YouSaid · the spoken record

Lee

lines on the record: 254
first: 1998-06-06
most recent: 2013-02-12
sittings or episodes: 34
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

“In this context, our Foreign Minister Jayakumar underscored, in his address to the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session on 13 September 2002, that it is imperative to consider new ways to synergize the coordination between the United Nations, other regional and international organizations and Member States. Here we agree with our colleague from Colombia that there needs to be more collaboration between the CTC and the 1267 Sanctions Committee in order to address the gaps mentioned by him. Secondly, there is the need to let go of conventional paradigms. It is alarming that many of us still possess the conventional paradigms of terrorist organizations characterized by well-defined hierarchies, a specific political agenda and a conventional arsenal.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“First is the need to deepen cooperation and collaboration. Terrorism is like a raging fire. One cannot just stand by and watch while the fire consumes your neighbour's lands. If the fire is left uncontrolled, there is a strong chance that it may spread and engulf the surrounding areas, including your own land. Ambassador Greenstock has also underlined the importance of close collaboration by noting in his statement that the success of the global campaign against terrorism, spearheaded by the CTC, hinges critically on the cohesiveness of all Member States to demonstrate their collective will to implement sound measures to eradicate the scourges of international terrorism.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“While the CTC has made an immense contribution in its one-year of existence - and Ambassador Greenstock has already given us the details of their work - the war against terrorism is far from over. Terrorism still pervades every corner of the globe, and the battle against terrorism is a continuous and formidable task. Underscoring the grim reminder that the threat to global security remains unabated, the United States marked the first anniversary of the 11 September attacks by being on the second highest "orange" alert, deploying anti-aircraft missiles around Washington and closing embassies across Asia. Americans kept on guard at home and abroad. Many other countries also adopted similar heightened security measures. Hence, we would like to pose three future challenges for the CTC to consider.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“We are also enormously grateful to the Counter- Terrorism Committee experts for their accomplishments in the onerous task of reviewing the voluminous tons of country reports. Some members of the original group of experts will be leaving the Committee soon, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours. Next, the translators must also be commended. They have worked feverishly behind the scenes, and under great pressure, to translate 265 reports and countless attachments. The other members of the CTC should also be commended for their proactive participation in the work of the Committee. Last, but not least, we also commend the CTC secretariat, an integral part of the Committee, whose members have borne their administrative duties admirably.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“We would also like to thank the three Vice-Chairmen - Ambassadors Valdivieso, Koonjul and Lavrov - for their excellent chairmanship of the subcommittees. One year ago, they and the Chairman took up their appointments, probably appreciating the enormous burden but without knowing the extent of work involved. Thus, we find it truly admirable that at this time the Chairman and the three Vice-Chairmen have knowingly agreed to continue their terms for another six months. In case we do not have the opportunity of another public meeting on this matter before we leave the Council at the end of this year, we would like to pay special tribute to Ambassadors Valdivieso and Koonjul, who will also be leaving the Council at the end of this year.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“With the passing of the one-year anniversary of the 11 September attacks, it is timely for the Security Council and the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to switch on their critical thinking mode today to reflect on what we have accomplished and to look ahead to what we need to do in the war against terrorism. When the CTC was first set up exactly one year ago, the challenge given to it to spearhead the global campaign against terrorism looked insurmountable. Hence, by all measures, the Committee has done extremely well over the past year, given the resource and time constraints it faces. This remarkable feat could not have been accomplished without the brilliant leadership and passion of Ambassador Greenstock as Chairman.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“Let me begin, Sir, by congratulating you on your assumption of the presidency in what promises to be an eventful month. You have my delegation's full support. I also join others in thanking Ambassador Tafrov and his delegation for their achievements last month. And finally, we also thank the Secretary-General for joining us earlier and for his insightful statement. At the outset, I would like to say that my delegation associates itself fully with the statement to be made later by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cambodia on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618 (2002) · source
“My delegation is also in full agreement with the Secretary-General's observation that, given the remaining challenges to security and stability as well as the fragile economy, it is essential that the international community remain engaged in this new State. Now is the time, not for complacency, but for renewed attention and support to East Timor. Having taken a keen interest in the historic process of nation-building in East Timor, we eagerly anticipate the inauguration of the Government of the Democratic Republic of East Timor on 20 May, and we very much look forward to working closely with the new Government as it joins the global family of nations. Once again, I should like to convey the wish of the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea for continued peace and prosperity in East Timor.”
