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

“Second is an environment favourable to improving inter-ethnic relations and promoting reconciliation. The Kosovo leadership has an important duty in this regard, while Kosovo society must overcome the deep hatred that exists among the ethnic communities. Specifically, the Kosovo Albanian leadership has to be more forthcoming on improving the treatment of the minority communities, while the latter must be more forthcoming in integrating into the society at large. A multi-ethnic Kosovo is clearly the only option, and both the majority and minorities in Kosovo must work towards this goal. The United Nations and the international community can only assist to push the process forward. Third is a continuing emphasis on developing a sustainable market economy.”
2001-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4350 (2001) · source
“This includes refugees and displaced persons, who should be encouraged to return and to participate in the registration, the elections and the self-government structures. Several conditions are required. I would like to highlight four conditions which we feel are needed. First is a secure environment where all the ethnic communities feel safe. Building on the establishment of pillar I and the promulgation of regulations against terrorism, organized crime and illegal weapons possession, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Kosovo Force should take steps to further improve the security situation in Kosovo. The Kosovo leadership also has a part to play in forcefully rejecting violence, extremism and terrorism. Violence against the ethnic minorities, in particular, must cease.”
2001-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4350 (2001) · source
“We would like to join the other delegations in thanking Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for his comprehensive briefing on the recent developments in Kosovo and in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. I should like to make just two main points today. Singapore's positions on the major issues confronting Kosovo are well known. We have articulated them several times since we joined the Security Council. Now that Kosovo-wide elections, scheduled for 17 November, are coming closer, it is even more important for all the parties involved to invigorate their efforts to make sure that the necessary conditions are in place. Of utmost importance is the full participation and engagement of all the ethnic communities in Kosovo in the elections and in developing substantial autonomy.”
2001-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4350 (2001) · source
“If the rules of sovereign equality enshrined in the United Nations Charter were to be strictly applied, the principle of first come, first served should be the primary guide in the drawing up of the speakers' list. We will continue to speak out on this matter as long as the phenomenon is not corrected. I should like to repeat what we have said before: that while we could accept some degree of inequality on matters of substance in the work of the Council, on matters of procedure there should always be a level playing field, and we will continue to insist on this.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“At the earlier stage of your presidency, Sir, you made it a point to announce during informal consultations or at Council meetings when the speakers' list would be opened. Later we noted that the announcement was only put in the daily Journal, and we appear to have regressed on this issue. While the initiatives taken under your presidency have enhanced transparency in form, we regret to note that in substance the drawing up of the speakers' list, particularly on certain key issues, has not entirely lost its Byzantine character. We find that the Orwellian principle is still alive and kicking 7 that is to say, that some members are more equal than others.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“President, and Ambassador Greenstock of the United Kingdom, were members of the troika that made a presentation at a meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on Council reform earlier this month. We recall also that Ambassador Valdivieso suggested that the Council have a briefing on this meeting. We heard that it was a very substantive meeting, and we note that this has not been taken up. We hope that it will be taken up without further delay. Lastly, I should like to raise the issue of the speakers' list. Members will recall that Ambassador Mahbubani had brought to the attention of the previous presidency a recurrent problem in the Council on the drawing up of the speakers' list. We are grateful to the Bangladeshi presidency for innovating practical improvements to the existing system.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“First, the Council adopted a resolution to enhance cooperation between the Council and troop- contributing countries, which was the result of the good work done by the Council's working group on peacekeeping operations, led by Ambassador Curtis Ward of Jamaica. Secondly, after an inexplicable hiatus of several months, the working group on documents and procedures met again to consider proposals of the presidency to improve the working methods of the Council. We congratulate you, Sir, on your delegation's initiative on the note that will be issued that will clarify the procedures to be followed to communicate messages to parties involved in issues discussed by the Council. In relation to this issue, which Ambassador Valdivieso earlier raised, we recall that he said that he, along with you, Mr.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“While we are not altogether sure whether we will be able to remove all of the difficulties and reach an agreement, we should recall the statements made by several non-members of the Council suggesting that the Council should not squander the present opportunity to inject greater focus into the Iraq humanitarian programme and address many of the perceived shortcomings of the programme. Before closing, I should like to make some comments on the issue of the procedures and working methods of the Council. I would like to touch on two significant developments during your presidency that we think will substantially enhance the working methods of the Council.