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

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“Allow me to first thank all delegations for their support of the resolution and for the relevant and constructive contributions they made during the negotiations. Today, the Council has unanimously renewed the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year. That is a major outcome, which acknowledges the key stabilizing role that the United Nations mission has played in the region. One year on, we can say that UNIFIL has been successful overall in guaranteeing stability and security in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line, thus making a vital contribution to the quest for peace in the Middle East. It is also crucial that the resolution reaffirms the target of a permanent ceasefire and of a long-term solution.”
2007-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5733 (2007) · source
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to commend all the United Nations staff of UNAMI, both local and international, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Qazi, for the important and outstanding work that they are doing in Iraq through their high professionalism and personal commitment in the face of a difficult situation and great personal risks.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“The first is the fact that it acknowledges the full sovereignty of Iraq and the existence of a constitutionally based Government. This is important, as we are convinced that the solution to Iraq's problems lies first and foremost in the hands of the Iraqi people and Government. Secondly, it sets out a broader mandate for UNAMI, a mandate that covers all the areas of action that we believe to be relevant, and that thus enables the mission to play a central role.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“I should like to thank the Secretary-General for taking part in our meeting today. I am also pleased to pay tribute to Ambassador Jones Parry for his high dedication to the work of the United Nations during the past four years, as well as to warmly welcome Ambassador Ripert to the United Nations and the Council. Italy sponsored the present resolution, which, we believe, provides the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) with the stronger mandate it needs to carry on its important tasks for the Iraqi people after the completion of the process outlined in resolution 1546 (2004), setting out a key element of the much-needed support of the international community for Iraq. There are several elements in the present resolution that we believe to be important.”
2007-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5729 (2007) · source
“We think that an expanded role for the United Nations in Iraq could make an important contribution in many areas. We share the Secretary-General's opinion that solutions must be found through sustained national dialogue, the patient search for compromise and within the framework of the constitution. In that connection, we also believe that, with the consent of all interested parties, the United Nations could play an essential role. Allow me to end my remarks by saying that Italy firmly condemns today's heinous attack on the holy shrines of Imam Ali Al-Hadi and Al-Hassan Al-Askari in Samarra. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Iraqi people and Government and to the families of the victims. We urge Iraqis to respond to that tragic event by enhancing the ongoing national dialogue and reconciliation.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“Against that backdrop, we welcomed the April Geneva conference, which constituted an important event for fostering international coordination in tackling this issue. Italy has always been a strong supporter of the role of the United Nations in Iraq. We commend the outstanding work done by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and by Ambassador Qazi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Last March, during the Council's debate on the situation in Iraq (see S/PV.5639), Italy stated that we believed that the United Nations presence in Iraq was of fundamental importance and that we hoped that the conditions in Iraq would allow for its growth. We are therefore pleased that the Secretary-General has expressed his willingness to consider an expanded role and presence in Iraq where and when possible.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“In this framework, we also believe that the process of constitutional revision is of great importance and could provide an opportunity for expanding political dialogue. We are also encouraged by the evaluation contained in the most recent report of the Secretary-General that "if some of the amendments currently being discussed are ultimately agreed to, they could go some way towards establishing the basis for the national Government to play a necessary coordinating role within the decentralized federal system envisaged by Iraq's Constitution". (S/2007/330, para. 25) We continue to be concerned about the situation of the internally displaced persons in Iraq and the Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“As a matter of fact, the success of any security plan will be possible only if it is adequately supported by national reconciliation, as well as by measures that have an immediate socio-economic impact. Concrete measures actually needed in this regard include a review of the de-Baathification law; the provision of economic means through, for instance, adequate pensions, to the members of the former Iraqi army and security forces and, when possible, the reinsertion into the new armed forces of those not implicated in crimes of the past regime; the disbanding of militias; the creation of a national police force; and, more generally, a policy that offers all components of society the advantages of the new democratic Iraq, thus enlarging the base of support for the newly formed institutions.