YouSaid · the spoken record

Mahugu

lines on the record: 335
first: 1997-01-10
most recent: 1999-03-19
sittings or episodes: 55
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

“The separation of antagonists in refugee camps, the establishment of safe corridors for refugees and the implementation of comprehensive settlements are in line with the principles contained in the Nairobi regional summits held in 1996 on the crisis in eastern Zaire. At that time, the Heads of State and Government of the subregion urgently called for a separation of those we called "intimidators" and bona fide refugees, requiring the setting up of safe corridors and temporary sanctuaries to facilitate humanitarian assistance. These calls went unheeded. The result was genocide and the disappearance of a large number of refugees who remain unaccounted for - a hard lesson indeed.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“In the case of Angola, the sanctions are well targeted, have proved effective and are indeed "smart" sanctions. In other cases, the sanctions are too generalized, causing unintended suffering to a civilian population and having no visible impact on those they are intended to affect. It is also incumbent on the international community to ensure that the provisions of these sanctions regimes and, most particularly, arms embargoes, are not flouted. My delegation fully supports the Secretary-General's recommendations, many of which have been raised before to no avail, with regard to peacekeeping and the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping in Africa.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“It is incumbent on the principal mediator in such situations to generate a positive and cooperative attitude and not to assume a proprietary stance with regard to ongoing mediation efforts. Such positions exacerbate the suffering of the innocent people whom the efforts are designed to help. Another proposal which we support is the mobilization of international cooperation for peace efforts through the creation of groups of "Friends". Such groups would harmonize views, coordinate action and source essential resources required for the peace process. Having recently arrived from a visit to Africa as the Chairman of the sanctions Committee on Angola, I can only agree with the Secretary-General that a more effective targeting of sanctions is necessary.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“We believe that the strengthening of these institutional and operational capacities through the enhancement of an early warning system, transfer of technology, assistance in the training of personnel, exchange and coordination of information, logistical support and, most importantly, the concrete mobilization of financial support, are urgently required. Having underlined the complementary role of regional and subregional organizations, it is worth addressing the whole question of mediation. It is important that international actors avoid competing once a framework of mediation has been established. However, we also believe that if complementary efforts seek the same objective and are well coordinated, then the outcome will be a good one.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the recent creation of an Executive Committee on Peace and Security convened by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, intended to enhance cooperation, policy coherence and information sharing. This collaboration can further be facilitated by re-energizing the annual meeting of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations chaired by the two Secretaries-General. Indeed, as the traditional General Assembly resolutions on cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU stipulate, the United Nations is invited to assist the OAU in strengthening its institutional and operational capacity in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in Africa.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“There have been subsequent attempts to diminish the Charter-based role that the United Nations must play in maintaining international peace and security. Indeed, a new thrust has emerged which seeks to regionalize peacemaking and peacekeeping activities. We maintain that regional and subregional organizations can play only a complementary role to the primary one which rests with the United Nations. This complementary role has been taken up quite well in the past few years by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in West Africa and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in the Horn of Africa, for example. As the Secretary-General clearly outlines in his report, peacemaking efforts need to be timely, appropriate, well prepared and well coordinated.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“It is through the prism of this interrelationship between peace and development that my delegation would like to present its views. Let me begin with peace and security. It is clear to all of us that the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the United Nations, and in particular with the Security Council. As the dynamics of international relations have changed, so, too, has the manner in which the United Nations deals with peace and security issues. This has been caused in large part by the failure of the instruments that have traditionally been entrusted with maintaining peace and security, as well as the complexities that emerge out of every unique conflict situation.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“I recall that during the special meeting of the Security Council on Africa last September, we entrusted the Secretary-General with the task of coming up with a report that would at least begin to clarify the way forward with regard to addressing the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. The report provides a good analysis of the current situation in Africa and also sets forth a multifaceted and practical set of recommendations which require the participation of the international community. I further recall that during the September meeting my Minister for Foreign Affairs stressed that there can be no development anywhere without peace, and that a comprehensive and integrated approach must be found to address Africa's complex problems.