YouSaid · the spoken record

Mantovani

lines on the record: 323
first: 2003-10-15
most recent: 2008-12-22
sittings or episodes: 63
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

“Against that challenging background, it is undeniable that the Paris Conference has generated a new positive momentum for the mutual efforts of the Afghan Government and the international community in a spirit of strength and partnership. The generous pledges made in support of the Afghan National Development Strategy were matched by renewed Afghan commitments to pursue political and economic reform and to fight corruption. We cannot defeat the enemies of Afghanistan without mutual trust and understanding. For its part, Italy is further stepping up its longstanding commitment through new financial pledges, additional assets and enhanced flexibility for its troops. As indicated in the Secretary-General's report, the Paris Conference was much more than a pledging event.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“Unfortunately, the report of the Secretary-General describes a difficult situation on the ground, with increasing terrorist activities relying on asymmetric tactics, which result in high levels of civilian casualties, as illustrated by Mr. Holmes and by the heinous suicide attack against the Indian embassy in Kabul two days ago. In that regard, we express our most sincere condolences to the people and Governments of Afghanistan and India. The continued use of civilians as human shields and of other, similar indiscriminate techniques by the insurgents is well documented and raises serious concerns. This stands in contrast to the clear commitment and efforts of the Afghan and international military forces to avoid collateral damage in their operations.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“Italy fully aligns itself with the statement to be given by the Permanent Representative of France on behalf of the European Union. I wish to make only a few comments on the challenges that we are facing at this juncture. At the outset, I wish to warmly thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Eide and Under-Secretary-General Holmes for their clear and comprehensive briefings on the situation in Afghanistan. We are pleased to note that the new leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is living up to the high expectations placed on it by this Council and the international community at large.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“Obviously, there will be many more crucial topics to be discussed in Paris. We will soon propose for the consideration of the Council further possible actions to reflect and acknowledge the outcome of the conference.”
2008-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5907 (2008) · source
“Every relevant actor should feel comfortable with the content of the resolution. Furthermore, we welcome the strong link established in the text between this initiative and the crucial role played by existing bodies and agencies. I refer in particular to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs of the Economic and Social Council; to the 1988 Vienna Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and its treaty body, the International Narcotics Control Board; to the Paris Pact; and to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. To achieve success in this field we need an integrated approach within the United Nations system. Finally, we hope that the adoption of this resolution will galvanize the discussions on this issue at tomorrow's Paris conference on Afghanistan.”
2008-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5907 (2008) · source
“We welcome the adoption by consensus of this important resolution on an issue of the greatest concern, related to counter-narcotics in Afghanistan, thanks to the initiative of the French delegation. We are confident that this step will give political impetus to the fight against the illicit trafficking in precursors in Afghanistan, in particular through stricter implementation of existing obligations under the relevant United Nations conventions. We are pleased with this further demonstration of the cohesion of the Council in addressing the situation in Afghanistan. That cohesion is based on common strategic interests that go beyond the issue under consideration today. It is also important that Afghanistan and the other countries of the region were extensively consulted in the preparation of this resolution.”