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“We are therefore convinced that the reforms outlined by the International Compact with Iraq and the follow-ups of the Extended Ministerial Conference - namely, the creation of the working groups outlined at the Baghdad Conference of 10 March 2007 - should be implemented without delay and without subordinating them to the creation of new implementing tools. We are also convinced that, although international support is critical to the success of Iraqi stabilization, the key lies ultimately in the hands of the Iraqi Government and people. We share the view expressed by Mr. Zebari in his recent letter to the President of the Council that efforts to restore security are to be supported by political initiatives to enhance national reconciliation and promote unity among the Iraqi people.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“Since 2003, Italy has contributed over â‚¬270 million to international efforts in the civilian area, and last January it signed a bilateral agreement providing soft loans for up to â‚¬400 million. Italy also cancelled â‚¬2.4 billion of Iraqi debt and, with the Iraqi Government, is co-chairing the International Reconstruction Facility Fund for Iraq. Accordingly, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Massimo D'Alema, took part in the launch of the International Compact and in the Expanded Ministerial Conference of Neighbouring Countries of Iraq, which took place in Sharm el-Sheikh on 3 and 4 May 2007. We stand ready to continue to make our contribution. We believe that the momentum created by those meetings should not be wasted.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“Let me first join my colleagues in welcoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, His Excellency Hoshyar Zebari. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Qazi, and the Permanent Representative of the United States, Ambassador Khalilzad, for their informative and very interesting briefings today. Italy believes that a stable, peaceful and prosperous Iraq is a key element of global and regional stability and, at the same time, a moral responsibility for the international community. For that reason, Italy has always been at the forefront in assisting Iraq in its efforts towards peace, stability and prosperity.”
2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source
“The adoption a few days ago of the budget for the 2007-2009 period is a step in the right direction, towards forecasting the financial needs of the Court in the next two years, thereby paving the way for a smooth completion strategy.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“The establishment of the Special Court in Sierra Leone is per se a fundamental outreach. But that is not enough. Italy is proud of its contribution, especially through the European Union, to the several outreach activities of the Special Court, and we hope that these activities will continue. At the same time, we believe that an effort must be made to ensure that the people of Sierra Leone will continue to perceive the Special Court as a friendly institution whose premises will go on serving the country even after the Court has concluded its work. As regards the functioning of the Special Court, Italy welcomes the recent decisions aimed at making the Court more efficient and at overcoming some management difficulties.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“We would like to mention the investigations into the use of child soldiers and forced marriages, which will surely result in precedent- setting decisions in the area of international crimes against the weakest part of the civilian population and which have tragic and long-standing repercussions in civil societies. I would like to refer briefly to the Special Court's affirmation of the crucial role of justice in the peace and reconciliation process. Peace and justice must go hand in hand in societies that have been disrupted by civil wars. The Special Court proves that, with the support of the international community and the Security Council, with its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, a judicial institution can be set up in the very place where horrendous crimes have been committed.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“The conclusion of the first cases, with the imminent delivery of judgements, is only the first tangible outcome of the huge effort that began with the establishment of the Court in 2002. With the recent start of the trial against Charles Taylor, the Court initiated a new phase of its work that will mark a milestone in the field of international criminal justice. We strongly recommend, however, that media attention to the Taylor trial not distract the Court from continuing its activities in Freetown with a view to accomplishing its completion strategy. Several statements this afternoon have recalled the Special Court's contributions to the development of international criminal law.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“I wish to thank President King and Prosecutor Rapp for their presentations and congratulate them on the Court's achievements in bringing to justice the alleged perpetrators of the most heinous international crimes and contributing to the development of international criminal law. I also wish to welcome the participation in our proceedings today of the Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Migiro. Italy associates itself with the statement that will be delivered by the presidency of the European Union later on. We strongly support the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and praise its contribution to the restoration of peace and stability in that country. The Special Court has been crucial in reaffirming the rule of law as one of the pillars of civil society, as has also been discussed in the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“This is why Italy is fully committed to the process of implementation of the global strategy approved by the General Assembly last September, where all Member States have a direct responsibility in elaborating projects so as to make its various components move forward. At the same time Italy reiterates its firm commitment to finding a positive, swift conclusion to the negotiation of the global convention.