2002-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522Resumption1 (2002) · source
“With regard to the Secretary-General's report as it relates to the successor mission to UNTAET, the Republic of Korea fully supports the proposal to establish a United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), a key element of which is a milestone-based approach towards the Mission's gradual withdrawal over a two-year period. At this point, my delegation would like to congratulate Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma on his appointment as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for East Timor. His charm and competence are well known in the diplomatic community in New York.”
2002-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Republic of Korea is proud to have taken an active part in the international efforts for nation- building and for reconstruction in East Timor. We have been contributing a significant number of peacekeeping forces to the military component of UNTAET since its inception, thus helping to ensure a stable security environment for a smooth transition to independence. Bilaterally, the Republic of Korea has continued to extend humanitarian and development assistance to East Timor. Furthermore, since June last year we have maintained in Dili a permanent diplomatic presence, which will be upgraded to the embassy level.”
2002-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522Resumption1 (2002) · source
“My delegation is fully confident that, with his proven leadership, President- elect Gusmao will set his country on the path to long- term peace and prosperity. During the course of building an independent State, the United Nations has played a pivotal role through the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), whose work covers not only security and political dimensions but also social and economic development. The Mission embodies the aspirations of the international community to peace, freedom and democracy. My delegation believes that its success in East Timor more than vindicates the relevance and strengths of the United Nations in current international affairs. In that regard, we truly commend the dedication of the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, and their staffs.”
2002-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Over the past few months, we have witnessed such historic milestones as the adoption of the country's Constitution and the election of its first President, setting the stage for an independent East Timor. At this juncture, let me express, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea, my warmest congratulations to the leaders and the people of East Timor on having fulfilled their yearning for a free, independent State despite enormous hardships and challenges. Our special congratulations go to His Excellency Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, the President-elect. During the earlier part of this meeting, held last Friday, his presence, together with that of His Excellency Mr. Mari Alkatiri, Chief Minister, honoured all of us.”
2002-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522Resumption1 (2002) · source
“First of all, I should like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on East Timor. I should also like to express my delegation's appreciation to Secretary- General Kofi Annan for his introductory statement and to Assistant Secretary-General Hedi Annabi for his briefing on the Secretary-General's report (S/2002/432 and Add.l) earlier in this debate, last Friday. We are gathered here today to share our profound delight at what we, the international community, have achieved in East Timor over the past two and a half years and to ensure that that tremendous achievement is a sustainable one. Having overcome a history of devastation, East Timor now stands as a budding independent State, the formal launching of which is less than a month away.”
2002-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Before the adoption of resolution 1403 (2002) last week, the Secretary-General pointed out that all parties risked making serious miscalculations about the effects that their actions are going to have on each other. This includes the disquieting developments along the Blue Line. Such miscalculations would draw the region into greater and greater danger. We stand ready to take any further action, in a united fashion, which could help facilitate the work of international mediators on the ground to halt the violence, bring an end to the suicide bombings and secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities. It is now time for the parties to listen to the voice of reason and to act in accordance with the collective will of the international community, expressed through resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002).”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“We heard earlier today of the alarming humanitarian situation in the occupied territories. Whilst Israel has every right to exercise self-defence, its obligations under international law are also clear. It must allow immediate medical access to the occupied areas by international humanitarian agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. Both parties have found it impossible to move towards any meaningful ceasefire, and implementation of the Tenet security work plan or of the Mitchell Committee recommendations looks further away than ever. Violence, including acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, have continued unabated.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Many significant diplomatic initiatives have been undertaken to help implement these resolutions, including the decision by United States President George Bush to dispatch Secretary of State Powell to the region, and the momentous decision taken by the Arab leaders at the Beirut Summit. However, no amount of diplomatic initiatives, including the current debate of the Security Council, can substitute for real action on the ground, not least by the parties involved. Yet despite the clear demands of the Security Council, we find developments moving in exactly the opposite direction. Not only have Israeli troops not been withdrawn from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah; there has, in fact, been an acceleration of military incursions into occupied territories, resulting in the loss of too many civilian lives.