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

“At the same time, having heard what both the Foreign Minister and the Permanent Representative of Somalia said this morning on the question of the Al-Barakaat accounts, I think it is clear that the freezing of the accounts has aggravated the humanitarian difficulties of the Somali people. I hope that we will find some way or another to unfreeze the accounts to ensure that those who, in a sense, are the honest recipients of the funds will get their funds back as quickly as possible.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“We hope that, wherever there is an exception, the international community will try to find the answer to it. In that sense, I think that the international community has a vested interest in trying to re-establish a strong national Government in Somalia. My fourth and final point is, of course, that I hope, in trying to look at the Somalia question, we will not look just at various aspects of it. There is a huge humanitarian problem that, I think, has been touched upon. We also need to work out a comprehensive policy on Somalia over the long term that I hope will provide a solution to the problem.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“Are we just a pure political scientist, analysing the situation without providing any assistance? Or are we, perhaps, just a bystander, watching what is going on without getting involved? I am not sure what the answer is to that question, but at some point it might be helpful for the international community to work out where, exactly, it stands on the Somali question. The third point I wish to make is that, in terms of analysing or understanding what we can do, perhaps one point we may want to bear in mind is that, post-ll September, it is actually in the interest of the international community to encourage all States - and I would emphasize this point: all States - to have strong national Governments. Strong national Governments are an essential requirement in the fight against international terrorism.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“Many have commended Djibouti for the Arta process and we are now, hopefully, going to see some progress in the process initiated by the lntergovernmental Authority on Development. As long as the neighbours work on the principle of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, I hope that they will make a contribution to the solution of the problem of Somalia. The second point I wish to make is, of course, about the role of the international community. Here, it may be recalled that last week, speaking in the informal consultations, I asked the question of whether or not we in the international community have decided what exactly is our role on the Somali question. Are we like the medical doctor, analysing and at the same time providing prescriptions and medicine?”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“You have asked us to be brief, so what I propose to do is to make just four points. The first point, of course, is the obvious one, which is that the problems of Somalia can be solved only by the people of Somalia. Indeed, the Foreign Minister very approvingly quoted the Secretary- General's statement in his report of 21 February, in which he says: "Only Somalia's leaders can decide to end the suffering of their people and only they can decide to negotiate an end to the conflict. They need to rise above their differences and put the interests of the people of Somalia first and foremost." (S/2002/189, para. 65) I think we are all agreed on that. At the same time, I think it is very helpful that Somalia has neighbours that are trying to play a helpful role.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“I, too, would like to join you, Sir, in warmly welcoming Mr. Yusuf Hassan Ibrahim, the Foreign Minister of Somalia, and to thank him for the rather comprehensive statement that he gave us in the private meeting earlier, which I found to be very helpful. I also want to congratulate you for putting this very difficult file on the agenda of the month. You may recall that, in the final wrap-up meeting of last year, we discussed the successful files, not-so-successful files and moderately successful files. Clearly, Somalia is one of the most difficult files that the Council is faced with and, to be very candid, we do not think that we have the answers to the problems faced on this issue. We hope that, in the course of this discussion, the Council will try to find some answers.”
