YouSaid · the spoken record

Mahbubani

lines on the record: 1,011
first: 1999-09-11
most recent: 2004-05-10
sittings or episodes: 106
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

“Building a lasting peace after a sustained and painful conflict is an inherently difficult exercise. We are human; we find it difficult to forgive and to live in peace once again with neighbours who may have brought pain and tragedy into our lives. Here again I believe that the Secretary-General also referred to the difficulties of healing the scars of wars when he spoke earlier today. Given the difficulty of such work, Singapore tried to make a modest contribution in this field by organizing a conference in Singapore in November 1999 called "The Nexus Between Peacekeeping and Peace-building". This conference was organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the Institute of Policy Studies of Singapore and the Japan Institute ofInternational Affairs.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“During the third and final stage, the country or territory can - if the first two stages have been successful - return to nation- building on its own two feet, with the usual help of the development community. Here again, Cambodia and Mozambique provide the best examples of relatively successful nation-building after the end of United Nations peace-building. One clear reason for introducing such conceptual clarity is to remove the misconception, which surfaced in some recent debates, that the United Nations is overstepping its mandate when it goes into peace- building. At the conceptual level, we may be able to introduce some clarity to the term "peace-building". At the operational level, however, peace-building can be both messy and difficult.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“To obtain some conceptual clarity, it may be useful to make a distinction between what we have called three distinct stages of work. During the first stage, after a conflict has torn apart a territory or country and there is a desire to re- establish peace with the help of the international community, the United Nations gets a mandate to set up a peacekeeping operation. During the second stage, to ensure that the peace takes permanent root, a peace- building component is inserted. Here again, while East Timor and Kosovo are relatively large operations, we should not rule out the possibility of small-scale operations. For example, the current peace-building work being done in the Central African Republic continues to be important.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“" Today, the best active examples are the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). In these large peacekeeping operations, the United Nations provides an interim civil administration, in addition to a comprehensive peace-building package, which involves establishing entire social systems and governmental institutions from scratch. These are no easy tasks. The best historical precedent for such large- scale operations may have been the work carried out under the Marshall Plan after the Second World War. Despite the Vivid examples of East Timor and Kosovo, there continues to be confusion about the term "peace-building".”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“Kofi Annan, in his 1997 report (A/Sl/950) entitled "Renewing the United Nations: a programme for reform". Paragraph 120 of that report states: "Peace-building may involve the creation or strengthening of national institutions; the monitoring of elections; the promotion of human rights; the provision of reintegration and rehabilitation programmes; and the creation of conditions for resumed development. Peace- building does not replace ongoing humanitarian and development activities in countries emerging from crises. Rather it aims to build on them and introduce further activities or reorientation of existing ones which reduce the risk of a resumption of conflict and contribute to creating conditions most conducive to reconciliation, reconstruction and recovery.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“We should like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely and important debate, as well as for circulating a very useful background paper on the subject of peace- building. I, like my colleagues, would like to welcome the Secretary-General, who by his presence here demonstrates the importance of the subject that we are discussing. Just 10 years ago, if we had tried to hold such an open debate, the members of the United Nations community would have been puzzled. The concept of peace-building had not fully surfaced at that time. But in the past decade, after major United Nations operations in Cambodia, Mozambique, East Timor and Kosovo, we do seem to know what peace-building refers to. In our View, the best single definition of the term was provided by the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo stands at a critical crossroads today. Let us not underestimate the enormous challenges that lie ahead. President Kabila not only has to contend with crippling colonial and cold-war legacies, but he must now also confront a complex political and military equation. He has undertaken the responsibility of leading the Government and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo towards national reconciliation, peace, stability and development. We assure him of our full support in working towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The risks are great, but so are the rewards.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“There can be no peace as long as foreign forces remain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and we therefore strongly support the call made here a few minutes ago by the Secretary-General for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. The search for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also part of a wider goal - the search for peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. We would therefore encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, under the stewardship of President Kabila, to continue the process of rapprochement with the Government of Burundi initiated by the late President Laurent Kabila at Libreville. Clearly, the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is linked to the peace and stability ofthe entire region.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“The dialogue is a key element of the Lusaka Agreement, as indeed has been emphasized by so many speakers this afternoon, and we believe that, if successfully carried out, it can significantly change the political climate in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. At the same time, the push for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be part of a collective effort. MONUC's deployment remains contingent on the disengagement of all foreign troops. All the parties must adhere fully to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, as well as to the Kampala, Maputo and Harare disengagement sub-plans. We urge swift implementation of all Council resolutions, particularly resolutions 1304 (2000) and 1332 (2000).”