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“It was right and timely, we feel, that you responded swiftly to the request of the Russian Federation and convened a public meeting on the situation between Iraq and Kuwait. The open debate attracted the largest number of speakers from outside the Council this month, demonstrating the importance attached by the international community to the work of the Council on its sanctions policy towards Iraq and the Iraq humanitarian programme. The work of the Council on this issue, as we all know, is not complete, and we will have informal consultations this afternoon to enable us to further discuss the draft resolution proposed by the United Kingdom.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“We fully appreciate that adequate preparation must be made, and intensive consultations have to be undertaken, if such a discussion is to be substantive and useful, but we hope to have such a discussion soon. In relation to the situation in the Middle East, we appreciate the updates which the Council has received on the efforts of the Secretary-General, particularly in connection with his recent visit to the region. The situation in the Middle East remains delicate, and the Council should continue to remain actively seized of this matter and follow developments there closely. On Iraq, work on this issue focused on the follow-up to resolution 1352 (2001), which was adopted very early in your presidency, Sir.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“Nevertheless, it should be recalled that Kosovo is a ward of the Security Council and the international community as a whole, and we should not spare any effort to build a consensus within the Council on our policy in Kosovo, of course within the framework of existing Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1244 (1999). On Afghanistan, while the Council discussed the report and recommendations of the Committee of Experts in an open debate, we feel that there is a need for the Council to follow up on the recommendations of the Committee, and we also hope that there will soon be an opportunity for the Council to engage in a discussion on finding a well-defined long-term and comprehensive strategy on Afghanistan.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“It allowed the Council to update itself on the recent developments in Kosovo and the wider region and assess the impact on the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). It is also commendable, Mr. President, that you convened an open debate to enable non-members to express their views on issues that arose out of the mission. We feel that Kosovo is not yet out of the woods. Many problems of a fundamental nature remain, not least among them, the issue of inter-ethnic reconciliation. There are also differences within the Council of which we need to be aware and that we should bridge.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“However, in keeping with the responsibility of the Council as a whole, to exercise due diligence before taking action, we would have preferred to have a fuller discussion in the Council on the terms of the draft resolution to extend MINURSO's mandate. In our View, it also raised the issue of the "Group of Friends" practice and whether we can improve our working methods in this regard. On the substance of the matter, of course, we will fully support the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. James Baker III, over the next five months in their efforts to find a mutually acceptable political solution, including possibly on the basis of the draft framework agreement or any other proposal that may be submitted. On Kosovo, we found the activities very useful, especially the important stop in Belgrade.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“Therefore, we look forward to further discussion on this issue fairly soon so that we can build on the outlines of our policy on Burundi. In relation to Western Sahara, it is obvious that discussions on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was not just a routine affair this month. We feel that this marked a turning point. Here the Council was faced with a difficult choice on this long-standing item on its agenda, and there were deeply held interests and principles that we needed to reconcile. The shared objective, however, which we note was positive - that is to say, that we deliver a clear mandate to the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General - would not unfairly compromise the just interests of the parties.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“Time does not allow me to make an exhaustive review of the work of the Bangladeshi presidency, but I would like to touch on some of the items that we feel are important. Basically, we would like to give our views on where we feel the Council has done well and where we could have done better. On the substantive issues, let us start with Burundi. We feel that it was right to keep a close watch on the volatile developments in Burundi. As to the statement that you read just this morning, while an important one, we feel that we should have had a more reflective discussion so that we could agree on the steps that the Council should take to bolster the highly fragile peace process in cooperation with the regional organizations and other relevant actors.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“We feel that it is a good exercise to ask ourselves periodically if we have had a positive impact on the issues that arose for the Council's consideration each month; and, if we have not had a positive impact, we think that we should ask ourselves why, try to find out the reasons, identify the steps that the Council can take and the tools that the Council can try to find and use to inject momentum and progress. Also, of course, the whole objective is to draw lessons, where appropriate, so that we can apply them in the future. From the outset, Mr. President, we note that you had prepared a very full programme. You had even managed to lead a Security Council mission to Kosovo in the middle of the month.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“At the outset, may I also express our delegation's words of congratulations to the Secretary-General and assure him of our continued wholehearted support. Mr. President, we welcome your initiative to conduct a wrap-up session of the work of the Security Council in this chamber. As you yourself noted, previous wrap-up sessions were conducted in the informal consultations, and members of the general membership had no opportunity to listen to what we were saying about the work of the Council. We therefore feel that your initiative testifies to your delegation's dedication to the promotion of transparency in the work of the Council and enhancement of its accountability to the general membership, on whose behalf the Council exercises its functions under the Charter. The Singapore delegation fully supports these very important objectives.”
