YouSaid · the spoken record

Mayr-Harting

lines on the record: 1,537
first: 2008-12-09
most recent: 2015-10-08
sittings or episodes: 180
sources: un-security-council

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“We hope that the independent study commissioned by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will provide answers to these questions. We also hope to make further progress on these issues in the framework of the debate on the protection of civilians that Austria plans to organize during its presidency of the Council in November. Our peacekeeping efforts will meet with success only if we are able to respond to crisis situations in a timely and effective manner. We therefore support a capability-driven approach that concentrates on skills, capacity and equipment, with a special focus on potential resource gaps. Not only is this in the interest of the effectiveness of our missions, but it is also essential to the security of our peacekeepers.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“From our point of View, some of the questions that we ought to reflect on during the coming months are the following. How can we match the challenges of a particular protection task with a realistic assessment of the available resources? How can we best avoid disparities between a mission's protection mandate, its composition and the resources required? How can the various parties involved - the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop contributors and host countries - help define realistic protection scenarios that provide a clear framework of action for peacekeepers on the ground? And how can we improve the Council's monitoring and oversight with a View to enhancing the effective implementation of such mandates?”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“The past few months have seen a great increase in the dialogue on peacekeeping. We need to pursue this effort systematically when dealing with specific missions as well. A more systematic dialogue between Council members and troop-contributing countries, as well as with the Secretariat, is the best way to close the gap that often still exists between the Council as a mandating body and the Member States whose forces are supposed to implement Council mandates. The draft presidential statement before us today rightly identifies the implementation of protection mandates in peacekeeping operations as one of the areas requiring further debate within the Council and among Member States, and I certainly agree with the representative of China that this topic demands further in-depth discussion.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“I would first like to thank the United Kingdom presidency for organizing this debate, giving the Council the opportunity to take stock after six months of reform discussions. Let me also thank Under-Secretaries-General Alain Le Roy and Susana Malcorra for their presentations. Austria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. We were particularly pleased to see General Martin Luther Agwai and his colleagues in the Council today. Austria hopes that the presence of force commanders in Council meetings dealing with peacekeeping issues will become a regular practice. Briefings by military experts provide accurate information on the real-life challenges peacekeeping missions face and are thus indispensable to the Council's decision-making.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“I would ask the Special Representative to convey our expressions of support and esteem to his staff, to his partners outside the United Nations system, and to all those who dedicate their work to achieving stability, peace and security in Somalia.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“Among the recommendations presented in the conclusions, we would like specifically to highlight the encouragement to AMISOM. and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia to incorporate child protection advisers into their staff, and to the TFG to consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. We are very concerned about the dramatic humanitarian situation in Somalia. We have seen a surge in the numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past two months. More than 200,000 people have fled Mogadishu alone, increasing the number of IDPs in the country to over 1.2 million. We commend the United Nations intention to continue its work in Somalia, notwithstanding the difficulties that it has faced in very recent days.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“We are very grateful for the efforts of the Secretariat and Under-Secretary-General O'Brien to deal with the issue of accountability. We condemn the widespread violations and abuses by insurgents, extrajudicial and arbitrary executions, arrests and torture as practised by Al-Shabaab. We are particularly worried about reports of the use of civilians as human shields and of indiscriminate attacks that have led to numerous civilian casualties. As pointed out by the Secretary-General, these abuses might constitute war crimes, and those responsible must be held to account. We condemn the recruitment of children by insurgent groups and demand their immediate release. In this regard, we would like to recall the conclusions concerning Somalia reached last year by the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“In that context, on Monday members of the European Union, including Austria, agreed at the ministerial level to further step up the Union's engagement in Somalia. The European Union will increase its support to the TFG and AMISOM, and explore additional support for the security sector and regional maritime capabilities. An exploratory mission will be going to Somalia in the middle of August. Concerning piracy off the coast of Somalia, Austria would like to underline that the efforts of a great number of international actors, including the European Union through its Operation Atalanta, to curb piracy off the Horn of Africa cannot meet with lasting success without addressing the root causes and the issue of accountability.