YouSaid · the spoken record

Liu Zhenmin

lines on the record: 686
first: 2006-06-28
most recent: 2010-03-04
sittings or episodes: 119
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 considering various situations in West Africa, the Security Council should probe the root causes of turmoil and conflict and should avoid addressing those problems in an isolated and fragmented manner. Meanwhile, the Security Council should take into account the special concerns of our African brethren and should exercise caution when applying sanctions in order to avoid a negative impact on the peace process. Thirdly, the Peacebuilding Commission, which has attracted mounting interest and expectations from all sides since its establishment, has opened a new forum for discussing and responding to the peaceful reconstruction of West Africa.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Secondly, agencies of the United Nations system, including international financial institutions, as well as regional and subregional organizations, have much to do in consolidating peace in the West African region. They should assist the countries concerned with their reconstruction by doing what they do best, such as providing financial assistance or professional support. The unique roles played in recent years by organizations such as the African Union and ECOWAS show an admirable attempt at united self-reliance by African countries. China supports further efforts on their part and hopes that they can build their capacity in order to play a more significant role in promoting peace and development in the West African region.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Post-war reconstruction should be carried out with both short- term and long-term objectives in View, so that the vast majority of the population can benefit from the peace dividend as peace is further consolidated through a process of development. While the international community can provide assistance and support, the key issue here remains the efforts of the Governments of the countries concerned, which should act with a sense of ownership in the process. Assistance from the international community should not replace their work. Efforts should also be made to avoid rigid application of external models. Countries concerned should also fully cooperate with one another to address cross- border and other issues of common concern.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“The top priority at 06-4607] present is to continue consolidating the hard-won peace and to prevent the achievements already gained from being squandered, while at the same time steadily exploring effective ways for West African countries to achieve development. I would like to emphasize the following points in that regard. First, we support the formulation of a comprehensive strategy for peace consolidation in West African countries, starting from the perspective of the region itself. Post-war reconstruction is a tremendous endeavour, and the countries concerned should develop systematic plans, including in the areas of national reconciliation, institution-building, security-sector reform, the resettlement of ex-combatants, economic recovery and youth employment, while making every effort to maintain internal stability.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Serious problems remain, such as the proliferation of illicit small arms and the use of child soldiers and mercenaries. Programmes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration into society, as well as security-sector reform, are facing funding shortages. Meanwhile, depressed economic prospects, high youth unemployment and the existence of large numbers of refugees continue to be serious social problems. In addition, the humanitarian situation in some areas provides no cause for optimism. The West African region still faces numerous challenges on the way to genuinely sustainable development.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Cote d'Ivoire is actively engaged in preparing for the general election planned for October of this year, which will mark a critical juncture in its peace process. The improvement of the internal situations of those countries provides favourable conditions for resolving the intricate issues of West Africa and will have a positive impact on the overall stability and development of the region. We commend the United Nations system, ECOWAS, the African Union and other relevant international organizations for playing an important role in that regard. In spite of the achievements I have described, the current stability in those conflict situations is still extremely fragile, and numerous examples show that they could relapse into turmoil.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Mr. Liu Zhenmin (China) (spoke in Chinese): I wish at the outset, Sir, to welcome you and to thank you for coming to New York to preside over today's meeting. We are grateful also to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his presence at our meeting. I wish further to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their briefings. In recent years, the Security Council has actively considered various conflict situations and cross-border issues in the West African region. The majority of the countries in the region, such as Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau, have attained basic stability and embarked on the right track, that of post-conflict reconstruction.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“China will, as always, continue its efforts to help to maintain world and regional peace and stability, safeguard and strengthen the international non-proliferation mechanism and enhance political and diplomatic efforts for the solution of the Iran nuclear issue.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“We also wish to call upon all the other parties to adopt a highly responsible attitude towards world peace, security and stability and the international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, and to remain confident and calm, practice restraint, explore new ways of thinking and continue to creatively carry out diplomatic efforts for the settlement of the Iran nuclear issue. We welcome any ideas and efforts conducive to conducting talks, breaking the stalemate and reaching compromises. During this sensitive period, it is essential for Iran and all the other parties concerned not to take any steps that will harm the aforementioned diplomatic efforts and that may lead to complications or even loss of control. We call upon all the parties to resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible for the proper solution of the Iran nuclear issue.