YouSaid · the spoken record

Maurer

lines on the record: 273
first: 1996-08-15
most recent: 2022-01-25
sittings or episodes: 35
sources: un-security-council

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“In that context, we draw attention to the Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies. Switzerland calls upon the Council to follow those Guidelines in defining the mandates of United Nations peace operations and to exercise its influence on regional organizations in order to ensure that those organizations also follow the Guidelines. My third remark concerns humanitarian access. I would like also to stress the importance for humanitarian organizations to have unrestricted access to civilian populations. Switzerland calls upon the Council to give special attention to the crucial issue of humanitarian access. Even where access to victims is clearly possible, it is often necessary to constantly renegotiate that issue.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We would like to forcefully stress the fact that humanitarian work - be it emergency assistance to victims or other protection activities - must be carried out by civilians. Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee the observance of humanitarian principles. The lack of clarity which we sometimes see on the ground with respect to the respective roles of humanitarian and military actors jeopardizes humanitarian action. That said, Switzerland deems it just as important that close coordination be established between civil and military actors. That is why we call on the Security Council to give civilians, from the beginning, a greater role in the planning and definition of the mandates of peace missions.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We are nonetheless pleased when progress is made in the development of the law, such as the adoption of a third Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 yesterday morning in Geneva, which introduces an additional emblem for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Those decisions put an end to a long controversy. As the depositary State of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland calls on all States to ratify speedily that instrument. My second comment relates to the mandates of peace operations. In recent years, the mandates given by the Security Council have become both broader and more robust. We call on the Council further to strengthen the civilian component of such operations.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“In addition, the norms of customary law apply to both international and non-international armed conflicts. Those rules were set out by the ICRC in a recently published study. There exists, therefore, a coherent body of non-negotiable legal principles and norms that must guide the actions of the Security Council and of Member States. We deem it imperative that this be reflected in the draft resolution to be adopted by the Council. We have stated repeatedly in this Organization that today respect for, and the application of, the law is more important than its development.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): First of all, I should like to thank the United Kingdom for having convened today's debate. I should like also to thank the Humanitarian Coordinator and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for their contributions. Finally, I should like to congratulate you, Sir, on the format of this debate, which shows that the Security Council's methods of work have been somewhat reformed; we appreciate that. The text of my statement has been distributed, so I shall simply make three points. First, the protection of civilian populations is ensured not only by international humanitarian law, with which we are all familiar, but also by other norms and standards for protection relating to human rights, refugees and displaced persons, in particular the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Switzerland, together with other States - in particular, Germany and Sweden - is actively involved in promoting the drafting and implementation of more satisfactory provisions for listing and delisting. The aim of this initiative is to improve the effectiveness of counter-terrorism sanctions. I assure members that Switzerland is prepared to continue the dialogue with the Security Council and its subsidiary organs on measures to strengthen the fight against terrorism within the framework of effective sanctions regimes that respect basic human rights. The Chairman: I appreciate the heed paid by the representative of Switzerland to the call for brevity. I now call on the representative of India.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Diligent action by States with regard to the parties concerned is possible only if their investigative services or police have been duly informed of the nature of the illicit activities that justify the inclusion of those parties on the Consolidated List. Paragraph 5 of resolution 1617 (2005) - which requests States to inform individuals and entities included in the Consolidated List of the measures imposed on them, the Committee's guidelines and the provisions of the applicable resolutions - is a further step in the right direction. As the Monitoring Team mentioned in its report, not only is the provision of such information essential from a legal standpoint, but it is also more conducive to the effective implementation of the sanctions regime.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Switzerland particularly welcomes the provisions which enable the list established in accordance with resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1333 (2000) to be a functional tool and to provide a solid working basis for the fair application of sanctions. The requirement that States proposing to add a name to the Consolidated List must henceforth provide a statement of their case describing the basis of the proposal is a step in the right direction. Such documents could be used by the Committee to reply to the questions of Member States whose nationals, residents or entities have been entered on the Consolidated List. However, we would like to point out that the Monitoring Team recommended that an additional step be taken towards the greater transparency which is desirable.