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“My delegation would like to thank the Secretary-General for setting the context within which we are discussing issues of great importance to our continent, Africa. The report which he introduced last week during a formal meeting of the Council underlines his sustained efforts to address the many problems that continue to confront Africa. In accepting the urgent need to face these challenges, my delegation would like to emphasize that the current report should be considered as part of a process to respond to African needs, which are so well known.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“We urge the States directly involved in this dispute to give serious and urgent consideration to the proposals put forward by the OAU and other regional bodies. In this regard, we wish to re-emphasize the need for the parties directly concerned to take specific action to ensure a rapid and definitive settlement of the dispute. Frankly, we are encouraged by the tone of the views expressed here today and hope that a positive dialogue is not too far away. I conclude, as I began, by embracing the sorrow of the bereaved families and empathizing with the suffering of the innocent people of Libya, who committed no crime but are hurting nonetheless.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“The Court held that it had jurisdiction to determine, under the Montreal Convention, whether the two Governments' demands for surrender of the accused were or were not in breach of Libya's rights under that Convention. The second and opposing view is that there is a dispute between the parties in this case on the interpretation and application of the Montreal Convention, and that the Court has jurisdiction over the dispute on the basis of article 14, paragraph 1, of the Convention. As a member of the OAU and having fully participated in the deliberations that formulated the OAU position, we strongly feel that that position provides clear options for resolving the stalemate that we are faced with today.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“This may be a good omen portending an amicable and lasting solution to this matter. The Judgment held that there was a dispute relating to the Montreal Convention which could be decided by the Court. The Court said that both the jurisdiction of the Court and the admissibility of any claim must be determined at the moment Libya's claims were first filed. We realize that if any changes are to be introduced to the conditions originally set by the Security Council, they must be acceptable to all the parties to the dispute. However, this may not be the case: there are two interpretations. The first view is that the Judgment was on preliminary jurisdictional issues, with the Court not having pronounced itself on the merits of Libya's claims in any way.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“The first option is to try the two suspects in a third, neutral country to be determined the Security Council; the second is to have the suspects tried by Scottish judges at The Hague in accordance with Scottish law; and the third is to establish a special criminal tribunal at the International Court of Justice to try the two suspects. On 27 February 1998 the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity at its sixty-seventh meeting urged the States concerned "to take specific action to ensure a rapid and definitive settlement of the dispute" and appealed to the Security Council to lift as a matter of urgency the sanctions imposed. Kenya reiterates this urgent appeal to resolve this impasse. Coincidentally, the International Court of Justice ruling on one aspect of this matter was read on the same day, 27 February 1998.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Security Council documents refer to two such cases, cooperation on the Irish Republican Army matter and cooperation on the UTA 772 incident. On the outstanding issues, recently there have been attempts by several organizations which have offered various options towards resolving this problem. The League of Arab States came up with options which were supported by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement. The Harare Declaration of June 1997, issued following the thirty-third ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity recommended three options.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“We think that the Petrovsky report, taken together with existing studies by United Nations agencies and other international organizations, is a useful framework for addressing the impact of sanctions. We urge the Chairman to continue working expeditiously to achieve more progress. How can we move this process forward? We need to do so quickly so that we do not delay justice, bearing in mind that justice delayed is justice denied. There is no one single simple answer. We are faced with a very complex legal and political issue. We believe that we can work together to find a way to address this very tragic issue. All has not been in vain; there have been some positive results. The Government of Libya has responded positively to some of the demands made of it by the international community.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Kenya firmly believes that the families of the victims must be allowed to put this tragedy behind them, with the perpetrators of this terrorist act being brought to book, and must receive complete restitution too. We also firmly believe that the innocent people of Libya, who had nothing to do with this heinous crime and who have nothing to do with the current impasse, should be relieved of the suffering the sanctions have caused them. In this regard, we commend the skilful work being done by the Chairman of the Libya sanctions Committee, Ambassador Danilo Turk of Slovenia. By drawing on elements of the now well-known Petrovsky report, which is a result of the Secretary-General's fact-finding mission to assess the humanitarian impact of sanctions on the people of Libya, Mr. Turk has begun to make progress.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Fourteen days ago, when the Security Council reviewed the sanctions imposed on Libya by Security Council resolution 748 (1992), the Kenyan delegation tried to balance the two competing but equally important realities in this case. On the one hand, an act of terror was committed causing immense anguish and suffering to many people, but especially to the families of the victims of that tragic incident. On the other hand, we have in place a sanctions regime designed to bring the culprits to book but which has failed to do so. The time may have come to take stock of how much has been achieved in real terms since the sanctions were imposed.