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“We are therefore encouraged to hear President Joseph Kabila say that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will extend its full cooperation to the United Nations. The United Nations, in turn, stands also ready to extend its full cooperation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But for this cooperation to take place, it is essential for the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take several concrete steps. Here again, the steps are spelled out in my text. I will not read them out, but I would like to emphasize the fifth point, in which we encourage President Kabila and his Government to cooperate fully with the neutral Facilitator in the inter-Congolese dialogue.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“Clearly, the issue of the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains one of the most complex and challenging crises facing the international community, and we have not heard much good news on this front. The bad news is contained in my text. I will not read it out, but I do want to say that, despite all these setbacks, we believe that we now have a window of opportunity to relaunch the peace process. We hope that today's dialogue with President Kabila, under the presidency of Tunisia, will mark the start of a new process to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to bring peace to the region. Later this month, the Security Council will have another occasion to meet with the members of the Political Committee and to resume the useful and productive dialogue initiated last June under the presidency of France.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“Given the lateness of the hour, please allow me to quickly but warmly congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Council, and to say that the Council is in very good hands this month. Like the delegation of the United States, we are delighted to see a powerful constellation of Tunisian diplomats in this Chamber today. I should also like to warmly welcome President Joseph Kabila and thank him for his statement. I should also like to thank him and you, Mr. President, as well as all of our other colleagues, for the warm compliments they paid to Singapore for its presidency last month. I should also like to convey my deepest condolences to President Kabila for the tragic death of the late President Laurent-Desire Kabila.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“"As a first step, the Working Group is tasked to undertake an in-depth consideration of, inter alia, all the proposals made in the course of the Council's public meeting on 16 January 2001, including ways to improve the three-way relationship between the Council, the troop- contributing countries and the Secretariat, and to report to the Council by 30 April 2001. An indicative list of all the ideas and proposals arising from the meeting on 16 January 2001 will be forwarded to the Working Group for its consideration." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2001/3. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.50 pm.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“The Working Group will address both generic peacekeeping issues relevant to the responsibilities ofthe Council, and technical aspects of individual peacekeeping operations without prejudice to the competence of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. Where appropriate, the Working Group will seek the views of the troop- contributing countries, including through meetings between the Working Group and the troop-contributing countries, with a view to their views being taken into account by the Council.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“"The Security Council reiterates that the problem of the commitment gap with regard to personnel and equipment for peacekeeping operations requires the assumption by all Member States of the shared responsibility to support United Nations peacekeeping. "The Security Council acknowledges that the delay in reimbursement causes severe budgetary constraints to troop-contributing countries. It urges all Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time, so that peacekeeping operations can stand on a solid financial basis. "The Security Council decides to establish a Working Group of the whole on United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Working Group will not replace the private meetings with the troop-contributing countries.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“"The Security Council encourages the Secretary-General to continue his efforts to improve coordination and cooperation on peacekeeping issues within the United Nations system and the Secretariat. "The Security Council encourages the Secretary-General to raise public awareness globally of the positive contribution of peacekeeping operations and the role played by peacekeepers from various troop-contributing countries. "The Security Council acknowledges that the Secretariat must be able to rely on sufficient human and financial resources to respond to the demands placed on it. It underlines the importance of follow-up to the report of the Panel on Peace Operations (S/2000/809) with a View to strengthening the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other relevant departments of the Secretariat involved in peacekeeping.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“"The Security Council will seek to ensure that all private meetings as provided for in resolution 1327 (2000) between members of the Council, the troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat are substantive, representative, meaningful and provide for a full exchange of views. The Council stresses the importance of full participation by all those involved and encourages troop-contributing countries to take the initiative to call for meaningful exchanges of information. The President of the Council will provide, where appropriate, a detailed report of consultations with the troop-contributing countries to the Council. "The Security Council stresses the usefulness of full and comprehensive briefings by the Secretariat at private meetings with the troop- contributing countries, including, where appropriate, military factors.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“"Recognizing that the experience and expertise of troop-contributing countries in theatres of operation can greatly assist the planning process, the Security Council reiterates its agreement to hold consultations with troop- contributing countries in a timely manner at different stages of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, in particular when the Secretary- General has identified potential troop- contributing countries for a new or ongoing peacekeeping operation, during the implementation phase of an operation, when considering a change to, or renewal of, or completion ofa peacekeeping mandate, or when a rapid deterioration in the situation on the ground threatens the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“The Council takes note of the views expressed at its debate on the subject cStrengthening cooperation with troop- contributing countries' at its 4257th meeting on 16 January 2001. The Council recognizes the scope for further improvement in its relations with troop-contributing countries and the need to work together with a common purpose towards shared goals. "The Security Council recognizes that, in View of the increasing complexity of peacekeeping operations, there is a need for a transparent three-way relationship between the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop- contributing countries that will foster a new spirit of partnership, cooperation and confidence.