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Similar steps are being taken in the rest of Europe and elsewhere in the world. It is in the light of those developments that we are weighing the accounts presented here today. They complement the analyses and recommendations set out in the third report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (S/2005/572), as well as the provisions of resolution 1617 (2005), adopted by the Security Council on 29 July 2005. My delegation would just like to make a few additional observations. Resolution 1617 (2005) contains important provisions to facilitate the indispensable collaboration of States with the sanctions Committees, and thus to ensure the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism while respecting fundamental human rights.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland is grateful for this opportunity to address the Council. We have distributed a complete text of our statement and I shall limit my remarks to an abbreviated version. Switzerland welcomes the counter-terrorism measures set out in the outcome document adopted at the 2005 world summit on 16 September 2005 (General Assembly resolution 60/1). Those measures stem from an awareness that the effectiveness of the Security Council counter-terrorism sanctions regime would be affected if the legality of measures enacted by the Council were contested before national or international courts. In my country, the legality of those measures was recently the subject of a parliamentary question addressed to the Federal Council.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“We believe that improving the listing and de-listing procedures would be an excellent opportunity to start such a practice. We suggest that the Council establish a working group with members of the 1267 Committee, other interested Member States and relevant experts from the Secretariat with a mandate to come up with suggestions on how to improve the effectiveness of the Committee's listing and de-listing procedures, in particular by avoiding incompatibility between obligations under international human rights law and Security Council sanctions.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We recognize that recent sanctions regimes provide improved safeguards with regard to the rights of listed individuals or entities, and we suggest that the relevant counter-terrorism and sanctions committees update older sanctions regimes according to the newer, better standards. With respect to further improvements in the efficiency of targeted sanctions, Switzerland would welcome opportunities for discussion with the members of the 1267 Committee. In the ongoing debate on the reform of the Security Council, Switzerland has suggested, among other things, that the Council consider on a case-by- case basis the possibility of including Member States not currently on the Council but with strong interest and expertise in the topic to participate in the work of one or more of the subsidiary bodies.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We believe that an effective regime of Security Council targeted financial and travel sanctions against individuals and entities needs; first, to apply strict and transparent factual and evidentiary requirements with respect to the listing of individuals and groups; secondly, to guarantee the timely notification of targeted individuals and entities upon their inclusion in a sanctions list; thirdly, to limit the duration of sanctions and their punitive effects; and fourthly, to provide for the right to appeal against the inclusion of individuals and entities in a sanctions list, as well as for binding arbitration by a body of impartial and independent experts.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“At the same time, we are convinced that new mechanisms must, and can, be developed that would avoid incompatibility between obligations under international human rights law and Security Council sanctions. In that regard, we welcome the statements and suggestions made by Greece, Denmark and, just a minute ago, Liechtenstein.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Not surprisingly, the second report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, of February 2005 (S/2005/83, annex), mentioned a number of legal challenges in national and international courts against specific sanctions implementation measures. The conflict between Security Council resolutions and international human rights law is both harmful and unnecessary. It violates the integrity of the system of international law and it undermines the legitimacy of the Council's action in general. Switzerland shares the concern of others that, as a result, it will severely compromise the effectiveness of the Council's anti-terrorism strategy.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Since 1998, the common efforts of Switzerland, Germany, Sweden and others in the Interlaken, Bonn- Berlin and Stockholm processes have contributed to the further development and refinement of that instrument. In recent years, however, the scope of targeted sanctions has been extended considerably to loosely defined categories of individuals and entities rather than specific groups of persons. Furthermore, while targeted sanctions are intended to be preventive in nature, they are punitive in their effects, and the rights of individuals under domestic and international law are severely affected. In particular, the application of measures against individuals without any possibility of review or appeal has the real potential to violate individual due process rights guaranteed by relevant instruments of international law.