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  1. Finally, we have expanded work with more regional organizations, developed best practices, and provided an overview of States' implementation of resolution 1624 (2005). Also, it has now become routine to include human rights aspects of States' implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) in the work of the Committee. In conclusion, the CTC, with the support of CTED, has great potential to become a key partner of States in their implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). That will require appropriate guidance to CTED from the Committee, a proactive approach from CTED, as well as due respect for the Committees and, thereby, for CT ED's mandate. Let me now make a couple of observations regarding the Liberia Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003).

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5601 (2006) · source

  2. The Committee has also worked a lot on how to enhance its role as facilitator of technical assistance. 3 That is an area regarding which the Committee is aware that more can and should be done. Personally, I am not pleased that requests from Member States for assistance remain unanswered and that there are so few concrete results to report, as Council members will see in the report of the CTC published today as document S/2006/989. Visits to States have become a regular tool for the Committee. I would like to thank the States that have hosted such visits. I encourage States, in cooperation with CTED, to ensure that visits lead to enhanced implementation, including through setting priorities and ensuring thorough follow-up.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5601 (2006) · source

  3. The reality was that Member States felt less inclined to work with the Committee because it was not clear how the information they provided was used. It appeared as if providing information led only to requests for more information. The Committee has now taken significant steps away from requesting more reports from States. Instead of always asking States to report, the Committee will share with the concerned State its analysis of how far each State has come in its implementation. It is up to States to keep the Committee informed about any new developments. Whatever gaps are identified will be regarded as shortcomings in the implementation until the State has provided documentation to the Committee on how it has taken steps to ensure that gaps are filled.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5601 (2006) · source

  4. I would like to brief the Council as outgoing Chairman of the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) as well as of the Sanctions Committee on Liberia. I took over as Chairman of the CTC at a time when the Committee was just waiting for its new support structure, its Executive Directorate (CTED), to be staffed and to become operational. These new resources gave the Committee enhanced opportunities to achieve more results through the fulfilment of its mandate to monitor and promote implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The measuring stick for evaluating effectiveness has been the degree to which Member States implement the resolution. One of the biggest challenges was to get away from the seemingly endless reporting and towards a stronger focus on implementation.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5601 (2006) · source

  5. We believe that this procedure would significantly improve on the current procedures and hope that the Council will give the proposal due consideration, including when Denmark is no longer a member of the Council. In Denmark's view, improved procedures strengthen our common fight against terrorism and our targeted sanctions. Improved procedures make the sanctions committees more credible and more effective, thus providing all States with a stronger 06-67095 incentive to engage early and actively in the implementation of sanctions. We strongly urge the Security Council to continue its work on ensuring fair and clear procedures for listing and delisting.

    2006-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5599 (2006) · source

  6. Denmark is pleased to have been a sponsor of the resolution just adopted, improving the delisting procedures of all the Security Council sanctions committees. In our assessment, that is the best achievable result at this point in time, and certainly a step in the right direction. Improving the listing and delisting procedures of the sanctions committees in general, and of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) in particular, has been a priority for Denmark since we joined the Security Council in 2005. In October 2005, we put forward a proposal to establish an independent review mechanism that would consider individual petitions for delisting from individuals and entities and make recommendations to the Council.

    2006-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5599 (2006) · source

  7. They are instrumental in the process of national reconciliation that the countries concerned need to go through in order to come to terms with their past and look to the future. Also, after our tenure on the Security Council, we will continue to follow their work with great interest.

    2006-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5594 (2006) · source

  8. There is no question that their legacy deserves and needs to be preserved. We therefore very much encourage all organs of the Tribunals, as well as the Office of Legal Affairs, to intensify their work on this important matter and to engage in early discussion with the Security Council and other interested parties. Secondly, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised in relation to the ability of the Tribunals to keep functioning at full speed until the so- called close of business. We recognize the difficulty of, inter alia, retaining staff under such circumstances, and believe that careful consideration should be given to suggestions about how the Tribunals can address that challenge. The Tribunals continue to contribute significantly to the fight against impunity.

