YouSaid · the spoken record

Levitte

lines on the record: 1,215
first: 2000-03-21
most recent: 2002-11-12
sittings or episodes: 146
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

“As underscored by the Council in the President's statement to the press last night, the military operations have been marked by numerous violations of humanitarian law. Those operations have produced numerous civilian victims and threaten the survival of the Palestinian Authority. This is unacceptable. France appeals to both parties to fully implement resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002), now and without further delay. France rejects any sequential or conditional reading of those resolutions. Israel must withdraw now from the Palestinian towns and villages that have been reoccupied. It is also essential that the Palestinian Authority make the necessary gestures to bring about a definitive cessation of terrorist attacks. I believe that there are three points that deserve to be underscored in the present tragic circumstances.”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): France fully associates itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Ambassador of Spain on behalf of the European Union. France spoke about the exceptional seriousness of the situation in the Middle East during the two public debates held by the Security Council during the past 10 days. In order to be succinct, I shall not go into detail about the substance of those statements. But they remain entirely current, unfortunately. The military operations undertaken by the Israeli army against Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank are continuing and, in fact, have intensified, despite the adoption of Security Council resolutions 1402 (2002) and 1403 (2002).”
2002-04-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4510 (2002) · source
“Finally, I should like to commend something far too rare in our United Nations family: her ability to work in harmony with all the other institutions of the family, as well as with local Governments. Brava, Ms. Bertini.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“She mentioned the issue of staff security. I should like her to know that that is a matter of great importance to the Council. It is a subject that we have dealt with and will continue to address with determination, in liaison with the Secretary-General. France gives unreserved and, I might add, considerable support to WFP programmes. It supports its two priorities: emergency assistance, which she mentioned, and assistance for reconstruction and, more broadly, for development. I should like to express our unreserved support for the strategic outline that she mentioned earlier. I believe she wanted WFP to strengthen its expertise through a kind of "hunger map" as a way to define food security strategies and better to address a concern we share - crisis prevention. In that respect, we give her our full support.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“That is a way to measure her success as well as the needs of the populations about which she came to talk with us. During her 10-year term, she has given WFP a face and a voice - a voice that has been listened to and respected. She wished to spend some of the last day of her tenure with the Security Council. Some might ask why. Hearing her list the countries where WFP carries out its work, we understand why. That list, unfortunately, comprises precisely those countries whose names appear on the Council's agenda. In that respect, I should like to commend the success of WFP programmes in Afghanistan, in North Korea, which she mentioned, and in the Horn of Africa, where she went several times on missions that have left a lasting impression in the minds of millions and millions of people throughout the world.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): On the last day of her 10-year term at the head of the World Food Programme (WFP), I should like to express to Catherine Bertini, with respect and admiration, the thanks and congratulations of France. During those 10 years, she has truly transformed WFP. Through her dynamism, personal commitment, generosity and managerial skills, she has made that institution one of the premier agencies in the United Nations family with a considerable and increasing volume of resources. That attests to the strength of her conviction and also, unfortunately, to the needs of the most vulnerable populations. I am struck to see that today, WFP manages an annual volume of nearly $2 billion, which is more than all the funds of the other United Nations programmes, and approaches those of the World Bank.”
