation of dignified living conditions in the region for all of its inhabitants, regardless of their ethnic background.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“In addition, the number of Corps personnel has not been reduced. The maintenance of the Kosovo Protection Corps in such a form is a potential source of destabilization in the region and could trigger a new wave of inter-ethnic violence. Particularly disquieting for us are the unceasing attempts of the leaders of the Kosovo Albanians to harp on the subject of independence. Very recently they once again issued a challenge to the international community, putting forward in the regional Assembly a draft declaration on the independence of Kosovo, which contravenes both resolution 1244 (1999) and the Constitutional Framework on Provisional Self- Government in the region.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“The optimistic figures as to the numbers of minority refugees who have returned, which have exceeded the outflow indicators, do not, in our view, fully reflect the real state of affairs, since, in a number of regions of Kosovo where the Serbs were living at the time of the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and KFOR, today practically none of them are left. Also a source of serious concern today is the continuation of the Kosovo Protection Corps as a paramilitary organization - an heir to the KLA. Moreover, we fail to understand the position of the international presences, which have virtually reconciled themselves to the Corps's status. As a result, the Corps retains many characteristics of a paramilitary structure, including personal side-arm weapons for the commanding officers, the rank of generals and so on.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“All of these problems are well known and will continue to require unflagging attention on the part of the international community. These include the absence of conditions ensuring equal security and freedom of movement for all of the inhabitants of Kosovo, first and foremost of the Serbian minority, and the continuing wave of violence against the Serbs who have remained in the region. A highly disquieting new factor is the outburst of violence * clearly politically motivated, moreover - within the Kosovo Albanian community as well.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Progress has been noted in the resolution of economic and social issues and in the establishment of dialogue with the leadership of the Serbian Return Coalition and the Government in Belgrade; a clear result of this was a solution to the problem of northern Mitrovica. We note in this context that the situation in the region remains extremely sensitive. It is important that the international presences there act with the utmost sense of responsibility, avoiding incautious actions that could hamper progress towards the goals set. We welcome the readiness of the Belgrade leadership to continue constructive cooperation with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and also with Pristina. This is key to a solution to many of the problems that are hindering the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source