    2006-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5594 (2006) · source

  9. But there is also the matter of agreeing to witness protection and sentencing agreements and of paying assessed contributions in full and on time. I would like now to turn to more novel territory. First, on residual issues, the closer we get to the time when the Tribunals have fulfilled their mandates, the more pressing the need for addressing, in a comprehensive manner, a number of judicial and administrative functions that will not automatically terminate with the conclusion of the last appeal against a judgment. This includes witness protection, enforcement of sentences, the maintenance of and access to archives, and so forth. The impact of the Tribunals reaches far beyond the specific cases under their jurisdiction and far beyond the specific countries concerned.

    2006-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5594 (2006) · source

  10. We will firmly reject all attempts to outlast the Tribunals, and we call on all States harbouring indictees to cooperate fully with the Tribunals in this crucial matter. We would also like to impress on the Tribunals once again that it is critical that they finish their work on time. We welcome the additional steps taken and the results achieved by both Tribunals. It is imperative that this work not be done at the expense of serving justice in strict accordance with international standards. All members of the international community have a large part to play in enabling the Tribunals to finish their work on time. There certainly is the matter of tracking down, apprehending and transferring indictees at large.

    2006-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5594 (2006) · source

  11. I would like to thank the representatives of the two Tribunals for their reports to the Security Council. Denmark has always been and remains a strong supporter of the Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. This is the fourth time during our membership of the Council that we have the opportunity to comment on the work of the Tribunals. In looking back on our three previous statements, I realize with regret that I could have used any one of them again today. We regret that once again we have to insist on the immediate apprehension and transfer of the six indictees at large of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and of the 18 indictees at large of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). That goes for Mladic, Karadzic and Kabuga in particular.

    2006-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5594 (2006) · source

  12. Progress is critical, mainly for the principal parties involved, but equally for the greater region. Over the past summer, we were reminded that conflicts in the greater Middle East region are linked. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the main source of instability in the region, and, as stated by the Secretary-General, without progress on this track, we are not likely to achieve lasting stability in the Middle East.

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

  13. Thirdly, it is essential that all Palestinian factions do their utmost to keep and consolidate the ceasefire and avoid infighting. It is not a solution, but it provides a much- wanted opportunity. With due respect for the desire of the people, I sincerely hope that all parties are ready to make the best of it. At a time when the outlook seemed as grim as ever, the parties succeeded in creating yet another opportunity. All well-intentioned parties must join forces to see if, this time, the peace process can be revived. The parties, the neighbours and the international community, through the Quartet, all must play a part if this moment is to be seized. We agree with the Secretary-General that the Quartet needs to enhance its activities, to play a more active role.

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

  14. Secondly, the Agreement on Movement and Access must be implemented. Thirdly, it is essential that Israel halt new settlements and outposts, which are in contradiction to Security Council resolutions and the Road Map. Finally, Demark continues to recognize Israel's right to defend itself. Israel must ensure that measures to protect Israeli civilians are in accordance with international law. Disproportionate use of force could hamper the achievement of a lasting solution to the conflict. Likewise, the Palestinians must build confidence and become a partner with whom it is possible to build lasting peace. First, the captured Israeli soldier must be released immediately. Secondly, Denmark supports President Abbas's efforts to create a national unity Government that reflects Quartet principles.

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

  15. We encourage the parties to extend the ceasefire to include the West Bank, as suggested by the Secretary-General. Secondly, Prime Minister Olmert's speech on 27 November was a welcome Israeli renewed effort towards a negotiated two-State solution. It also indicated Israel's willingness, among other things, to release prisoners, including ministers and parliamentarians, when the captured Israeli soldier is freed. The challenge is to convert this current opportunity into sustainable change for the better. Both parties must take urgent steps to boost confidence and solve problems that could undermine peace efforts. First, Israel must ease humanitarian conditions for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. One such step is to release the Palestinian tax and customs revenues it is withholding.

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

  16. There is nothing new in that, but, as the Secretary-General also indicates, the longer it takes to reach that goal, the harder it is to reassure people that there is reason to hope, that there is a better future ahead. Therefore, it is essential that the parties, the regional players and the international community rededicate themselves to the goal. The key to success, however, rests with the parties. The international community can help, working with the parties to lay the groundwork for a solution. The Quartet plays a pivotal role in this effort. But success can come only when the parties are committed and ready. To this end, there are, again, encouraging recent developments. First, there is a ceasefire in Gaza. It may be only a first step, but reaching that agreement was not easy.