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Let me conclude by saying that the Security Council's action against international terrorism will be more effective if its fundamental objectives are mutually shared by all relevant partners within and outside the United Nations. In this regard, the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) is of particular importance. Among other things, it may be crucial to the achievement of the shared objectives of the organs of the Security Council, because it can facilitate the delivery of technical assistance through the resources available in the various United Nations agencies represented in the Task Force.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“In responding to the multifaceted nature of proliferation, the 1540 Committee should continue to focus on strengthening, inter alia, the safety and security of dual-use items and technologies, export and border controls and law enforcement efforts to stop the trafficking and brokering in those items. The Committee should also pay due attention to the proliferation of illicit financing networks. Combating those networks should be an integral component of the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The programme of work for the Committee expires in October 2007. We are confident that in the coming months a new programme of work will be agreed upon to enhance our common endeavour to promote full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and to pave the way for a renewal, in spring 2008, of the Committee's mandate.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“The recent debates on international assistance were also useful in seeking synergic cooperation among States and relevant international organizations aimed at fostering compliance with non-proliferation standards of the above resolutions. Bearing in mind next year's review of the mandate of the 1540 Committee, it is essential to step up the initiatives to increase the number of national reports on the implementation of the resolution. At the same time, the matrices prepared by Committee's experts - whose work we highly value - should be used to identify loopholes in national legislation, to draft best practices and to facilitate the matching of assistance requests and offers.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“In this particular field we have to explore new ways for the CTED and the Committee to bring together recipient States that have expressed their consent and interest, donor countries, relevant bodies within the United Nations system, and other international organizations. The review of the CTED mandate, which expires by the end of the year, creates the opportunity for a new reflection in that respect. Italy is willing to contribute to this process. We praise the results achieved by the 1540 Committee, in particular its extensive outreach activities to raise the membership's awareness of the scope and obligations of the resolution.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Nevertheless, if we want new and more specific results in increasing the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) as a whole, we need to strengthen the action of the Committee and its Executive Directorate. Italy believes that much can be done to streamline the internal procedures that may have overburdened relations between the Council, the Committee, the Executive Directorate, other Committees and the membership at large. Italy hopes that CTC can rapidly deliver on the preliminary assessment of compliance with resolution 1373 (2001) by all Member States. That is the precondition for starting a genuine and new interactive dialogue with the membership, which is essential in the many cases where technical assistance is needed.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“This is particularly true for the Taliban section of the List, where, as Ambassador Verbeke noted in his briefing, an urgent update is needed, also in light of the complex situation and of the most recent evolution of events on the ground. The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate are fully engaged in carrying out their duties, with the huge responsibility of monitoring the implementation of a resolution as broad as 1373 (2001). Many significant results and significant progress have already been achieved - for example, with regard to the ratification of the international conventions and protocols against terrorism.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Italy commends the steps in the right direction that the Committee has taken in recent months - particularly after the adoption of resolutions 1730 (2006) and 1735 (2006) - to improve the effectiveness of the sanctions regime, while developing clearer and fairer procedures for listing, delisting and humanitarian exemptions. In particular, we welcome the fact that the focal point for delisting is now established. We are already at work in this field, examining with due care all the relevant requests that are brought to our attention. Let me underline the need to keep the List updated and consistent with the threat. That requires constant action not only of Committee members but of the entire membership of the United Nations.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Italy, while aligning itself with the statement that the European Union presidency will deliver shortly, will confine itself to addressing a few points concerning the actions of the three Committees. On the Al-Qaida and Taliban Committee, Italy, one of the major contributors to the list, is fully convinced of the continued value of that instrument in preventing terrorists who belong to the Al-Qaida network from committing more of the heinous crimes we have too often experienced. In order to ensure its continued effectiveness, the Committee should make every effort to encourage other Member States to fulfil their responsibility to contribute actively to the list.