YouSaid · the spoken record

Martinez Blanco

lines on the record: 437
first: 1994-11-09
most recent: 1996-12-11
sittings or episodes: 64
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 next speaker is the representative of Malaysia. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the representative of Ireland for his kind words addressed to me. The next speaker is the representative of India. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the representative of Tunisia for his kind words addressed to me. The next speaker is the representative of Ireland. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the representative of Zambia for the kind words he addressed to me. The next speaker is the representative of Tunisia. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“The next speaker is the representative of Zambia. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“The next speaker is the representative of Nigeria. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Mangoaela (Lesotho) took the seat reserved for him at the side of the Council Chamber. The President (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal, His Excellency Mr. J ose Lamego. I invite him to take a seat at the Council table and to make his statement.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“However, given the lateness of the hour, I now propose, with the consent of the Council, to suspend the meeting until 3 pm. The meeting was suspended at 1.40 pm. and resumed at 3.25 pm. The President (interpretation from Spanish): I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Lesotho, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“It would be unfortunate were a lack of support for the peace process to affect international assistance. Lastly, my delegation wishes to acknowledge the important work done by the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) in all its observer and verification activities, its human-rights training for quartered UNITA soldiers and its valuable contribution to demining and road restoration. We believe that, in the current situation in Angola, the presence of UNAVEM. III continues to be necessary to consolidating the peace process. Accordingly, we support the Secretary-General's recommendation in his report to extend its mandate. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are still a number of speakers on my list.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“At the same time, we welcome the steadfast political will of the Government of Angola to find a solution through dialogue to all the problems related to reconciling all Angolans, with a View to preserving the stability and unity of the country. We urge both parties to meet as soon as possible to settle all outstanding questions. My delegation is also aware of the serious social and economic crisis in Angola, which requires immediate assistance from international financial institutions and the support of donor countries. The rehabilitation of war- devastated communities, the rebuilding of Angola's national economy and the demobilization and social reintegration of some 100,000 ex-combatants are prerequisites to a restoration of peace in Angola.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Until the parties, and UNITA in particular, fully implement the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and fulfil the commitments made at Libreville, Gabon, on 1 March 1996, we feel that there can be no lasting solution to the Angolan problem. The leaders of UNITA must show that they are acting in good faith and that they have the political will to meet their commitments to causing no further delays in the peace process. As on previous occasions in the Council, my delegation appeals to them to meet their obligations forthwith and to take the necessary remedial measures.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“In particular, my delegation is concerned about the delays in implementing the agreed timetables for completing the quartering and disarming of UNITA forces, incorporating those forces into the Angolan Armed Forces under the National Programme for Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants, disarming the civilian population and extending State administration throughout the country. We are also concerned at the lack of solutions to some of the pending political issues in the Lusaka Protocol, such as the return of UNITA members of Parliament who left in 1992, the reintegration of the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation and the granting of special status or position to the leader of UNITA. In general terms, my delegation views the political, military, economic and social situations in Angola, as discouraging.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Notwithstanding the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, in cooperation with the representatives of the three observer States, and of the States members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to accelerate implementation of the Lusaka Protocol, as well as the repeated appeals of the international community to the parties to fulfil their commitments, there have been delays attributable to one of the parties. Although the observance of the ceasefire throughout most of Angola is a positive sign, my delegation considers that limited compliance with outstanding military and political issues has had a negative impact on the Angolan peace process.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the representative of Poland for his kind words addressed to me. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Honduras. My delegation wishes to express its concern at the lack of progress achieved in the implementation of the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol and the timetable agreed by the parties, as well as at the mistrust between the Angolan Government and UNITA, factors that continue to jeopardize the achievement of lasting peace in Angola.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Cuba and Mali, in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite these representatives to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Nunez- Mosquera (Cuba) and Mr. Ouane (Mali) took the seats reserved form them at the side of the Council chamber.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mozambique for the kind words he addressed to me. The next speaker is the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Botswana, His Excellency Lieutenant-General Mompati S. Merafhe.