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“The Security Council will now resume its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf ofthe Council: "The Security Council has given further consideration to the question of strengthening cooperation between the Council, the troop- contributing countries and the Secretariat. In this connection, the Council stresses the importance of full implementation of provisions of resolution 1327 (2000) of 13 November 2000 and in the statements of its President of 28 March 1996 (S/PRST/l996/l3) and 3 May 1994 (S/PRST/l994/22).”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4270 (2001) · source
“I thank the representative of Georgia for his kind words addressed to me. It is my understanding that the Security Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution (S/2001/93) before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by a Show ofhands. Infavour: Bangladesh, China, Colombia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Mali, Mauritius, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1339 (2001). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.40 pm.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4269 (2001) · source
“Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General concerning the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, document S/200l/59. Members of the Council also have before them document S/2001/93, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. I should like to draw the attention ofthe members ofthe Council to document S/200l/89, which contains the text of a letter dated 29 January 2001 from Georgia. I give the floor to the representative of Georgia.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4269 (2001) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Georgia, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 ofthe Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Chkheidze (Georgia) took a seat at the Council table. The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4269 (2001) · source
“Infavour: Bangladesh, China, Colombia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Mali, Mauritius, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1338 (2001). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 1.35pm.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4268 (2001) · source
“The Security Council will now resume its consideration ofthe item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2001/92, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by a Show ofhands.”
2001-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4268 (2001) · source
“Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution (S/2001/87) to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by Show ofhands. Infavour: Bangladesh, China, Colombia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Mali, Mauritius, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1337 (2001). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 10.20 am.”
2001-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4267 (2001) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration ofthe item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for the period from 18 July 2000 to 18 January 2001, document S/2001/66, and the letter dated 5 January 2001 from Lebanon, document S/2001/l4. Members of the Council also have before them document S/2001/87, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. I should like to draw the attention ofthe members of the Council to document S/2001/55, letter dated 17 January 2001 from Israel. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to vote on the draft resolution before it.”
2001-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4267 (2001) · source
“Since we were not inscribed to speak, we were unable immediately to convey our gratitude, but I wish to convey to you, and through you to all the members of the Security Council and to the other representatives who spoke in the Council today, our gratitude for the solidarity and the sympathy that they had expressed in their statements. Regards. "Yours sincerely, Kamalesh Sharma" The meeting rose at 7.20pm.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Vieira de Mello for his comprehensive responses, congratulate him on the tremendous stamina he has shown and also thank him for the kinds remarks he has made about me and my delegation. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. However, before adjourning the meeting, please let me read a letter I have just received from the Permanent Representative of India: "Dear Kishore, "I am writing to you in your capacity as President of the Security Council. I understand that at the open meeting of the Security Council today on East Timor all speakers offered their sympathies to my Government over the loss of life in the earthquake in Gujarat.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank the representative of Indonesia for his kind words addressed to me and my delegation. I give the floor to Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello to respond to the comments and questions that have been raised.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank the representative of Mozambique for his kind words addressed to me. The last speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Indonesia. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank the representative of the Philippines for his kind words addressed to me and to my delegation. The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Mozambique, whom I invite to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of the Philippines. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank Mr. Jose' Ramos-Horta for his remarks and I wish him a safe journey to his next destination. The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of the Republic of Korea. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank the representative of Fiji for the kind words he addressed to me. Before I give the floor to the next speaker, I would like to note here that Jose' Ramos-Horta has asked to say a few words. He has to catch a plane this evening, and as we all know, getting to Kennedy Airport on Friday evening can be very, very difficult. So I will give him a chance to speak before leaving for the airport.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I thank the representative of Brazil for her kind words addressed to me. The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Fiji. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Brazil. I invite her to take a seat at the Council table and to make her statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Chile. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Sweden, whom I invite to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Japan. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of New Zealand. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“With sufficient will and commitment, the United Nations and the Security Council can turn and rebuild a devastated and conflict-ravaged society and guide its child towards becoming a peaceful, stable and productive member of the international community and the United Nations. I now resume my function as President of the Security Council. The next speaker inscribed on my list is the representative of Australia. I invite her to take a seat at the Council table and to make her statement. I also wish her a happy Australia Day.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Bilaterally, we have prepared a comprehensive technical assistance package to assist East Timor in all aspects of rebuilding its society. We are committed, within our abilities and resources, to continuing to support the international effort to help East Timor get back on its feet. United Nations peacekeeping has seen its fair share of successes and failures. East Timor and UNTAET present a unique opportunity for the United Nations to show its ability to draw on the lessons learnt from past experiences to make it one of the most successful peacekeeping operations in United Nations history. The challenges facing East Timor and the commitment displayed by the East Timorese people are clear.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“On this, we strongly support the Secretary- General's assessment that East Timor will still require substantial international support after independence. The President of the General Assembly, in his recent visit to East Timor, also pledged his continued support to UNTAET's efforts in rebuilding the country. The Council's own mission to East Timor also returned to New York in November 2000 with the View that a strong international presence would be required in post-independence East Timor. We find the same conclusions drawn in our own consultations with the East Timorese and the Indonesian Government. Singapore has contributed actively to the international and United Nations efforts in East Timor right from the start. We have sent our troops, doctors and civilian police to participate in the International Force in East Timor and UNTAET.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“East Timor's interest would be best served by the full engagement of the international community in the rehabilitation and development of East Timor, even after its independence. Much of what UNTAET has achieved would not have been possible without the resources and political support extended to it by the United Nations and by the international community. We cannot expect an independent East Timor to manage all of its problems on its own. None of the regional countries, including Australia and New Zealand, nor the Association of South-East Asian Nations have all the necessary expertise and capabilities to deal with East Timor's enormous needs. The United Nations and the international community therefore have an important responsibility and obligation to East Timor to remain engaged, even after independence.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Before I do, however, let me note that, when he spoke an hour or two ago, Ambassador Levitte also reminded us of the debate on "no exit Without strategy". In November, Ambassador Chowdhury said: "the parameters for the conclusion [of a peacekeeping operation] should include an objective assessment of a given situation in the medium- to long-term perspective. Such an assessment should take into consideration the political, military, humanitarian and human rights aspects and the regional dimension". (S/PV4223, p~ 8) These are important considerations which we should always bear in mind. Attaining independence is the easy part. It is more difficult to be successful at it.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are of the view that, with good will and understanding between the newly independent East Timor and its larger neighbour Indonesia, these issues can be resolved amicably. Cooperation between them will usher in a period of peace and stability for East Timor and Indonesia and also contribute to stability in the South-East Asian region. It is therefore vital that the United Nations take a long-term perspective on this issue and, as in all other issues that the Security Council considers - for example, Kosovo and the conflicts in West Africa - also recognize the regional context. I wish to quote the statement made by Ambassador Chowdhury to the Security Council on 15 November 2000 on "No exit without strategy".”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“A decision taken under these circumstances was bound to be controversial, but East Timor's independence is now an irrevocable fact. But it is also a fact that Indonesia's transition is still ongoing. We cannot ignore either fact. A volatile East Timor could set back Indonesia's efforts to return to normalcy. Political uncertainty and instability in Indonesia would in turn have far-reaching implications for the rest of the region and East Timor's future. However, both Indonesia and East Timor have spoken of reconciliation, notwithstanding the fact that there are still a number of outstanding issues to be resolved. In this regard, we welcome the positive expressions of good will towards Indonesia made by Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta when he spoke here this morning.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is often easy for us, sitting in the Security Council here in New York, to take a clinical View of half an island at the far end of the earth. But let me be clear about the stakes that East Timor poses for the region. The issue is not just the fate of East Timor and the East Timorese, but that of the entire South-East Asian region. East Timor's future is intimately tied to that of Indonesia- a large, diverse and complex country spanning the breadth of South-East Asia, with over 17,000 islands and 210 million people. Indonesia's fate is indistinguishable from that of the region. East Timor achieved independence at a time when Indonesia was undergoing a profound political and economic transition. Its independence was a consequence of the wrenching transformations that Indonesia was itself experiencing.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The ongoing trials in Dili and Jakarta of suspected militia members and leaders will also help to ensure that justice is served. Being a relatively young country, Singapore knows from our very own experience that a stable and lasting foundation for a country cannot be built overnight. The Security Council must therefore send a strong message of political support and engagement. The credibility of the United Nations would be damaged if it were seen to have raised expectations only to leave before the job was done, and before it was done well. A premature and precipitate exit from a peacekeeping operation poses the danger of the situation unravelling and becoming worse than it was before the operation was initiated.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source