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

  17. Mr. President, let me begin by thanking you for convening this important debate. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing and report. The complexity of these issues requires that we sometimes take a step back and look at the picture from a distance. The Secretary-General's report and briefing did just that. I will reflect on some of the proposals in the report, while others require more thorough consideration. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for keeping the international community focused on the goal of bringing lasting peace to the Middle East throughout his tenure. Two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within internationally recognized borders - that is the goal.

    2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source

  18. Denmark continues to directly support the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Denmark's decision to comply with a UNAMI request to deploy a C-130 aircraft suitable both for passengers and cargo will be effective shortly. Iraq stands at a crossroads. The international community must remain committed to supporting the Government's efforts to promote national reconciliation and to improve the critical security situation. The extension of the mandate of the Multinational Force for another year, as well as support for the Iraq Compact, form part of the support that is vital to the development of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Iraq.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  19. As mentioned, the launch of the Iraq Compact this summer marks a new departure for international support for the realization of the Iraqi Government's plans for a united, federal and democratic society at peace with its neighbours. Denmark stands ready to contribute to that process. Denmark intends to maintain its presence in Iraq as long as its support is requested by the Iraqi Government and the United Nations and as long as it believes its presence is meaningful. This spring the Danish Parliament decided to extend the mandate of the Danish troops in Iraq until the end of June 2007. Denmark's involvement in Iraq also comprises reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. To date we have committed approximately $90 million. As I mentioned earlier, Denmark supports an expansion of the role of the United Nations in Iraq.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  20. The members of the Multinational Force have long supported the training of the Iraqi security forces, and those efforts are expected to continue. We are pleased to see the increasing capabilities among the Iraqi security forces, which made transfer of security responsibility in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar possible this year. We hope that, with stronger and more confident national forces and with the continued support of the Multinational Force, the level of violence will decrease and the main focus will be on the reconstruction of Iraq. In addition, international support for Iraq's reconstruction in the form of financial assistance and contributions to capacity-building must continue and be sustained.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  21. In particular, regional and international backing can help make the Iraq Compact a success and provide the people of Iraq with a fresh start. At the request of the Iraqi Government, resolution 1723 (2006), adopted on 28 November, renews the mandate of the Multinational Force until the end of 2007. The mandate may be terminated at any time if the Iraqi Government so wishes. The continued presence of the Force is a clear expression of the commitment of the international community to support the Iraqi people. As underlined by the Prime Minister in his letter to the Security Council dated 11 November, security and stability are the responsibility of the Iraqi Government, and the Iraqi security forces will increasingly play a greater role.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  22. We urge the Iraqi Government to do more to ensure the protection of the rights of all Iraqis. The new Iraq must do better than the old Iraq. In his observations, the Secretary-General points to the importance of ensuring a fully inclusive political process focused on reaching out to all communities, as well as sharing the country's resources, with a view to the broader national interest. Secondly, the Government must establish a monopoly on the use of force and address the violence in its many forms, including dealing with the militias. Thirdly, there is a growing need for a regional environment supportive of Iraq's transition. The international community must thus continue its commitment to support Iraq at this critical time. This needs to be done in a variety of ways.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  23. Unfortunately, in this difficult environment the Iraqi Government's efforts to foster national reconciliation, stem the violence and accelerate Iraq's economic development have not met with sufficient success. We remain deeply concerned about the violence perpetrated by the insurgents. The number of human rights violations continues to rise in Iraq in spite of the Government's resolve to promote the protection of human rights and the rule of law. As noted by the Secretary-General, in large areas of Baghdad and in other parts of the country, insurgent and militia activities remain uncontrolled. The number of internally displaced Iraqis is growing and is now estimated at about 450,000. Moreover, reports of mistreatment of detainees at the hands of the Iraqi police and security forces continue.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  24. I, too, would like to thank the Special Representative, Ambassador Qazi, for his statement, as well as Ambassador Sanders for her statement on behalf of the Multinational Force. While the political process in Iraq since 2003 in many ways has been successful, the current situation in Iraq presents a very significant challenge to the international community. As described in the Secretary-General's report, over the last three months the situation in Iraq has further deteriorated in many parts of the country, with a significant rise in sectarian violence, insurgent and terrorist attacks, as well as criminal activities, which are now at an all-time high.