2008-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5907 (2008) · source
“We welcome the Task Force's efforts thus far to achieve specific goals in many important areas, and we appreciate the contribution that both the Monitoring Team and CTED have provided. Italy feels that those joint efforts should continue and, if possible, be strengthened. We look forward to the briefing that the Task Force and its working groups will provide in the near future.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“We look forward to fruitful discussions within the 1540 Committee on how to make the best use of and improve existing funding mechanisms to assist States in meeting their non-proliferation obligations. We also look forward to the next comprehensive review of the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), due by January 31 2009. Let me conclude by saying a few words about the September review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Several initiatives have already been produced in the framework of the Strategy. Member States have a responsibility to continue on that track in order to achieve progress in all areas of the broad plan of action that was approved with the Strategy.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“That methodology should contribute to the prevention of duplication and overlapping in the provision of technical assistance to interested countries. Italy welcomes the recent adoption of resolution 1810 (2008), which renews the 1540 Committee's mandate for three more years. We support the new emphasis placed on the need to step up efforts to promote the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), in particular through outreach activities and international assistance. To that end, the sharing of experience and lessons learned between the 1540 Committee, the membership and relevant international and regional organizations will be crucial. Enhancing cooperation between the 1540 Committee and the Al-Qaida and Counter-Terrorism Committees will also be essential to ensuring compliance with resolution 1540 (2004).”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“We also have to reinforce every opportunity to better coordinate international cooperation with donors, other partners - such as the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004) - and their groups of experts, as well as all the participants in the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. We further encourage CTC and CTED to continue to work with external organizations, such as the Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG) of the G8. Italy is committed to strengthening such cooperation during its presidency of the G8 next year. In that area, we welcome the methodology introduced by CTED, successfully implemented during the 17 April Tokyo meeting with CTAG, aimed at identifying with the G8 presidency specific cases, countries, regions or themes of mutual interest to be jointly discussed.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“We would also like to express our utmost gratitude for the high professional skills shown throughout these years by the Monitoring Team, whose contribution to the general debate on sanctions is all the more relevant, and we look forward to the negotiations for the renewal of its mandate. The Security Council has recently renewed the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) confirming its main tasks and responsibilities, while endorsing the reorganization plan, which lays the groundwork for more efficient action. To that end, Italy truly appreciates all the efforts made by the Executive Director, Mr. Smith. We hope that, with more focused action, the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) and CTED can better exploit their role and potential as instruments of dialogue with Member States.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“That is because only complete identifiers and a regular update of the list can provide Member States with the precise information needed to more effectively apply the sanctions regime that has been established. We acknowledge that legal challenges have been raised to the sanctions list at the national and international levels and that the Committee and the Council have the responsibility to do everything reasonable to improve the handling of specific cases. We see the merit of the Security Council continuing on the path of improving existing procedures, as was done in the recent past with resolutions 1730 (2006) and 1735 (2006), so as to reconcile security demands with respect for fundamental rights.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“I would like warmly to thank Ambassador Verbeke, who will soon leave his position as Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) - a task he fulfilled with great precision, responsibility and leadership. The briefing we heard a few minutes ago gave us just a sampling of the many activities of the 1267 Committee. The sanctions list continues to be an essential tool in the fight against international terrorism. It is important that, with the continued support of the wider membership, it be constantly updated as a living document corresponding to the ever-present threat of Al-Qaida and the Taliban. We believe that improving the quality of the consolidated list should be one of the key priorities of the Sanctions Committee.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“Let me first express our heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, and to the British delegation on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of May. Allow me also to thank and commend the South African delegation for its stewardship during the month of April. We also wish to underscore our gratitude to the Chairs of the three subsidiary bodies of the Security Council for their comprehensive briefings and contributions to the joint efforts against international terrorism. We also welcome their initiative to increase mutual cooperation so as to maximize synergy, avoid duplication and lower the burden on Member States. While aligning itself with the statement to be delivered shortly on behalf of the presidency of the European Union, Italy will limit its remarks to the following few points.”
2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source
