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

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

“At the same time, we cannot fail to be concerned about the situation relating to completing the implementation of the political and particularly the military aspects of the Lusaka Protocol. Although there has been a certain amount of movement, the incorporation of selected troops into the Angolan Armed Forces and the National Police is going quite slowly. Instances of desertion among former UNITA soldiers number in the hundreds, and the checkpoints are only slowly being dismantled. The failure to resolve military issues might in the future serve as a source of new difficulties and destabilization. It is precisely for that reason that we attach particular importance to the appeal contained in the draft resolution before the Council to fulfil the remaining aspects of the peace process precisely and promptly.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“After lengthy and completely unwarranted procrastination, UNITA finally did what was expected of it under the Lusaka Protocol. As a result, important and positive changes took place. The question of the status of Mr. Savimbi was resolved, the deputies from UNITA were sworn into the National Assembly and, most importantly, the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation was formed. Thus, a new political basis has been provided for the dialogue between the Government and UNITA, and the peace process has ascended to a new level. We hope that this will help the parties in Angola rise above any possible recurrence of their past mistrust and to make further progress towards durable peace in that country.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The Russian Federation is profoundly gratified at the fact that Angola is moving step by step towards a new, peaceful stage in its national life. A considerable political, material and financial contribution to promoting national reconciliation in that country was and continues to be made by the international community. Just two weeks ago it appeared that the peace process, encountering new difficulties, had once again been stalemated. However, the firm position of the international community, the resolutions of the Security Council, the visit of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Angola and the intensive work carried out by his Special Representative made it possible to get things moving again.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3767 (1997) · source
“We believe that, following the results of today's discussion of the situation in Afghanistan, it will be necessary for the Security Council to adopt a presidential statement, that once again clearly reaffirms the basic approach of the United Nations to a settlement in Afghanistan.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“In close consultations with its Central Asian partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) - Kazakstan, Kyrgyztan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - Russia is carefully following the situation and is taking steps aimed at promoting political dialogue and preventing the Afghan crisis from having a negative impact on the entire region of Central Asia. At the same time, we are maintaining our useful and extremely productive contacts on Afghanistan with other States of the region, in particular India, Iran and Pakistan. We believe that the coordinated efforts of all concerned States will help in reaching a formula acceptable to all for a settlement in Afghanistan. The Russian delegation believes that the Security Council will be dealing with Afghan issues in the future.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“We hope that the meeting to be convened by the Secretary- General, the second meeting of concerned countries on Afghanistan, will provide an additional impetus for reaching agreement on approaches to an Afghan settlement. The complex humanitarian situation also requires further measures to ease the suffering of the Afghan people. We are deeply convinced that humanitarian assistance must not be used as a bargaining chip in this struggle among the factions to win over to their side the population of one or another region of the country. We believe it is important that humanitarian organizations should render assistance to all those who are in need, throughout the entire territory of Afghanistan. The Russian Federation is making maximum efforts to promote the cause of a settlement in Afghanistan.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“It is difficult to agree with the assertion that the dreadful conflict in Afghanistan seems somehow to have remained on the sidelines of the Security Council's attention. In our View, in carrying out its functions under the Charter, the Council must continue constantly to follow the development of the situation in Afghanistan and to react adequately to it through the adoption of appropriate measures. The Council's previous decisions contain a good basis for searching for means to settle the conflict. These decisions must be implemented. One of these is that supplying weapons to the warring factions and rendering them other types of military and technical assistance must cease. States with an influence on Afghan affairs must make every effort to move the situation to political channels.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“For this purpose, the Afghan parties must immediately cease hostilities, renounce the use of force and put aside their differences in the name of the higher interest of the Afghan people. The Russian Federation fully supports the activities of the United Nations Special Mission in Afghanistan, headed by Mr. H011, and is ready to continue to render the necessary assistance. The United Nations must play a central role in Afghan affairs, inter alia in ensuring the proper coordination of international efforts aimed at supporting a settlement and in exerting pressure on the Afghan parties. We believe indeed that the United Nations, and in particular the Special Mission, has every opportunity to enhance its role.