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“The solution requires all- around diplomatic efforts; any measures adopted by the Security Council should serve the purpose of diplomatic efforts. According to Article 25 of the United Nations Charter, all United Nations Member States are obliged to accept and carry out Security Council resolutions. In the current circumstances, China urges Iran to practice restraint, attach importance to the extensive appeals and expectations of the international community, earnestly implement the requirements of this resolution and make early response to the package of proposals, so as to create conditions for increasing trust and promoting dialogue and negotiations.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“It also emphasizes that these proposals constitute an important effort for a comprehensive arrangement which would allow for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation based on mutual respect and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. The fact that an appropriate solution to the Iran nuclear issue is late in coming is due to lack of trust among the main parties involved. It needs to be emphasized that, whether it is now or in the future, the Security Council cannot handle this issue single- handedly. Dialogue and negotiations are the only way out. The IAEA should always be the main mechanism for dealing with this issue.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“On the other hand, in the event that Iran fulfils the aforementioned obligation and returns to the negotiations table, it will not be necessary for the Security Council to adopt additional measures. This resolution stresses in many of its paragraphs the importance of finding a negotiated solution through political and diplomatic efforts. It underlines the irreplaceable key role of the IAEA in handling this issue. It endorses the package of proposals put forward by China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States in early June.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“In line with that purpose, the Security Council issued a Presidential statement on 29 March 2006 (S/PRST/2006/ 15) and has just adopted a resolution. Regrettably, the Iranian side has yet to respond positively to the requests of the IAEA Board of Governors and the calls of the Security Council. The resolution adopted today explicitly demands that Iran suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. It has expressed the intention that, in the event that Iran fails to comply with the resolution, the Security Council will work to adopt appropriate measures under Article 41 of the United Nations Charter to persuade Iran to comply with the resolution and the requirements of the IAEA.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“Mr. Liu Zhenmin (China) (spoke in Chinese): Since the beginning of this year, the Iran nuclear issue has attracted increasing international attention. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conveyed to the Security Council a number of reports and resolutions related to the Iran nuclear issue. China has all along indicated that purpose of the Security Council reviewing this issue is to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, strengthen the authority and role of the IAEA, support the endeavours of the IAEA Director General and his team to clarify the outstanding issues relating to Iran's nuclear programme, promote diplomatic efforts and resolutely commit itself to finding an appropriate solution to this issue through political and diplomatic means.”
2006-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5500 (2006) · source
“The international community, while facilitating post-conflict reconstruction, should give priority to resolving such issues as the return of children to their families, to schools and to their society, and provide adequate resources to that end. The protection of children has always been a focus of the work of the Government of China, which ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict as early as 2002. We call on additional countries to accede to the Protocol, and we hope that the Protocol's provisions concerning the age limit for conscription will be observed. China hopes that, with the efforts of all parties, a favourable environment will be created for children all over the world so that they can live and grow up and enjoy a bright future.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“China believes that all parties concerned should strengthen their coordination and cooperation to provide concerted assistance to the countries involved to build up their capacity to protect children. In addition, certain civil society organizations and humanitarian organizations have also participated in numerous efforts to protect children, sometimes operating in very dangerous environments. We would like to recognize their hard work, and we hope that they will abide by the principles of justice, neutrality and humanitarianism in helping to advance local peace processes. Lastly, China once again urges the parties to all armed conflicts to genuinely discharge their responsibilities to respect and protect the rights of children.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“China expects the Working Group, through cooperation and constructive discussion, to utilize its expertise in this area and put forward effective suggestions on the protection of children in armed conflict. Fourthly, the protection of children in armed conflict is an endeavour on a large scale that calls for the collective efforts of all parties concerned. China appreciates the work done by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, including the cooperation she has engaged in with the Governments concerned. At the same time, the United Nations specialized agencies, including UNICEF, and the Resident Offices of the United Nations system also have important responsibilities of their own in this field.