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“We believe that this is an issue to which the Council should give careful consideration. We believe that three key elements are vital to the stabilization of the situation in Somalia: support to the TFG, support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and support to the reconciliation process. Uganda and Burundi, as countries contributing troops to AMISOM, are a crucial factor in restoring stability to Somalia. We are also grateful for the pledges that have been made by other African countries, including Sierra Leone and Malawi. It would seem that the current mandate of AMISOM. allows sufficient flexibility. However, AMISOM. needs to reach its mandated strength, as well as better equipment.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“The Djibouti peace agreement constitutes the only viable and legitimate framework for achieving lasting peace in Somalia. We therefore urge all parties in Somalia to join the Djibouti process and its structures. We condemn the attempts of extremists to overthrow the TFG and the raiding and looting of United Nations offices in Somalia. We are deeply worried by reports of support to the insurgents from outside Somalia, and wish once again to reiterate that, from our point of view, this is also an issue in which the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) can play an important role. We note the deep concern expressed by the heads of State and Government of the African Union during their recent summit in Sirte concerning arms supplies to insurgent groups in Somalia.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“I should first like to thank Mr. Ould Abdallah, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing and for his patient efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia under very difficult circumstances. We are also grateful for the briefing by Commissioner Lamamra and the important message he brought us from the African Union Commission. We are further grateful for the briefing by Mr. Omaar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia. It is useful and helpful to have him here again to brief the members of the Council directly. Austria wishes to reiterate its full support for the Djibouti peace process and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). We welcome the continued efforts to reach out to opposition groups.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“An Austrian national, Ambassador Georg Lennkh, is the Special Representative of the European Union Presidency for the Political Dialogue in Chad. Austria highly appreciates all efforts undertaken by MINURCAT and the United Nations country team, and welcomes the benchmarks and timelines for progress elaborated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/359).”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Due to the volatile security situation, challenges to creating an environment conducive to returns remain. Furthermore, alternatives to return and resettlement need to be identified. We hope that those further aspects will be incorporated into the first benchmark. Austria welcomes the training and deployment of police officers of the Detachement inte'gre de securite (DIS) in eastern Chad, which has contributed to enhancing security in refugee camps and key towns. We acknowledge the efforts undertaken by the Chadian authorities to deal with recent cases of ill discipline, and look forward to the upcoming comprehensive assessment of DIS. We continue to believe that Chad has a key significance for the stability of the entire region. As is known, Austria is engaged in MINURCAT with some 130 troops.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Austria would also like to underline the importance of MINURCAT's monitoring of the human rights situation in eastern Chad. We are concerned about increasing reports of attacks on humanitarian personnel, sexual violence and child abductions from internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Efforts should be made to prevent demobilized children from being recruited once again by rebel groups. All parties to the conflict should act in compliance with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws. On IDPs, the facilitation of voluntary return and resettlement in secure and sustainable conditions constitutes a core part of MINURCAT's mandate. We understand that such returns have repeatedly hit obstacles or are difficult to measure because of migratory habits.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“However, the subsequent incursion of armed groups across the border has once again shown how tense and unpredictable the security situation between the two countries is. Joint border monitoring by Chadian and Sudanese forces has been suggested on several occasions. Austria thinks that that is an interesting proposal, and we would be interested in the opinion of the Special Representative on that issue. Relations between the Sudan and Chad have a direct impact on all developments in the region. All regional and international actors should use their influence to achieve an improvement of the situation. We therefore also welcome the fact that the issue of the improvement of overall peace and security in the region is now a benchmark by which to measure progress in the implementation of MINURCAT's mandate.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Efforts are also needed to bring the armed groups back into the democratic process. Three groups signed a peace deal with the Chadian Government in Tripoli last weekend. That shows that the Sirte process remains open. We hope that progress can be made in bringing the main rebel group, the Union des forces de la resistance, to the negotiation table. We would like to commend the efforts of the Government of Libya in that regard. It will be very important to keep the implementation of those agreements on track. We are deeply concerned about the continuation of severely strained relations between the Sudan and Chad. The signing of an agreement in Doha on 3 May provided us with a glimmer of hope.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Progress needs to be achieved at all levels with the armed opposition and the political opposition and with regard to relations between Chad and the Sudan. Concerning the internal political dialogue between the Government of Chad and the political opposition, Austria welcomes the significant progress that has been made in implementation of the 13 August agreement. The establishment of the National Independent Electoral Commission now opens the way for elections, which we hope will be held in June 2010. We believe that the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) could play a supporting role in the election process, which therefore should be considered positively if requested by the Government of Chad. Austria also welcomes MINURCAT's activities in resolving localized conflicts in eastern Chad.