“Finally, we took note with interest of the initiative undertaken by the United Nations Coordinating Action on Small Arms to draft common standards applicable to multilateral and national projects in the field of small arms and light weapons. Facing one of the main threats to global and regional security, we all need to Show our common purpose and steadfast resolve. The Security Council and the international community can rely on Italy's active support and contribution.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“Projects concerning small arms and light weapons must be fully integrated in national development strategies in post-conflict countries. The Peacebuilding Commission can play a decisive role in addressing this problem through the integrated strategic frameworks for peacebuilding elaborated with local authorities, which should include- whenever appropriate - programmes concerning the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, as well as youth unemployment. In a broader perspective, it is necessary to foster international cooperation to that end, bearing in mind the need to devote attention to gender approaches, women and children often being the actual victims of small arms and light weapons.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“We deem it important to increase cooperation with international organizations that have developed practices of interest relevant to the common goal of eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Noteworthy initiatives also take place at the regional level. For instance, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's handbook of best practices on small arms and light weapons offers comprehensive terms of reference for national legislation. No solution to the destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons can be effective if it is limited to the political and security aspects only. It is imperative to consider the issue also from the perspective of economic and social development.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“Thus, Italy looks forward to a successful outcome of the Third Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action and stands by the efforts of the President-designate, Ambassador Cekuolis, to focus deliberations on a few crucial areas such as international cooperation, brokering, tracing and stockpile management, with a View to identifying outstanding implementation challenges. Italy is convinced that further work should be done to strengthen national, regional and global regulations on small arms and light weapons brokering, transfers controls and end-user certifications. Italy also favours making the political commitments of the Programme of Action and of the tracing instrument legally binding.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“We also support the implementation of the United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. In that respect, I wish to recall that in February 2008 the European Union adopted a joint action that allocated â‚¬300,000 to promote compliance with the latter.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“For this reason, Italy attaches traditional priority to the fight against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, consistent with the related 2005 European Union Strategy and the 2003 European Union Common Position on the control of arms brokering. The multifaceted nature of this threat requires a holistic response aimed at enhancing synergies among all relevant forums and initiatives. Italy welcomes the direct involvement of the Security Council through its arms embargoes and the related monitoring tasks assigned to some peacekeeping missions.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“I thank Ms. Hoppe for her briefing. While aligning ourselves with the statement that Slovenia is going to make on behalf of the European Union, we welcome the initiative by South Africa to hold this debate on small arms and light weapons. The report of the Secretary-General - for which we are grateful - is proof that the decision of the Security Council to put this issue back on its agenda has been timely and appropriate. The Secretary-General's report confirms that the uncontrolled dissemination of small arms and light weapons fuels armed conflicts and criminal violence, claims a very heavy toll in human lives, contributes to human rights violations and seriously hinders global and regional stability as well as economic recovery in post-conflict areas.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“During the recent visit to Rome of President Ramos- Horta, additional projects were considered with the Italian authorities in the areas of parliamentary support, human resources development and cultural and linguistic cooperation. In this spirit of friendship, Italy is also ready to support the extension for 12 months of the mandate of UNMIT. I would like to praise UNMIT, in particular for providing a bright example in terms of gender mainstreaming in its activities and reporting. Finally, I would like to highlight once again that the failure to address impunity for past crimes is the worst enemy of peace and stabilization, as shown by the latest events. It is therefore imperative to ensure justice and accountability for the events of 1999 and 2006, as provided for in relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“At the same time, we must bear in mind that national ownership and participation in regional processes remain the only long-term recipes for sustainability. No form of international support can replace the genuine will of the Timorese leaders and people to pursue stability and development, in close cooperation with their neighbours. Obviously, this consideration does not preclude the need for sustained international assistance in the foreseeable future, in a spirit of interdependence, rather than one of dependence, with the ultimate goal being full self- reliance. For its part, Italy, along with its European Union partners, has constantly supported the young Timorese democracy at all stages of its genesis and development.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“These must remain the main focus areas for the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which is operating effectively and deserves our strongest support. The complementary action of the international security forces is also to be commended. We strongly hope that the latest developments will instil a new sense of urgency in the processes of political reconciliation and State-building. We learned that in the aftermath of the 11 February attacks the reactions of the legitimate institutions, and of the opposition, were exemplary. We also welcome the readiness of the Government of Timor-Leste to accept the additional assistance that the international community, and its neighbours in particular, have immediately offered at this crucial stage.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“The warning is not to take for granted, after the successful completion of the electoral cycle, that the democratic progress of the country has reached the point of no return and will face no further obstacles. The lesson is to carefully consider the requests of the Timorese authorities for a sustained commitment by the United Nations in the current configuration. Many of the findings of the Security Council mission and of the report of the Secretary-General have been substantiated by the unfolding of the latest events. I refer here to the need to address the root causes of the 2006 crisis, to the importance of a cooperative and substantive political dialogue among all political stakeholders and to the urgency of a thorough review of the security sector arrangements, all with the required assistance of the international community.