2002-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4487 (2002) · source
“Others, including the guarantors and facilitators of the Algiers peace process, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Security Council can provide credible political support. I agree with Ambassador Kolby that our meeting with the Secretary-General of the OAU, Amara Essy, was very important in this regard. Clearly, the subregion has suffered conflict and instability for far too long. Eritrea and Ethiopia are now at the threshold of a new chapter in their history and they deserve every bit of support and encouragement from the global community as they work with UNMEE towards a lasting peace.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“If I may make a personal comment here, I find it very puzzling that we cannot get an agreement to establish a flight that goes in a straight line between Addis Ababa and Asmara. Our failure to achieve this is really quite surprising. We hope that resolving these issues will help in promoting mutual confidence and demonstrating good faith in moving the peace process forward. Indeed, as both sides have actually complied with all the key issues of these Agreements, it will be even better testimony of their good will if they can cooperate in these few remaining areas that we have listed in the presidential statement. Finally, let me emphasize the important role of the international community in supporting the two countries' steps to peace. Some members have pledged practical assistance in the form of demining and developmental programmes.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We certainly agree with a key point that Ambassador Kolby made when he spoke at the Mereb River Bridge: we now need to build bridges between minds on both sides. At the same time, we also urge both countries to demonstrate flexibility and to cooperate with UNMEE on all the other outstanding issues contained in the statement ofthe President of the Security Council of 16 January 2002, including, firstly, ensuring freedom of movement for UNMEE; secondly, disclosure of information on militia and police units in the Temporary Security Zone; thirdly, resolution of the status-of-forces agreement; fourthly, the provision of specific mine information; and fifthly, establishing a direct air corridor between Asmara and Addis Ababa.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Secondly, it is important for both sides to carry out the release of the remaining prisoners of war and civilian detainees without preconditions and delay, as provided for under the Algiers Agreement. Thirdly, effective demobilization needs to be carried out so that scarce resources can be channelled into national development and rehabilitation. Fourthly, confidence-building measures should be encouraged in order to rebuild the links between civil society on both sides of the border. In this connection, we are encouraged by the recent meeting of religious leaders in Addis Ababa and Asmara, which represents a significant breakthrough in enhancing people-to- people contacts, and I am glad that Ambassador Kolby also arranged for us to meet the religious leaders on both sides.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“In this regard, we would like to briefly draw attention to four critical aspects that we think are fundamental to promoting normalization and rehabilitation. First, demining remains a top priority, as Ambassador Kolby has said, in order to create conditions for the safe return of internally displaced persons, as well as to allow affected areas to be restocked for traditional uses like agriculture and livestock-grazing. I think one of the most vivid memories we will take back from the visit is actually observing the education of young children on demining. To see the fields firsthand is a much more vivid educational experience than anything we can say in this room. We believe that the demining work is a very important part of UNMEE's work.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“On the one hand, there has been relatively good compliance - indeed, I would say very good compliance f with UNMEE in implementing the Algiers Agreements on the ground. But, on the other hand, there is also considerable uneasiness and, perhaps, some tension in the atmosphere. Evidently, the deep wounds and the hurt arising from two and one half years of conflict will take time to heal. Nevertheless, we will call on the two countries and their leadership to make every effort to rise above the unhappy past and, as has been alluded to by both Governments, to look forward to a new chapter of coexistence in which they can focus on combating poverty and on socio-economic development for the benefit of their peoples.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“While we note that the two countries may have differing perspectives on how to implement the boundary decision, this only underscores, in our view, the importance of both sides engaging with Ambassador Legwaila to work out a common understanding on the modalities for implementing delimitation and demarcation expeditiously. However, regardless of the detailed modalities, one key principle to emphasize - and I am glad Ambassador Kolby emphasized this in his report also - is that both parties should refrain from any unilateral or destabilizing actions in the run-up to and following the boundary decision. At this point, I would like to make an observation about an apparent paradox in the situation that we face.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said that Ethiopia will continue to be engaged positively, while President Isaias Afwerki has affirmed that the implementation of agreements already signed should not pose serious problems. We welcome both of these public commitments to work constructively with UNMEE to implement the final and binding decision of the Boundary Commission in accordance with the Algiers Agreements, and we hope that our visit has in many ways strengthened the commitment of these leaders. As the legal ruling on the boundary question will soon be announced, it is useful for us to look ahead to prepare for the next phase.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“Certainly the Security Council will face a real challenge in handling the issue of the decision of the Boundary Commission, and we hope that the Council will rise to the challenge. Next week, when we engage in our informal consultations on the subject, I hope that the Council members will seriously reflect on this issue. The road to peace in Ethiopia and Eritrea has been long and difficult. That is why we believe that the leaders of both countries deserve tremendous commendation for their resolve and determination to move the peace process forward to forge a lasting peace. As Ambassador Kolby stressed earlier, when he presented his report: both parties remain committed to the Algiers Agreement.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We believe that as the mandate of UNMEE is up for renewal - and I gather it is up for renewal very soon, on 15 March - it is important for the Council to give strong endorsement of and a clear mandate for its continued work. We believe that the Security Council Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea was indeed timely. I can say this with some conviction because, before we left, I actually had some personal questions as to whether or not our timing was right, given the fact that the Boundary Commission's decision was postponed. But I thought, having returned from the visit, that indeed it was very useful because it actually sensitized Council members to the real dynamic and the situation on the ground in Ethiopia and Eritrea. I must confess that I have come back with a heightened sense of the complex challenges that we face in the coming weeks.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“We also want to thank the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) and the Secretariat staff for their vital role in making arrangements for the visit. I would also like at this juncture to pay special tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, and his team in UNMEE for their sterling work and for their tireless efforts in furthering the peace process. The one thing I learned when I travelled down there is that Ambassador Legwaila does not have a simple nine-to-five job. Indeed, he seems to be on the move all the time between the two countries and visiting all corners of the border. We have every confidence in Ambassador Legwaila and we fully support his work in Eritrea and Ethiopia.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“The Council, Sir, is greatly honoured that this meeting is being personally chaired by the Foreign Minister of Norway, because this demonstrates your country's commitment to this issue and to other issues in the Horn of Africa. Certainly, we would like to begin by congratulating you on your initiative to launch the Security Council mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea. I hope this demonstrates also that elected members can make a difference in the work of the Council. We also want to join our colleague from Mexico in congratulating Ambassador Kolby on the leadership he provided before, during and after the mission. We further thank the Government of Norway for the aircraft and logistical support that were provided us.”
