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

“It is important to note that these decisions of the Council are already in practice and are working effectively in favour of a peaceful settlement. It is necessary to state clearly that the international community now has an ally in Belgrade helping to put pressure on the leadership of the Bosnian Serbs in order to prompt them to adopt difficult, albeit the sole possible, compromise decisions. In that context, I should like to emphasize once again that the offensive actions unleashed in Bosnia and Herzegovina are by no means promoting the achievement of compromises. Indeed, they are leading to a further hardening - or reinforcing - of the positions of the parties of war in the leadership of all the parties to the conflict.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3454 (1994) · source
“This is precisely the policy set forth in the decisions agreed upon by the Contact Group and, in this connection, Russia intends firmly to honour its commitments. We attach great significance to the fact that the principle agreed upon by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Contact Group on the use of negative and positive stimuli, depending on the attitudes of the parties to the peace proposals, has found support in the Security Council. On this basis the Council took a decision to tighten sanctions against the Bosnian Serbs as parties rejecting the map of territorial limitation and simultaneously imposed partial sanctions on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which supported the peace plan and closed its border with Bosnia and Herzegovina to all except humanitarian supplies.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3454 (1994) · source
“We are seriously concerned by the fact that, according to existing information, the present military escalation in Bosnia became possible largely as a result of continued deliveries of arms to the Bosnian Government troops, in violation of the terms of the military embargo. It is worth noting that these violations of Security Council resolution 713 (1991) have become quite flagrant and the relevant facts are openly acknowledged even at the governmental level. In the present circumstances it is appropriate to recall once again that the Bosnian conflict cannot be solved by military means and that the only way to achieve peace is through a political settlement resulting from negotiations.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3454 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The discussion in the Council of the question of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking place against the backdrop of a drastic intensification of hostilities between the parties to the conflict. Once again blood is being shed; there is an increase in the number of refugees; the delivery of humanitarian assistance is becoming more difficult, and there is an increased threat of a large-scale war. Not only is all of this greatly hampering our efforts to find a settlement acceptable to all the Bosnian parties, but it can also lead to a total breakdown of the efforts to revive the peace process.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3454 (1994) · source
“Considerable useful work has already been done in this area both in the International Law Commission and at the present session of the General Assembly. This gives us reason to hope for the successful conclusion of the efforts to establish such a body.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3453 (1994) · source
“We hope that the leadership of the country will react positively to the establishment of the tribunal and will actively cooperate with it in order to bring to justice all of the offenders and those guilty of violating the norms of international humanitarian law in Rwanda. In addition, we believe that support for the Security Council resolution will give yet another clear and unequivocal signal to the effect that the international community will not tolerate serious violations of norms of international humanitarian law and disregard for the rights of the individual. In conclusion, I should like to note that the history of the establishment of international tribunals, first in the former Yugoslavia and now in Rwanda, reinforces our conviction that a permanent international criminal court must be established in the near future.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3453 (1994) · source
“In that country, mass and glaring violations of international humanitarian law have been perpetrated, including acts of genocide and crimes against humanity, as a result of which hundreds of thousands of people have perished. Clearly, those responsible for these crimes must receive the punishment they deserve - and this is the major, but not the sole, task of the international tribunal which is to be created. The Russian Federation also believes that by its activity the tribunal must promote the process of national reconciliation, the return of refugees, and the restoration and maintenance of peace in Rwanda.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3453 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The Russian Federation became one of the sponsors of the draft resolution on this question because of the fact that such a decision was both a final and a just settlement of the crisis in Rwanda and in support for international peace and security as a whole. It should also be noted that in the course of work on the draft resolution and on the statutes of the tribunal, the sponsors, without detriment to the fundamental principles of the establishment and activity of the international tribunal, accommodated to as great an extent as possible the wishes of the Government of Rwanda and of the States members of the Movement of the Non-Aligned Countries which are members of the Security Council. Rwanda is continuing to experience a human tragedy of unprecedented scale.”