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Victor Da Silva Angelo, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his very comprehensive briefing. Let me also commend him for his management of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) in difficult times, particularly during the attacks by opposition groups in May. Austria strongly condemns the renewed escalation of violence. This was the fourth major incursion by Chadian armed opposition groups crossing the border from the Sudan. This has again led to a temporary deterioration of the security situation in eastern Chad. We are also concerned about reports that recruitment by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and others - both voluntary and involuntary - is on the rise in refugee camps. A political solution remains the only viable one.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Thus, we reiterate the need for the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) by all sides. We encourage all sides to engage in visible steps in that regard. Austria congratulates Lebanon on the successful holding of parliamentary elections. We hope that the process of the formation of a new Government under Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri will see steady progress. We wish to stress the importance of close cooperation by any new Government with the main constitutional bodies as an important step towards further consolidating Lebanon's democracy. In conclusion, let me express once again Austria's conviction that it is essential to make progress on all tracks of the Middle East peace process. Only a comprehensive peace will be a durable peace.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“Concerning the situation in the West Bank, we strongly encourage the continued and sustained easing of restrictions on movement. As Prime Minister Netanyahu has stressed, a strong Palestinian economy will strengthen peace. We therefore hope that that objective will be supported by a rapid and ambitious programme of removal of barriers to freedom of movement and economic activity in the West Bank. Regarding Lebanon, we are very concerned about ongoing developments in southern Lebanon. That is an issue that we brought up in the Council earlier on. It is clear that the most recent events constitute a violation of resolution 1701 (2006). The explosion of an arms cache and the incidents that followed have once more revealed the general fragility of the situation.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“Half a year after the escalation of the Gaza conflict, we again reiterate the importance of the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009). Ensuring open access to the Gaza Strip is indispensable for improving the intolerable humanitarian situation of the people in Gaza and for the start of reconstruction efforts. Controlled but comprehensive supply of the Gaza Strip would discourage tunnel trafficking and allow for effective measures against the smuggling of weapons through the tunnels, thereby also contributing to the security of Israel. Austria continues to hold the view that rebuilding Gaza also requires rebuilding trust and respect for the rule of law. That includes a thorough investigation of all allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and a follow-up to the findings of such investigations.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“While we acknowledge the progress made by the Palestinian Authority in security sector reform, efforts to fight Violent extremism and to strengthen the rule of law need to be stepped up. That includes reliable long- term safeguards against renewed rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. Palestinian reconciliation is Vital. More decisive efforts towards a unified political leadership by all political representatives of the Palestinians and a common renouncement of violence are required. The delay of the Cairo talks, already in their seventh round, is therefore a source of concern. We hope that Palestinian leaders will work towards the prevention of even deeper separation between the West Bank and Gaza, thereby preserving chances for the unity of the future Palestinian State.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“We welcome the talks under way between the United States and all parties in the region aimed at creating conditions for the prompt resumption and early conclusion of negotiations without preconditions on all permanent status issues. That Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed a commitment to a peace agreement that includes the establishment of a Palestinian State is a welcome initial move. But that needs to be followed up by concrete steps, such as a revision of Israeli settlement policies, with an immediate end to settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem and including natural growth and the dismantlement of all outposts erected since March 2001. Furthermore, we call upon the Government of Israel to refrain from unilateral actions in East Jerusalem, including the demolition of houses and evictions.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“We would like to recall the European Council conclusions of June and point out that, beyond its continued political and economic support to the peace process, the European Union is ready to contribute substantially to post-conflict arrangements aimed at ensuring the sustainability of peace agreements, while also addressing regional, economic and security dimensions. We welcome the determination of the Quartet, as expressed at its recent meeting, to seek a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Arab Peace Initiative and the decision of the Arab League of 24 June, underscoring the commitment to comprehensive peace on all tracks, are also important contributions to the Middle East Peace process.