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“The Security Council is meeting once again, for the third time in just over a week, to consider the dangerous situation in the Middle East, especially in the occupied territories. We will not repeat the points made in recent debates. However, it bears reiterating that the Security Council is determined to see the full and immediate implementation of its resolutions, in particular resolutions 1397 (2002), 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002). Resolution 1403 (2002) was the first resolution on the Middle East in a long time which was submitted as a presidential text and adopted unanimously by the Security Council. This clear message from a united Council must be heeded.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Lubbers' view on this. In closing, let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Lubbers and his team for their excellent and tireless work, often under the most trying circumstances. We feel that it is unacceptable that there should be deliberate targeting by armed elements of humanitarian and relief personnel. There is a need for a robust international framework for the better protection of United Nations humanitarian personnel, building on the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. If the High Commissioner has any thoughts on this, we hope that he will share them with us, if not today, then whenever possible.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“This was recognized by our leaders in part VI of the Millennium Declaration, under the heading "Protecting the vulnerable", which pledged "to strengthen international cooperation, including burden sharing in, and the coordination of humanitarian assistance to, countries hosting refugees". (resolution 55/2, para. 26) Unfortunately, we have yet to identify in concrete terms how best to collectively tackle the problem in a long-term and durable mariner. Managing the dilemma of the global refugee crisis requires a concerted international effort that lies beyond the scope of today's debate, but we must, at the very least, consider how the other parts of the United Nations system, including the Security Council, can better assist and complement the work of UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies in providing refugee relief. We welcome Mr.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Ogata then went on to enumerate the ways in which the Council could achieve this, which I will not repeat, but, as the High Commissioner's own presentation makes clear, these common-sense points enumerated by Mrs. Ogata are still relevant today and we should bear them in mind as we go about our work in the Council. We also wish to emphasize once again the critical importance of assistance to host countries, many of which are in the developing world and facing their own economic challenges. Hosting large refugee populations poses unique pressures and creates an enormous strain on host countries.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“On its part, the Security Council has a special, although not exclusive, responsibility in tackling the root causes of conflict and also in helping to create the conditions to support the return of displaced persons. Here, it may be pertinent to recall the words of former High Commissioner Mrs. Sadako Ogata to the Council more than two years ago. She observed that: "humanitarian action alone will not be able to solve any of the problems leading to forced human displacement; it cannot substitute for Governments and the Security Council in areas for which they have a clear responsibility, such as peacekeeping and peace-building. The Council has an essential role to play in preventing, containing and resolving conflicts - and, hence, refugee problems." (S/PV4089, p. 6) Mrs.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We have also taken note of his comments on the situation in East Timor. While the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cannot, of course, remain in East Timor indefinitely, we trust that its exit plans pay careful attention to and take into account the current situation on the ground. When addressing refugee flows, there is increasingly a need to take into account the regional context. The cross-border nature of many existing conflicts means that human displacements - and, indeed, the push factors - are not limited by national boundaries. It is with this in mind that we welcome the encouraging steps taken towards a more comprehensive and holistic approach in addressing conflicts and the resultant human displacements, for instance, in West Africa and the Great Lakes region.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We welcome, as others have, the High Commissioner back to the Council and thank him for his very comprehensive briefing. His presentation is a timely reminder of the links between the issue of refugees and the maintenance of international peace and security. The targeting of refugees and internally displaced persons has also long been used as a military objective and political tool. In fact, as mass human displacements are inherently destabilizing, such exoduses can, as Mr. Lubbers has said, create tensions between States and undermine international peace and security. We also thank the High Commissioner for reminding us that Africa must remain a top priority. Of course, as the Chair of the Liberian sanctions Committee, we have taken careful note of his comments on the situation in the Mario River Union.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“In closing, I would like to say that I am confident that today's debate will be fruitful and that all Member States will demonstrate the necessary political leadership and will to fight those who exploit children. This is a cause that concerns all of us, for children represent the hope and future of our world. The Republic of Korea is committed to ending the suffering inflicted on children in armed conflict and will support the international endeavour to this end with all possible means.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of this effort, it is imperative that local communities' capacity-building be further developed. In this regard, we appreciate the World Food Programme's recent participatory approach in adopting a food delivery method that requires parents to send their children to school in order to have food distributed to them. Finally, we recognize that the primary responsibility for the prosecution of Violations rests with national authorities. However, in cases where there are gross violations of the rights of children, it is important for Member States to collaborate in taking concrete steps to investigate, prosecute and impose sanctions upon individuals and groups involved in illegal trafficking in currency, arms and natural resources, which exacerbates armed conflict.