2002-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4485 (2002) · source
“The longer it takes for the parties to find their way back to the path of peace, the harder it will be to fully realize these gains.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Measures taken simultaneously on all these areas can be mutually reinforcing and buttress any agreements reached. Ultimately, it is indisputable that there is no military solution to the crisis in the Middle East, and we are glad that several speakers have stressed that point this afternoon. Violence cannot take the place of dialogue and negotiations. A just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East can be achieved only through a negotiated settlement on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and S/PV.4478 338 (1973) and the Madrid principle of land for peace. On this, there is complete unanimity. Furthermore, even in these dark days we must remember the gains made in the other peace processes in the Middle East, including the Camp David Accords, the Madrid Conference and the Oslo peace accords.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“As the Secretary-General said here last week, the Security Council should work in a concerted manner with the parties themselves as well as with the others involved. This is how the Council can be the most effective. We note that the focus is on the immediate priority of breaking the cycle of violence. At the same time, we agree fully with the Secretary-General's observation that the political horizon of the hopes for peace must also be provided. Indeed, the causes of the current situation are fully intertwined. Occupation breeds Violence; violence begets Violence and causes economic deprivation; and dire socio-economic conditions in their turn feed extremism. Thus it is only logical to state that sustainable peace can be achieved only through a comprehensive approach comprising the political, economic and security tracks.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Indeed, the strong interest expressed thus far in the informal proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia, and the positive references to that proposal that we have heard this afternoon, illustrate the positive role that other parties can play. Therefore, perhaps what is needed is coordination and collaboration between these various players. We should find and make use of the comparative advantage of each of these mechanisms. Each mechanism should complement the efforts of others, not undermine them. We, the international community, hold the key to turning things around in the Middle East. Therefore, we believe that the Security Council could best contribute to the efforts of collective action by coordinating our positions, finding common ground and, as far as possible, speaking with one voice.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“It is ultimately up to them to put two and two together to find the peace which has thus far proved elusive. However, given the climate of deep distrust and mutual recrimination and the cycle of violence and counteraction, we strongly believe that outside help is urgently needed. I believe that Ambassador Greenstock made the same point when he spoke earlier. The question is, what kind of external mechanism could make a real difference? The Security Council, with its Charter responsibility to maintain international peace and security, is certainly one such body, and it cannot neglect its responsibility. The "Quartet" is also a useful mechanism. In addition, there are many countries both within and beyond the region which have equally pivotal roles to play.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“The report of the Sharm El-Sheikh Fact-finding Committee, or the Mitchell report, has been accepted by the two parties and endorsed by the international community as a compass to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. Unfortunately, 10 months after the issuance of the Mitchell report, the preconditions and timetable that had been laid down to implement the report have in effect made it an obstacle to peace. What is needed right now are ways to turn the Mitchell report on its head and use it for the purpose for which it was intended. To do this, we must recognize that at the end of the day, it is the parties involved who must bear their respective responsibilities and obligations and take the necessary strategic decisions to return to the negotiating process. The map and the compass have been provided to the parties.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Like the Palestinian representative, we believe that these briefings could help frame subsequent and perhaps more important deliberations on the possible action that the Council could undertake, which should be unanimously approved by Council members. Public debates alone cannot solve the problem in the Middle East. There is also no lack of diplomatic initiatives and prescriptions on how to bring the parties back from the abyss that the Secretary-General has spoken about. The so-called "Quartet" comprising the representatives of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations have laid down clear demands on both sides in their joint statement of 25 October 2001 - a statement supported by all members of the Security Council.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Terje Roed-Larsen, and the other by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Sir Kieran Prendergast. These briefings, as the S/PV.4478 Council knows, are a new practice adopted by the Council, and we believe that they have been useful. They have broadened Council members' understanding of the problem and of the various diplomatic initiatives undertaken. We are pleased that all United Nations Members had the opportunity to listen to a similar briefing by the Secretary-General last week, which clearly established that the interlinked problems of occupation, security and economic distress must be handled together.