2001-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4343 (2001) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate Singapore's support for the good offices of the Secretary-General, for the sterling work that is taking place in Sierra Leone and, in particular, the men and women of UNAMSIL who are ably led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Adeniji. Sierra Leone presents the Security Council with an opportunity to turn around what was a dismal situation just a year ago to a success story. This is not the time for complacency; rather, it is a time for sustained efforts in the face of the magnitude of work still before us. The Security Council must continue to remain seized of this matter.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“Inter-State dialogue is particularly important for the resolution of the refugee crisis, which currently plagues all three countries of the Mano River Union. We agree with the Secretary-General's observation in paragraph 22 of his report dated 23 May, document S/2001/513, regarding this issue, that the presence and movements of refugees and internally displaced persons "place a heavy burden on host States, receiving communities and the environment and may complicate an already fragile situation". My delegation, therefore, looks forward to the swift return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their places of origin when the time is right.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“The Brahimi report calls on the United Nations to "be prepared to deal effectively with spoilers if it expects to achieve a consistent record of success in peacekeeping or peace-building in situations of intrastate/transnational conflict". The peace process in Sierra Leone has already been disrupted more than once. While we continue to exercise due diligence to prevent any such recurrence, we must also send a strong message that another attempt to spoil the peace process by any party will not be tolerated. We would also like to express our recognition of the active role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in this issue. Singapore joins in the call by both ECOWAS and the Secretary- General for the heads of State of the Mano River Union to meet.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“One such concern that has been expressed is the mistreatment of ex-combatants when they return to their home communities. Such mistreatment could encourage ex-combatants to return to arms. As noted in paragraph 30 of the Secretary-General's report, "The reintegration aspect of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme is pivotal to the success of the entire programme". Therefore, it is important to spread the word of tolerance and reconciliation to the peoples of Sierra Leone. The public information arm of UNAMSIL is critical to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme as a whole, but while the word of tolerance is spread to the peoples of Sierra Leone, no tolerance can be shown to any spoiler of the peace process.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“We note that during the period under review the track record of the RUF has been encouraging but not perfect. My delegation believes that the willingness of the RUF to cooperate partly stems from its continued engagement in talks with the Government of Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL and the renewed engagement of the Civil Defence Force (CDF). These talks have helped to address some of the legitimate concerns of the RUF, for example, with regard to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Special Court and the prospects for reintegration. My delegation supports the continued engagement of all parties in the peace process. Those with legitimate concerns should be allowed to air them, and these concerns should be addressed as speedily as possible.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“As such, the disarmament process that will soon be conducted in the Kono and Bonthe districts should be closely monitored. At the same time, it must not be forgotten that the mismanagement of diamond resources by previous administrations was one of the root causes of the conflict in Sierra Leone. A new opportunity has presented itself for a better system to be established. This opportunity must not be lost. Therefore, Singapore joins in the Secretary-General's call for the Government of Sierra Leone to give this issue its full attention. The Kono region is also the traditional stronghold of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The ability of UNAMSIL to deploy effectively in this region and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme thus takes on added significance.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“At the outset, Mr. President, I would like to express my appreciation to you for convening this meeting. I thank the Secretary- General for his tenth report on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) (S/2001/627), which cogently sets out the issues for consideration at this crucial period. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Adeniji, for his comprehensive and very useful briefing. As the situation in Sierra Leone improves, it is not too early to consider ways in which the economy of that country can ultimately become self-sustaining. In this respect, the export of Sierra Leonean diamonds will play a key role. It is, therefore, imperative that the Government of Sierra Leone establishes effective control over the key diamond-producing areas, such as the Kono district.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“This is not the first time that the Council has reviewed the implementation of the Iraq programme. We should recall that since the adoption of resolution 986 (1995), the Council has adopted a series of follow- up resolutions. They are resolutions 1153 (1998), 1284 (1999) and 1302 (2000). These were to expand and improve upon the Iraq programme. The ongoing discussions in the Council on the new arrangements are therefore parts of that evolutionary process to focus the impact of the sanctions, a process that began a few years ago. But for this process to be effective and positive the Council needs to do this incrementally and, more importantly, together, taking into account at the same time the views of the larger international community.