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Combating terrorism is the concern of all States, and it is therefore essential for the Council to have regular exchanges on its strategies and decisions with all members of the United Nations. I therefore express my appreciation to the Chairmen of the three committees for today's briefings. The Council is currently reviewing the measures imposed by earlier resolutions concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities. In my statement I will focus on the 1267 Committee and share some concerns that Switzerland has with regard to the effectiveness of targeted sanctions as applied today. Security Council targeted financial and travel sanctions against individuals can be a useful instrument in the international community's efforts to enforce implementation of Security Council decisions.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The most recent acts of terrorism in London, as well as in other parts of the world, which wasted the lives of dozens of innocent civilians and caused injuries to many more, have once again confirmed that the threat of terrorism is far from over. Switzerland condemns all forms of terrorism and terrorist acts and supports the fight against terrorism by all means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law. The efforts of the Security Council are an important part of the global fight against terrorism. Switzerland has fully complied with the Council's counter-terrorism resolutions and has closely cooperated with its Counter-Terrorism Committee and its sanctions committees, and will continue to do so in the future.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“My country's contribution is based on its own historical experiences, but also, and above all, it addresses real local needs in the areas of consolidation of local democracy, decentralization and reinforcing the mechanisms for the protection of minorities. Switzerland wishes to make a useful contribution to the efforts of the international community and is ready to play a role as facilitator. It is already active in supporting a dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, as well as between the various communities, and is ready to pursue this role further. Even if the status question is resolved in the near future, the prevailing economic conditions and the still poorly developed structures for the rule of law require the continuation of a significant international presence in Kosovo.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Switzerland welcomes the fact that the first steps have been taken to establish a dialogue between the leaders of Serbia and of Kosovo. The readiness to conduct such a discussion at the highest level is a necessary condition to unblock the current situation and to advance the discussion on standards and status. Switzerland has been closely involved in the region since the outbreak of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. It has used considerable resources, backing its efforts with more than one and a half billion Swiss francs since 1995. Switzerland is especially active in Kosovo, at different levels.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Nevertheless, the evolution towards formal independence of Kosovo must happen under close international monitoring, as well as through negotiations with the authorities in Belgrade, as this independence cannot be imposed on them. Thirdly, the question of Kosovo must be addressed from a regional perspective. The commitment of the international community to maintain multi-ethnic States in South Eastern Europe is fundamental. It is the only feasible long-term policy. A division of Kosovo would be contrary to this approach and must be ruled out. What is important is to promote the decentralization of power in order to allow the Serbs of Kosovo to enjoy real opportunities to pursue their development and to take an active part in determining the political future of Kosovo.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“For Switzerland, several parameters should guide our thoughts. First, it is important to take into account two equally legitimate desires: on the one hand, the demand of the minorities to live in safety, to have the same opportunities for economic development, to have the same access to social services and education and to exercise the right of return; on the other hand, the will of the majority of the population to exercise its right of self-determination. Secondly, Switzerland welcomes the first steps that have been made towards a dialogue between Serb and Kosovar leaders. A return of Kosovo to Serb sovereignty is neither desirable nor realistic.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“We are delighted with the unswerving work of the Special Representative and with the statement he made this morning. In order to achieve more concrete progress, the international community must act in a more concerted manner and with greater determination to put the basic framework in place. But the Serb and Kosovar leaders too must make greater efforts to assume their full responsibilities. This is crucial now that the assessment of standards is entering a decisive phase. Since the NATO intervention in 1999, Kosovo has been de facto separated from Serbia and Montenegro, although de jure it remains part of that country. That situation is neither satisfactory nor desirable. Switzerland considers that the time has come to launch, between now and the end of the year, a discussion on the future status of Kosovo.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Madam President, I would first of all like to congratulate you on the skill and commitment with which your country has conducted the presidency of the Security Council during the month of May 2005. Over the last few years, the United Nations has been strongly committed to preparing the ground for establishing substantial autonomy and self- administration in Kosovo. Although considerable progress has been achieved, there is still much to be done, in particular in the areas of the democratic functioning of institutions, the rule of law and respect for minorities and human rights. We fully share the Secretary-General's analysis on this subject in the report he has just submitted to the Security Council (S/2005/335).”