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“I too would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez- Taranco for his update on recent developments in the Middle East. We welcome the presence at the table of the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine. Austria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union, but let me add the following points. We welcome the recent intensified efforts by the international community to break the deadlock in the Middle East peace process. As suggested by Mr. Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, the Security Council can assume a key role with its steadfast support for the peace process and its final objective, namely, a permanent two-State solution.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“Efforts by the United Nations, the Government of the Sudan and remaining NGOs have narrowed some of the gaps in the humanitarian field. However, the number of aid workers remains below pre-expulsion levels. Particularly in remote locations, it is difficult for humanitarian assistance to reach those in need. The Sudanese Government has to assume its responsibility to safeguard and provide food, shelter and health care for the population of Darfur and other areas affected by the expulsion of the humanitarian NGOs. Last but not least, we would like to commend the work done by UNAMID personnel and humanitarian staff in Darfur under very difficult conditions. Austria fully supports the extension of UNAMID's mandate for one year, until 31 July 2010. We thank the United Kingdom for its efforts on a draft resolution on this matter.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“Austria is concerned that banditry and sexual violence continue to plague civilians throughout Darfur. To protect the civilian population it will be important to maintain the security and civilian character of IDP camps and to prevent any recruitment by armed groups of individuals, including children, in or around the camps. All parties to the conflict must show restraint and abide by their obligations to protect the civilian population under human rights law and international humanitarian law. We expect the Government of the Sudan to continue to ensure the safety and security of all United Nations personnel as well as of humanitarian workers. The decision by the Government of the Sudan to expel and dissolve 16 humanitarian and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has had a detrimental effect on the work of UNAMID.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“At the same time, Austria welcomes the African Union initiative to establish the High-Level Panel on Darfur under the leadership of President Mbeki and hopes that this initiative will also help to address the matter of accountability. Austria believes that the questions of judicial reform and transitional justice mechanisms need to be addressed in any settlement. Small-scale but consistent returns of internally displaced persons have been occurring in some places in Darfur. Large-scale conflict has decreased. Security conditions have to be created which are conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). I make this point because the security situation remains volatile and poses an ongoing threat to civilians as well as to United Nations and humanitarian staff.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“The matter of Darfur cannot be viewed separately from the other open issues concerning the Sudan. The Permanent Court of Arbitration announced its decision regarding the boundaries of the disputed area of Abyei on 22 July. Both parties accepted the decision of the Court as final and binding. That is a major step in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Both parties need to avoid confrontation and now have to work together to inform the population about the decision and see to it that it is implemented. The position of Austria on the issue of cooperation with the International Criminal Court is well known.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“From our point of view, particular efforts should be made to include women. Regional actors and the international community need to make continued efforts to bring all non-participating groups to the negotiation table. Like others, we are also concerned by the increased instability along the Sudan-Chad border and by the deterioration of relations between the two countries. We fully support all efforts by countries in the region to ease tensions. We understand that there are discussions under way concerning the implementation of the border observation plan as outlined in the Dakar Agreement. We would welcome a monitoring of the border, and if there can be a role for UNAMID and the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) in this matter, it should be positively considered.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“We are also encouraged by the improvement in cooperation in the framework of the Tripartite Committee between the Government of the Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations. In some areas, improvements are nonetheless required, especially concerning the issuance of visas, customs clearances for equipment and freedom of movement of the mission. A negotiated political settlement of the crisis in Darfur remains the only solution to the crisis. Austria would like to reiterate its full support for the Joint African Union-United Nations Mediation. We are concerned at the lack of progress in the implementation of the Doha agreement and call upon the signatories to engage in substantive negotiations without preconditions. An inclusive approach involving all stakeholders, including civil society, is essential.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Le Roy for his briefing. I would also like to express our happiness at seeing the presence here today of the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Council of Federation and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Mikhail Margelov. We are grateful for his contribution to the discussion. Austria aligns itself with the statement to be made later by Sweden in its capacity as President of the European Union. Austria welcomes the progress in deployment achieved by the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), which now stands at 68 per cent, and hopes that the Mission will, in principle, reach full deployment level by the end of the year.”