1994-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3453 (1994) · source
“I have learned that today, in one of the meeting rooms where a briefing session was held for members of the Security Council and countries contributing troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the name-plate of the President of the Security Council figured on the rostrum.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3449 (1994) · source
“As the statement says, our delegation is prepared to continue, in a pragmatic and flexible manner, to cooperate in such measures. The Russian delegation believes that expanded dialogue on these questions will help maintain broad political support for United Nations peace-keeping operations and for future improvements in the mechanism for consultations with troop-contributing countries based on acquired experience. Of course, such mechanism should be applied in a flexible and pragmatic way and should take into account the authority of the Security Council and the United Nations Charter. In conclusion, I would note that we are pleased that our decision had begun to be implemented even before its adoption.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3449 (1994) · source
“The Russian delegation notes with satisfaction the established practice whereby the Secretariat meets with troop contributors, with the participation of members of the Security Council. We are prepared to expand that practice and believe that the exchange of views with troop contributors should focus on questions that require special attention, especially with regard to any extension or change in existing mandates and the deployment of new peace-keeping operations, so that operational questions can be discussed with the special representatives of the Secretary-General or troop commanders, and so on. In this connection, we believe that the presidential statement just adopted at the welcome initiative of Argentina and New Zealand contains a useful set of procedures that expand on existing practice in this area.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3449 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): Several thousand Russian citizens are serving in various United Nations peace-keeping operations in different parts of the world. The Russian Federation therefore attaches great importance to the problem of strengthening the mechanisms for consultations and exchange of information between members of the Security Council, troop contributors to United Nations peace-keeping operations and_ the Secretariat. Troop contributors make a useful contribution to the conduct of United Nations peace-keeping operations, and their active participation in such exchanges of views should help to enhance the effectiveness of peace-keeping activities.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3449 (1994) · source
“18 The Russian delegation commends the achievements of the mission sent to Somalia by the Security Council; its conclusions were of great assistance to us in the drafting of the resolution. In conclusion, I should like once again to appeal to the leaders of the Somali factions to stop and think, to give up their ambitions and to realize finally the entire scope of the responsibility that they must shoulder in determining the fate of their own country and their own people. We regret that, in view of certain circumstances, to which reference has been made, UNOSOM was unable to achieve its goals in Somalia. Among other matters, this experience will have to be taken into consideration in the future work of the Security Council to determine the goals of United Nations peace-keeping operations in various regions.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3447 (1994) · source
“One relevant matter, from the point of view of maintaining the political process, is the invitation, contained in the resolution, to the Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to continue to cooperate with the United Nations in the search for lasting peace in Somalia, as well as the call on all Member States - in particular the neighbouring States - to continue to provide support for the Somali efforts towards genuine peace and to refrain from any action capable of exacerbating the conflict situation in the country. In this context, the Security Council has issued a very pertinent reminder regarding the need for strict observance of the arms embargo imposed on Somalia.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3447 (1994) · source
“We supported the decision that has just been taken to extend the current mandate of UNOSOM II for the purpose of concluding the operation by 31 March 1995. We did so well understanding the entire complexity of the task relating to the withdrawal of UNOSOM II personnel. We agree with the demand that all the Somali parties refrain from any acts of intimidation or violence against United Nations personnel. We voted in favour of the resolution in the belief that the United Nations is not abandoning Somalia to its fate and will be prepared to continue to play a political role in facilitating national reconciliation - provided, of course, that this is what the Somalis themselves want.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3447 (1994) · source
“The deployment of the large-scale United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II) and the political efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General have created favourable conditions for helping the Somalis reach a truly comprehensive political settlement, pursuant to the Addis Ababa agreement and the Nairobi Declaration. Unfortunately, the leaders of the Somali factions have not taken advantage of the opportunity provided them. Moreover, because of the lack of progress in national reconciliation, the situation in that country continues to worsen. Particularly inadmissible are attacks and other hostile actions against personnel of UNOSOM II and other international personnel working in Somalia to provide assistance to the Somalis.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3447 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): Allow me to associate myself with those colleagues who have congratulated you, Madam President, on your assumption of your duties for this month and also, through you, to thank the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sir David Hannay, for the great skill he displayed in conducting our business last month. The Russian delegation voted in favour of the resolution on Somalia in the belief that it sends a clear signal to the leaders of the Somali factions that the 17 international community cannot keep waiting and providing major resources for much longer in circumstances in which the Somali parties are not ready to turn away from confrontation towards national reconciliation and the creation of civil society in their country.”