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“In closing, Sir, let me recall - as a member of the Human Security Network - the urgent need to take concerted action to combat the devastating humanitarian effects of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. The uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of these arms remain a major cause of human suffering around the world, and they represent a serious threat to human security. Only if the Security Council, Member States and civil society join in their efforts will we reach our goal of making each and every person and their respective communities safer.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“We invite the Security Council to ask the Secretary-General for a specific report on the exploitation of illicit natural resources in conflict situations, including its links with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Furthermore, we think that a more integrated approach to the question of small arms and light weapons would benefit from solid research and support in civil society. In this context, we recall the studies made by the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey, and we inform Security Council members that its annual publication this year will be devoted precisely to the role of small arms and light weapons in current conflicts.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“Fourthly, it has been clearly established that the illicit exploitation of natural resources constitutes one of the privileged sources of financing fuelling the illicit trade in small arms. We are starting to profit from accrued experience in the field of controlling the illicit exploitation of natural resources, in particular through the Kimberley process. Switzerland suggests formalizing the panels of experts so that they can contribute more substantially to the work of the Council and thus allow it to identify minimum norms and standards that would guide the exploitation of natural resources in conflict zones.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“Furthermore, Switzerland calls for the conclusion of a cooperative agreement between the Security Council and Interpol that could serve as a framework for cooperation in the field of tracing illicit small arms and light weapons. That cooperation agreement could be complemented by a protocol covering the technical details on a case-by- case basis. The existing Memorandum of Understanding between Interpol and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo on cooperation in crime prevention and criminal justice might serve as an example for that purpose. We are of the View that the presidential statement to be adopted at the end of today's debate would gain from mentioning the need for increased cooperation with Interpol in tracing small arms and light weapons.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“The second recommendation is that there should be increased cooperation between the United Nations and relevant international organizations, such as the World Customs Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Thirdly, Switzerland is convinced that close cooperation between the United Nations and Interpol is of crucial importance for the efficient identification and tracing of illicit small arms and light weapons. Ties with Interpol could be strengthened by assigning a law enforcement component to peacekeeping operations and sanction committees that have the competence to interact with Interpol, including their access to all Interpol databases relevant to the tracing of illicit small arms and light weapons.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“Switzerland is of the view that the enforcement of arms embargoes could be greatly improved by providing peacekeeping operations and sanctions committees with a mandate to initiate tracing requests with regard to illicit weapons found in the course of their investigations. This could contribute to identifying networks that illicitly supply weapons and materiel under embargo. In this context, two measures should be encouraged. First, it would be good to have training for United Nations staff deployed to countries under arms embargoes on the monitoring of such embargoes and on related aspects, such as the collection of baseline data on and the identification of seized weapons.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“First, it is our View that the Security Council should include in all peacekeeping mandates the requirement to gather information, including on weapons markings, on all small arms and light weapons that are collected or seized in the context of those missions, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes. The Council should also enable peacekeeping operations to initiate tracing requests in relation to those weapons. To accomplish these additional tasks within the framework of peacekeeping operations and DDR programmes, the necessary resources have to be included in the regular peacekeeping budget. Secondly, compliance with arms embargoes and sanctions regimes is crucial.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“In his report of 20 September 2002, the Secretary-General included a set of recommendations on ways and means whereby the Security Council could contribute to dealing with the question of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in situations under its consideration. Those recommendations are still valid. The most recent report of the Secretary- General on the initiatives undertaken to implement those recommendations shows that important progress has been made in several key areas. I would like to take this opportunity to focus on a few aspects where Switzerland sees a concrete role for the Security Council.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland would like to thank Benin for convening this open debate of the Security Council on small arms and light weapons. The United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects states that Governments bear the primary responsibility to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. However, in order to become fully effective, the efforts of Governments should be supported and complemented by multilateral organizations, and the Security Council has thus a clear role to play.”