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“But we need to look into the future and act - act with a resolve tempered by the reality that our decisions will affect the lives of the bereaved families and the innocent people of Libya suffering under the unyielding heel of sanctions. We are honoured in this connection to recognize the presence in our midst of Mr. Omar Muntasser, the Foreign Minister of Libya. We have listened carefully to the views and positions presented to us by previous speakers. The impressive eloquence outlining known positions, juxtaposed against the silent presence of the bereaved families and the unheard cries of sick children in Libya, convinces my delegation even more that the time for rhetoric is over and that the time for a genuine and soul- searching give-and-take has come.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“At the outset, let me take this opportunity to recognize the presence of the families of those who perished in the tragic destruction of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on 21 December 1988. Their presence here today is a telling reminder of the work we still have to do to truly lay the souls of their loved ones to rest in peace. I sadly recall the statement of condolence my Government issued on behalf of all Kenyans during that time of pain, and today I can still, with a heavy heart again, convey to them these genuine expressions of sorrow. This debate today affords us an excellent opportunity to look again at what needs to be done to ease the pain that the families of the bereaved must be feeling. We think that much has been said in the past and much will continue to be said.”
1998-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3864 (1998) · source
“Finally, we should like to place on record our conviction, based on assurances we have been given by the sponsors, that the draft resolution contains nothing that could open the door, in any eventuality, for any kind of action without the clear authority of the Security Council. When all is said and done, the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security remains with the Security Council. We hope that dialogue and the use of diplomatic means will lead to constructive cooperation between the United Nations and Iraq. It is on the basis of the above understanding that my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“Indeed, we are sensitive to the importance of this issue to the people of Iraq, and we believe it should be measured against the level of compliance by the Government of Iraq. In that connection, we hope that UNSCOM. will expedite and complete the final phase of its work to enable the Council to reach an early agreement on the lifting of sanctions. As we have continually stated, we expect the Government of Iraq to fulfil all its obligations under relevant resolutions and to cooperate fully with UNSCOM and IAEA. It is our fervent hope that following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding there will be a new spirit of understanding that will facilitate the smooth conclusion of all outstanding issues fully, fairly and without delay, as the Secretary-General said.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“It is also our understanding that paragraph 3 recalls the commitment given by the Government of Iraq in the Memorandum of Understanding with respect to according immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and strongly warns against any reneging on that undertaking, which would lead the Security Council to take further action in line with paragraph 5. Our concern regarding paragraph 4, on the lifting of sanctions in accordance with paragraph 22 of Security Council resolution 687 (1991), has also been addressed by casting the paragraph in a more positive light, thus bringing it more into conformity with paragraphs 6 and 7 of the Memorandum of Understanding.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“In that regard, we are appreciative of the work done, and the flexibility shown, by the delegations of the United Kingdom and Japan, the sponsors of the draft resolution, in accommodating the various views and positions. The concerns of my delegation, which included in the first instance the firmest possible endorsement of the achievement of the Secretary-General, have been reflected in operative paragraph 1 of the current draft. To us, this is a sign of our full support and total confidence in his ability to implement the Memorandum of Understanding in the shortest possible time, and we are glad to note that the Secretary-General has already embarked on this exercise.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“My Government issued a statement supporting the mission of the Secretary-General on the eve of his departure and another one upon his return endorsing the outcome of his mission. Indeed, the Chairman of the Organization of African Unity, President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, in a message to the Secretary- General stated, "The agreement you reached with President Saddam Hussein, we all hope, will contribute significantly to the peaceful conclusion of the implementation of United Nations Security Council decisions on the issue. The success of your mission has brought relief and joy to all those who wish to ensure completion of the United Nations Special Commission's mandates and avoid further military confrontation in the Middle East region." The text we are about to adopt reflects a joint effort to address the situation we are faced with.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“May I begin by saying how honoured we feel to have Mr. Momodou Lamin Sedat Jobe, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Gambia, presiding over this important meeting. We also recognize the presence of the Secretary-General among us this afternoon. Today's meeting is for us a recognition by the Security Council of the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General, whose excellent diplomatic skills culminated in the Memorandum of Understanding we are formally endorsing today. My delegation was acutely aware of the difficult circumstances and extremely challenging international atmosphere in which the Secretary-General operated, and that is why his achievements are so profound.”