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“That section addresses a range of critical issues, such as the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict; the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict; the protection of refugee, unaccompanied and displaced children; and effective and adequate assistance to children affected by armed conflict. Fourthly, particular attention should be paid to the education of children in armed conflict. International development and humanitarian agencies, Governments, local authorities and civil society organizations should make it a priority, during and after periods of armed conflict, to ensure that children are provided with educational materials and opportunities at both the primary and secondary levels.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Olara Otunnu, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, gaps persist between international standards and the actual protection of children in the field. Children in many corners of the world continue to be killed, sexually abused and recruited into armed forces. In this regard, we need to make every effort to finalize the outcome document for the special session on children, which includes a section on the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Secondly, we are of the View that, as the most universally accepted legal instrument, the Convention on the Rights of the Child should constitute the backbone of the legal framework for the protection and promotion of children's rights. We also welcome the adoption of two Optional Protocols to further protect children from armed conflict and prostitution. Through the adoption of these legal instruments, the international community has expressed its strong conviction that, in the twenty-first century, violations of the rights of children will not be tolerated. Thirdly, despite these positive developments, the tasks that still lie ahead are tremendous. As mentioned in the report in document A/56/453, prepared by Mr.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As a result, child protection advisers are now deployed in peacekeeping operations and the roles of both the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and the United Nations Children's Fund have been strengthened. In this regard, we welcome the two discussions on the issue of Violence against children held by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, on 22 September 2000 and 28 September 2001. In particular, the Committee's recommendation that an in-depth study be conducted on violence against children deserves our close attention. The outcome of the workshop held last July in Florence, Italy, entitled "Filling knowledge gaps: a research agenda on the impact of armed conflict on children", could provide valuable guidelines for that study.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in the number of armed conflicts and innocent civilians have been increasingly targeted. Among the many victims are women, children and members of other vulnerable groups. In this context, ensuring the protection of children and of women is more important than ever before. Let me comment on some issues to which my delegation attaches particular importance. First, it is noteworthy that there have been some encouraging developments in the effort to address the effects of armed conflict on children. With the adoption of resolution 1261 (1999), the issue of children in armed conflict was placed on the peace and security agenda.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to you, Madam, for taking the initiative to bring this important issue before the Security Council. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his informative report on children and armed conflict, contained in document S/2001/852. Recalling the Security Council's landmark resolutions 1261 (1999) of 25 August 1999 and 1314 (2000) of 11 August 2000, and considering the upcoming special session of the General Assembly on children, I am certain that the outcome of our discussions here will add to the momentum generated at the ongoing preparatory process and contribute to the work of the special session. Despite efforts to address the plight of children in conflict situations, the current reality remains deeply disturbing.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This is one reason why we should, when we complete our discussion here, report in full all of the progress made to the special session on children, which will be held in May next year. But there is another, more important reason to do this. The Security Council, which represents only 15 States, cannot deliver the political commitment of the international community. The special session on children can do this. Without such a commitment, our progress will remain only as words on paper.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is worth recalling in particular the fifth principle, which pointed out that: "The primary focus of preventive action should be in addressing the deep-rooted socio- economic, cultural, environmental, institutional, political and other structural causes that often underlie the immediate symptoms of conflicts." (S/2001/574, para. 169) Let me recall also the sixth principle, which outlined the components of an effective preventive strategy, and noted that a strong focus was required on gender equality and the situation of children. Similarly, the debate we are having here today cannot be divorced from the discussion that the General Assembly had yesterday on the implementation of the Millennium Summit Declaration.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The network could become an invaluable source of information and recommendations for child-protection issues. Our work on children and armed conflict cannot be separated from the work we are doing on conflict prevention. One of the operational weaknesses of the Council is that it looks on each issue or theme as belonging to different compartments. But the compartments are not separate; indeed, they are more like cabins on the same boat. All issues touching on armed conflict have to be handled together. We therefore have to remind ourselves of the commitment we made when we endorsed, in resolution 1366 (2001), the Secretary-General's comprehensive report on the prevention of armed conflict of 7 June 2001. That report spelled out 10 principles to enable the United Nations to move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Those individuals should receive no impunity and no sympathy. Thirdly, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) are the only viable long-term solutions for child soldiers. We should also give weight to the reports of the child-protection advisers operating within the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), and ensure that similar advisers are sent to Afghanistan when the United Nations establishes itself there. Finally, we need to continually refine and improve our approach. The Secretary-General has proposed the launch of an international research network on children and armed conflict. This deserves serious consideration.