2009-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6170 (2009) · source
“To underline our commitment to the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, Austria recently asked to become a member in its country-specific configuration for Sierra Leone. The Secretary-General has mentioned that Sierra Leone is a showcase for cooperation and synergy among United Nations actors on the ground in the framework of peacebuilding. We are therefore happy that our request has met with the Commission's approval. We will actively contribute to its work. Finally, I would like to thank the Ugandan presidency of the Security Council for preparing the draft presidential statement, as well as to express our full support for it.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“We would like to underline the necessity of involving the Peacebuilding Commission from the outset. By promoting a coherent and integrated approach that highlights the principles of national ownership and regional cooperation, the Commission provides valuable support for long-term democratic consolidation and sustained economic development. It is therefore best placed to develop an international consensus on peacebuilding, which is necessary to bridge the gap between early stabilization and recovery efforts and longer-term development planning. We attach great importance to building further on the Commission's accomplishments and look forward to the refinement of its working methods and tools in the context of the 2010 review.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“Enhanced coordination, not only within the United Nations system but also with other international partners, is a prerequisite for avoiding duplication and ensuring the efficiency of peacebuilding efforts. It is essential to make maximum use of partners with a comparative advantage on the ground. That is of course very often particularly true of regional and subregional organizations. For that very reason, we need to intensify cooperation with them. Furthermore, Austria supports the Secretary General's recommendation to strengthen the authority of senior United Nations leadership on the ground as a means of increasing accountability. Austria also welcomes the crucial role of the Peacebuilding Commission in addressing a country's post-conflict needs.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“That will contribute to justice, long-term peace and reconciliation in war-torn societies, thereby helping to minimize the risk of future violations. Austria believes that successful peacebuilding can take place only if all the relevant actors are included. I would therefore also like to express my support for the comment made by the representative of the United States. We need to acknowledge the vital role played by women in re-establishing post-conflict societies. Women have specific insight into the needs of their societies, which is why their involvement in peacebuilding efforts should be enhanced and the provision of gender-specific funds ensured.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“From our point of View, this should also include the identification of opportunities for local private-sector engagement. Let me add that local private-sector engagement can also play a role when it comes to procurement for United Nations peacekeeping. The protection of civilians and effective programmes for disarmament and demobilization and reintegration must be key priorities in the immediate aftermath of a conflict. There should be a clear focus on the long-term reintegration of former combatants and on the strengthening of the rule of law and institutional reform, including security-sector reform. Short-term peacebuilding measures must be undertaken with a view to long-term peacebuilding. The establishment of, and support for, effective and independent justice and reconciliation mechanisms is crucial.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“We concur with the Secretary-General that it is essential for the international community to ensure that a peacebuilding perspective is in place from the very first days after the cessation of a conflict. Peacebuilding efforts must be undertaken and supported from the earliest stage onwards, and as the representative of Japan and others have said, they must go hand in hand with the possible deployment of integrated peacekeeping missions. In order for peacebuilding measures to prove successful, national ownership must be at the centre of all efforts. All peacebuilding efforts should therefore draw upon existing national capacities, as the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission has already said, while at the same time assisting with capacity deployment.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“Mr. Mayr-Harting: Mr. President, we highly appreciate your presiding over this important meeting. We express our thanks to the Ugandan presidency of the Security Council for having organized this debate. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for the important presentation he made to us today. We also welcome Ambassador Mufioz, Chairperson of the Peacebuilding Commission, and the representatives of the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme for their contributions. Austria associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union later in this meeting. Let me say that seizing the window of opportunity in the immediate aftermath of a conflict is a crucial investment in order to lay the ground for long-term peace and stability.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165 (2009) · source
“Despite a number of legal and practical differences between the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the two ad hoc Tribunals, in essence we are facing the same challenge - closing down an international criminal tribunal, which, as some have said, seems to be a much more complex task than setting up a new tribunal. We stand ready to further intensify the informal dialogue and exchange of views between the members of the working group and the Special Court and its Management Committee. In conclusion, I would like to thank the President, judges, Prosecutor, Registrar and all of the staff of the Special Court for their tireless efforts in the name of international justice, and to reaffirm Austria's continued cooperation and support for the Special Court.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“As chair of the Security Council's informal working group on 9 international tribunals, which deals with the residual issues of the ad hoc Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, Austria follows very closely the ongoing discussions in the Special Court and its Management Committee on setting up a small successor body to manage and perform such residual functions, including the enforcement of sentences, the maintenance of archives, witness protection and the possible trial or transfer of the case of Johnny Koroma, who is still at large. In this context, Austria also supports the proposal to establish a trust fund to cover the costs for the upkeep of prisoners of the Special Court so that they can serve their sentences in appropriate enforcing States.