1998-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3858 (1998) · source
“We agree with his conclusion that the deterioration of basic infrastructure in sectors other than food and health is undermining the value of our humanitarian input. We therefore believe that means have to be provided to Iraq not only to improve the infrastructure necessary for the implementation of the expanded humanitarian programme, but also to enhance the capacity to pump sufficient oil to meet the increased levels. It is our hope, therefore, that the Secretary-General will act on paragraphs 11 and 12 and submit his findings to the Council without delay. It is for all these reasons that Kenya will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“As the Secretary-General has repeatedly observed in his reports to the Council on the oil-for-food programme, this exceptionally unique and unprecedented programme presents complex difficulties of implementation, with all its attendant political, psychological and commercial dimensions. Indeed, there is interlinkage between the processes involved in the delivery and distribution of supplies and the infrastructure necessary to support the related activities. For example, seeds, fertilizer or weed killers purchased under the humanitarian programme will be rendered useless if the necessary implements, storage, transportation or handling systems are not functioning due to breakage. The Secretary-General has addressed this matter in his report.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“This is even more important since the programme review described in the report of the Secretary-General did not benefit from the input of the Iraqi Government. The report notes, "Should the Council approve additional funding, all the recommendations regarding additional inputs would require detailed discussions with the Government of Iraq and local authority counterparts in order to clarify outstanding issues and to establish a clear agreement on priorities." (S/1998/90, para. 6) We therefore urge the Secretary-General to meet with the Iraq side as soon as possible and work out the details within the framework of the existing memorandum of understanding in order to clear up any misunderstandings.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“The current stand-off, which we hope will be brought to an end peacefully, should not be allowed to delay the implementation of the Secretary-General's proposals. We have thus favoured a draft resolution that is technical in content and completely de-linked in substance from other political considerations. We wish, in this regard, to express our thanks to the drafters of the draft resolution for coming up with the initial text and for coordinating subsequent consultations, which have resulted in this consensus text before us today. The objectives underlying this draft resolution can be realized only with the cooperation of the Iraqi authorities. In particular, we hope that the long delays experienced after the Council adopted resolution 986 (1995) and before its effective implementation will not be repeated.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“As we have stated in the past, the oil-for-food programme, which was conceived as an exemption to the existing sanctions regime, is intended to minimize the adverse effects suffered by the innocent civilian population as a result of the embargo on the Government of Iraq. But neither these arrangements nor the punitive impact they were intended to have gives us any measure of comfort. Consequently, we attach a great deal of importance to the onerous mission of the Secretary-General to Baghdad this weekend. The suffering of the people of Iraq should be brought to an end once the conditions imposed by the Security Council have been met by the Iraqi authorities. The mission should not only avert any possible military confrontation but also produce results that will soon provide the first glare of light at the end of the tunnel.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“The Kenya delegation is pleased with the speed with which the Council has been able to react to the Secretary-General's recommendations contained in his report S/1998/90 of 1 February 1998, which, inter alia, calls for the expansion and improvement of the implementation of the humanitarian programme for Iraq under Security Council resolution 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995: the oil-for-food programme. The fact that the Council has responded quickly against the backdrop of rising tensions precipitated by the current crisis is an indication of its commitment and readiness to continue to provide for the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people.”
