YouSaid · the spoken record

Meece

lines on the record: 207
first: 2010-10-15
most recent: 2013-02-22
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“I know of no reason at this point why Congolese elections for the next election cycle cannot represent the kind of democratic and successful exercise that the Congolese nation and people both deserve and need. I would call on all the parties to take the necessary steps to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful, democratic and successful manner. I strongly urge the Council's continued support for the process and for MONUSCO's essential support role. Before concluding, I would like to note the importance of the United Nations continuing efforts regarding stabilization related activities that are also essential for the Democratic Republic of the Congo's future success.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“In follow-up, an update to the elections code of conduct for political parties is being prepared. Other related activities on the national and provincial levels have been held or are being planned. We have also indicated our support to CENI for the establishment of a mediation committee to address disputes, as provided in the legislation establishing the Commission. I would like to emphasize the critical importance of the upcoming elections. We have no illusions regarding the magnitude of the challenges of organizing successful elections. There are no guarantees of success. However, all of the risk factors that we see today were also present during the 2006 election cycle. Many in and outside of the Democratic Republic of the Congo predicted the failure of those elections. They were wrong.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I also note with concern a number of reported incidents in the past several months of harassment, intimidation or violence centred on electoral activities, particularly those involving opposition parties. Government leaders, including President Kabila, have reiterated to me and others their commitment to ensuring free, peaceful and fair conditions for the elections. We will continue an active dialogue with all involved to ensure proper and favourable conditions for the holding of credible and transparent elections. In that regard, last April, MONUSCO chaired with CENI an elections colloquium involving all major parties and civil society to discuss how to best achieve a peaceful and open elections process and promote dialogue among all involved. The meeting was very successful.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I welcome expressions of intent from a number of organizations in that regard, including the European Union and the Carter Center. Electoral security also remains a concern. MONUSCO has been providing refresher training to some of the Congolese National Police, who have the primary legal responsibility for elections security. An important initiative is also under way for the training of 10 Police d'intervention rapide units specifically for elections security. Two of those will be trained and equipped by France, two others by the Congolese Government and six by MONSUCO. The Mission is not, however, authorized to provide equipment for those six units. I urge all Member States to consider funding or providing in-kind contributions to meet their equipment needs so that they can carry out their tasks.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“While we have thus far been able to utilize the Mission's financial resources for elections support, that will not be possible for the next budgetary year without an unacceptably negative impact on other mandated operations. We will need supplementary financial resources, which are currently being defined with the relevant United Nations budget authorities. The national elections budget established by CENI has received good support to date, with 60 per cent of the total committed by the Congolese Government and much of the remainder covered by generous pledges by international partners. Continued engagement by international partners, however, is required to ensure full funding of all aspects of the electoral process. It is also critically important that an adequate number of international and national observers are deployed.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“The election timetable is very ambitious, as the Election Commission sought to accommodate constitutionally mandated requirements for the presidential elections to be held this year while preserving the important coupling of presidential and national legislative elections. The timetable was announced after extensive consultations by the CENI president with a broad range of political parties and civil society representatives. MONUSCO, together with the United Nations Development Programme, is fully committed to providing all possible support to help ensure a successful electoral cycle in accordance with the CENI timetable. We are of course facing challenges in our tasks.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“In addition, the election timetable has been announced by the Commission electorale nationale independante (CENI) for presidential, national, legislative, provincial and local elections, with presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for 28 November. I am also pleased to note the recent passage by the National Assembly of needed new electoral legislation. I urge the rapid adoption by the Senate as well of this essential measure. MONUSCO has been actively supporting the electoral process - transporting thousands of tons of materials, providing ongoing technical support in a variety of areas and generally facilitating elections preparations.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“Similarly, increased attention from the African Union on regional issues, and particularly on the regional threat of activities by the Lord's Resistance Army, is welcome- and, hopefully, will increase the effectiveness of efforts to address this threat to security in the region. As Council members are aware, preparations for the very important next cycle of national and provincial elections have been under way for some time. Voter registration has been completed in two provinces, and is currently ongoing in all other areas of the country. Well over half of the projected total of 31 million eligible voters have already been registered.