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“After those meetings, the Head of the Special Mission, Mr. Holl, undertook efforts to convene a political meeting of the Afghan parties, but these too have so far yielded no results. We call upon all of the Afghan parties - and first and foremost the Taliban movement - to implement United Nations decisions, to cooperate fully with the United Nations Special Mission and to embark seriously on the path of negotiations. Only thus, and not through a build-up of military pressure, will it be possible to achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan. A solution to the problem of achieving national reconciliation and a stable political settlement to this conflict, which has gone on for many years, is possible through the establishment of a fully representative and broad-based transitional government.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Thus, the situation in that country continues to represent a threat to international peace and security in the region, and is fraught with the danger of a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe. Russia is deeply concerned over this course of events. Unfortunately, the warring factions in Afghanistan have not heeded numerous appeals, inter alia from the Security Council and the General Assembly, regarding the need to renounce attempts to resolve the conflict by military means. We are particularly alarmed by the fact that the Taliban movement continues to try to press ahead with its military effort. Moreover, as is well known, because of the Taliban position, there has been absolutely no result from the meetings of the Intra-Afghan Working Group, held under the auspices of the United Nations Special Mission.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): It is a pleasure for me to welcome the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mr. Ghafoorzai, to this Chamber today. Although a month has already passed since the Secretary-General submitted his report on Afghanistan to the Security Council and to the General Assembly, the situation in that country continues to retain its alarming momentum. The military situation is deteriorating, and efforts towards a political settlement are at a standstill. Human rights violations continue, in particular discrimination against women. Afghanistan remains a source of the illegal spread of drugs and of international terrorism.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“These criminal acts cannot be in any way warranted, and we express our deepest sympathy to the families of those who were wounded or killed.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“As a co-sponsor of the peace process, Russia urgently calls on the Government of Israel to rescind its decision to build a new settlement in East Jerusalem. It is important also that both parties make every effort to avoid any further instances of confrontation in Palestinian-Israeli relations and to break the deadlock at which the peace process finds itself. For that reason, the Russian delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution before us, which ought to have been adopted as an appropriate reaction to the alarming events in East Jerusalem. We were also prepared to support a similar draft presidential statement, had we managed to reach consensus on it today. We strongly condemn the terrorist acts that occurred today in Tel Aviv.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The Russian delegation has already had the opportunity, in the Security Council and at the meeting of the General Assembly, to express its views on the situation resulting from the decision of the Government of Israel to build a new housing complex in East Jerusalem. We condemn the fact that Israel has begun construction on such a settlement. This runs counter to both the letter and the spirit of the Middle East peace process and to the principles that were set out as its basis in Madrid. Unfortunately, because of Israel's acts of provocation in the occupied territories, the situation continues to deteriorate and is becoming increasingly confrontational. All this, in conjunction with the most recent outbreak of violence, has complicated the negotiation process.”
1997-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3756 (1997) · source
“In supporting the noble efforts of the Secretary- General's Special Representative for Tajikistan, the Russian Federation intends in the future - in cooperation with the United Nations, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the observer countries at the negotiations and all interested States - actively to promote consistent progress in the inter-Tajik negotiating process and a final agreement on national reconciliation in Tajikistan.”
1997-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3752 (1997) · source
“The Russian Federation has made great efforts to achieve the hostages' release; it condemns such acts and supports the draft resolution's call upon the parties to take rigorous measures to ensure the security of international personnel, thereby allowing the international community fully to resume and to expand its activities in Tajikistan. The humanitarian situation in the country remains acute. The civil war has almost completely destroyed the country's economy. Many Tajiks have been compelled to abandon their homes, joining the many thousands of refugees. Together with other countries, Russia is providing assistance to Tajikistan. We believe that this nation must be actively supported in its difficult transition from armed conflict to normal life. We hope that this appeal will be heeded by all interested parties.”
1997-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3752 (1997) · source
“We consider central to the draft resolution before us those provisions in which the Security Council welcomes the inter-Tajik agreements and expresses its intention to consider the Secretary-General's recommendations on the manner in which the United Nations can assist in their implementation, in accordance with the requests of the parties. There remain in Tajikistan open and covert opponents of a peaceful settlement, as attested by recent terrorist acts, including the taking of hostages and other steps aimed at the personnel of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan, the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States and other international personnel.”