1998-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3855 (1998) · source
“It is our hope that when we next meet to discuss the situation in Angola, in March, the parties will have taken full advantage of the presence of MONUA to complete the obligation they have agreed upon in the new timetable. Finally, may I take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all those actively involved in the peace process in Angola, especially the troika of observer States, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Maitre Blondin Beye, and the men and women who are serving in the United Nations mission in Angola. Without their tireless efforts the peace process would be in jeopardy, and I take this opportunity to encourage them all to continue.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“The United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) continues to play a key role in the progress towards the full implementation of the parties' undertakings. It remains the only focal point in consolidating the efforts of the international community as we seek to assist the parties on this very difficult path towards reconciliation. It is in this regard that my delegation is in favour of the draft resolution before us, and we will vote in its favour in order to extend the mandate of MONUA for another three months, until 30 April 1998. Furthermore, the present draft resolution contains an important element which in our View seeks to encourage the parties to remain especially committed to the implementation of the remaining tasks without further delay.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“UN ITA leadership is yet to be installed in Luanda, and a host of other important tasks remain to be completed. These tasks are a long way from fulfilment, but we can already see some light at the end of the tunnel if continued pressure on the parties is maintained. I wish to take this opportunity to call on the parties to remain steadfastly committed to fulfilling their obligations. We believe that genuine political will is an important element in the peace process and should be carefully cultivated. We concur with the Secretary-General in his observation that these tasks remain as vital to the peace process as they have ever been, and we agree that the presence of the United Nations in Angola is greatly needed to continue to help the parties undertake their full implementation.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“My delegation welcomes the present report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Angola, which paints a relatively hopeful picture of the progress towards lasting peace and stability in that country. The ongoing contacts between President dos Santos and Mr. Jonas Savimbi are encouraging. We also welcome the recent agreement, reached earlier this month by the parties at the meeting of the Joint Commission, on a new timetable of tasks to be implemented. These are steps in the right direction. We commend the parties for these bold undertakings. Normalization of State administration in over 100 localities remains to be done. The transformation of Radio Vorgan into a non-partisan "Radio Despertar" has to be completed, along with the complete transformation of UNITA into a political party.”
1998-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3850 (1998) · source
“We also affirm our full support for the High Representative and his staff as he facilitates the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“The presence of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been instrumental in achieving the progress we are witnessing today. As pointed out by the Secretary-General in his report, this progress is in its early stages and is still fragile. In this regard, my delegation supports the extension of the mandate of the UNMIBH for a further six months. My delegation would like to pay tribute to Mr. Kai Eide for his effective leadership during his tenure as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome the appointment of Elizabeth Rehn as his successor. We assure her of Kenya's support as she continues with this important task.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“In this regard, we commend the efforts of the United Nations system and the World Bank in trying to bring about progress in the major sectors of the economy. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, a lot has been achieved, but much also remains to be done. The support of the international community is therefore necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina to consolidate the progress made so far. My delegation welcomes the conclusions of the ministerial meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, held at Sintra, Portugal, on 30 May 1997, and of the Peace Implementation Conference held at Bonn on 9 and 10 December 1997. It is our hope that their recommendations will be taken seriously by the parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so as to expedite a political settlement of the crisis.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“As pointed out in the United Nations Consolidated Inter- Agency Appeal for Bosnia and Herzegovina, reconstruction projects have been delayed, refugees have been unable to return to their homes, and an average of 50 men, women and children have been injured or killed by these indestructible, hidden weapons monthly. In this regard, my delegation supports the efforts of the Mine Action Centre, the European Commission, Norwegian People's Aid, the United Nations Development Programme and other groups in this very critical area. More often than not, economic reconstruction forms an integral part of the long-term settlement of disputes. Bosnia and Herzegovina is no exception. Economic development is an integral part of any peace process.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“It is estimated that some 609,000 refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina are still in asylum countries, which are seeking a durable solution. There is need to continue focusing on efforts to facilitate the return of all refugees and displaced persons to their places of origin in safety and dignity. The harassment of returning refugees and displaced persons is therefore unacceptable. It is even worse when it is done by police officers who should be protecting the returnees. In this regard, my delegation commends the action taken against the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police of Jajce as reported in paragraph 17 of the Secretary-General's report. The presence of mines is still a serious problem.