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“The situation is certainly of grave concern to the entire international community and demands the urgent and sustained attention of the Security Council. We are therefore encouraged that as a first step, the Council has reacted so promptly and responsibly to the request of the Group of Arab States and the members of the League of Arab States in convening the open meeting last Thursday, 21 February, to listen to the briefing by the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan. We have consistently supported the efforts of the Secretary-General as a neutral and even-handed facilitator. We are also encouraged that in the past two months, Council members have had the benefit of listening to two excellent briefings - one by the Secretary-General's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“Once again, the Security Council is meeting on the situation in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians shifts to a deeper and more dangerous level. Singapore is deeply distressed that the escalation of violence has continued unabated, resulting in the senseless loss of so many innocent civilian lives for far too long. By some estimates, more than 1,200 people have been killed since the conflict began in September 2000, some three quarters of them Palestinian. Targeting civilians and acts of terrorism are deplorable and must be unequivocally condemned. We are also deeply concerned about the bombardments near United Nations installations, which have caused damage to United Nations facilities and threaten the safety and security of United Nations personnel.”
2002-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4478 (2002) · source
“The World Food Programme reported that in the Bie province alone, more than 12,000 new internally displaced persons were registered in January. We wonder if any information can be provided on how the Government will be tackling the consequences of this fighting. My second question relates to whether any overtures have been made to UNITA to facilitate the work of the humanitarian agencies, and if so, what UNITA'S response has been thus far. Perhaps the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs could also give an assessment of the prospects for UNITA's facilitating such humanitarian work.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“We join others in thanking Mr. Oshima for his excellent briefing and for the comments expressed regarding the very important work done by his team. We also join others in welcoming the Vice-Minister's presence here today and thanking him for his very important statement. Finally, we associate ourselves with Mauritius's comments regarding the very important work of Ambassador Gambari, who knows full well that he has always had our unstinting support. I have only two questions to ask, because all the comments we wanted to make have been covered by other colleagues, especially with regard to the very serious humanitarian situation in Angola. First, the Government's current military campaign against UNITA unfortunately appears to have resulted in a significant increase in the number of internally displaced persons in the affected areas.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“We have agreed that both countries have contributed significantly to the territory, both in the early days of INTERFET as well as in the period of UNTAET. We also agreed that France and Singapore have a common interest in ensuring that East Timor becomes a true success story of the United Nations. France and Singapore will work closely together to achieve this conclusion.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“With the renewal of UNTAET'S mandate - which, as Ambassador Eldon said, the United Kingdom and Singapore have worked on, and which we hope will go through smoothly this week - we now look forward to more specific proposals from the Secretary-General on the follow-on United Nations peacekeeping operation and to a thorough discussion of these proposals in due course. Finally, I wish to conclude by referring to a small point that came up in the Council's debate on East Timor on 31 October last year - that is, the discussion between France and Singapore on this issue. I am pleased to inform the Council that France and Singapore have had a healthy exchange of views on our respective contributions to East Timor.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“The stakes are too high, both for East Timor and the region. The Council has recognized and affirmed the need for a substantial international presence in East Timor after independence. It must now sustain and build on that momentum to ensure that the United Nations effectively follows through on its commitment to fulfil its responsibilities in East Timor. The Secretary-General has put forward a set of recommendations for the United Nations successor mission in East Timor, and the Council broadly endorsed those recommendations in an October 2001 presidential statement.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“It is therefore the Council's job to continue to make the right decisions in order to ensure that it gets the job in East Timor done right today so that it does not have to return tomorrow. How the United Nations handles East Timor after independence will have wide-ranging consequences for our region as a whole. East Timor's future and that of our region are inextricably linked. East Timor is, therefore, for us and for others in the region, not just another abstract agenda item but a question of vital and immediate strategic importance. A stable East Timor can contribute to the stability and security of the region and complement the region's efforts to prevail over the political and economic problems it faces. It would be remiss of us to let East Timor run the risk of becoming a failed State.