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“At the outset, I wish to warmly thank Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for his briefing. The reasons that keep the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Timorese leaders away from New York are well understood. Nevertheless, I would like to convey, through the Under-Secretary-General, our full support to the Special Representative for his efforts and to Ambassador Santos, whom I also thank for his intervention. We also convey our most sincere wishes to President Ramos-Horta for a quick and full recovery and a swift resumption of his functions. Italy fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. The attacks of 11 February in Dili, which we have strongly condemned, must serve as a warning and as a lesson.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“We strongly support the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and all the international organizations active on the ground. We must work together to ensure for Kosovo a stable and democratic future, in which all communities live peacefully and prosper together. Italy will continue to actively promote regional stability and a European future for all countries of the Western Balkans. Serbia is an essential factor in this strategy. A stable and prosperous Serbia, fully integrated into the family of European nations, is essential for the stability of the region. The European Union is the long-term solution to the Kosovo issue. The European Union is the goal that Serbia also must achieve.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“We welcome Kosovo's invitation to an international civilian presence to supervise the implementation of the Ahtisaari plan and to the international military presence to continue to play its role to ensure Kosovo's future peace, prosperity and stability. We also stress Italy's strong appreciation, gratitude and support to the Secretary-General, along with the Special Representative and UNMIK, for their continuing efforts. We fully trust in his good judgement on how to deal with the process under way, which is crucial in order to continue providing overall safe and orderly conditions for all communities in Kosovo. Italy has a large military contingent operating in the International Security Force in Kosovo, and is set to become one of the main contributors to the EULEX Kosovo mission.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Our goal is, as I have already said, to establish an appropriate multi-ethnic framework in which the rights of all communities are upheld and democratic institutions are built based on the rule of law. We call upon all parties involved to approach these matters constructively, and we urge all sides to stand by their commitments to maintain peace in the region and to avoid violence, threats or intimidation. We welcome the commitments expressed in Kosovo's declaration of independence, to "protect and promote the rights of all communities in Kosovo" and to act consistent with principles of international law and resolutions of the Security Council, including resolution 1244 (1999), as well as the full acceptance of the obligations for Kosovo contained in the plan set out by Special Envoy Ahtisaari.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Through the EULEX Kosovo mission and the International Civilian Office, the European Union will be able to monitor respect for those provisions and to contribute to the consolidation of democratic institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law. Our project, building a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo that must reinforce regional stability with the active support of the international community, is fully consistent with international law and the relevant international documents, including resolution 1244 (1999). The Secretary-General has taken note of the significant endeavour being embarked upon by the European Union. We look forward to continuing to work with the Secretary-General, building on the impressive contribution the United Nations has made to Kosovo in the past eight and half years of administration.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“It has been working closely with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and other international players. We acknowledge the excellent cooperation established with the United Nations throughout this period. Significantly, the European Security and Defence Policy mission is going to be the largest international operation ever carried out by the European Union. We must also consider that the strong and decisive role assigned to the EULEX Kosovo mission, recently approved by the European Union, is a central aspect of a complex international administrative arrangement designed for Kosovo. It has been carefully moulded in accordance with the provisions set forth by the Secretary-General's status Envoy in the comprehensive settlement proposal submitted to us one year ago.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“We will continue to make our determined contribution through the participation of our men in the European Union and NATO missions aimed at maintaining regional stability, an issue that is directly connected with Italy's national security. The European Union's future role in Kosovo is part of a strategic commitment to the region aimed at promoting stability and reinforcing a European perspective for all countries of the Western Balkans. We must move on to a stage in which the European Union takes up an extensive share of responsibility in the administration of the territory. For more than one and a half years, a planning team has been operating on the ground to prepare the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo).”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“The presence of the international community on the ground is strong, while its role will be intrusive in all of the more delicate and significant sectors, especially when facing any real but manageable risks for regional stability. Italy will do its part by continuing to endeavour for the development of a European perspective, which is becoming more and more tangible, both for Belgrade and for Pristina. The inevitable tension between Serbia and Kosovo can be assuaged only within the framework of a credible process of integration of both parties into the European Union structures. We will also continue our endeavours to reach an agreement between Serbia and Kosovo that can mend their torn relations and put them back on the track of cooperation.