2002-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4507 (2002) · source
“The efforts of all must converge towards our common objective: a halt to the confrontations and the resumption of negotiations. In two weeks the Security Council has adopted two important texts, resolutions 1397 (2002) and 1402 (2002). These two resolutions show the way towards a de-escalation, ceasefire and resumption of political talks. There are no other paths towards peace.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The "quartet" must have access to President Arafat. It should be able to play its full role, in unity and in the service of peace. We hope that the United States will once again become involved further in the search for a solution to the conflict. The Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the European Union met in Luxembourg to examine the means that would make it possible to escape the spiral of violence and restore the conditions for a resumption of dialogue. As my European colleagues have indicated, our Ministers have decided to immediately dispatch to the region Mr. Pique, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the European Union, and Mr. Solana, the High Representative, to meet with President Arafat and Prime Minister Sharon and to demand the immediate implementation of resolution 1402 (2002).”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Perhaps we should go even beyond that and give serious consideration to deploying an interposition force to accompany the implementation of the Security Council resolutions. The question deserves to be posed from now on. The situation poses a considerable risk to the entire region. France is extremely concerned by the renewal of tensions observed on the border between Lebanon and Israel. In a presidential statement of 18 June 2000, the Security Council confirmed that Israel had withdrawn from Lebanon. Recent attacks originating from Lebanese territory are unacceptable. Any violation of the blue line, in either direction, should cease. France calls on all parties involved to demonstrate the greatest possible restraint. France encourages the diplomatic efforts being made by all, and particularly those of the "quartet".”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“For a long time France has been in favour of deploying international observers. It proposed this idea in this Chamber 18 months ago. The present circumstances, tragically, lend increased relevance to this proposal. The presence of these monitors would serve the interests of the Israeli population as well as of the Palestinian population. This proposal, which is increasingly supported, could complement the proposals of General Zinni and assist in the implementation of the Tenet and Mitchell plans. It would facilitate the resumption of political negotiations by contributing to a return to calm. The Secretary- General rightly emphasized that this idea should be placed at the forefront of the work of the Security Council.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The long-term security of the Israeli people does not come through the destruction of the Palestinian Authority but, on the contrary, through negotiation with the elected and legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people. Our Council should be fully aware of the very serious humanitarian consequences of the Israeli military operations. They inflict new trials on the Palestinian people, who are victim to a blockade and are being gradually deprived of the most elementary means of subsistence. The restrictions imposed on the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other medical and humanitarian institutions are unacceptable. Equally unacceptable are the repeated violations of the right to consular access for nationals of third States in danger.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“France condemns them with horror. Once again, we express our compassion and our deep sympathy to all the victims and their families. The Palestinian Authority, which has the responsibility to combat terrorism, can act only if its capacities are preserved and if it is not weakened. This implies, notably for the Israeli Government, the lifting of the siege of Ramallah and the re-establishment of President Arafat's abilities to take action, travel and negotiate. The physical integrity and personal safety of the President of the Palestinian Authority must be assured. To exile him would be a mistake, with incalculable consequences. The neutralizing of President Arafat and, to a larger extent, the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority and its security infrastructures run counter to Israel's sought-after objective.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“France reaffirms what was stated by the President of the Security Council on behalf of the 15 members: the demands contained in resolution 1402 (2002) are not in a sequence and should all be fully implemented. In order to emerge from this vicious cycle of violence and hatred it is necessary to have a political perspective. The situation can improve only when the Israeli Government agrees to undertake, in parallel to discussions on security, political negotiations leading to the creation of an independent, Viable and democratic Palestinian State. Security issues and political issues must be addressed; they cannot be separated. France states once again, and forcefully, that nothing can justify the murder of innocent civilians. The suicide bombings that have taken place over the past few days lead to a feeling of disgust.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): France fully aligns itself with the statement made by the Ambassador of Spain on behalf of the European Union. Since the adoption of resolution 1402 (2002), violence has escalated even further in the Middle East. The military operations undertaken by the Israeli army in Ramallah, and later in other Palestinian towns, are leading to a political impasse and a humanitarian tragedy. This situation in unacceptable. France strongly urges that both parties fully implement resolution 1402 (2002) without delay. The Israeli army must withdraw from all Palestinian towns, and military operations under way must cease. Equally, all forms of violence and terror must cease. A real ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis should be concluded without delay.