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“Allow me to begin by reiterating Italy's unwavering commitment to the implementation of all Security Council resolutions aimed at preventing terrorist organizations from committing acts that, sadly, still pose tremendous threats to international peace and security. In voicing our convinced support for the activities of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), we wish to express our most sincere appreciation to their respective Chairmen - Ambassador Verbeke, Ambassador Arias and Ambassador Burian - for their leadership on those delicate and important tasks. Let me also thank the groups of experts that support the action of the three Committees, and in particular Assistant Secretary-General Ruperez, who will soon be leaving the post of Counter-Terrorism Executive Director.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“This positive evolution proves that a sound political process, led and managed by the region with the full support of the whole international community, can have an immediate impact on the affected population. We support the approach under which it is time to start thinking about resettlement and reconstruction for northern Uganda. To that end, we appreciate the call on the donor community to remain engaged and invest in the sustainable development of a region which has suffered from marginalization. It would be interesting to know more about the cooperation of the Ugandan Government in that regard.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“We call on all parties to show continued restraint, and we support the present talks between the Transitional Federal Government, Ethiopian troops and clan elders from Mogadishu aiming at consolidating the cessation of hostilities. In that context, we believe that the role of AMISOM. is crucial, and we have decided to support the African Union with a supplementary bilateral effort of $13 million for that purpose. We feel encouraged by the findings of Under- Secretary-General Holmes's Visit, which hint at an improvement of the humanitarian situation in northern Uganda as a result of the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing peace talks in Juba, which Italy fully supports.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“We therefore fully agree with Under-Secretary-General Holmes's remarks on the need for an inclusive political process. The early convening of a national reconciliation congress involving all components of Somali society is paramount in that regard, and we appeal to the Transitional Federal Institutions to make this event as meaningful and inclusive as possible. Italy joins others in strongly condemning the recent attacks against troops of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and expresses its condolences to the families of the Ugandan soldiers who died in them, as well as to the family of the Red Cross official fell victim to those attacks.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“On Somalia, Italy cannot but share the deep concern at the deterioration in the humanitarian situation, and in particular at the suffering and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people as a result of recent fighting. We urge Somali authorities in particular to do their utmost to remove obstacles to the free movement of aid and humanitarian relief workers into and throughout the country, and we call on countries in the region to facilitate the cross-border provision of aid, as was stressed by Italy's Vice- Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Patrizia Sentinelli, during her recent visit to the region. Italy firmly believes that the only possible solution to the Somali conflict is through genuine political dialogue and reconciliation, as set out in the Transitional Federal Charter.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“I wish to thank Under- Secretary-General Holmes for his comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian dimension of crisis situations in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa, a dimension that, for Italy, is as crucial as the political and peacekeeping dimensions. I should also like to commend Mr. Holmes for having visited Mogadishu. He is the first high-ranking United Nations official in many years who has been able to witness its dramatic reality. Finally, we appreciate his speaking out on violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as his comprehensive approach to humanitarian work - which includes relief, but also protection of those most in need.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“We are aware, however, of the difficulties encountered by the Lebanese Armed Forces due to the lack of equipment and inadequate training to carry out some of the fundamental tasks provided for by the resolution, particularly with regard to the prevention of arms smuggling. It is essential that we start thinking soon about how to help the Lebanese Armed Forces achieve adequate standards in terms of training, equipment and resources.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“With this in mind, we extended support to the Secretary-General's proposal to send an independent mission in order to assess the monitoring of the Lebanese border with respect to weapons trafficking and to make recommendations, a proposal that the Security Council endorsed in the presidential statement adopted on 17 April (S/PRST/2007/12). We deem it important that Syria genuinely engage itself in this respect. Damascus can play a positive role in the stability and development of the region, but only if it confirms in deeds its will to act in good faith and in the interests of peace. In this regard, we look forward to learning about the outcome of the recent visit of the Secretary-General to Damascus. The full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) is primarily the responsibility of the Lebanese Government.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We appreciate the work carried out in recent months by the United Nations cartographers and hope that a proposal may soon be drafted which would provide the basis for political consultations. We are concerned by reports that weapons continue to be smuggled into Lebanon, especially outside UNIFIL's area of operations, despite the ban provided for by resolution 1701 (2006). We have confidence in the commitment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to prevent arms smuggling, but it is fundamental that all the neighbouring countries commit themselves to preventing an increase in the destructive potential of the various opposing Lebanese factions. We believe that it is important that the United Nations engage itself on this question.