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Since its establishment in accordance with resolution 1612 (2005) more than a year ago, some progress has been made in the functioning of the mechanism. We hope that the Security Council can analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the mechanism so that improvements can be made in the next stage of its work. The primary objective of the mechanism is to collect information. It is up to the Working Group to discuss and agree on specific actions. Under the coordination of the French chairmanship, the Working Group has carried out activities over the past year. Consensus has been reached on such areas as the terms of reference and the programme of work. Substantive work has already begun.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Therefore, it is imperative to cooperate with the Governments concerned in using the monitoring and reporting mechanism to collect information and carry out work on the ground in a concerted effort to avoid harming children in armed conflict. At present, many national Governments in conflict situations have adopted various strategies and plans prohibiting the recruitment of child soldiers and protecting children affected by armed conflict. All these factors should be taken into consideration when carrying out international cooperation in this field. Thirdly, the work of the monitoring and reporting mechanism of the Security Council on children and armed conflict and that of the Working Group should be further improved and enhanced.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Only when various groups, including children and civilians, enjoy a more secure living environment will it be possible to avoid many tragedies at their source. Secondly, when dealing with the issue of children and armed conflict, we should always respect and support the role played by the Governments of the countries concerned. In its third paragraph, resolution 1612 (2005) stresses "the primary role of national Governments in providing effective protection and relief to all children affected by armed conflicts". The operative part of that resolution also makes repeated reference to the important role of the Governments of the countries concerned. Conflict situations have their own specificities and complex causes.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Stemming and reducing armed conflicts at their source would protect children by creating the objective conditions for peace. The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and no existing mechanism can replace it. As a vulnerable group, children are most susceptible to being harmed in various ways in any outbreak of armed conflict. The Security Council should therefore seek to resolve conflicts and take effective measures within its mandate to reduce the number of armed conflicts. At the same time, the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations should be strengthened in an effort to improve the humanitarian situation in conflict areas.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Some peace agreements concluded with the facilitation and participation of the United Nations also include provisions for protecting children. Countries concerned have taken action to provide guarantees for the protection of children through legislation. To a certain extent, such measures have reduced the harm that armed conflict inflicts on children and are commendable. China is deeply concerned that armed conflict in various regions of the world causes harm to children. We support all efforts made by the United Nations, including the Security Council, to promote the protection of children in armed conflict. In that regard, I wish to emphasize the following points. First, the Security Council should step up its efforts to prevent conflict and maintain peace.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“All countries and parties have the obligation to do their utmost to protect children from being harmed in armed conflict. In recent years, the United Nations has taken a number of measures to promote the protection of children in armed conflict, and positive results have been achieved. Over the past seven years, the Security Council has adopted six consecutive resolutions that provide a comparatively sound framework for the protection of children in armed conflict. Treating the protection of children as an important aspect of their operations, some United Nations peacekeeping missions have given full consideration to the special needs of children in helping host countries in their disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Some are killed in merciless wars; others are forced into armed conflicts as a means of waging war; still others are kidnapped or subject to various forms of physical abuse. Such children rightfully belong in classrooms, studying and acquiring knowledge. Instead, they have become victims of armed conflicts. Of particular note is that the recent sudden escalation of the conflict between Lebanon and Israel has resulted in the deaths of many children in aerial and artillery bombardments, which is shocking to us. We strongly appeal to the parties concerned to abide strictly by international humanitarian law; to avoid hurting the innocent, particularly children; and to provide every facility and help for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“Mr. Liu Zhenmin (China) (spoke in Chinese): At the outset, the Chinese delegation would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Coomaraswamy; the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Veneman; the representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Melkert; and the World Bank representative, Mr. Bannon, for their briefings. Children are the future and the hope of mankind. The safety, survival and development of children are prerequisites for human progress and have a direct bearing on the future and destiny of a nation and its citizens. However, it is regrettable that, at present, children in more than 30 countries around the world are being harmed in various ways by armed conflicts.”