    2006-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5583 (2006) · source

  25. We hope that the initiative on this important issue, presented by France and Greece and supported by the United Kingdom, Slovakia and Denmark, will find general support in the Security Council.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  26. That in turn must lead to prompt and decisive action to alleviate the suffering of the people of Darfur. The reporting and dissemination of news from areas entangled in conflict is often the only hope that 3 the affected populations have of influencing national, regional and international actors to step in and address the situation. Consequently, Denmark is deeply concerned by the alarming increase in attacks against journalists in recent armed conflicts. The continued targeting of journalists, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, is unacceptable and has now reached a level where the Security Council must express its clear condemnation of the situation.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  27. We have a moral and political obligation not to turn our backs on the many civilians who suffer from attacks carried out by, or with the consent of, their own Governments. Whether or not the concept of the responsibility to protect needs further consideration is, as such, irrelevant. Given the lack of action and engagement elsewhere, the basic political commitment not to allow another Rwanda or Srebrenica is the responsibility of all of us, including the Security Council, as well as of other United Nations bodies. In that regard, Denmark welcomes the decision by the Human Rights Council to convene a special session on the human rights situation in Darfur. It is high time that all actors engage in a comprehensive and constructive dialogue on that unacceptable situation.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  28. But it also includes referring violators to international courts, including the International Criminal Court, and using targeted sanctions to deter attacks against civilians, including humanitarian workers, workers for non-governmental organizations and journalists. The Council must overcome its reluctance to fully use those tools if it seriously wishes to move the protection agenda forward. Each individual State has the responsibility to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Unfortunately, in some cases, States manifestly fail to provide the necessary protection - or the perpetrator is the State itself. In situations in which a State embarks on waging war against its own population, the responsibility to protect the civilians affected becomes that of the international community.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  29. Such mandates must be supported with the necessary capacity and practical support, 06-64061 enabling the peacekeeping forces to properly address protection needs on the ground, including by taking firm action against sexual violence and by providing protection to internally displaced persons. The protection of civilians is a multifaceted challenge, and so must our response be. We must put to their best use the relatively limited number of tools available to the Security Council. That includes increasing our capacity to monitor and report on violations against civilians - an effort that is being successfully spearheaded on the issue of children affected by armed conflict.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  30. A comprehensive framework for the protection of civilians already exists, particularly in the large body of international humanitarian law and in the three main Security Council resolutions on the issue. The immediate attention of the Council should therefore be devoted to implementing the protection framework in order to produce real improvements on the ground. Emphasis should be placed on providing more comprehensive peacekeeping by, inter alia, incorporating the protection of civilians into the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations as a central element.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  31. Egeland clearly illustrates, the efforts of the Security Council to maintain peace and security continues to come up short in the global perspective. It follows that the need to protect civilians affected by armed conflict is an ongoing imperative for the Council with no immediate end in sight. For that reason, we cannot continue to approach the question on an almost ad hoc basis. Populations in need must be able to depend on our will to come to their assistance, and perpetrators must be assured that their crimes will not go unpunished. Efforts by the Council and the international community as a whole to protect civilians in situations of conflict must be more predictable, timely and systematic.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  32. Ms. L¢j (Denmark): Mr. President, let me begin by thanking your delegation for convening this meeting on protection of civilians in armed conflicts. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Jan Egeland, for his consistent and unyielding determination to assist the millions of innocent people who have been caught up in the negative consequences of armed conflict. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Furthermore, I would like to fully associate my delegation with the statement to be delivered later in the debate by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. As the statement by Mr.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  33. As we move ahead, we will undoubtedly be faced again and again with the arguments that either it is not proper for the Security Council to focus its attention on the rights of children, which should be dealt with by other United Nations bodies, or that the Security Council should not address the suffering of children in situations that are not on the agenda of the Council. In both cases the criticism surely misses the point. The continued recruitment of child soldiers and the vicious violations and abuses perpetrated against children by parties to armed conflicts are at the heart of our efforts to maintain international peace and security. Much more work needs to be done on this issue, but we have made a promising start. It is now of key importance that we follow through on our promises to children trapped by conflict.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  34. A particular focus for action should be the development of concrete and time- bound action plans to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Finally, the Security Council must reaffirm its willingness to use all of the tools at its disposal and must not shy away from more difficult measures, such as sanctions, the referral of violators to international courts or stronger enforcement of peacekeeping mandates to protect children, if the gravity of the situation calls for them. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the 16 so-called persistent violators that have been named in each of the Secretary- General's annual reports listing parties that use child soldiers.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  35. However, as we work to consolidate and improve our approach to ending abuses against children, it is obvious that further steps need to be taken in the foreseeable future to complete the established framework for child protection. The scope of both the monitoring and reporting mechanism and the Working Group must - as envisaged in resolution 1612 (2005) - be truly thematic in nature and cover all situations of concern, in particular those identified in the two annexes to the annual report of the Secretary-General. Furthermore, the Security Council, in cooperation with the Secretary-General, must reinforce its efforts to engage in dialogue with all parties in armed conflicts that continue to violate the rights of children, so as to ensure an end to such practices.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  36. But we also need to be mindful of the close interlinkage between security and development, and address the underlying root causes to conflicts and their effects on children. Children affected by armed conflict must be provided with real alternatives to war. It is clear to us that, over the past two years, the Council has made a resolute decision to actively engage in the protection of children in armed conflicts. In a much appreciated effort of cooperation between United Nations entities, Governments and civil society, the monitoring and reporting mechanism on children has been established in a number of conflict situations. We fully support and applaud those measures, which are indispensable stepping stones in the process.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  37. In all armed conflicts, children are the most vulnerable group and the first to be exposed to the violence, abuse and negative consequences of the general breakdown in society. However, the fundamental question is whether we - international society - just shrug our shoulders at the inevitability of these violations and turn our backs on the children in need, or whether we acknowledge our responsibility to protect those children. Decisive action to improve the situation for children in armed conflict must make use of all of the relevant tools at our disposal. A solution to the problem can be reached only by taking a comprehensive approach, including legal, political and socio-economic measures. We need to take action against Governments and other parties that recruit or force children to become armed combatants.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  38. As we speak, thousands of children continue to be forcibly recruited to participate in the killings of innocent people, or are being killed themselves. Children are being raped or exposed to other kinds of grave sexual violence. Places where our children should feel safe, such as schools and hospitals, continue to be the targets of deliberate armed attacks and atrocities. The report clearly demonstrates why the issue of children affected by armed conflicts is on the agenda of the Security Council. In the absence of direct and firm international involvement in the solution of this multifaceted problem, brutality and impunity will continue to reign. For most of us, this conclusion is not a surprise.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  39. Let me begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting on children affected by armed conflicts. I would also like to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General, the Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict, the Executive Director of UNICEF and Mr. Oling Olang, representing Save the Children, for their statements and for their dedication to children affected by armed conflict. Let me also associate Denmark with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2006/826) is yet again deeply disturbing reading, and we fully support the recommendations contained therein.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source