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Angola for his kind words addressed to me. The next speaker is His Excellency Mr. Leonardo Santos Simao, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mozambique, whom I welcome and on whom I now call.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe for his kind words addressed to me. The next speaker is the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola, His Excellency Mr. Venancio De Moura, whom I welcome and on whom I now call.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to document S/ 1996/822, which contains the text of identical letters dated 1 October 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council. Members have received photocopies of a letter dated 10 October 1996 addressed to the President of the Security Council by the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations, contained in document S/ 1996/841. The first speaker is the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr. Stanislaus I. G. Mudenge, whom I welcome and on whom I now call.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“Kasanda (Zambia) took the seats reserved for them at the side of the Council Chamber. The President (interpretation from Spanish): The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in response to the request contained in a letter dated 7 October 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, contained in document S/ 1996/832. Members of the Council have before them the progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III), document S/ 1996/827.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. De Moura (Angola), Mr. Simdo (Mozambique) aner. Mudenge (Zimbabwe), took seats at the Council table; Mr. Baali (Algeria), Mr. Amorim (Brazil), Mr. Nsanze (Burundi), Mr. Monteiro (Cape Verde), Mr. Berrocal Soto (Costa Rica), Mr. Shah (India), Mr. Campbell (Ireland), Mr. Chimimba (Malawi), Mr. Hasmy (Malaysia), Mr. Sevilla Siero (Nicaragua), Mr. Gambari (Nigeria), Mr. Lamego (Portugal), Mr. Abdellah (Tunisia) and Mr.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“III) (S/1996/827) Letter dated 7 October 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/1996/832) The President (interpretation from Spanish): I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Algeria, Angola, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, India, Ireland, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Portugal, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“I should like, at the outset of this meeting, to acknowledge the presence at the Council table of the Minister for Foreign of Affairs of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Mompati S. Merafhe. On behalf of the Council, I extend a warm welcome to him. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in Angola Progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3702 (1996) · source
“It requests the Secretary-General to keep it regularly informed on progress reached in the investigation of the Violations of international humanitarian law referred to in the report mentioned above." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1996/41. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at I] am.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“The Council reiterates that all States and concerned parties have an obligation, in accordance with resolution 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, other relevant resolutions and the Peace Agreement, to cooperate fully with the International Tribunal and to comply without exception with requests for assistance or orders issued by a trial chamber. The Council expresses again its support for the endeavours of the international agencies and authorities involved in these investigations and invites them to pursue and intensify their efforts. It encourages Member States to continue to provide the necessary financial and other support. "The Security Council will continue to follow this issue closely.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“The Council stresses again the obligations of all the parties to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the relevant international authorities and among themselves with respect to such investigations and reminds the parties of their commitment under the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Annexes thereto (collectively the Peace Agreement S/1995/999, annex). "The Security Council reaffirms that the violations of international humanitarian law throughout the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina as described in resolution 1034 (1995) must be fully and properly investigated.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“"The Security Council welcomes the recent visit by the delegation from Republika Srpska to the International Tribunal on former Yugoslavia in The Hague and expresses hope that this visit marks a turning point in relations between Republika Srpska and the International Tribunal and will facilitate cooperation with regard to investigations conducted by personnel of the International Tribunal. "The Security Council condemns all attempts to obstruct the investigations or to destroy, alter, conceal or damage any related evidence.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“"The Security Council expresses deep concern about the very little progress achieved so far in these investigations and strongly appeals to all the parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina to make every effort to identify the fate of the missing persons, both for humanitarian and legal purposes. "The Security Council is concerned that endeavours by the relevant international authorities to identify the fate of the missing by, inter alia, carrying out exhumations has met with limited success largely due to obstruction by Republika Srpska. It notes with concern that the fate of only a few hundred missing persons has been so far established.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council has considered, in the light of its resolution 1034 (1995) of 21 December 1995, the current situation with regard to the investigation of violations of international humanitarian law in the areas of Srebrenica, Zepa, Banja Luka and Sanski Most as well as in the areas of Glamoc, Ozren and elsewhere throughout the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "The Security Council recalls the report of the Secretary-General of 27 November 1995 (S/ 1995/988).”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. I should like to draw the attention of members of the Council to document S/ 1996/834, which contains the text of a letter dated 8 October 1996 from the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Sacirbey (Bosnia and Herzegovina) took a seat at the Council table. The President (interpretation from Spanish): The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