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We hope that the United States will re-engage itself still further. The European Union is increasingly active, particularly in the context of the "quartet", which is tirelessly pursuing its efforts in the region. Two weeks ago the Security Council adopted resolution 1397 (2002) which, inter alia, demanded immediate cessation of all acts of violence. That resolution must be implemented. Arms must not have the last word; the parties must return to the path of reason and the path of peace. In these tragic circumstances, the Security Council must forcefully remind them ofthis.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“That statement is a historic contribution to a peaceful future for the Middle East. It outlines the prospect of a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the normalization of relations between all Arab States and Israel in exchange for a complete end to Israeli occupation of the territories conquered in 1967, in line with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002) and with the principle of land for peace. For the immediate future, France urgently calls upon the parties to demonstrate wisdom. Leaders on both sides have a cardinal responsibility to put an end to the escalation of violence and to pursue peace. The international community must help them to achieve this. We welcome and encourage diplomatic efforts undertaken on all sides; these should be stepped up.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“France has said, and we repeat, that peace cannot be attained by force of arms. There is no military solution. To cling solely to a security approach is an illusion and a trap. The situation will remain at an impasse as long as the Israeli Government refuses, in parallel with its security measures, to undertake political negotiations leading to the creation of an independent, viable and democratic Palestinian State. Security aspects and the settlement of political must be addressed head-on. Terrorism must be combated as if there were no peace negotiations; peace negotiations must be conducted as if there were no terrorism. The highest French authorities welcomed the Arab summit statement adopted yesterday at Beirut, entitled an Arab peace initiative and inspired by the proposals of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“All-out repression, the excessive use of force, collective punishment against an entire people - a people that has been enclosed and humiliated - and the relentless harassment of Yasser Arafat, who is the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, is fuelling an endless spiral of violence. Those acts are unacceptable. The action that began this morning in Ramallah and several other West Bank towns must cease. Israeli forces must begin their withdrawal. The physical integrity and personal safety of the President of the Palestinian Authority must be protected, and his full freedom of movement must be restored. Action against humanitarian and medical institutions and personnel and especially against ambulances is unjustifiable. All must be guaranteed access to medical care and emergency medical services.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“The Netanya attack and the Jerusalem attack today should be condemned with horror. As the Secretary-General has recalled on several occasions, terrorist attacks are morally repugnant and hateful. We express our compassion and deep condolences to all of the victims and to their families. The Palestinian Authority has the responsibility to do everything in its power to combat terrorism, but it can do so only if its capacities are maintained and it is not weakened. Yasser Arafat can act only if one gives him the means with which to act. The French authorities are convinced that the reaction of Prime Minister Sharon and of his Government in response to the attacks is leading to a disastrous cycle of violence and to a tragic impasse.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): France fully associates itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Ambassador of Spain on behalf of the European Union. The situation in the Middle East is exceptionally serious. The highest authorities in France today expressed their deepest concern at the tragic turn events have taken. France calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and terror, the cessation of hostilities and the conclusion without delay of a ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis. France asks Chairman Arafat to take all necessary measures to put an end to violence and acts of terror. France asks Prime Minister Sharon to put an end without delay to the military operations carried out by the Israeli forces, which should begin a withdrawal. Nothing can justify the killing of innocent civilians.”
2002-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4503 (2002) · source
“We welcome the political courage of the signatories, which is exemplary. The agreement does not change the identity or the international personality of the State. Therefore, the international obligations and laws relevant to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in particular resolution 1244 (1999), will continue to apply to the common State of Serbia and Montenegro”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“We already see the results with the transfer of the last Albanian prisoners from Serbia to Kosovo. The settlement of this matter is a definite success that illustrates the usefulness of close and confident cooperation between UNMIK, the elected Kosovar representatives and the competent Yugoslav authorities on practical matters of common interest. We look forward to Mr. Covie's continued involvement in the implementation of the agreement of 5 November by way of dialogue with UNMIK and soon, we hope, with the institutions of the Provisional Self-Government. The agreement concluded in Belgrade on 14 March under the aegis of Mr. Javier Solana with regard to relations between Serbia and Montenegro will help strengthen stability in South-East Europe and draw that region closer to Europe.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“In parallel, because of its symbolic importance and its human implications, the issue of returns should continue to receive attention. We expect the Kosovar leaders of Albanian origin, who are cooperating actively with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) at all levels, including the local level, to ensure that the projects under way are completed. The mobilization of everyone around this cause is essential. We welcome the appeal launched by Mr. Rexhepi in Kamenica to free the province from intolerance and to integrate the minorities living in enclaves. This path should be pursued so as to ensure tangible results. More generally, it is important that the agreement concluded on 5 November between Mr. Haekkerup and Mr. Covic' be implemented fully.