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“The Austrian Government has made repeated voluntary contributions to the Court, most recently following the appeal of the Secretary-General in March. Secondly, the Court is doing its utmost to accomplish its completion strategy and finish its work, including the Taylor case, at the earliest date, while maintaining all standards of fair trial and due process, as well as undertaking effective outreach among the local population in the region. Austria fully supports these efforts and appreciates the projections that all of the Court's judicial activities will be complete by February 2011. Finally, we must bear in mind that the work of the Special Court will not be finished at the time of the completion of the last case, but that a number of residual functions, as has been said, will have to be performed even after its closure.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“At the national level, the activities of the Court, including through its capacity-building and outreach programmes, have assisted in strengthening the justice system in Sierra Leone. Further efforts in this field are, however, needed. As was highlighted by President Winter today, the Special Court also faces a number of important challenges. First and foremost, the very serious financial situation of the Court is of great concern. As is well known, the Special Court is funded exclusively by voluntary contributions, and currently available funds, as has been said, will be exhausted by early August. We join in President Winter's urgent call upon all States to help alleviate the dire financial situation of the Court.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“09-40569 The Court's work is vital to ensuring accountability and promoting reconciliation, peacebuilding and the re-establishment of the rule of law in Sierra Leone. The Special Court plays a pioneering role in combating impunity and strengthening the rule of law at both the international and the national levels. As the President and the Prosecutor have already pointed out, judgements delivered by the Court have greatly contributed to the development of international criminal law and international humanitarian law, in particular regarding the recruitment and use of child soldiers and forced marriages. As the Prosecutor has said, it is important to note that lawyers from Sierra Leone have played a very important part in these developments.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the President of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Justice Renate Winter, and its Prosecutor, Mr. Stephen Rapp, for their very informative briefings. Allow me to add that we are honoured that an Austrian national, who previously distinguished herself as an international judge in Kosovo, is presiding over that important Court. Austria has a long-standing commitment to support and contribute to efforts to strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights and end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes. My delegation thus highly commends the efforts of the Special Court to bring to justice those responsible for the crimes committed during the armed conflict in Sierra Leone since 1991, including former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who was arrested in the spring of 2006.”
2009-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6163 (2009) · source
“However, genuine positive steps on the basis of the Secretary-General's proposals will be necessary in order to enable the European Union and other donors to unleash the full potential of their cooperation with the country. In conclusion, allow me to stress that Austria now hopes that the Myanmar Government will act on the Secretary-General's requests and proposals. We are convinced that this would be in the best interests of the country and its people. We wish to encourage the Myanmar authorities to cooperate closely and constructively with the Secretary-General and Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari in the follow-up to his visit.”
2009-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6161 (2009) · source
“We strongly commend these efforts and hope that this spirit of openness will also be applied in the future to practical issues related to humanitarian assistance - namely, full and unimpeded humanitarian access - development cooperation and the proposed establishment of a national economic forum. Given the fact that opium production in the territory of Myanmar is still the second highest in the world, the active promotion of alternative development activities, pursued by the Government of Myanmar with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime country office, could help redress this situation. In its Council conclusions of 27 April, the European Union recalled its important and growing role as a donor to the country and its readiness to further increase its assistance to the people of Myanmar.”
2009-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6161 (2009) · source
“The fate of the political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, will evidently be of great relevance to the credibility of the elections in 2010 and their national and international perception of being free and fair. We urge the Government of Myanmar to immediately and unconditionally release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and detainees. We share the Secretary-General's concern about the high level of poverty in Myanmar and the suffering of its people. The effective cooperation among the Government of Myanmar, the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, undertaken in the framework of the Tripartite Core Group in response to Cyclone Nargis, has clearly demonstrated the value of engagement over isolation.”
2009-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6161 (2009) · source
“All the areas that he covered during his visit - the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the resumption of a substantive dialogue with a clear time frame, the criteria for free and fair elections, national development and humanitarian assistance, especially the swift issuance of visas - are of great relevance to Myanmar and, as the Secretary-General highlighted in his speech in Yangon, they are also interconnected. As has been pointed out by the Secretary-General, neither peace nor development can thrive without democracy and respect for human rights. Like others, Austria is clearly disappointed by the Government's decision to deny the Secretary-General a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We share his view that the Government missed an important opportunity.”
2009-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6161 (2009) · source
“Austria will continue to firmly support the United Nations good offices mission and his personal engagement. Austria notes with great concern that, in the course of the past year, the human rights situation in Myanmar has deteriorated significantly. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained as a consequence of an alleged breach of her house arrest - an arrest that, according to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, was in violation not only of international law but also of national Myanmar law. Moreover, in recent weeks, intensified fighting in the East of the country has forced thousands of civilians to flee to neighbouring States. All of these developments do not bode well for Myanmar's plans for a peaceful transition to democracy. We therefore believe that the visit by the Secretary-General was indeed very timely and important.”
2009-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6161 (2009) · source