1997-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3752 (1997) · source
“In view of the forthcoming round of inter-Tajik talks, work must be completed on the protocol on political issues and other instruments. In these circumstances, the international community, and the United Nations in particular, has a decisive role to play in consolidating and implementing the outcome of the negotiations. We attach particular significance to an early elaboration by the United Nations of the parameters of its contribution to the achievement of the inter-Tajik agreements so that it can render speedy assistance in the implementation of these agreements immediately after their entry into force.”
1997-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3752 (1997) · source
“The Russian Federation welcomes these results and urges the parties to pursue their efforts in that direction. An important step in the T ajik settlement was the signing in Moscow on 8 March of the Protocol on Military Issues and the joint statement on the outcome of the Moscow round of inter-Tajik talks. The Protocol, which was signed by the parties and the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Mr. Merrem, contains detailed measures on the reintegration, disarmament and disbandment of the armed units of the UTO and on the reform of the power structures of the Government of Tajikistan. These basic documents can open the door to a final settlement. We understand that the agreements reached remain fragile.”
1997-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3752 (1997) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The draft resolution before us today is a most timely and important Security Council response to the breakthrough that has occurred in the inter-Tajik settlement and to the request addressed to the United Nations by the Tajik parties for assistance in implementing the agreements concluded between them. In recent months, the peaceful settlement process in Tajikistan has become increasingly irreversible. As a result of the recent meetings between Tajik President Rakhmonov and the leader of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO), Mr. Nuri, and of the agreements they have signed, as well as of the last two rounds of inter-Tajik talks, it has been possible to achieve a breakthrough towards implementing national reconciliation.”
1997-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3752 (1997) · source
“The issue of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories will be stressed during the forthcoming contacts with the Israeli leaders in Moscow. We hope that the Israeli Government will find it possible to ponder all the consequences of its decision and to reconsider it." As a co-sponsor of the peace process, Russia is convinced that the situation requires resolute action so as to avoid a relapse into tension in Palestinian-Israeli relations, as occurred last September. This, in our View, is the major motive behind today's Security Council meeting. A speedy resolution of the situation in East Jerusalem would ensure progress in the peace process and meet the interests of the Palestinians and Israelis alike, as well as the desires of the international community as a whole.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“The efforts of the Russian co-sponsor are currently focused on energetically promoting a Palestinian-Israeli dialogue and on the resumption in a constructive spirit of the final-status talks. According to the Madrid formula, and in compliance with the letter of the Palestinian-Israeli accords, these talks must be based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Accordingly, the principles set forth in these resolutions, including the inadmissibility of acquiring foreign territories by force, are applicable not only to the current situation but also to any future solution of the East Jerusalem problem. Moreover, the Palestinians' right to self-determination and statehood --- and we stress this in particular- can be realized only on a basis of mutual acceptability and within the framework of the peace process.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“Such unilateral actions, designed to change the demographic composition of East Jerusalem in favour of the Israeli population, perpetuate the policy of fair actompli with respect to the Holy City and actually obviate a negotiated search for compromise on the problem of Jerusalem. All of this is at variance with 1] Security Council 3745th meeting Fifty-second year 5 March 1997 the direction of the peace process begun at the Madrid Conference. Believers, especially Muslims, are extremely sensitive to any change in the status quo of East Jerusalem. Such changes contradict relevant Security Council resolutions and raise additional barriers to peace in the Middle East.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“Israel's decision clouds the negotiating environment in the Middle East in general, especially on the threshold of the start "in mid-March of the final-status talks. Unfortunately, all this is occurring after the agreements on Hebron opened a road to progress on the Palestinian- Israeli track based on the fulfilment of commitments undertaken by both sides. The steps taken by Israel run counter to the Palestinian-Israeli agreements reached, since they are, factually speaking, designed to predetermine solutions to issues that require discussion during the final-status talks, the agenda for which includes the status of Jerusalem and the future of settlements.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): Moscow has learned with concern of the decision of the Government of Israel to proceed with the construction of a new residential settlement in East Jerusalem. We share the negative response of the Palestinians, Arab and Islamic States, and the entire international community to this ill- considered and untimely step taken by Israel. Given the seriousness of the situation, Russia supported the request of a group of Arab countries for an urgent consideration of this issue at a formal meeting of the Security Council. This meeting assumes special significance since Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and President of the Palestinian National Authority, is currently in New York.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“We note that this meeting was jeopardized by the forced landing by the Taliban of a United Nations aircraft carrying a delegation of the Tajik opposition. We firmly condemn this scandalous action. As for the agreements reached at the meeting between Mr. Rakhmonov and Mr. Nuri, we believe that they have a very good chance of being implemented. The Russian Federation, for its part, will render comprehensive assistance in convening a new meeting in Moscow between President Rakhmonov and the leader of the opposition, Mr. Nuri, on 19 December. In supporting the noble efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Tajikistan, Russia, as an observer State at the inter-Tajik talks, intends to strengthen comprehensively further cooperation with the United Nations towards a settlement of the conflict.”