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“The welfare of the entire population depends on the quality of its judgement and the soundness ofits decisions. The stakes justify its full shouldering ofthe responsibilities which fall to it under the Constitutional Framework. It is important that, in exercising its functions, the Government of Kosovo be guided by concern for the common interest. Public activities must be carried out to benefit all residents, including minorities. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General will ensure this in implementing the provisions of the Constitutional Framework and of resolution 1244 (1999). Everything possible should be done to improve the lot of the members of Kosovo's minority communities. Economic development and strengthening security will be decisive in bringing down the emigration rate, which is too high.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“The elected leaders ofthe Povratak coalition must play their part in the Self-Government, in which the Constitutional Framework has given them a full role to play - as well as in the Kosovo Assembly, in which Povratak is an important political force. They have that responsibility to their electorate, but also to Kosovo as a whole, which must be fully developed within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999) and the Constitutional Framework. We support the actions by the Special Representative to break the current deadlock. A considerable amount of work awaits the Government of Kosovo. The daily administration of Kosovo is now its responsibility. It must therefore become involved in the details and tasks of management, without delay.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“In my national capacity, I should now like to take up some issues to which France attaches particular importance. The election of Mr. Ibrahim Rugova to the presidency of Kosovo and the creation of a coalition Government under the leadership of Mr. Bajram Rexhepi are the most significant developments of recent weeks. I congratulate Mr. Rugova and Mr. Rexhepi on their election. It is also fitting to welcome the personal contribution of Mr. Michael Steiner to this success. The political agreement concluded under the aegis of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General will render viable the Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): I too wish to convey very warm congratulations to Mr. Nebojsa Covie, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and President ofthe Yugoslav-Serb Coordination Centre for Kosovo and Metohija. I welcome to our discussion today the participation of an eminent Yugoslav political leader responsible for Kosovar questions. I would also like to thank Mr. Hedi Annabi for his briefing, which highlighted the successes achieved by the United Nations in Kosovo since his last briefing, on 25 February. Those successes are particularly important, as they were achieved in a short span of time. France of course supports the detailed statement to be made in due course by the Permanent Representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union.”
2002-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4498 (2002) · source
“It has already entered into specific commitments with regard to health care, education, agriculture, administration, the preservation of its patrimony, training of the future Afghan army and police, as well as assistance in combating drugs. The fulfilment of these commitments has been the subject of in-depth discussions with the Afghan authorities, first of all during the visit of President Hamid Karzai to Paris on 28 February, and, quite recently, last Sunday, when Mr. Hubert Vedrine went to Kabul.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“We must create an army that is free from ethnic and regional divisions and from the influence of political parties and warlords. We must also use all available instruments to help in achieving security and law and order in the provinces. The economic lever should then be used with determination. Assistance in reconstruction cannot be brought to provinces where local authorities commit massive violations of human rights or maintain a climate of insecurity. On the other hand, of course, humanitarian assistance should not be made conditional. France will participate fully in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“France is working on this draft, which will be submitted to the Council tomorrow during our consultations. The issue of security remains a more difficult one. Agreement is emerging on the extension of ISAF beyond the time frame set out in resolution 1386 (2001) - that is, 20 June. Together we will have to decide on the right time to announce it and also on the right time frame. Regarding the geographic expansion of the Force beyond Kabul and its vicinity, the position of the major contributors is clear: they are not in favour of it. Indeed, a force spread out beyond Kabul and its environs would have to be involved in settling conflicts falling under the purview of Afghan authority. Absolute priority, then, must be given to the training of a unified Afghan police force and army.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“A series of resolutions were adopted, at a sustained pace on the principles for a settlement - resolution 1378 (2001); the endorsement of the Bonn Agreement - resolution 1383 (2001); the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) - resolution 1386 (2001); and, finally, the creation of a de-territorialized regime against Al Qaeda to replace the sanctions against Afghanistan - resolution 1390 (2002). A new draft resolution is now being prepared. It will allow for the rapid implementation of the excellent recommendations of the Secretary-General, as described to us by Louise Frechette. It will give structure and a unified form to the United Nations presence, which has developed, with impressive effectiveness, under the authority of Lakhdar Brahimi.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“The French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hubert Vedrine, who was in Kabul at the time, shared this moment of hope by visiting the two schools rebuilt by France - the Esteqlal high school for boys and the Malalai high school for girls. The success of the reconstruction now depends in part on good coordination between bilateral and multilateral donors, organized in the Afghan Support Group and the Implementation Group, or through the United Nations system. Locally, one person, in our view, should provide this indispensable coordination: Lakhdar Brahimi. In New York too, impressive ground has been covered in only six months.