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“There are enough examples in recent history to warn us of the dangers of precipitate exits, for instance, Afghanistan - the subject of our first meeting this morning - and Somalia. Should the situation in East Timor unravel as a result of the United Nations haste to depart, we will again find that the cost of prevention would have been much less than that of the cure. As I had pointed out at our last meeting on this issue, in October 2001, what the United Nations has achieved in East Timor has come about only through hard thinking, shrewd judgement, hard work, dedication and commitment. I wish also to reiterate that we should never take this success for granted, because it is a remarkable - perhaps even exceptional a story.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“On the contrary, it signals the beginning of an important new phase of United Nations involvement - one where the United Nations and the international community must make secure the gains achieved for a lasting period. Of course, it is not anyone's intention that the United Nations should linger on in East Timor for any longer than necessary. We do believe that East Timor needs a good exit strategy. But the United Nations cannot ensure the continued success of its good work in East Timor unless its Members are fully committed to a smooth and successful transition. It is all too easy to succumb to the mistaken persuasion that the United Nations should disengage as rapidly as possible simply because the situation in East Timor now appears to have stabilized. This is an overly simplistic and dangerous view.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“The Secretary-General, in his latest report, stated that "the comparative fragility of the political foundations of this new country, its very limited pool of professional and administrative expertise, lack of strong independent security mechanisms and nascent state of economic development mean that East Timor will continue to require significant assistance from the international community well after independence, in order to ensure stability and realize the potential for progress that has been generated over the past two years". (S/2002/80, para. 4) East Timor's independence, therefore, does not mark the end of the United Nations engagement in East Timor.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“From scratch, the United Nations has, in less than three years, helped to restore peace and normalcy to a shattered land, nurtured a nascent East Timorese Government and put in place a democratic process that saw the peaceful and successful elections of the country's very first Constituent Assembly. For this we must acknowledge the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, and, of course, of our good friend Sergio Vieira de Mello, as well as those of UNTAET and all of those who have worked tirelessly to bring East Timor to where it is today. But - and I am glad that the Australian Prime Minister also made this point - it is clear that the United Nations has unfinished business in East Timor. Despite the remarkable progress made since October 1999, there is still much of the United Nations mandate that is left uncompleted.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“Sergio Vieira de Mello for his briefing, which was, as usual, insightful and useful. We are confident that Mr. Ramos-Horta's briefing will be equally insightful and useful. It might actually be helpful if he could respond to some of the comments made this morning, as part of a dialogue that we should have with the East Timorese in the build-up to independence. We fully support the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). East Timor today, standing at the threshold of independence, is a very good example of what the United Nations can achieve. Indeed, what the United Nations has accomplished in East Timor is remarkable by any standard. Indeed, it is hard to find a good historical comparison.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“We also want to join our colleagues, of course, in paying tribute to Australia for the contribution it has made to East Timor, and we certainly welcome the important speech that was made by its Prime Minister when he addressed us this morning. We also welcome the presence of Ms. Liz O'Donnell, Minister of State of Ireland, particularly because Ireland's contributions to East Timor have also been exemplary. We would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his excellent report. It is both comprehensive and detailed, and it makes a strong case for the way ahead for the United Nations role in East Timor. We welcome the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and the Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta, back to the Council. We thank Mr.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“Before I begin my prepared text, I would like to make a few preliminary observations. We began our discussions this morning in this Chamber with a very important meeting with Mr. Karzai, the head of the Interim Authority in Afghanistan. It is no secret that the United Nations faces formidable challenges in Afghanistan, and none of us knows what the results will be like. I mention this because, if indeed we do succeed in East Timor after having faced many serious challenges two years ago, this success in one corner of Asia - the south-eastern corner - will have, we hope, a ripple effect and also contribute to the success of another, probably even more challenging, assignment - the one that we are taking on in Afghanistan.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“This is why I will end with one final quotation, taken from a World Bank report published two years ago, entitled "Can Africa Claim the 21St Century?" The report's central message was: "Yes, Africa can claim the 21St century. But this is a qualified yes, conditional on Africa's ability - aided by its development partners - to overcome the development traps that kept it confined to a vicious cycle of underdevelopment, conflict and untold human suffering for most of the 20th century." We hope that as a result of this meeting, we will all come together.