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“So too is his success in persuading the Government of Rwanda to enact legislation that enables girls, including tens of thousands who became heads of households after the 1994 genocide, to inherit farms and other properties crucial to their survival. The question for us in the Council is how to build on that good work. One way is to endorse the report, especially the action points. We will do that when we adopt our draft resolution later. But in endorsing a long report, it is sometimes useful to spell out some priorities that deserve immediate attention. We would like to suggest four areas. First, effective, continuous monitoring is a key feature to successful implementation. Secondly, those who Violate the basic rights of children must pay. Amnesty should be withheld from adults who abduct, recruit or use child soldiers in combat.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Secretary-General's excellent report on children and armed conflict of 7 September 2001 spells out comprehensively what we have to do. Both Ms. Carol Bellamy and Mr. Olara Otunnu have also done excellent work in this field, and can provide the Council with clear guidance. Mr. Otunnu deserves special commendation for eliciting 59 specific commitments from Governments and representatives of armed groups in several zones of conflict where children have suffered immensely. It is one thing for the Council to issue declarations, it is more heartening to see their real impact on the ground. The five-point programme of actions that Mr. Otunnu persuaded all the parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to accept is a significant breakthrough.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The problem of child soldiers is just one part of the grim canvas of children in armed conflict. The broader picture was first sketched out in the ground- breaking and comprehensive 1996 report entitled "Impact of armed conflict on children", by Ms. Graca Machel. Her report noted that "more and more of the world is being sucked into a space in which children are slaughtered, raped, and maimed; a space in which children are exploited as soldiers; a space in which children are starved and exposed to extreme brutality. Such unregulated terror and violence speak of deliberate victimization. There are few further depths to which humanity can sink." (A/5J/306, section LA, para. 3) Against that backdrop, we clearly need to inject a greater sense of urgency in our work on this subject.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The problem of children in armed conflict is not new. For millennia, children have been marched off to war as drummer boys, porters, servants and messengers. The ill-fated Children's Crusade of 1212 involved thousands of doomed children. Hoards of French children died of hunger and disease during their march, while thousands of German youngsters froze in the Alps or plummeted down the mountainsides. During the American Civil War the youngest known soldier, Avery Brown, was enlisted in the Union infantry just shy of his ninth birthday, after claiming to be age 12 on his enlistment papers. More recently, an estimated 250,000 children, even as young as age 5, have been reportedly conscripted to serve as soldiers in dozens of armed conflicts around the world, some with armed insurgencies and some in regular armies.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“His statement has also highlighted the importance of post-conflict programmes for children who are scarred by armed conflict. Even as we speak, Afghan children are suffering from the war that is raging in their country. In an Agence France Presse report of 16 November, last week, it was reported that "Some of those affected will never fully recover physically and psychologically. Seth Mohammed, 11 years of age, will go through life without his right leg, which was blown off when a bomb landed close to a group of children playing near the southern city of Kandahar. Twelve days after he was admitted to hospital in shock and caked in dried blood and mud, he is struggling to come to terms with what has happened." Ms. Bellamy and several other speakers have also highlighted the potential devastating effect of winter to Afghan children.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Yet these children are also trying to behave like normal children playing football. Our challenge here is to ensure that children like these can experience a normal childhood and not be scarred for life. We are therefore pleased that the Security Council is proceeding with this debate despite the postponement of the special session on children. One year is a long period in the life of a child. The sooner we try to rescue children from armed conflict, the more of their childhood we will give to them. Unfortunately, childhood, once lost, can never be returned or replaced. The statement we heard this morning from Alhaji Babah Sawaneh, delivered with honest and moving eloquence, was nonetheless a brutal and devastating reminder of how tragic the loss of childhood can be.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In an essay entitled "Children as Killers", writer Corinne Dufl<a describes the following scene in Liberia: "I came upon a group of five NPFL [National Patriotic Front of Liberia] child soldiers, the eldest, not more than 12, playing soccer on one of the most heavily contested corners of the urban war. I saw their rifles discarded on the street below a rain-soaked Liberian flag, and only then did it become clear that the white ball they maneuvered was a human skull. The decaying body lay some 20 meters away. They kicked the ball over the debris of wall, spent cartridges, old wallets, clothes dropped by fleeing civilians and old photographs, and squealed with delight as it entered the goal post marked by two rusting sardine cans." Kicking a skull around as a football must be a brutalizing experience. It diminishes our humanity.”