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“Complications are therefore quite natural. But if the discussions in the Council are conducted in good faith, and in a genuine spirit of cooperation, we should be able to resolve outstanding differences within the time-frame envisaged in resolution 1352 (2001). That is what is expected of the Council. We may never resolve the different views we have on the cause and effect of the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Neither will we agree completely on how far the Council should go to dismantle aspects of the sanctions policy to achieve the humanitarian objectives without weakening our leverage to get Iraq to comply with all Security Council resolutions, including resolution 667 (1990) and 1284 (1999). But we should see such efforts as part of a process.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“There remain many outstanding issues in current efforts to develop the new arrangements, including the contents of the goods review list and provisions relating to the arrangement with the neighbouring countries and the scope of economic activities that should be permitted under the new arrangements. Ambassador Levitte has earlier eloquently listed these issues. We should bear in mind that the Council is embarked on a project to refocus its sanctions policy with respect to Iraq that requires striking a delicate balance between two objectives. They are increasing the effectiveness of sanctions to compel Iraq to comply with all relevant resolutions, on one hand, and ensuring that the measures will not impose unduly onerous burdens on the Iraqi population and the neighbouring countries, on the other.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“We are confident that arrangements can be worked out that would adequately take into account their special needs and circumstances within the framework of existing Security Council resolutions. We would like to emphasize the point made by Ambassador Cunningham that the Council does not seek to impose any arrangements on the neighbouring countries of Iraq against their will. We have a unique opportunity to make substantial improvements in the Iraq humanitarian programme and more generally in the United Nations sanctions policy in Iraq. For this to take place, it is important that the international community, and the Security Council in particular, unite behind such efforts.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“Only exports of items on a limited list of goods that would compromise items expressly prohibited under previous resolutions and other items that could be deployed in ways that are inconsistent with resolution 687 (1991) would be subject to review by the 661 sanctions committee. The new arrangements will also address in a pragmatic way the problems of cross-border smuggling and oil surcharges, as well as clarify a few long- standing issues arising from the implementation of the sanctions policy, including arrangements that would authorize the return of Iraqi civilian aircraft and remove common restrictions on civilian flights to Iraq. Iraq's neighbouring States have expressed their concern over the implications of the proposed new approach on their economic well-being. We support efforts to consult them and obtain their cooperation.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“We agree with Ambassador Lavrov, who pointed out at the beginning of today's debate - as did subsequent speakers - that the status quo is unacceptable. Against this backdrop, the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 1352 (2001) on 1 June 2001 assumes great significance. It signals the intention of the Security Council to adopt and implement new arrangements that would modify the Iraq programme in a significant way. The proposed new arrangements will free the flow of legitimate civilian goods and commodities to Iraq, which will significantly improve the welfare of the Iraqi people.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“Many have argued that the programme has not made much of a dent in arresting the deterioration of the Iraqi economy and alleviating the humanitarian situation in Iraq. In the meantime, the unchecked smuggling of Iraqi oil through Iraq's borders and the levying of illegal oil surcharges by the Government of Iraq have generated substantial revenues for the Government outside of the escrow account. This has further conspired to undermine the credibility of the United Nations policy in Iraq. The erosion of support for the programme and United Nations sanctions is also fuelled in part by the existence of sharp differences within the Security Council on this issue. As a result, we have witnessed challenges to the United Nations Iraq policy in the last several years.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“Furthermore, after more than a decade, Kuwait continues to be deprived of the sense of closure on this issue that the return of key Kuwaiti property and Kuwaiti nationals and their families seized by Iraq could bring. The oil-for-food programme, which the Council enacted in 1996 to bring need relief to the Iraqi population without compromising the objectives of resolution 687 (1991), has evolved over the years. It has contributed to improvements in key economic and infrastructure sectors in Iraq, such as the oil industry, electricity, agriculture, water and sanitation, education, housing, transportation and telecommunications, But, rightly or wrongly, the growing perception is that the programme has not done enough to help ordinary Iraqis and has not been effectively implemented.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“Today's debate is timely. It has been 15 months since the Council last reviewed the developments in the situation between Iraq and Kuwait in this Chamber. The Security Council is also presently engaged in discussions on new arrangements to facilitate the flow of goods and commodities into Iraq and other types of economic cooperation with Iraq in the civilian sectors. Security Council resolution 661 (1990) was adopted 11 years ago. The impact of its measures has been too broad in Iraq. The innocent people of Iraq have borne the heaviest burdens of Iraq's continued economic isolation, while the Government continues to defy Security Council resolutions and has succeeded in recasting its international image from a belligerent to a victim.”