1994-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3447 (1994) · source
“An important step in furthering the implementation of the peace agreement will be the restoration of United Nations military and police observers to their previous level, as agreed today by the Council. We assume that in future the Security Council will be prepared to consider further recommendations by the Secretary-General on the overall parameters of an expanded United Nations operation in Angola. Along with the other two observer States and with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Russia will continue to do everything possible for the further advancement of the peace process in Angola.”
1994-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3445 (1994) · source
“Today's resolution sends a clear signal to the Angolan parties as regards the need for them to abide scrupulously by the timetable set at Lusaka for measures related to the establishment of an effective and sustainable cease-fire, the rapid settlement of outstanding questions, and the signing of the Lusaka agreement. With the necessary political will, the parties can carry out those tasks successfully. We call upon the Angolan Government and the leadership of the Unido Nacional para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA) to show maximal flexibility, restraint and a sense of responsibility for the fate of their country, so that they can achieve a comprehensive settlement. For its part, the Security Council is prepared to provide comprehensive support and assistance in Angola.”
1994-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3445 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The Russian Federation hails the positive results recently achieved in the Lusaka negotiations, which bring an end to a complex and important stage in the negotiating process among Angolans, and which guide that process towards a positive conclusion. The Lusaka Protocol, we all hope, will be initialled in a few days' time. This will be a major step towards the restoration of peace in Angola. In that connection, we note the important role played in achieving these positive results by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Blondin Beye, by the three observer States and by the countries of the region.”
1994-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3445 (1994) · source
“It is appropriate to recall that, in undisputed questions such as the removal of sanctions from the South African Republic, the Council's decision was prepared and adopted only after the implementation of all the necessary conditions and procedures. All of this stresses the need, in principle, to work within the United Nations and to develop a flexible mechanism for the gradual mitigation and then the lifting of sanctions, on the basis of political realities. The Russian delegation intends to promote such an approach in the consideration of questions relating to the lifting of the sanctions regime. We do so, based on the conviction that double standards are inadmissible in the work of the Council.”
1994-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3430 (1994) · source
“I should also like to draw attention to the following important consideration: We are profoundly convinced of the need to adhere to a unified, single approach, without exception, to the lifting of the sanctions regime, as regards the observance of general conditions and requirements for everyone. Such an approach would make it possible to clarify the question that naturally arises why some resolutions on the lifting of sanctions are discussed in a series of meetings while others are adopted in just over two days, and adopted in advance when there is no confirmation that these demands have been accepted as put forward by the Security Council.”
1994-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3430 (1994) · source
“Warren Christopher, and of the report of the United States delegation on the activities of the multinational forces in Haiti, submitted in accordance with paragraph 13 of resolution 940 (1994). We note that these forces are making every effort to establish peace and stability in Haiti so as to make it possible to restore a democratic government and to ensure the return of President Aristide. We are also concerned at the fact that the situation is not clear as yet as regards the withdrawal from Haiti of the Haitian junta, which continues to hold the levers of power. Although the draft resolution on which we are about to vote is linked to the return of President Aristide, there is still no clear indication as to the time frame for his return.”
1994-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3430 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): The Russian delegation is abstaining in the voting on this draft resolution on the lifting of sanctions against Haiti. While supporting the humanitarian direction of this draft, we still have doubts regarding its hasty adoption, and we set out these doubts in detail in the Council's earlier consultations. However, we decided not to object or vote against its adoption, since in this case it is a question of improving an acutely difficult humanitarian situation and alleviating the extreme suffering of the Haitian people. We have taken note of the information given by the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr.”