2006-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5494 (2006) · source
“The damage to the countries of the Middle East brought about by this crisis is enormous. Its impact on the Middle East peace process will also be long-lasting. The bloody lessons once again demonstrate that hatred and violence cannot bring about peace. They also again highlight the importance of reaching a comprehensive settlement to the crisis in the Middle East. Yesterday, Secretary-General Annan proposed a package of elements to resolve the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, which we believe can serve as a good basis. China is ready to join others to continue to improve and develop the proposals in order to create political conditions for an early end to the current crisis.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493 (2006) · source
“We also urge all the parties concerned to honour their commitments to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel. The Charter of the United Nations entrusts the Security Council with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The international community and the people of the Middle East have closely watched each and every move of the Security Council since the outbreak of the crisis there, in the expectation that the Council would promptly take effective measures to help to defuse the crisis. At this critical juncture, we hope that the Security Council will be able to live up to their expectations and react as soon as possible in order to send a strong message in a single voice.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493 (2006) · source
“20 The Secretary-General's briefing yesterday and the two briefings we heard this morning were indeed appalling. Mr. Siniora, Lebanon's Prime Minister, painfully warned us that Lebanon has been torn to shreds. Heads of State and Government gathered here at the United Nations last year and produced the Outcome document, which calls for the protection of civilians. Yet today we are witnessing the deaths of many civilians in bombardments and artillery shelling, as well as the fleeing of countless refugees from their homes and livelihoods. We once again strongly appeal to all the parties concerned to abide strictly by international humanitarian law, to avoid hurting innocent civilians and to provide access and assistance in the delivery of humanitarian aid.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493 (2006) · source
“Thirdly, all the parties concerned should provide access and extend assistance in the delivery of international humanitarian relief, as well as ensure the safety and security of all United Nations personnel and of relief workers. Fourthly, the international community should step up its efforts and diplomatic good offices to create conditions for a ceasefire. In that regard, we appreciate the efforts by Secretary-General Annan and his special team led by Mr. Nambiar. We support the United Nations continuing to play a significant role in that regard. Fifthly, the Security Council should react as soon as possible to defuse the crisis in the Middle East, in order to discharge is special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493 (2006) · source
“Once-quiet cities are now in ruins. The scenes of devastation and of the misery and suffering of victims are deeply harrowing and disturbing. China has made its position clear since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East. First, China is opposed to any action that may destabilize the Middle East. We condemn the attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. We call upon all parties to the conflict immediately to cease all hostilities. Secondly, China urges all the parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid harming civilians and to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493 (2006) · source
“Mr. Liu Zhenmin (China) (spoke in Chinese): The Chinese delegation would like to thank Mr. Nambiar, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, and Under-Secretary-General Egeland for their briefings this morning. In recent weeks the Security Council has been seized of the worsening situation in the Middle East. The Council convened an emergency public meeting at the end of last month to consider the situation between Israel and Palestine. A week ago, in this very Chamber, we discussed the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. We are gathered here once again today. However, the crisis in the Middle East continues to show no sign of casing. The Gaza Strip in Palestine and the south of Lebanon and Lebanon's capital, Beirut, are engulfed in the flames and smoke of war, while some cities in Israel are still under rocket attack.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493 (2006) · source
“In that role, the Security Council cannot and should not replace the General Assembly. Finally, we hope that our work on the protection of civilians in armed conflict will be based on resolutions such as resolution 1674 (2006), take into account the specific characteristics and circumstances of each conflict and seek to gradually achieve fruitful results in the implementation of those resolutions on the ground.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“It is only by addressing the root causes of armed conflicts that we can create better living conditions for civilians. The recently established 9 Peacebuilding Commission can play a special role in that area. Thirdly, resolution 1674 (2006) reaffirmed a principle expressed in the outcome document of last year's summit (General Assembly resolution 60/ 1): the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. China believes that that is not the same as the simple concept of the responsibility to protect, about which many countries continue to have concerns. The outcome document elaborated extensively on that concept. In-depth discussion of the issue should continue in the General Assembly so that differing opinions can be heard and doubts cleared up.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“However, at the same time, they should strictly abide by the principles of justice, neutrality, objectivity and independence in their activities in order to avoid becoming involved in internal disputes and complicating the security situation and the political process on the ground. Secondly, the Security Council, when it carries out its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, should strengthen its efforts to prevent or resolve armed conflict and address the issue of protecting civilians by addressing the root causes. Civilians, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups, always bear the brunt of conflict. When faced with a sudden eruption of violence and conflict, they have no guarantee of safety or dignity. In addition, it is difficult to ensure that remedial measures are immediately effective.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“It is imperative that they be implemented. Here, I would like to briefly emphasize the following points. First, efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict must not deviate from the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the provisions of relevant international law. The primary responsibility to protect civilians lies, first, with the Governments concerned. The international community and other parties, while providing support and assistance, should not undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries concerned. Humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations have often provided assistance in extremely dangerous conditions and should be highly commended.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source
“Mr. Liu Zhenmin (China) (spoke in Chinese): I wish at the outset to thank Under-Secretary-General Egeland for his briefing. We appreciate the enormous efforts made by the United Nations agencies over the years in the field of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. In recent years, the Security Council has paid increasing attention to the protection of civilians, and many resolutions and presidential statements have been adopted on that theme. A legal framework on the issue has been established that sets out specific requirements with regard to the actions of the parties concerned. The recently adopted Security Council resolution 1674 (2006) sets out the latest provisions guiding activities in this field. However, against the backdrop of a harsh reality, such achievements on paper are far from sufficient.”
2006-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5476 (2006) · source