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“We deeply regret the failure to secure a mutually agreed outcome, and we also deeply regret that the Security Council cannot agree on a way forward. We have long argued, and we continue to believe, that if the status quo remains unsustainable, with no room for a negotiated solution, the United Nations Special Envoy's proposal for Kosovo's internationally supervised independence is the only Viable option to deliver stability and security in Kosovo and in the region as a whole. Kosovo's independence is today a fact. It is a new reality that we must face and acknowledge. It is time to look ahead. We intend, together with the majority of the European Union member States, to proceed swiftly with the recognition of Kosovo's new status of independence under international supervision. The limits of its sovereignty are clear.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“We have often expressed our concern over the unsustainability of an unresolved situation and over the heightened security risks that a prolonged status quo could cause. As Italy already stated here in this Chamber during last December's debate on the Contact Group Troika report, there is a profound contradiction between calling for further negotiations among the parties and assuming that the status quo in Kosovo is no longer sustainable, as has been repeatedly underscored here at the United Nations and in other relevant multilateral forums. Growing uncertainties affect both the local population and the international presences on the ground. Clarity on the future status of Kosovo is needed for the benefit of all. We must now move on to a new phase.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“We have strongly supported the extensive negotiations that have taken place under the aegis of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, President Ahtisaari, and later by the Troika. As the European Union representative on the Troika, Ambassador Ischinger, has assured us, no stone has been left unturned. A continuation of negotiations would not make sense, because it would prove useless, as all avenues for reaching an agreement between the two parties have been explored. Nothing leads us to believe that a few more months - or, more likely, a few more years - of talks would allow us to reach a shared solution. Unfortunately, the potential for reaching a negotiated solution has been exhausted.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“First of all, allow me to express our warmest welcome to the President of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Boris Tadic', to the Foreign Minister of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremie, and to the Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. We certainly cannot say that yesterday's declaration of independence by the Kosovo Assembly has caught any one of us unprepared. As we already pointed out during last Thursday's debate, there has been a growing perception that momentum was building on the Kosovo future status issue. That momentum is the result of long and intensive efforts by the international community, through which we had hoped to bridge the differences between the two parties directly involved in this issue.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“The Council underlined its willingness to take action against any party that sought to undermine the peace process, including by failing to respect the cessation of hostilities or by impeding the talks, peacekeeping or humanitarian aid. We think that that statement very well reflects the sense of frustration of the international community over the slow progress and the prevailing impunity for What has happened in Darfur. I fully concur with Special Envoy Eliasson when he said that there must be a price for the lack of cooperation. Our question is about the timing for such a price and whether there is anything that the Council can do now in that respect.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Italy looks forward to discussing that report in the Working Group soon. The importance of regional actors in settling the Darfur conflict cannot be underestimated. It is vital that Chad and the Sudan recommit themselves to the Sirte process, resolve their differences through dialogue and re-establish cooperative relations, which are necessary for peace and stability in the region. Let me also recall that there can be no impunity for the crimes committed in Darfur. Italy supports the opinion and conclusions of the Council of the European Union on 28 January and its call on the Government of the Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal Court. The Security Council adopted a very important presidential statement (S/PRST/2007/41) on the eve of the opening of the Sirte meeting.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“We believe that civil society has a lot to say about how the conflict should be settled and how the agreement should be implemented. We hope that its participation in the talks can continue. We also look forward to further progress in the Darfur-Darfur dialogue and reconciliation process. We remain concerned at the lack of progress in the humanitarian situation. The extension of the moratorium on restrictions to humanitarian organizations by the Government is a welcome step that needs to be accompanied by renewed commitment by all parties in Darfur to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid. Italy is also concerned about the human rights situation in the region, in particular for women and children. The latest report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Darfur provides a sobering account of that reality.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“It is fundamental that we all rally behind the efforts of the two Envoys aimed at consolidating a critical mass among the rebel movements that could allow the process to move forward. We invite all rebel movements to seize the current opportunity for full direct negotiations with the Government. Continuing the fighting can no longer be an option once that opportunity is in hand. Italy is pleased to have contributed $511,000 to the trust fund in support of the joint mediation. We will soon provide additional funds, both for that and for the United Nations-Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund. Italy was impressed by the attendance of a number of representatives from Darfur civil society at the Sirte opening ceremony.