  40. And the international community, led by the Quartet, must be willing and able to provide whatever incentives are needed to set the healing process in motion. It is my hope that the Quartet can soon announce when a meeting will take place.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  41. The international community stands ready to support such a government. Israel has a crucial role to play in improving Palestinian economic prospects. The tax and customs revenues now being withheld should be released immediately. Those revenues can be channelled through the temporary international mechanism, which has proved itself valuable in targeting aid directly to the Palestinian people. Moreover, the Agreement on Movement and Access must be implemented fully and immediately. In conclusion, I would re-emphasize that all parties must participate if the peace process is to succeed. Regional players should do everything they can to support efforts that could lead to a resumption of the peace process. Neighbours, including Syria, must play constructive roles.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  42. Increasingly, collapse of the Palestinian Authority and chaos in the territory seem imminent. It is a social, economic and political collapse that is about to become a grim reality. Clashes among Palestinian factions only aggravate the human suffering and desperation. They run counter to the interests of the Palestinian people. Thus, we support President Abbas's attempt to build national unity and to establish a credible Palestinian government with a platform that reflects the principles laid down by the Quartet. A functioning Palestinian government is essential for the governing of the Palestinian territories. It is equally critical as a viable partner for the international community in the efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, to breathe life into the Palestinian economy and to relaunch the peace process.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  43. The disproportionate use of force is contrary to international humanitarian law and tends to defy the very political purpose it is supposed to serve, by fuelling further hatred and conflict. The challenge is to support and strengthen those forces that are committed to a political solution. That is the only way out of the current stalemate of violence. As a first step, the kidnapped Israeli soldier must be released immediately. Likewise, the Palestinian ministers and legislators in Israeli custody must be freed promptly. However, in order to pave the way for lasting progress, we must revive the vision of two independent States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within recognized borders. That vision is a core principle of the Road Map. Certainly, the continued violence is leading us in a wrong and worrisome direction.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  44. Denmark encourages Israel to ensure that short-term measures aimed at improving the security of Israeli civilians are implemented in accordance with international law and that they do not undermine a lasting solution to the conflict. In that regard, it is of great concern that the number of Palestinian civilian deaths is increasing. Denmark condemns the loss of civilian lives resulting from the Israeli military operation in Beit Hanoun. We have noted that Israel has admitted that it was a tragic mistake, and we look forward to the publication of the results of the thorough investigation into that horrific incident. The right of a State to defend itself against terrorist threats does not justify the disproportionate or indiscriminate use of force or action.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  45. When we discussed the latest developments in the Middle East in this Chamber on 9 November 2006 and again on 11 November, I expressed our deep concern about the continuing violence that has led to the increasing and tragic loss of civilian life. The importance of bringing and end to violence cannot be overemphasized. All sides must cease the use of force for political purposes. That requires an immediate halt to the attacks on Israel. The continuing rocket attacks from the Palestinian territory into Israel are unacceptable. They must be condemned, and the Palestinian Government must take action to ensure that such attacks are stopped. At the same time, Israel must halt its military operations that endanger the Palestinian civilian population.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  46. It confirms that it is important that the International Independent Investigation Commission also assist the Lebanese Government in identifying those responsible for attacks other than that which led to the tragic death of former Prime Minister Hariri. Denmark continues to be committed to supporting the legitimate and democratically elected Government under Prime Minister Siniora and his efforts to stabilize the situation in the country. We encourage all Lebanese parties to reach consensus and to resume the process of national dialogue. Denmark aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  47. We did not intend to touch upon the situation in Lebanon in our statement today, since the Council will soon revert to the matter when we take stock of the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). However, today's assassination of the Lebanese Minister for Industry requires that we react. First of all, we reconfirm our condemnation of terrorism and encourage all parties to refrain from using violence as a tool to achieve political goals. The situation in Lebanon is already very fragile. Whoever is responsible for today's assassination is adding to an already tense situation. Such an act is not just a crime that must be condemned; it is also very irresponsible, since it adds to the instability.