1994-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3430 (1994) · source
“In conclusion, allow me, on behalf of the Russian delegation, to express the conviction that the resolutions adopted today will make a meaningful and very important contribution to the attainment of a peaceful settlement for the former Yugoslavia.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“In the light of the appeals to lift the arms embargo against Bosnia and Herzegovina, we take a position of principle here that any measure suggested to the Council should be evaluated in the general context of the settlement process. Russia has repeatedly stated its vehement disagreement with the demand to lift the embargo, since this step would propel Bosnia and Herzegovina into an abyss of even more bloodshed. We continue to believe that this extremely undesirable measure is fraught with a number of very adverse consequences, one of which would be a curtailment of the United Nations peace-keeping operation.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“We deem it essential to step up pressure on all parties and to use all available opportunities to move towards a comprehensive peace settlement. This settlement, we feel, should be based on the territorial settlement plan and also on_ the constitutional principles that place all parties on an equal footing. In the same context, we deem important the provisions contained in the two resolutions adopted according to the draft of the Contact Group, that is, the provision on the commitment to a settlement of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia through negotiation while maintaining the territorial integrity of all States there within the confines of their internationally recognized borders.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“Russia, therefore, notes in particular the provision of the resolution that condemns any "ethnic cleansing", of whatever origin, and whoever might perpetrate it. We deem it extremely important that all parties to the conflict take very seriously this firm opinion of the Security Council and should prevent any hostilities, violations of international humanitarian law or provocations in this decisive period for the peace settlement. Russian attaches great importance to further joint efforts by the countries of the Contact Group and the development of their interaction with the Security Council and with other countries on the basis of the experience accumulated in recent months. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains dangerous. Military confrontation is still going on; people are dying; innocent civilians are suffering.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“Their stubborn policy of confrontation is placing the Bosnian Serb side in a state of complete isolation from the outside world, whereas agreement with this plan would open broad possibilities for restoring a peaceful existence. Russia deems the policy of "ethnic cleansing" to be repugnant. Together with other members of the Council, we demand its immediate cessation. Accordingly, the Russian delegation supported the adoption of the resolution that condemns the policy conducted by the Bosnian Serbs of expelling non-Serbs from the territory under their control as well as gross, heinous violations of international humanitarian law. Unfortunately, this practice is typical of other parties to the conflict as well.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“I want to stress in particular what is contained in operative paragraph 5 of resolution 943 (1994): the possibility that the Council would consider further steps to ease sanctions in the light of further progress in the situation. We also deem exceptionally important the instruction to the Sanctions Committee to adopt appropriate streamlined procedures for expediting its consideration of 30 applications concerning legitimate humanitarian assistance to the former Republic of Yugoslavia. The point of the adoption of the resolution on tightening sanctions against the Bosnian Serbs, as we see it, is to have them recognize that there is no alternative to a political solution. The quickest way to achieve that is to support the territorial settlement plan as a necessary first step to a comprehensive solution.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“The resolution adopted on the partial easing of sanctions on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia sends a clear signal to the effect that the Council is not captive to old stereotypes and is prepared properly to re-evaluate the situation, depending on changes in the policy of the parties, and to encourage those who are trying through practical deeds to achieve peace. At the same time, it is intended to increase the isolation of the Bosnian Serbs. We hope that very soon the Secretary-General will submit to the Security Council a report that the Co- Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia will certify the effective closure of the border, and then the decision on the partial suspension of sanctions will enter into force.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“This development is largely due to the positive reaction of the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the plan for the territorial settlement for Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared by the Contact Group. This positive reaction was backed by concrete steps: the decision to close the border with regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina controlled by the Bosnian Serbs to all shipments, apart from humanitarian ones, and also to invite international assistance for the passage over the border of basic humanitarian supplies.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (interpretation from Russian): Allow me at the outset to add my voice to the words of congratulation to you, Sir, and also to sincerely thank all those colleagues who have transmitted their good wishes to my predecessor, Ambassador Yuliy Vorontsov. I will not fail to transmit those kind words to him. The three resolutions adopted today by the Security Council reflect a turning-point in the efforts by the international community to find a peaceful settlement to the bloody conflict in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. The novelty of the situation is that the Security Council has recognized that there is a clear line of demarcation between those who are prepared in practical deeds to promote a halt to the bloodshed and those who are impeding the attainment of peace and rely on force of arms.”
1994-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3428 (1994) · source