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) has played a crucial role in assisting with the municipal elections held on 13 and 14 September 1997 and with the elections for the Republika Srpska Assembly held on 22 and 23 November 1997. The improved cooperation between the United Nations International Police Task Force and the local police has facilitated the implementation of the checkpoint policy since May 1997. Significant progress has been made in the police restructuring programme. The report of the Secretary- General indicates that by August the number of checkpoints approved had dropped from over 300 per day to 15. While welcoming this very positive development, we agree with the Secretary-General that the reduction can only be one element of a broader strategy to promote freedom of movement.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“My delegation welcomes you, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, to our deliberations and is delighted to see you presiding over our meeting today. Kenya and Costa Rica have enjoyed warm and friendly relations over the years, and I am sure that those ties will continue to grow. My delegation is encouraged by the progress made so far in the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lack of commitment and political will had initially been a major obstacle to moving the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina forward. Recently, however, we have witnessed more cooperation from the authorities in the region. This has brought about positive developments in various aspects of the peace process.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“It is with this in mind that we welcome the Secretary- General's intention to undertake a systematic review of the whole process of contracting, processing of applications, approvals, procurement and shipment and distribution. This should be conducted urgently and should address comprehensively the issues I have mentioned. We look forward to the Secretary-General's supplementary report intended to address these issues by the end of January 1998. That report should look into all problems and avoid a piecemeal approach in response to the many concerns.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“After all, out of this $2 billion, only $1.23 billion goes to the purchase of humanitarian goods. It is also of concern that problems such as the slow and erratic pace at which humanitarian inputs arrive in Iraq, the operating difficulties of the distribution system, and the deteriorating basic infrastructure in the various key sectors responsible for providing social services continue to hamper the implementation process. The Secretary- General tells us that the poor state of the infrastructure has undermined the value of humanitarian inputs, and he is right. This is an important issue because in every decision we take, we must bear in mind the humanitarian dimension in its implementation.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“We know that the Chairman of that Committee, our colleague Ambassador Antonio Monteiro, has exerted immense efforts to alleviate this problem, for which we commend him. It is therefore necessary to re-examine the whole process of the implementation of resolution 986 (1995) and how it has fared. Unfortunately, that resolution created expectations that have become difficult, if not impossible, to meet under existing arrangements. For this reason, there has to be a genuine attempt to improve the humanitarian situation. According to the report of the Secretary-General, there is a need to adjust upwards the $2 billion worth of oil exports. We agree with the Secretary-General that the amount is inadequate to meet the humanitarian requirements of the Iraqi people and that they continue to face a serious nutritional and health situation.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“The Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme, Mr. Benon Sevan, who has just returned from Iraq, has confirmed that this is the case in the field. In this regard, let me just add a word of commendation to him and his team for doing an excellent job under difficult circumstances. The Secretary-General, while acknowledging the considerable improvements made in the approval process under phase II, is of the View that much remains to be done to ensure an overall increase in the speed of implementation of the programme. We know - and this is a view shared by many observers outside this Council - that notwithstanding the efforts of the Security Council Committee, its working methods remain cumbersome and time-consuming and must, in the words of the Secretary-General, "be urgently addressed".”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“In our view, therefore, the two questions we should ask ourselves as the Council considers the renewal of resolution 986 (1995) for an additional 180 days are, first, where does the problem lie with regard to this rather difficult situation? And secondly, what should be done to mitigate the suffering occasioned by the sanctions on the innocent civilian population? In answer to these questions, we have to look at the Secretary-General's report and his briefing today as well as at the external reports of the United Nations agencies involved in the implementation of the programme on the ground. They all agree that the delivery and distribution of food and medicine in Iraq has progressed according to plan and that the Iraqi Government and local authorities have cooperated in this regard.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“The present renewal is viewed against the backdrop of the recently heightened tensions between Iraq and the United Nations, which precipitated a crisis, and the report of the Secretary-General dated 28 November 1997 submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 of Security Council resolution 1111 (1997), prior to the end of lSO-day period, on the overall implementation of the programme. At the height of these tensions, and during the standoff between Iraq and the United Nations, the attention of the international community was drawn to the acute humanitarian situation, which has caused immense suffering among innocent civilians in Iraq. The diplomatic activities that followed added impetus to the growing momentum at the United Nations and elsewhere for the Council urgently to address the humanitarian situation in Iraq.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“Today's draft resolution on Iraq addresses the desperate humanitarian situation in that country and our reaction to it through the oil-for-food programme initiated in 1995 under Security Council resolution 986 (1995). The programme thus authorized sought and continues to seek to mitigate the negative effects of the sanctions regime on Iraq. In supporting this draft resolution, we are acutely aware of the problems that continue to plague the implementation of the humanitarian programme in Iraq.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3840 (1997) · source
“cooperation of the host Government and ethnic forces in that country is commendable. This suggests that the parties in Macedonia recognize the important role that UNPREDEP continues to play in preventing the spillover into Macedonia of conflicts occurring elsewhere in that region.”
1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3839 (1997) · source