2001-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336 (2001) · source
“Allow me to say that we welcome the improving relations between UNMIK and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We should continue to encourage it. In that regard, the establishment of the UNMIK Office in Belgrade was a step along the right path. Direct dialogue between Kosovar political leaders and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should also be encouraged. We share the view that continued dialogue with the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is important for the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“Rebuilding public administration capacity is also crucial to bringing Kosovo back to normalcy. In that regard, the uniqueness of UNMIK as a United Nations peacekeeping operation, like that of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, stands out. UNMIK is an interim administration in every sense of the word, and its task must therefore be to develop Kosovo's ability to administer society as part of the peace-building process. It is clear that, while UNMIK has made significant progress, Kosovo's return to normalcy is likely to take many more years. The priority tasks that have been outlined today require the United Nations and the international community to continue to be actively engaged in Kosovo. It is imperative that the United Nations, having taken on such a major undertaking, not terminate it prematurely.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“However, progress in reconciliation and economic development depends on the preparedness of the Kosovo political leadership, as they take on the responsibility of self-government, to build a democratic multi-ethnic society and a sustainable market economy in Kosovo. We also associate ourselves with those speakers who stress the importance of the full participation and engagement of all the ethnic communities in Kosovo in developing substantial autonomy. In that regard, we support the position that Kosovo-wide elections should be held only when all the necessary conditions are in place. It is crucial to the success of the elections that all communities, including refugees and displaced persons - who should be encouraged to return - participate both in registration and in the elections themselves.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“We urge that all necessary measures be taken to improve the security environment in Kosovo. It is essential that the United Nations be clear on the goals for Kosovo, in order to ensure that they are achieved. Besides reconciliation, there are other important goals. We note that the initial economic reconstruction measures that have been taken and the progress that has been achieved in the economic arena have produced encouraging results to spur economic development in Kosovo. We support the continued emphasis on developing economic sustainability. Economic growth is a strong incentive for the Kosovars to work towards a peaceful, stable and secure environment, which, in turn, is essential for the further building of the economy.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“Singapore is a multi- ethnic society where different races have lived and worked together for more than three decades. It was recognized at an early stage in our history that the very existence of Singapore would depend on maintaining racial and religious harmony among our people. Thus, the Government of Singapore has adopted and continues to promote a policy of multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism. Each Singaporean is taught from an early age to respect other races, religions and cultures. We therefore associate ourselves with those who have spoken out to condemn the continuing violence against members of ethnic minorities, in particular ethnic Serbs, in Kosovo. We also welcome the recent establishment of the first pillar and the initiatives taken by UNMIK to tackle terrorism and organized crime.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“Jayakumar, we outlined three critical areas which we felt needed to be addressed in Kosovo to bring it back to normalcy. Today I would like to reiterate what we believe to be the most critical of them at this time: the urgent need for reconciliation amongst the Kosovar ethnic communities. That, of course, is easier said than done. But we have learned from our own experience that promoting ethnic tolerance is the key to bringing together all ethnic communities. In 1964 two waves of racial riots broke out in Singapore. A third wave of riots occurred in 1969, about four years after we attained independence as a republic. Many Singaporeans were killed in those riots. Although they were not on the scale of what has happened in Kosovo, the riots shook our nation badly.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“Hans Haekkerup for his outstanding leadership and his time work since taking up the post of UNMIK head in January 2001. We also commend the staff of UNMIK for their efforts and their achievements in rebuilding Kosovo in all aspects: security, socio-political and economic, to name just a few. However, much more needs to be done. The involvement of the United Nations in Kosovo and the strict implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) must continue despite the great difficulties facing UNMIK. The political status of Kosovo is clear in resolution 1244 (1999); that issue should not be allowed to create further divisions in Kosovo, with all their adverse regional implications. In a statement made in January of this year by the Foreign Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Mr. S.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“First, Mr. President, we too would like to express our appreciation for your able leadership of the Council's mission to Kosovo. We also express our thanks to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2001/565), which we found very useful as background to the mission. We further thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Guehenno, for his analysis of the key issues relating to the situation in Kosovo. Singapore's participation in the mission to Kosovo gave us a better understanding of one of the more complex United Nations peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We were impressed with what has been achieved in the two years that the United Nations has been involved with Kosovo, and we commend Mr.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“His involvement demonstrates the United Nations continued commitment to the region and brings a message of hope and promise. In a quiet and effective way, the Secretary-General and his special representatives are also active in numerous missions across the globe aimed primarily at conflict prevention. In this regard, we welcome the intention of the Secretary-General to present to the Council periodic reports on disputes, which would focus on inter-State issues that could pose a threat to international peace and security and on the Secretary-General's proposals for preventive measures. This would significantly enhance the capacity of the Council to take the appropriate preventive action at the appropriate time.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334 (2001) · source