2001-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4422Resumption1 (2001) · source
“UNITA has repeatedly claimed that it, too, wants peace; this claim should be put to the test once again. If UNITA responds positively, negotiations could proceed within the framework of the Lusaka Protocol. Until such time, we urge the Government of Angola and the international community to continue to address the dire humanitarian situation in Angola. In this respect, we encourage the Government of Angola to give priority to the repair of the airport in Kuito, which is in a serious state of disrepair. This has put the humanitarian staff at risk, as well as hampered the operations of the aid agencies in delivering assistance to the large number of displaced persons in the province. Finally, we would like to reiterate our support for the initiatives of the Government of Angola in the search for peace for Angola.”
2001-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4418 (2001) · source
“For his part, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Africa, Under- Secretary-General Gambari, during his forthcoming visit to Angola, could also explore with the Government the possibilities of bringing UNITA to the negotiating table. Although we are aware that in the past negotiations have been unhappy experiences for the people of Angola, we cannot avoid negotiations in the search for peace. Negotiations are likely to be protracted; there are no quick solutions to the conflict. All parties must remain firmly committed to a political settlement. The United Nations has played its part. The international community could also play its part in directly impressing on UNITA, by fully complying with existing sanctions against UNITA, that it should respond positively to overtures seeking to bring it to the negotiating table.”
2001-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4418 (2001) · source
“We note that the draft presidential statement to be adopted at the end of this meeting will express the Council's support for the efforts of the Angolan authorities, in consultation with all political parties and civil society, in their efforts to achieve national reconciliation. In order for this to be achieved, the most important reconciliation that has to take place is that between the two major antagonists, which have not engaged in direct dialogue. In the initial stages, perhaps Angolan civil society could assist the Government in its efforts achieve a peaceful settlement by trying to build up UNITA's confidence in the peace process.”
2001-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4418 (2001) · source
“First, the Government of Angola is committed to peace and has made laudable efforts to promote the peace process. Secondly, we already have in place sanctions against UNITA, which have succeeded in curtailing its ability to wage conventional war against the Government. Thirdly, Angolan civil society has also played a positive role in trying to achieve peace and stability in Angola. However, UNITA has begun to move back towards guerrilla warfare, which will only perpetuate the cycle of violence. We therefore need to look at how we can combine the pressure of sanctions with other approaches to bring about national reconciliation and peace in Angola.”
2001-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4418 (2001) · source
“Furthermore, 44 per cent of the population does not have the benefit of proper sanitation facilities. These are sobering figures, particularly for a country so richly endowed with natural resources, including two of the most valued: diamonds and oil. At first glance, the conflict in Angola appears to be relatively straightforward. There are only two major antagonists: the Government in Luanda and the UNITA rebels in the jungles. Yet the fighting has been going on for 26 years. It must be clear by now that a solution to the conflict does not lie in the use of force. This Council has reiterated on several occasions that there is no military solution to the conflict in Angola. Let us look at the positive factors that we have at our disposal.”
2001-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4418 (2001) · source
“First of all, I would like to join my colleagues in welcoming the Minister of External Relations of Angola to the Council, as well as the other ministers who are present here today. We also thank Under-Secretary-General Gambari for the statement that he made at the beginning of the meeting. From the outset, we would like to refer to the situation on the ground in Angola. That is the backdrop to our meeting and the reason why we must work urgently towards achieving peace in Angola. In this respect, we would like to highlight some figures concerning the humanitarian situation faced by the people of Angola on a daily basis. According to a Save the Children Fund report earlier this month, one in three children in Angola will not live beyond 5 years old, and 34 per cent of families do not have easy access to potable water.”
2001-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4418 (2001) · source
“This request is contained in document S/2001/1043, which was referred to at the opening of this debate. As a responsible member of the United Nations, Singapore holds all Security Council resolutions in the highest regard and is committed to the full implementation of resolution 1343 (2001).”
2001-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4405 (2001) · source
“In the meanwhile, my delegation will continue to study in greater detail the findings in the Panel's report and its key recommendations relating to transportation, weapons, timber, diamonds, the maritime registry and the travel ban. We will work with the other members of the Council to ensure their appropriate follow-up and to ensure due consideration of the OCHA report. Finally, my delegation wishes to highlight that we have already followed up one of the case studies mentioned in the Panel's report on alleged sanctions violations. Although the case in question relates to a transaction in August 1999, we have written to the Chairman of the Panel to request the relevant documents necessary for our further investigations on the possible implication of a Singapore-based company, Borneo Jaya Pte Ltd., in sanctions-busting.”
2001-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4405 (2001) · source