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We believe that the tripartite mechanism comprised of UNIFIL, the Lebanese armed forces and the Israeli Defense Forces is particularly useful for resolving possible controversies, and we urge the parties to continue to make regular use of that mechanism. We encourage the parties to proceed expeditiously, in cooperation with UNIFIL, towards a more accurate demarcation of the Blue Line, with a View also to preventing the recurrence of incidents along the Line. In this regard, we believe that it is essential to clearly define the question of the Sheba'a farms, which continues to represent a dangerous source of tension along the border between the two countries.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“The international community is deeply engaged in the stabilization of the country, and the presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon is a guarantee of that commitment by the international community. We are concerned, however, that a solution still seems to be far off on some key issues regarding the normalization of bilateral relations between Lebanon and Israel, especially the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers, the Sheba'a Farms and Israeli overflights in Lebanon. On various occasions, UNIFIL has proven its ability to intervene promptly and effectively to defuse tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border that risked spiralling into a dangerous situation.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Nevertheless, at this sensitive juncture in the Lebanese political process, we need to be aware of the repercussions that a more incisive action by the international community might have on the domestic framework. What must re-emerge in Lebanon first and foremost is the will to revive the national dialogue so as to address the root causes of the country's political problems, which have brought about the present institutional impasse. Italy thus believes that the resumption of dialogue between the majority and the opposition must be encouraged and consolidated as the prerequisite for an agreement that will bring Lebanon out of the difficult political crisis.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Regarding Lebanon, we are concerned by the sensitivity of the political situation there, which continues to be highly complex and closely tied to the solution of the two main interrelated questions: the establishment of the international tribunal on the Hariri assassination, and the national unity Government. We are convinced that the political impasse that grips the country can be broken only through a courageous assumption of political responsibility by all the Lebanese parties. We therefore once again urge the Government and the opposition to resolutely resume the dialogue to address and resolve the political problems of the country at their roots. We are convinced of the need to establish the international tribunal.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“That is another reason why we believe that Israel should seize the opportunity to revive, with conviction, the dialogue with President Abbas, whose responsibility over peace negotiations is clearly recognized in the programme of the new Palestinian Government - although within the limit that any agreement would have to be ratified by the Palestinian National Council or by referendum. In that context, it is crucial to foster the economic reconstruction of the Palestinian territories and to ease the rehabilitation of the fabric of Palestinian society - a task in which the European Union has distinguished itself in recent months through its assistance to the Palestinian people.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“It is equally important that both parties strive to avoid actions or take positions that might be ill interpreted by public opinion and could generate tensions likely to hinder or to halt the dialogue. It is vital that both Israel and the Palestinian Authority work to avoid any action that might jeopardize the fragile dialogue that has been established. While we believe the meetings between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert hold promise, one must avoid giving the Palestinian public the impression that it is mere media hype, without any tangible impact on their living conditions in the territories.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“It will therefore be essential that the Palestinian Government strongly commit to ending any violent attack, the launching of Qassam rockets, weapons smuggling in Gaza and the detention of Corporal Shalit. At the same time, we believe that Israel should take concrete action to loosen restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Palestinian people, particularly in the West Bank, so that the access of people and goods to the Gaza Strip is no longer blocked, particularly at the Rafah crossing point. Israel should also rapidly resume the transfer of customs revenues to the Palestinian Government. In that framework, we hope that the necessary conditions can be assured for the European Union Border Assistance Mission to resume its operations in full.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Italy confirms its support for the Road Map principles and at the same time reiterates that their implementation must take into account the need to quickly progress toward a just and conclusive solution. In that framework, we continue to fully support the role of the Quartet, and of the European Union within it, to foster successful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. We are very concerned by the statements released by some Palestinian factions that intend to put an end to the truce in Gaza, which has substantially held so far. Such statements, should they be followed by acts, risk igniting a dangerous spiral of violence that could endanger the slow progress achieved so far.