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“3 For tackling illegal exploitation of mineral resources, as with all regional security issues, the greatly improved dialogue and ongoing contacts between the countries of the region are of critical importance. There are ongoing bilateral and regional contacts on a regular basis, which could not be said five or 10 years ago, and these are essential to achieving continuing progress in improving security conditions throughout the region, including eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We will continue to support and facilitate such contacts as may be useful and desired by the countries involved.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I believe it important that the efforts of various countries internationally be coordinated to the maximum extent possible with regional and Congolese national efforts to ensure that desired common objectives are achieved. In helping to tackle this issue, MONUSCO is continuing the trading counters - or centres de negoces - programme with the Government, establishing centres where such minerals can be certified as originating from legitimate mining operations. Much more needs to be done to address this complex issue, and I hope that national, regional, and international efforts will progress rapidly and in harmony to produce concrete positive results.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I am very appreciative of a recent commitment from South Africa to provide an additional military utility helicopter, and very much hope that ongoing discussions with other Member States will yield timely and positive results. Filling the gaps in MONUSCO's helicopter capabilities will be critical to maintaining the Mission's efforts in the protection of civilians and other core mandated tasks. There has been a great deal of international and domestic Congolese attention to the illegal exploitation of mineral resources in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and specifically the involvement of armed groups in their mining and trade.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“The joint assessment process established last year pursuant to resolution 1925 (2010) has been a very positive exercise for us and Congolese authorities to enhance our dialogue, to assess security threats, and to arrive at a common analysis of the situation on the ground. I believe that it would be useful to continue this process during the next phase of MONSUCO's mandate, and it clearly will be a key resource for looking at any future configuration and deployment of MONUSCO forces based on existing security conditions. I am obliged to note that MONUSCO's military operations are being negatively impacted by a shortage of military helicopters. With the scheduled departure of the remaining combat helicopters in early July, this problem will become worse absent new contributions.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“However, none of these groups constitutes the same level of military and organizational capabilities as the F DLR. Major improvements have been seen in Ituri district of Orientale province in recent years, although some residual militia activity continues. Encouragingly, some recent apparent attempts to 11-36878 recruit new militia elements or form new groups have not been very successful, with growing signs that local communities recognize that such activity brings only ongoing violence. The increased cooperation of the population with Congolese security forces and MONUSCO to counter militia elements is a key and encouraging sign for future long-term security in Ituri.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“Another significant security issue in the Kivus is the incomplete integration of combatants from armed groups into the Congolese army, particularly some military members of the Congres national pour la defense du people, who have retained parallel command and control structures. It is essential that this situation be addressed in order for security conditions to improve to a satisfactory level in the Kivus. We are continuing our dialogue with Congolese Government authorities on this subject. Other armed groups, including the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces/National Army for the Liberation of Uganda, continue to prey on the civilian population in the Kivus. Some Mayi-Mayi groups receive encouragement and support from FDLR elements, as well as non-integrated combatants.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“The weakened state of the FDLR does present opportunities, as evidenced in the encouraging numbers of combatants repatriated in recent months, including a significantly increased number of FDLR holding more senior rank. The recent arrest by Congolese authorities of Bernard Munyagishari and his pending transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Amsha is a further encouraging step. We are continuing to explore actively with Congolese authorities opportunities to accelerate a decrease in FDLR capacity as quickly and effectively as possible to address this long-standing threat to the security of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“The reality is, however, that the LRA continues to pose a major threat to civilians in areas Where they operate. I believe the only strategy that will 11-36878 significantly reduce or eliminate the LRA as an ongoing threat in the region is one that focuses on the LRA leadership, three members of whom are under indictment by the International Criminal Court. That strategy, however, requires a broad effort that goes beyond MONUSCO's scope and mandate, but which we are ready to support to the maximum extent possible. North and South Kivu provinces present a more complex picture, with an interaction among various armed groups. Of these, the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) retains the greatest military capacity, albeit greatly reduced from its peak.