    2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source

  48. Over the last months we have seen a deadlock on important issues. We have also seen regrettable rhetoric surface during the election campaign. However, we strongly urge Bosnia and Herzegovina's newly elected leaders to look ahead and to focus on tangible progress for the people, regardless of ethnicity.

    2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source

  49. We appreciate that there is a fine balance between, on the one hand, using the Bonn powers proactively, and on the other hand, ensuring an appropriate gradual transfer of responsibility and political ownership to the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We support the decision of the Peace Implementation Council in June of this year to close the Office of the High Representative by June 2007, subject to review by February 2007. The simultaneous development of the role of the European Union Special Representative is of utmost importance. Denmark remains committed to assist as best we can, as Bosnia and Herzegovina and indeed the whole Western Balkan region further develops democracy and stability. In this regard, we lend our full support to the High Representative, Dr. Schwarz-Schilling, and the approach he has outlined.

    2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source

  50. There has been progress in both of these areas, but constitutional reform has been stalled since April 2006 and the police reform of October 2005 has not been implemented. It is our hope that the elections and the formation of a new Government will break the deadlock and pave the way for implementation of the reforms. If reforms are implemented and if full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is ensured, it will hopefully contribute to new momentum and allow the conclusion of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. Thirdly, we support the approach taken by the High Representative to restrict the use of the Bonn powers to the extent possible, thus allowing the local authorities the greatest degree of responsibility and ownership.

    2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source