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“The Emergency Loya Jirga, scheduled for June, will be a new step towards the creation of a multi-ethnic, representative and democratic Government. The responsible conduct of the transitional authorities has made it possible largely to avoid repeating past errors, such as the ordeals in 1992 in Kabul or in 1997 in Mazar-e-Sharif. Finally, the reconstruction of Afghanistan has now begun with the assistance of the entire international community, illustrated by the pledges made in Tokyo. Throughout the country there are signs of this true rebirth. The most moving example, referred to by Louise Frechette, is undoubtedly the beginning of the school year: last Saturday, a million and a half children of both sexes literally rushed to their schools and to knowledge.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“This meeting is taking a first look at the record six months after the beginning of the military intervention by the coalition, three months after the Interim Administration began to function and three months before the convening of the Emergency Loya Jirga. That record, which Louise Frechette has just described in eloquent detail, is clearly positive. The ground covered over the past six months is impressive. The fight against terrorism has been marked by several decisive elements and is being pursued vigorously and relentlessly. The United States and its allies, including France, are tracking down Al Qaeda elements day by day. The political transition is also progressing. The Afghan people is regaining control of its destiny.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): Welcome to New York, Mr. Minister. It is a privilege for us that this meeting is taking place under your presidency. First of all, I should like to convey the condolences and solidarity of the French people to the Afghan people, struck once again by a cruel ordeal: the earthquake that has just destroyed an entire region in the north of the country and claimed thousands of victims. The representative of Spain will be making a statement on behalf of the entire European Union, and France subscribes fully to it. Therefore, I shall limit my statement to a few comments.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“You have lent your support to this issue with your well-known talent, and you have also provided Norway's energy, which has mobilized itself on behalf of this good cause.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“We must also see to it that the Council, with the assistance of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, establishes better coordination with the various international stakeholders - Mr. Oshima mentioned the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other agencies - so that the victims of conflict increasingly include fewer women and children. In conclusion, I would like to pay a threefold tribute. First of all to the Secretary-General, who in his 1999 and 2001 reports rightly alerted us and mobilized us regarding this topic. Secondly, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Kenzo Oshima, who has methodically and dynamically continued his work with the Council to assess situations and to develop a useful tool for us. Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to you, Mr. President.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“We have started working on this aspect of the issue through better targeted and time-bound sanctions. I think we need to continue to work on this through, among other things, the idea of humanitarian exemptions, which deserves further discussion. As a whole, a look at the long list of resolutions mentioned in the annex to the aide-memoire might lead us to wonder whether we should be making an admission of powerlessness today. I do not think so. I think that the aide-memoire shows both what remains to be done and the progress the Council has made to equip itself with a tool - a toolbox, if you like - that is helping us, and that will continue to help us, to act more effectively and in a more targeted fashion. We will need to continue to enrich the aide-memoire and to adapt it as we go further in our discussion.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“This is a major assault and marks a resumption of the war. It is unacceptable that the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot shed light on what is now taking place in Moliro. We are facing a resumption of war, and MONUC must give us information about it. Of course, apart from Africa there is also the conflict in the Middle East. How can we fail to say that the Fourth Geneva Convention is being seriously violated on a regular basis in the Middle East? There is one subject on which we must continue our work. I am talking about the question of sanctions. This is a tool that is available to the Council. Its legitimacy would be more accepted if sanctions did not have secondary effects on civilian populations.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“We are also concerned about cutting off the sources that feed those conflicts - I am thinking here of conflict diamonds and the plunder of natural resources. In that connection, Mr. Oshima mentioned the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is said that there have been 3 million victims in three years in that conflict, mostly civilians; they were not direct victims of the armed conflict, but of the consequences of the conflict, primarily forced labour. As I am on the subject of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I should point out that the most recent information available to us about fighting in the Moliro region is particularly serious. It appears that seven battalions of Rwandese troops - about at least 10,000 people - are engaged in an offensive in the area of the Great Lakes and surrounding land routes.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“Whenever it can, it responds through its first method of acting, namely, intervening directly in conflicts. But the fact is that there are currently about 50 conflicts throughout the world, both between and within States, and more than half of them are taking place in Africa. Therefore, in addition to our action - diplomatic or on the ground - we must ask ourselves how, given the conflicts taking place, we can protect civilian populations, which are now the primary victims of those conflicts. The Council is increasingly concerned about acting on the causes of those conflicts and the elements employed in pursuing them. In terms of the elements, I am thinking in particular of small arms. I think we have reason to embark on the huge task of combating the proliferation of small arms, which cause by far the largest number of victims.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Kenzo Oshima for his very thorough briefing. Sometimes in the Security Council, and indeed outside the Council, people ask about the relevance of these thematic debates. I think we need not ask that question today. This debate is entirely justified. I shall give just one figure to illustrate that fact. During the First World War, between 1914 and 1918, 95 per cent of the victims were soldiers. Today, 95 per cent of the victims of conflict are civilians. There has therefore been a radical change in the situation, which has rightly prompted the Council to discuss the question of how it should react to these new circumstances. Under the Charter, of course, the Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2002-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4492 (2002) · source