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“We agree with Congolese and Ugandan assessments that the number of LRA combatants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is at this point limited and that they tend to be poorly equipped and supplied. Nonetheless, they continue to use very brutal tactics, and their cross-border movements between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and Southern Sudan make them particularly difficult to deal with. Since 2010, we have stepped up MONUSCO military operations in the affected area, in coordination with Congolese and Ugandan forces, and as a result we believe that we have successfully forestalled some of the larger-scale LRA attacks. The Dungu-based joint intelligence and operations centre - staffed by Congolese, Ugandan and MONUSCO military personnel - has helped to coordinate information and operations.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“As was noted in the 18 May consultations and in the Secretary-General's last report (8/2011/20), there has been significant progress regarding the security situation in recent years in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; however, there is still much to be done. In my View, the security environment and the related threat to the civilian population - our highest priority concern - must be viewed on a localized basis to obtain a full understanding of the remaining threats, the relevant factors affecting the situation, and the options available for action to address the problem. In Orientale province in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) continues to pose the primary threat to the population.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“My briefing falls within the framework of the Security 2 Council's impending consideration of the renewal of the MONUSCO mandate, which expires on 30 June. (spoke in English) I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all those who offered condolences and support to the Mission in the aftermath of the terrible tragedy on 4 April, during which a United Nations aircraft suffered a fatal accident at N'Djili Airport in Kinshasa. I would like to note the long hours and extraordinary work performed by many in the Mission and Congolese in different capacities to manage the crisis and address the needs of the victims of the accident, as well as their families, friends and colleagues. I would also note that the investigation of the accident is ongoing.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I have the great honour to address the Council in the framework of the consultations on the latest report of the Secretary- General (8/2011/298) on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). In that regard, I express my appreciation of the important discussion that took place in the Council on 18 May (see S/PV.6539) on developments in the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and prospects for the future. That debate was distinguished by the presence of Mr. Raymond Tshibanda, Minister for International and Regional Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other eminent guests who presented their views on the issue.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“(spoke in French) Before I conclude, I should like to express my most sincere gratitude to all the staff of MONUSCO and United Nations agencies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who are working tirelessly to establish lasting stability in the country and to ensure a better future for the Congolese people. (spoke in English) With this support, and while cognizant of the ongoing challenges and difficulties, I remain optimistic that, with sustained engagement and support, we are on a path towards achieving the kind of security and stable conditions that the people of the Congo and region richly deserve. I thank the members of the Council for their attention and continuing support of our Mission.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“A draft integrated peace consolidation programme has been prepared with the United Nations country team and international partners, and has been well received by Congolese Government authorities. In a related step, in MONUSCO we are moving ahead with an innovative pilot programme to replace several traditional head-of-office positions in the western Democratic Republic of the Congo with area- coordinator positions drawn from United Nations agencies. We believe that this step should enhance our ability to deliver effective results and improve coordination within the United Nations family, consistent with a one United Nations approach.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“If we face MONUSCO budget shortfalls, we will be obliged to utilize funds from other parts of the Mission's budget, potentially with quite significant negative impact on other important operations. We are engaged in active discussions regarding these vitally important questions. A failure to conduct credible elections would, of course, represent a major setback to the very significant progress achieved over many years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 11-2264] Finally, I would like to underscore that I believe we are making important headway in implementing the overall stabilization agenda, and I would note some important initiatives in the western Democratic Republic of the Congo in furtherance of that goal.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“While their conduct is obviously challenging, preparations for general elections have moved forward. I believe that the importance of the need for transparent and open conditions to ensure successful democratic elections is very clear, as is the key importance of such elections to Congo's continuing stability. MONUSCO has been actively providing needed logistical support, with over 2,600 tons of election-related material transported to date to 190 hubs and sub-hubs. Progress towards ensuring overall financing of the Congolese election budget also has been satisfactory. I must note my concern, however, about MONUSCO budget levels, as it is not yet clear that we will have needed funds in the 2011/2012 budget cycle to ensure the necessary logistical support we are uniquely positioned to provide.