1996-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3724 (1996) · source
“We are firmly convinced that only the rejection of force as a solution to the Tajik problem, the sincere implementation of the commitments made by the sides and their readiness to make mutual concessions and compromises will allow us the progress to be made that is indispensable to the negotiating process to achieve a resolution to the conflict. It is precisely this that is demanded of the parties by the draft resolution before us. We welcome the protocol on the settlement of the military-political situation in the conflict zone and the other agreements achieved on 10-11 December at the meeting between the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Rakhmonov, and the leader of the opposition, Mr. Nuri.”
1996-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3724 (1996) · source
“It also condemns the gross mistreatment of the United Nations observers at the hands of both the government personnel and the fighters of the opposition. The draft resolution urgently calls upon the parties to create all the necessary conditions for the activity of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT), which is a significant factor for stability. The members of the Council attach great importance of the extension of the mandate of this Mission. We note the statement of the representative of Tajikistan, who confirmed his determination to seek a solution to this conflict through solely political means.”
1996-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3724 (1996) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The consensus that has been achieved by the Security Council on the draft resolution before us is extremely important. The draft resolution reflects the profound concern of the members of the Council over the recent acute deterioration of the situation in Tajikistan as a result of the offensive actions of the opposition in the Garm region and over the continuing stagnation, since July of this year, in the inter-Tajik talks caused by the unconstructive policy of the opposition leaders. The Russian Federation firmly condemns the continuing terrorist acts in Dushanbe aimed at the peaceful population, the military personnel of the collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Russian border forces.”
1996-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3724 (1996) · source
“In our view, success in this incipient stage of the Bosnian settlement and in the work of the Stabilization Force is guaranteed by the fact that their key parameters, including measures of influence, are supported by all members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and by the leadership of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as reflected in the Security Council resolution. We hope that the unanimous adoption of this draft resolution will symbolize the need for sustained coordinated efforts by the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, all participants in the settlement and the interested parties themselves to move the peace process forward to the point of no return.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Everything must be equal: the support for the recovery of various regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, if necessary, the punishment, including the refusal of economic assistance or the adoption of other measures, for failure to carry out obligations assumed under the Peace Agreement. The draft resolution before us clearly lays down the principle of equal treatment of the parties. This also applies to the issue of cooperation with the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which, as the draft resolution emphasizes, is to carry out its responsibilities for dispensing justice impartially. The Tribunal should not be used as a political instrument.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“On the agenda is the holding of municipal elections under the aegis of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), further assistance in ensuring human rights, and a solution to problems related to the return of refugees, which must be orderly and must be carried out under safe conditions. The greatest attention is being focused on lowering the level of armaments on the basis of the relevant agreements, and making progress in the process of regional control of armaments. The experience of the first year of international efforts in support of the Peace Agreement is convincing testimony to the fact that success is possible only on the basis of an impartial approach.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“We welcome the confirmation, by the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, of its commitment to the establishment of a Bosnian State, based on the principles of democracy, and consisting of two Entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. It is important to ensure the rapid establishment of all remaining joint institutions in accordance with the constitution. The United Nations Security Council, in the draft resolution before it today, clearly sets out as priorities the civilian aspects of the settlement at the present stage. The role of the High Representative has been strengthened.