1996-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3701 (1996) · source
“For these reasons, and in View of the importance of continuing the presence of UNOMIL in Liberia, my delegation agrees with the extension of its mandate for a three-month period and will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“My delegation also recognizes the importance of increasing the number of the UNOMIL military observers so that the Mission will be better able to verify disarmament when it takes place and will furthermore be able to undertake wider-ranging patrols, as well as that of the measures recently adopted by ECOMOG to strengthen its presence in Liberia and to guarantee its viability as a real peace-keeping force, even though it still does not have sufficient human and financial resources to carry out its tasks. We also recognize the ECOWAS efforts to restore peace and to establish a democratically elected government in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We nevertheless regret the attacks and acts of intimidation directed against the personnel of ECOMOG, UNOMIL and the international organizations and bodies that provide humanitarian assistance, as well as the looting of their equipment. It is deplorable that the factions do not respect the personnel status of these missions and that all the property stolen has not yet been returned.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We hope that this time the Liberian parties will effectively comply with their agreements and commitments to enable the holding of free and fair elections in May 1997, as anticipated. As emphasized in the draft resolution the Council is about to adopt, the continued support of the international community for the Liberian peace process, including the participation of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), depends on the Liberian factions' showing the will to resolve differences peacefully and achieve national reconciliation, pursuant to the commitments agreed to at Abuja. My delegation also believes that a positive sign for the Liberian peace process is that the security situation is improving in various parts of the country and that the cease-fire in Monrovia is holding.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“For these reasons, my delegation welcomed the fact that the faction leaders and Liberian civilian groups have expressed agreement with the decisions adopted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Foreign Ministers at the Summit meeting held on 17 August last, with respect to a revised five-stage implementation timetable for the Abuja Agreement, the recommendation to establish a code of conduct for the members of the Council of State and the transitional government and the conditions to be met for holding free and fair elections. There is no need to emphasize the importance of the faction leaders' acceptance of the ECOWAS decisions for the effective implementation of the peace process in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Mr. Martinez Blanco (Honduras)(interpretation from Spanish): On several occasions Honduras has expressed concern at the hostilities and deterioration in security conditions in Liberia, since they represent a threat to the peace process, tend to deepen the political crisis and negatively affect the observance of human rights and humanitarian assistance. At the same time, Honduras has regretted the Liberian parties' lack of political will to comply with the Abuja Agreement and to make a serious commitment to maintain the cease-fire.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“We reiterate our appeal to organize a dialogue without delay, a dialogue that by bringing together all the political forces of Burundi can allow for a democratic and institutional consensus, which is the only realistic way to find a permanent solution to the crrsrs.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“For this reason we are of the opinion that, at the same time as efforts are being made toward the establishment of dialogue among the Burundian parties, contingency planning must continue for a rapid humanitarian response in the event the violence should become widespread or the situation in the country worsen. My delegation understands that it is up to the Burundians themselves to shape their own destiny and to overcome the obstacles to the attainment of peace and national reconciliation. The most important thing right now is the prompt return to constitutional order and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“My delegation is aware that the present situation in Burundi represents a threat to the peace and security of the Great Lakes region. There is still the possibility of an escalation of the violence in Burundi which could attain a regional scope. For this reason we recognize the importance of the different regional and international initiatives, in particular those of the Organization of African Unity and the efforts of former President Nyerere to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Burundi. In connection with the humanitarian situation, we believe that until an end is put to the ethnic violence, to the climate of impunity and to the violations of human rights, genocide will remain a possibility in Burundi.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“It is only through dialogue that the democratic and institutional consensus will be achieved to help bring peace, security and tranquillity to the population of Burundi. We understand that in the present circumstances the promotion of a broad-based political dialogue in Burundi is a difficult task. For this reason, the support that this Council can give to the resumption of dialogue and negotiations under the auspices of the Mwanza peace process is important, as is the support that it can give to the efforts made by former President Nyerere to facilitate a lasting political solution to the crisis. We also consider essential the support that this Council can give to the regional efforts made and initiatives taken to help find a peaceful solution to the situation in Burundi, in particular the decisions taken at the second Arusha summit.