“We should resolve, as a matter of priority, to address the gap between what we say and what we do in the area of conflict prevention. Our credibility depends on how successfully we do this. Until we can summon political will collectively, our discussions on conflict prevention in this Chamber will remain abstract. In this context, we commend recent efforts of the Secretary-General to play a more active role in conflict prevention and to strengthen the Secretariat's early warning analysis capacities. The Secretary-General's visit to the Middle East and active role in the Middle East process is but the most recent contribution he has made to the ongoing efforts to achieve a just and lasting solution in the Middle East.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334 (2001) · source
“In this regard, the Secretary-General's report on the prevention of armed conflict is not only comprehensive in scope and conceptual analysis, but also rich in practical suggestions. If each actor could play its role in conflict prevention effectively, we would be well on our way towards establishing a culture of prevention. With respect to the role of the Security Council, the Secretary-General noted in paragraph 34 of the report before us that the Security Council's "focus remains almost exclusively on crises and emergencies, normally becoming involved only when violence has already occurred on a large scale." This is not only a reflection of the heavy demands on the time and attention of the Council, but also, to be frank, a function of the lack of political will.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334 (2001) · source
“As this issue will come up again next month in the General Assembly, we will also confine our comments today to the role of the Security Council. This is the third open debate of the Security Council on this issue. The Secretary-General has suggested that the time has come for us to translate the rhetoric of conflict prevention into concrete action. We should heed his call and make practical suggestions on how the role of the Security Council in preventing armed conflict could be strengthened. We need to bear in mind that the Council has by no means an exclusive role. Whatever role is envisaged, it should not be performed in contravention of cardinal principles such as sovereignty and non- interference in the internal affairs of States.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334 (2001) · source
“Sir, the Singapore delegation joins our colleagues in expressing our pleasure at seeing you preside over the debate today. We would also like to thank the Deputy Secretary- General for her concise summary of the crucial points in the Secretary-General's report. A prodigious amount of work has been done by institutions such as the Carnegie Commission and the International Peace Academy to better define the concept of conflict prevention and identify its many aspects. We also pay tribute to those individual States Members of the United Nations, particularly Sweden, which have also made substantial contributions to promoting a better understanding of this issue. We look forward to the statements to be made by the non-members of the Council later today and will therefore be brief.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334 (2001) · source
“Up to this point, the determination and commitment displayed by the East Timorese people have been reassuring and have given much cause for hope. If I may develop the maritime analogy that I used at the beginning of my statement, the international community is helping East Timor to prepare for the next phase of its sea journey. External elements, like weather conditions, are clearly beyond our control; they are difficult for us to predict. However, we have the capacity to take steps that help enhance the seaworthiness of the East Timorese vessel, and we must do so. These include putting up the mast, repairing the hull and providing the crew with navigational and other necessary skills to steer the vessel. If we succeed, we will help launch the flagship ofa true United Nations success story.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“In this regard, we are also heartened by the decision of the Indonesian prosecution to appeal the sentences. We are confident that Indonesia understands both the seriousness that the international community accords to this matter and the importance of dealing with it in a credible way that is commensurate with its scope. In this light, we also welcome the first steps that have been taken against suspects accused of crimes against humanity and other serious crimes committed during the violence in 1999, including the establishment of an ad hoc tribunal to deal with post-ballot violence. We hope that further concrete steps will be taken by Indonesia, including working closely with UNTAET, to bring those responsible to justice. Ultimately, the success of East Timor depends on the East Timorese themselves.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“It could potentially have paved the way for a larger United Nations field presence to help facilitate the registration process, followed by the resettlement or repatriation exercises. We are aware of and fully understand the disappointment and indignation that have been expressed by others with regard to the sentences that have been handed down in connection with the killing last year of three staff members of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Singapore has always been a strong advocate for the safety and protection of United Nations and associated personnel. The brutal killing of unarmed United Nations personnel cannot go unpunished. However, we believe that Indonesia's judicial process should be allowed to run its course.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“The refugees of East Timorese origin still remaining in West Timor is an important outstanding issue which should be resolved urgently. We therefore note with great interest Indonesia's efforts in preparing for the registration exercise currently scheduled for 6 June this year. That would be an important first step towards helping these refugees. This is not just a simple technical affair, but one involving many delicate issues. As such, we believe that that the United Nations should also be involved in all aspects of the exercise. Singapore had hoped that the United Nations Security Coordinator could have dispatched the inter-agency security assessment mission to West Timor sooner.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source