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Today, in response to the request of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Security Council has given its approval to the continuation of international efforts to consolidate the peace process on the basis of the principles laid down in the decisions taken at the Paris and London Conferences. It is clear that primary responsibility for the successful development of the peace process lies with the Bosnians themselves, and also with their elected organs of power, to whom there must be a gradual transfer of full and complete responsibility for the situation in the country. Their level of cooperation in the implementation of the Peace Agreement will largely determine the degree of involvement of the international community in the process of reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): It is almost one year since the Security Council took a decision that began the implementation of the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, we note with satisfaction the significant progress that has been achieved along this road. The primary achievement is, unquestionably, the preservation of peace. This has made it possible to ensure the holding of elections and to begin building joint institutions of power. We are grateful to the High Representative, to the staff members of the international organizations, and to the soldiers and officers of the multinational Implementation Force, which includes a Russian brigade, for their contribution to the implementation of the Peace Agreement.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“In conclusion, I should like to state that the Russian Federation firmly believes that this is the final extension of the UNPREDEP mandate. Moreover, our approach in no way reflects an underestimation of the real problems in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, nor does it exclude the possibility of a further international presence in that country - including a United Nations presence - in order to support and maintain those programmes currently being implemented in that country with international assistance. However, it is clear that the presence in that country of United Nations military contingents must cease after May 1997. We have no doubts whatsoever on that score and we do not want our partners to entertain any such doubts. That is important in preparing to consider the question of UNPREDEP in May next year.”
1996-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3716 (1996) · source
“At the same time, in our view, they are now already clearly insufficient. In the light of the evolving situation in the region over the past year and of the current trend towards a further positive evolution, we do not see the point of maintaining UNPREDEP after May 1997. It is precisely for that reason that we proposed including a clear statement in the text of the draft resolution that the present extension of the UNPREDEP mandate must be the last. Unfortunately, our principled position is not reflected in the draft resolution and we shall therefore be unable to support it. At the same time, we have taken into account the positions of the other members of the Security Council, the Macedonian leadership and the troop-contributing countries and shall not block the adoption of a decision today. We shall abstain on the vote.”
1996-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3716 (1996) · source
“Guided by these very objective and universally recognized criteria in the sphere of peacekeeping, we believe that it is right and justified to raise the question of shutting down UNPREDEP. If we act out of inertia and transform this operation into something inviolable by maintaining it, we run the risk of wiping out all the operation's earlier positive achievements and, indeed, of calling into question the unique experience of preventive peacekeeping. It is precisely from that point of View that the Russian Federation is approaching today's draft resolution, which provides, for the first time, for a substantive reduction - by nearly one third - of the size of UNPREDEP. We also take note of the draft resolution's oblique reference to the possibility for a full drawing down of the operation. These aspects represent a definite step forward.”
1996-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3716 (1996) · source
“In describing UNPREDEP as a successful operation, we believe first and foremost that the original objective of the deployment of a United Nations preventive mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - averting the spillover into that country of conflicts from other regions of the former Yugoslavia - was achieved and that the mandate which the mission had been given by the Security Council has been fulfilled. The situation in the region itself has radically changed. Hostilities have ceased and, thanks to the collective efforts of the international community, the process of stabilization is gaining momentum. These positive changes are reflected in the significant change in the relationships between Macedonia and its neighbours, primarily the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro).”
1996-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3716 (1996) · source
“The United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) - first established at that time as part of the United Nations Protection Force and then as an independent mission - played an important role in preventing a widening of the Yugoslav crisis and in the stabilization of the internal situation of Macedonia. This reaffirmed in practice the vitality of the concept of preventive diplomacy. The United Nations has the right to be proud of the success of this operation and we pay due tribute to the personnel of UNPREDEP, among whom there are representatives of the Russian Federation.”
1996-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3716 (1996) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): In precisely two weeks, it will be four years since the Security Council - in response to an appeal by the leadership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - approved the deployment of the first United Nations peacekeeping operation in history to be preventive in nature. A decision was taken to send a United Nations military contingent to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Many of us remember that time well. In December 1992, a number of regions of the former Yugoslavia were swept up in bloody conflict.”