2005-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5127 (2005) · source
“We are of the view that, although voluntary action and self-regulation have had positive effects in recent years, clear rules regarding the responsibility of the private sector should nevertheless be established. Such rules should be specific and based on a broad consensus. Thus, we are of the view that a more active policy, aimed at a more sensitive approach to conflicts, should be developed by the Security Council.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Fifthly, one of the current challenges is persuading non-State armed groups - which are essential actors in contemporary internal conflicts - to comply with their obligation to respect humanitarian law and to shoulder their responsibilities in the protection of civilian populations. Switzerland recently held an international workshop aimed at identifying means to improve the involvement of non-State actors in the banning of anti-personnel mines. Several practical methods have been identified. We intend to maintain our strong commitment to that important area. Finally, in order to develop a comprehensive strategy, we should also take into account the role of the private sector in conflicts.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Switzerland invites the Security Council to make use of that very useful instrument for evaluating the impact of sanctions and improving them. Fourthly, internally displaced persons are a category of the civilian population that is particularly exposed to the agonies of war. The protection of such persons must be a priority for the countries concerned and for the international community. Switzerland welcomes the recent efforts of the Emergency Relief Coordinator to improve the quality of the response by humanitarian organizations on the ground to the needs of displaced persons. We also welcome the appointment of a new Representative of the Secretary- General on the human rights of internally displaced persons. We invite the members of the Security Council to support him in accomplishing his mandate.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We also invite the Security Council to stand ready to use the authority it has under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to refer cases to the International Criminal Court. Thirdly, Switzerland considers sanctions to be an essential tool for responding to certain threats to international peace and security. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in defining sanctions that are more effectively targeted, thus minimizing their negative impact on civilian populations. However, further efforts are still required. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has developed a methodology for evaluating the humanitarian impact of sanctions and recently published a manual on that subject. Switzerland and Canada jointly contributed to the development of that methodology.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It is true that certain contemporary conflicts have created new threats to civilians, and that these threats must be addressed through the development of new policies or strategies of protection. However, such strategies should be defined in such a way as not to erode existing laws. On the contrary, they must contribute to the strengthening of law by gradually raising the minimum level of protection required. Secondly, Switzerland stresses in this context the importance of fighting impunity, at both the national and the international levels. As long as impunity remains endemic, the protection of civilians in armed conflict remains precarious. Switzerland recalls the proposals to combat impunity made in the last report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the protection of civilians (S/2004/43l).”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Mr. President, Switzerland thanks you for this debate, and we thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs for the frank briefing that he presented to the Security Council this morning. We welcome the efforts of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to strengthen international action in the ten priority areas the Under- Secretary-General described. I take the opportunity presented by this debate to state Switzerland's position on some current challenges. First, concerning the strategy to be pursued in order to ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, my country advocates an approach based on respect for international law. Existing laws must be respected in all circumstances. They form an adequate basis for facing most current challenges.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Switzerland calls on States to establish a good process. To be sure, UNMIK's work is still far from finished, as is the work of Kosovo Force, which has the crucial role of ensuring security for the population. Switzerland reaffirms its full support for those missions.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Switzerland is especially engaged in the areas of consolidating local democracy and decentralization and strengthening mechanisms to ensure the protection of minorities. Thanks to the experience gained in the region over the past decade, Switzerland remains prepared to enhance its already active role in promoting dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, as well as among the various communities. The future of Kosovo is first and foremost in the hands of the Kosovars themselves and depends on their willingness to live in peace and to respect and protect minorities. The events of March must never recur. At the same time, the future of Kosovo depends also on the international community's preparedness to contribute to finding a solution to the question of the province's status that is viable and acceptable to all parties.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“As underlined by the report of the Secretary- General (S/2004/907), ensuring the economic future of Kosovo is an indispensable precondition for ensuring stability in the region. Improving the economic situation requires not only creating conditions favourable to economic development but also strengthening political and civil-society institutions. A lasting political settlement of the question of Kosovo remains a key element for stability in South- East Europe. Switzerland is particularly concerned by the fact that a significant number of Kosovo Albanians and others from the former Yugoslavia in general have settled in our country. That is why my country remains strongly engaged in Kosovo.