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“My delegation therefore makes an urgent appeal to the Burundian parties to make every necessary effort to generate mutual trust and to create the conditions for peace and national reconciliation. We urge them to find without delay the appropriate political mechanisms to make it possible to find a satisfactory solution to the crisis, with the understanding that only a broad and permanent political settlement providing for how the Government will be shared between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority can constitute the key element for establishing peace and harmony between Burundians, putting Burundi back on the path towards democracy and making possible international cooperation for reconstruction, development and the stability of the country.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“Mr. Martinez Blanco (Honduras) (interpretation from Spanish): Honduras views with extreme concern the continuing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Burundi, exacerbated by the coup d 'etat of last 25 July, and by the threat that the persistence of this situation represents to the peace and security of the Great Lakes region. The delegation of Honduras considers that the ethnic violence, the suffering of the population of Burundi and the exodus of refugees will persist, affecting the stability of the region at large, until constitutional order is restored and the necessary political dialogue begins between the parties to allow for a broad settlement of the situation.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“How many more people must be maimed before the international community completely bans the production, stockpiling, use and export of these death-dealing devices? When will there be consensus among Governments that a ban is the only solution to this tremendous humanitarian crisis? For all those whose lives have already been destroyed by mines, there are no answers. It is already too late.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“On the basis of the experiences of Cambodia, Somalia, Mozambique, Angola, Afghanistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the importance of having peace-keeping forces actively participate in mine-clearance programmes as part of their mandates has been recognized, because this contributes to the establishment of a safe environment and, most importantly, helps create or improve national mine-clearance capacities, which is central to the assistance provided by the United Nations in this field. My delegation strongly supports the inclusion of this element in peace-keeping operations. At the same time, we emphasize that demining alone does not constitute a comprehensive solution to all the problems relating to land-mines. The only possible solution remains their total eradication. How many more lives must be lost?”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The inclusion of this element among the functions of peace-keeping operations needs no justification. Without mine-clearance, social and economic stability cannot be restored after armed conflicts. Without mine-clearance, agriculture cannot resume, the infrastructure providing basic services cannot be repaired, transportation is impossible, the delivery of humanitarian assistance is interrupted, and refugees and displaced persons cannot return home. In other words, without mine-clearance the consolidation of peace in a nation after a conflict cannot occur.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Thus, efforts towards peace and security must not only focus on humanitarian relief but must also include activities that promote development. This approach is clearly reflected in the multidimensional nature of peace-keeping operations carried out by the United Nations since 1989. Current peace- keeping operations include not only military and humanitarian relief components, but also elements for maintaining law and order, safeguarding human rights, strengthening political institutions, making possible the return of refugees and displaced persons, holding free and fair elections, and helping rebuild the national infrastructure and carry out economic and social development projects; they also include an element that has come to be very important in the discharge of peace- keeping mandates: mine-clearance.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“We cannot fail also to acknowledge the active work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the treatment and rehabilitation of the wounded, as well as the informational activities of numerous non-governmental organizations concerning the dangers posed by unexploded land-mines. In his "An Agenda for Peace" and his Agenda for Development, the Secretary-General has laid stress on the fundamental relationship between peace and development. It is a fact that disputes and armed conflicts frequently stem from poor economic and social conditions; it is also a fact that unless the foundations for economic and social development are laid before a conflict is brought to a formal conclusion, peace will be unable to take root.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“With increasing frequency, owing to the presence of land-mines, it is hardly possible to deliver humanitarian assistance to those affected by armed conflicts, and in the worst of cases it is halted altogether. More and more, the continued manufacture and export of mines is worsening humanitarian crises and makes it urgently necessary that the international community step up mine-clearance activities and its support for national demining arrangements, and agree on a total ban on anti-personnel mines. This is a worldwide crisis, and my delegation hails the endeavours of the United Nations through the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, the Department of Peace-keeping Operations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children's Fund and other agencies and programmes.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Mr. Martinez Blanco (Honduras) (interpretation from Spanish): The international community has come to see the presence of land-mines and other unexploded munitions in various parts of the world as an enormous humanitarian problem with serious economic and social consequences for the populations of the countries facing these threats, which prevent refugees and displaced persons from returning to their homes and hamper humanitarian programmes and operations, national-reconstruction activities and economic development. Every year, thousands of people die or are maimed by the explosion of uncleared land-mines. Every day, tens of millions of mines in 65 countries threaten life and limb, especially of the rural population and of children.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source