1996-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3716 (1996) · source
“It is precisely from that perspective that our delegation reads operative paragraph 12; on the basis of this understanding, we shall vote in favour of the draft resolution.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“We should not forget the bitter experiences of several past situations, when the shift from a multinational force to a United Nations operation was not sufficiently worked out in detail, with sometimes catastrophic consequences. In other situations, incidently, the idea of "passing the torch" from a multinational force to a United Nations operation has been rejected outright. To avoid ill-considered actions and double standards, the Security Council must not hasten to become engaged, but each time must, with a sense of full responsibility, consider the possibility of adopting one or more decisions in the light of the Secretary-General's recommendations, of the real situation and, of course, of the positions of the parties directly involved.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“If necessary, this participation will be financed by the voluntary trust fund established by the Secretary-General. We also attach great significance to the draft resolution's reiteration of the urgent need for an international conference on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region under the auspices of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity to ensure a comprehensive political solution to the problems of the region. The operation of the multinational force is time- bound. Eventually, the Security Council will have to take a stand regarding further measures. Prejudging these measures in any way here and now would be premature.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“I should also like to pay tribute to those States that have already expressed their readiness to participate in the action. We trust that, in implementing its mandate, the multinational force will act impartially and in cooperation with the Secretary-General, the United Nations Coordinator for humanitarian assistance and the relevant humanitarian organizations and that it will regularly inform the Security Council of the course of the operation. We expect that all interested countries in the region will render full support to the actions of the multinational force and will closely cooperate with it and with the humanitarian agencies to alleviate the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people. We consider important in all respects the provisions of the draft resolution providing for the significant participation of African contingents.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“It not only clearly highlighted all of the indispensable political factors, but also in fact approved the very concept of sending a multinational force to eastern Zaire. That resolution, which reflected the responsible approach of the Security Council to this emergency situation, helped hasten the formation of the multinational force. Now, when the parameters, format, mandate and objectives of this operation have been clearly defined, the next logical step is to adopt the new draft resolution on the basis of the text submitted, which would immediately launch the deployment of the force. I should like to pay a well-deserved tribute to the Government of Canada, which has undertaken to lead the multinational force, assuming a difficult burden of responsibility in carrying out this highly complex humanitarian action.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“The task of the United Nations and of the entire international community is to promote reconciliation and stabilization in this region in every possible way and to ensure the necessary humanitarian assistance to its suffering population. Russia, for its part, is continuing actively to render such assistance in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. But, of course, the main priority now is the implementation of emergency humanitarian measures to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons and that to promote their voluntary and orderly return to their homes. That is precisely what the Security Council has been considering over the past few days. The solution to this urgent task was also the aim of resolution 1078 (1996), which the Council adopted a week ago.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The Russian Federation is deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in eastern Zaire, the great loss of human life and the sudden displacement of nearly 1.5 million Rwandese and Burundian refugees and of tens of thousands of Zairians who have found themselves cut off from external aid. The situation threatens to grow into a regional military conflict that would doom all hopes for the restoration of peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. Russia, like other members of the Security Council, urgently calls on all of the belligerent parties to cease hostilities immediately, enter into political dialogue and refrain from any actions that might exacerbate the crisis.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“It is important for the Security Council to emphasize the inadmissibility of external interference in Afghan affairs, including the need for any delivery of weapons to be stopped. The international community must contribute to the search for a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan on the basis of the establishment of a representative interim government reflecting the interests of all Afghans. We hope that all those involved in the conflict in Afghanistan will take note of this signal and that it will be able to have a real impact on speedy cessation of the conflict.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“We are counting on the continuation of cooperation with UNCHR on these questions. The Russian delegation believes that today's discussion in the Security Council must give a new and strong impetus to efforts to settle the Afghan conflict. Based on its results, the Security Council could adopt a politically authoritative resolution with an appeal to all of the Afghan parties immediately to halt all hostile armed action, to begin political dialogue in order to seek ways to achieve national reconciliation and establish lasting peace in Afghanistan, and to ensure compliance with human rights and norms of international humanitarian law. We are convinced that the primary responsibility for the search for a way out of the existing impasse lies with the Afghan parties. However, the international community can also render effective assistance.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source