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“The measures necessary to achieve this progress require sustained commitment from all parties involved. My country supports the idea of a comprehensive and integrated strategy for Kosovo, because, for the moment, there seems to be no other way to unite local players and the international community for the purpose of defining the future status of Kosovo. As well, Switzerland supports the approach of addressing the question of Kosovo within the overall context of the region and in the framework of a dialogue involving all the communities concerned, in particular the Kosovo Serbs, especially because the region's political calendar will be very full in 2005. There will be important elections and equally important constitutional discussions.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): The international community has been strongly committed to Kosovo for more than five years now. The deplorable events of last March have forced us to review the strategy we had pursued until then in order to find a lasting political settlement. The Secretary- General made proposals to this effect. Switzerland welcomes the Secretary-General's report of 17 November 2004 on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, and welcomes the work of the Special Representative Mr. Seren Jessen- Petersen, as well as that of Mr. Eide. We also share the analysis of the political situation the report presents, which shows that lessons have been learned from the March events, but that there is still much progress to be made.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“At the same time, Switzerland calls on the General Assembly to swiftly find a consensus on the aspects of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism that are still being negotiated. An objective definition of terrorism would facilitate Security Council actions against terrorism. Switzerland must recall once again the statement we made in March this year during the open debate on the revitalization of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. On that occasion, we proposed setting up a central counter-terrorism office under the authority of the Secretary-General, which would assume the main responsibility in the medium term for the fight against terrorism carried out within the framework of the United Nations. Costa Rica recently developed a proposal whose objectives are somewhat comparable; it deserves our full attention.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“In addition, Switzerland regrets that resolution 1566 (2004) contains formulations of a legislative nature that do not correspond to the definitions used in the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and in the 12 international conventions against terrorism; nor do they comply with the principle of legality in criminal law, which requires the clear and precise formulation of laws. In order to avoid such inconsistencies between the work of the General Assembly and the actions of the Security Council, Switzerland hopes that in future the Council will fully respect the prerogatives of the Assembly with regard to developing and codifying international law.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“However, for reasons of legitimacy and effectiveness, we should consider whether it is appropriate that the Security Council alone decide on the content of such a list. Switzerland believes that, if necessary, mechanisms should be developed to enable all Member States to be included. Moreover, if such a list were to be established, it is important that it be the result of a process that would provide sufficient guarantees of impartiality and transparency and would ensure that the persons and entities whose names were on the list would have the opportunity to challenge such a listing if they considered themselves victims of errors or abuse.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“The international community must be careful not to sacrifice respect for human rights and the rule of law in the fight it must wage against terrorism. Switzerland is also convinced that it is not necessary to infringe fundamental freedoms to ensure the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism. Under the mandate envisaged in resolution 1566 (2004), the working group must consider and recommend to the Council measures to be imposed on persons or entities that participate in or are associated with terrorist activities. Such measures include the freezing of financial assets, bans on travel and arms embargoes. The possibility of establishing a consolidated list has also been raised in Council discussions.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“Switzerland regrets that the adoption of resolution 1566 (2004) was not preceded by an open debate enabling all United Nations Members to express their points of View. The fight against terrorism is a long-term challenge. It is therefore necessary to think in terms of duration and effectiveness by ensuring the participation of everyone. Switzerland would like all Member States to be included from the outset in the efforts of the new working group established by resolution 1566 (2004). Terrorist groups intentionally target civilians and can obtain access to modern technologies with unprecedented destructive power. The persons responsible for such acts must be either prosecuted and judged or extradited.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“The adoption of the Executive Directorate's organizational plan will enable the CTC to continue and strengthen its dialogue with Member States. We are convinced that the Committee's future visits to Member States, as envisaged in the procedures recently approved by the Committee, will be carried out in a spirit of transparency and in a way that will ensure close cooperation with the countries concerned. Switzerland has already cooperated closely with the Committee in the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), and we intend to continue that cooperation in the future. Switzerland has noted the Security Council's adoption of its resolution 1566 (2004). We welcome the Council's resolve to strengthen the means of combating terrorism.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source