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“That is why it is important to remember some very wise words of Secretary-General Kofi Annan. In December 1999, when he opened the Council's debate on the situation in Africa, he made the rather pertinent remark that if meetings alone could solve problems, he believed that all of Africa's problems would have been solved by now. Clearly, we have to move beyond meetings to action. Here, I must say I am very pleased, Sir, that you have in an important innovation encouraged the participation of the President of the Economic and Social Council. Clearly, the issues of conflict and the issues of development are interrelated, and if we are to solve the problems, we have to come together with the other agencies in the United Nations and work with them. I noticed that the Ambassador of Cameroon also suggested the importance of such coordination.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We agree with the views expressed by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Baroness Amos, when she spoke earlier today and supported the working group, saying it needs "a clear mandate designed to produce concrete and deliverable outcomes within a specific time frame". We support this emphasis on results because we ourselves have participated in many, many meetings on Africa. In the 1980s, when I had the pleasure of serving with Minister Amara Essy, I chaired meetings of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development (UNPAAERD). Two years ago, I also chaired the meetings on the causes of conflict in Africa. So, it is clear that we have had lots of meetings on African issues.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“But I hope that as a result of this debate, we will try at some point to come up with a concrete, comprehensive analysis as to whether we are moving forward or are moving backward in our efforts to promote peace and development in Africa. Incidentally, I will mention as an aside that what we tried to do at the last wrap-up session, in December last year, was to look at what were the most successful and least successful files of the Security Council in an effort to try and see where we need to pay attention. It is for this reason that we welcome your proposal, Sir, for a working group, and we hope that your proposal will be endorsed.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Olara Otunnu, in "The Peace and Security Agenda of the United Nations", said: "that the United Nations should invest its political and material resources where they are needed most and where they are likely to make the greatest difference is of course understandable. "While selective engagement is perhaps a necessary response to the present realities, it also poses a serious moral predicament as a long-term policy. Under selective engagement, conflicts will inevitably fall into two categories: on the one side, those 'adopted' by the United Nations or other international organizations and, on the other, the ones that are allowed to fall between the cracks of the international system." Clearly we cannot allow this to carry on, and we have to find a solution to this problem.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Clearly, if you want to refer to bad news, you can find it. But there is also good news. As we all know, in the area of conflicts, there have been significant improvements. I think several speakers have noted that the situation in West Africa today is certainly much better than it was in 1999, when, one may recall, the Revolutionary United Front was holding United Nations peacekeepers hostage. Even the situation in the Great Lakes region has improved in the last two years. Indeed, the United Nations overall has been doing a betterjob in the field of peacekeeping in Africa. But even here, I want to balance what I have just said by quoting another distinguished son of the continent who now serves in the Organization Mr.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“If one wants to look for bad news, one need look no further than quoting what the report of the New Partnership for Africa's Development itself said: "The poverty and backwardness of Africa stands in stark contrast to the prosperity of the developed world." I think the Foreign Minister of Guinea made a similar comment when she spoke today. The report adds that in Africa, half of the population lives on less than one dollar a day. The mortality rate of children under the age of five is 140 per 1000. Life expectancy at birth is only 54 years. Only 58 per cent of the population has access to safe water. The rate of literacy of people over 15 is 41 per cent. The most telling point it makes is that you need a growth rate of 7 per cent to eliminate poverty but that the current growth rate is about 3 per cent.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I am glad that, for example, in a technological breakthrough, this debate is being telecast live on a web site. But it would be good if you could also go to the web site and get concrete information on what we agreed on in 1999, what we have done and where else we have to go. The absence of such knowledge means, of course that in a sense, we have to make stabs in the dark to find out what has happened. As usual, when you try to find out whether progress has been made, you find there is bad news and good news.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Those conclusions were relevant then. They are still relevant now. Particularly interesting are the remarks he made at the very end, when he said, "I shall ask our permanent representative to start work with others around this table to ensure action by the Council as quickly as possible I hope that we will see the first results within the next few weeks." (S/PV4081 (Resumption 1) p. 32) The first question on our minds is, What results have we achieved between December 1999 and January 2002? We have actually had a big problem trying to answer a simple question like that because one of the structural weaknesses of the Council - I am sorry to say this, Sir - is that there is no institutional memory. There is no linkage between one debate and another debate on the same subject.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source