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We are pleased by the positive attitude taken by the Israeli Government towards the Arab League's decision to request Egypt and Jordan to study the modalities for defining the terms of application of the proposal relaunched by the Riyadh summit. Italy has long felt the need to increase the number of countries that support the peace process and considers the involvement of Arab countries useful to enhance the prospects of a regional solution to the conflict. We are confident that the contacts to that end among Israel, Egypt and Jordan will help to gradually bring positions closer together. We hope that the parties will show the flexibility and good will needed to start an effective dialogue.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Mr. Howells, I first wish to welcome you and thank you for being with us in the Council today and presiding over this meeting. I also wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing. Recent weeks have recorded promising developments in the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Following the establishment of the National Unity Government and direct contacts between the Palestinian Authority President and the Israeli Prime Minister, the Arab League has offered the peace process a perspective that should not be neglected. The proposal that emerged from the Riyadh summit to revive the 2002 Beirut plan represents an interesting basis for negotiations, one which might bring the political process closer to defining the parametres required for transition to the final phase of the Road Map.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Can it be considered a sign, a positive indication, of goodwill on the part of the Sudanese authorities, making it possible to strengthen the current efforts on the political track as well? Finally, on Chad, I think that Under-Secretary- General Holmes, after meeting with the Prime Minister in Chad, publicly expressed some signs of relative optimism. Would he please elaborate further on that and tell us whether he has reason to be confident. I cannot conclude without expressing Italy's deepest condolences to the Senegalese authorities and the families of the peacekeepers of the African Union Mission in the Sudan who were killed last Sunday.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“We look forward to operational follow-up. I have a few questions to bring to the attention of Under-Secretary-General Holmes. First, on the signing of the joint communique between the Government of the Sudan and the United Nations, we believe that it is an important and timely commitment that comes at an appropriate time for the activities of the humanitarian operations. Similar documents have been signed on previous occasions, but unfortunately they have not been fully implemented. Has the Under-Secretary-General received any further guarantees concerning the implementation of the communique? Secondly, what is Mr. Holmes' opinion regarding the possible implications of the good news on the humanitarian assistance track?”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“We underline the need for full cooperation by the Sudanese authorities with the United Nations and with the humanitarian organizations involved in the region. We believe that security and access are of capital importance, as has already been stated this morning. At the same time, we welcome the attention that Under-Secretary-General Holmes, visiting Juba, paid to the unsolved problems of South Sudan. We believe that that is an important signal in order to tackle those problems within an appropriate regional framework. The Council should not let the Darfur crisis divert its attention from the peace process in the south and should renew its collective and individual pressures on the parties in that respect. Finally, we welcome the consensual position expressed by the Human Rights Council regarding respect for human rights in Darfur.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“I, too, welcome Under- Secretary-General Holmes and thank him for his briefing, which has helped us to better understand the sources and the dynamics of the instability prevailing today in the regions bordering Darfur. Let me say at the outset that Italy joins other delegations in expressing deepest concern about the humanitarian situation in the region and in commending the role of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the personal efforts of Mr. Holmes. The protection of civilians on the ground is a widely shared priority. It is the guiding principle of our work - a principle on which we must always focus in our discussions and in our decisions. Italy supports the role of the United Nations in that regard.”
2007-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5655 (2007) · source
“Italy welcomes the important efforts of the United Nations Secretariat, particularly the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, in this regard and will continue to actively support them, notably in the areas of training and capacity-building. Structured reflection on these matters could be continued also in existing bodies, namely the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and the Peacebuilding Commission. Involving somehow representatives from interested regional and subregional organizations by giving birth to a new joint working group could also be explored to that end.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“The adoption of some predetermined criteria would enable the Security Council to avoid the perception of any possible double standards. The third point is the importance of the cooperation and assistance that the African Union might get from other regional organizations. The European Union, for instance, will continue to do its part, as recalled most recently in the conclusions of the Ministerial Council meeting held earlier in this month. I am sure that the representative of Germany will have the opportunity to elaborate further on this. Finally, in our View, strengthening the capacity of the Commission of the African Union and the executive branches of subregional African organizations is paramount for the success of any strategy aiming at ensuring increased regional ownership of peace and security in Africa.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source