“Unfortunately, the outcome of the inter-agency mission that went to several Somali regions between 15 and 23 January has not yet led to this. But it is necessary that security in Mogadishu, in particular, continue to be regularly assessed in the hope that a green light can soon be given to the return of the United Nations, particularly to the capital.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“It is important, first of all, that the Council clearly reaffirms its commitment to certain principles. France unreservedly supports the preparation of a presidential statement that could be adopted this week. Further, the means of making effective the arms embargo imposed in 1992 are being discussed by the sanctions Committee under its new Chairman, the Ambassador of Bulgaria. I will not go into the details, but the stakes are high for a country that is marked by arms proliferation. Significant disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes will also be indispensable. Finally, the Council should stand ready to take decisive steps. France is in favour of sending a peace- building mission to Somalia as soon as the security conditions allow for one.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“The formula of a controlled lifting of the freeze of the frozen assets, proposed by the Somali authorities, should be welcomed. What can the Council do? Several excellent courses of action have been put forward in the Secretary-General's report. The good-offices missions of Mohamed Sahnoun have certainly had a very beneficial impact, particularly on the Khartoum summit. It is necessary to pursue and intensify them. They will usefully complement the daily activities of the Secretary-General's new Representative, Mr. Winston Tubman. The creation of two groups of friends, in Nairobi and New York, is also a step in the right direction. France would be interested in participating, alongside other countries that could help with the settlement and to contribute to the mobilization of the international community. What else can be done?”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“The National Reconciliation Conference, scheduled for the second half of April in Nairobi, should confirm them, provided, however, that the Transitional National Government and all of the Somali parties participate in it without preconditions and provided also that all States of the region confirm their good will. This is one of the messages that the Council should pass on. In the new post-11 September context, it is essential to help Somalia in order to prevent it from becoming a new Afghanistan. It should be done in cooperation with the Somalis. It should be done by limiting negative humanitarian consequences. We can only emphasize from this point of view the very grave consequences of the freeze on the assets of Al- Barakaat.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“A statement will be made later in the meeting by the Permanent Representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union. France fully endorses it. I will therefore limit my statement to a few brief comments. The Security Council was first seized of the situation in Somalia in early 1992, 10 years ago. It has devoted much energy to the Somali crisis and has adopted close to 20 resolutions on the matter. These resolutions have allowed for the deployment of two peacekeeping operations, at the cost of some $2 billion, and ofa multinational force of 37,000 persons. This is no time to give up. France shares the cautious optimism of the Secretary-General. The 9th lntergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Summit opened up new prospects.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“Mr. Levitte (France) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to warmly welcome to this Chamber the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Mr. Yusuf Hassan Ibrahim. I would also like to thank him for the information that he gave us during the closed meeting. Rest assured, Mr. Minister, that it is very useful to us. The Transitional National Government, which emerged from the Arta process, deserves support. As the Secretary-General has said, it is the only viable option. It is also the best guarantee of the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia - a unity and territorial integrity to which the Council constantly reaffirms its commitment. The new Government of Prime Minister Farah should be given every chance. We should respond to this Government's offers to cooperate in the struggle against terrorism.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“I would like to extend our best wishes to Mr. Jacques Paul Klein for his excellent and timely implementation of the UNMIBH mandate to date.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Within the context of restructuring the international civilian presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union will strengthen its role overall in the area of the rule of law, particularly in helping to strengthen the judicial system. This should result in better assimilation of European norms and requirements in the country. Mr. Petritsch, Mr. Klein and Mr. Solana have told us what the international community has been able to achieve in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since Mr. Petritsch comes to the end of his term in a few months, I would like to extend to him our deep gratitude for the success he has been able to achieve. Mr. Paddy Ashdown, who will succeed him as High Representative, will, of course, be able to count on solid support from France as he continues in the work of implementation the Dayton Accords.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source