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“We welcome the progress reported by Under- Secretary-General Guehenno, particularly on the issue of the participation of non-African countries - although it is regrettable that the Nordic countries will eventually not be part of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). Italy shares the assessment of the Secretary- General that UNAMID will be only as effective as the political process it is mandated to support. For us, consistent with the Addis Ababa conclusions of November 2006, the political and peacekeeping tracks are equally important and mutually reinforcing. Urgent progress is therefore needed in the political process as well. I wish to reiterate Italy's full support for a joint United Nations-AU mediation.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“I wish to thank Special Envoy Eliasson and Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for their briefings and their tireless efforts to advance the agreed agenda for Darfur. I also wish to thank Mrs. Ratsifandrihamanana, Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU), for her contribution to our debate. Italy supports the early and swift deployment of a robust peacekeeping force in Darfur to protect civilians and assist in the implementation of the agreements between the Government and the rebels. We hope that the status-of-forces agreement can be signed without further delay, as agreed by the Secretary-General and the President of the Sudan at the margins of the African Union Summit.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Thus, we invite all parties to cease military operations in Gaza so as to allow all forms of humanitarian aid to be delivered to the Gaza population. All parties must be consistent with the spirit of Annapolis and recreate the conditions that will prevent any hindrance to the peace process. In this respect, we are partially relieved by the significant de-escalation of violence referred to by Under-Secretary-General Pascoe, as well as by indications of a possible easing of the blockade by Israeli authorities, allowing for a more adequate flow of fuel into Gaza. We strongly hope that this reverse trend is a lasting one, and that it can permanently break the dangerous chain of violence of recent days and enable us to regain the spirit that animated the Annapolis talks in November.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“We are very concerned over the current events, which are putting at risk the regular supply of humanitarian aid. In this respect, we were also startled by the recent statement by the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), who stated that in two more days UNRWA would run out of its own fuel supply. Although the agency had sufficient food stocks in Gaza, it would not be able to continue its support to 860,000 directly assisted Gaza residents. We condemn the continuous launch of rockets against Israeli territory, which threatens the lives of the civilian. population. However, we believe that what is happening in Gaza is a reason for extremely grave concern.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“Let me first of all thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his exhaustive briefing, which gives us a clear, though extremely worrying, picture of the situation on the ground. Italy fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union presidency later today. But let me add just a few remarks on the events of recent days. We are extremely concerned about the 1.5 million people living in Gaza in extremely severe conditions as a result of the closures of the crossing points, as well as of the Israeli decision to drastically reduce the supply of fuel to Gaza, which is jeopardizing if not totally hindering the functioning of the power plant, with all the consequences that we may imagine. Due to this blockade, all the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip have been indiscriminately affected.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“These meetings will also precede the half-yearly meeting of the Donor Committee, scheduled to take place in Baghdad in late March. The aim is to create as many synergies as possible on the ground - both at central and local levels - through the optimization of existing facilities and the use of coordination mechanisms provided by the International Compact for Iraq. Such an example is the Iraq Consultative Group, whose first meeting, Italy believes, should take place before the scheduled meeting of the Reconstruction Fund Facility's Donor Committee.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“In his report, the Secretary-General also mentioned activities supporting Iraqi reconstruction through the use of funds from the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq. In this regard, I would like to provide some information on the progress of the Italian Co-Presidency of the Facility's Donor Committee in aligning its action plan with the priorities highlighted by the national development strategy within the framework of the International Compact with Iraq. As a follow-up to the meeting held in Baghdad on 8 December, we have called informal meetings, which are going to take place in Italy in the next few days, with the participation of Iraqi Government representatives, United Nations agencies and the World Bank, as well as major donors committed to Iraqi reconstruction that already have their facilities on the ground.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“In this framework, we welcome the extension of the breadth and scope of UNAMI action favouring the correct implementation of article 140 of the Iraqi constitution, which has been extensively illustrated in the most recent report of the Secretary-General. With regard to the humanitarian situation, we continue to be extremely concerned by the high number of Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries and of internally displaced persons in Iraq. We commend the efforts to address this situation by the countries that have received the Iraqi refugees and by the United Nations. For its part, Italy responded to last July's joint appeal of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNICEF with more than $4.2 million for activities to benefit Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons in Iraq, Syria and Jordan.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“Italy fully appreciates and supports the steadfast commitment of the United Nations in Iraq, recently strengthened by the new and broader mandate given by resolution 1770 (2007) to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and to Special Representative De Mistura. We have always supported the role of the United Nations in facilitating and sustaining national reconciliation and the political process in Iraq, through the dialogue that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General maintains with a whole range of Iraqi political actors and civil society representatives, and also through the technical assistance provided by the mission in the electoral and constitutional fields.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source