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“In addition to the Congolese national efforts, including the ongoing establishment of five trading centres supported by MONUSCO and several other United Nations agencies, and the initiatives undertaken in the United Sates and Europe to control international commerce, an important regional summit was conducted in Lusaka in December to address this issue. That summit, with the full participation of President Kabila and many other regional leaders, represented an important step forward. I strongly hope that this momentum at all levels - national, regional and international - can be maintained. As a critical component of the long-term stabilization of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I would also like to emphasize that good progress has been made towards the conduct of national elections this year.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“These include the establishment of community alert networks, the augmentation of the number of community liaison interpreters, the utilization of cell phones with pre-set contact numbers and of UHF radios, and other actions. I will not claim that all these efforts will achieve perfect results. I believe, however, that we have made significant progress in identifying risks and responding swiftly to cases of violence, and we will continue to actively review all operations and initiatives in order to continue to be as effective as possible in this priority area. I would also like to note movement to deal with the illegal exploitation and trade in conflict minerals supporting armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“The decision of the Indian Government to extend the use of existing combat helicopters until July is most welcome and provides needed breathing room, but we are still facing serious shortfalls that are projected to increase absent new timely contributions. To the somewhat limited extent that these shortfalls can be mitigated through increased use of civilian helicopters, this also increases strains on our already very stretched budget, and I am also very concerned about this. I would also note that we have been moving ahead actively with a variety of initiatives to provide increased protection against imminent threats, as was outlined to the Council last year.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“I am pleased with how this collaboration has continued to develop, and I believe that this approach, while not free of problems, has been effective, as evidenced in reduced operational opportunities for armed groups and in pressure to encourage disarmament and repatriation or reintegration actions. All support to the FARDC is, of course, undertaken in compliance with the conditionality policy in support of strict standards in observance of human rights. I am absolutely convinced that this more active military posture is a necessary component to achieve the conditions of long-term security that are the shared goal of MONUSCO and the Congolese Government. I am obliged, however, to note resource concerns. A shortage of military helicopters imposes significant constraints on operations.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“I would also note that the unfolding situation in South Sudan in the aftermath of the referendum also bears careful monitoring regarding possible opportunities for the LRA and, indeed, the general security environment in the region. We have been in consultation with Congolese Government officials regarding these issues, and have also initiated contingency planning based on possible scenarios. 3 In recent months, MONSUCO has maintained a substantially increased level of operations relative to the threat of armed groups in the East. A variety of models have been employed, including unilateral MONUSCO operations and those conducted in conjunction with related FARDC operations. All, however, are planned and conducted in full cooperation with the FARDC and Congolese Government authorities.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“Notably, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is still a major threat, with its brutal tactics and operations. While the numbers of LRA fighters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are limited, they operate in very remote areas, and the cross-border regional dimension renders control difficult. Efforts continue to increase regional cooperation, including the establishment in late 2010 of the joint intelligence and operations centre in Dungu, Orientale province. LRA leader Joseph Kony has reportedly remained outside the Democratic Republic of the Congo in recent months, and in my view, as the key to the LRA as an organization, he should remain a focus of attention, as a complement to our and others' ongoing civilian protection efforts.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“Consequently, we have seen internal FDLR strains and operational problems, and some increase in the number of more senior officers who have presented themselves for repatriation. It is certainly premature to assert that the FDLR is collapsing, but the group's capacity is diminishing and under strain. In fact, for the first time in my experience in the region, I believe that the outlines can be seen of an eventual resolution of this long-standing threat to the population of the region. We are not at the point of success, but there has been clear progress. I consider it vitally important that the political and military pressure be maintained to the maximum extent possible in order to build on this encouraging trend. Other foreign groups obviously also remain a significant problem.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“The fundamental cause of continuing violence in the East, of course, rests with the presence and activity of remaining armed groups. Of these, the Rwandan FDLR continues to retain the greatest military capacity, operating primarily in North and South Kivu provinces. I can report, however, some hopeful signs in the long- 11-22641 standing effort directed against this derivative of the former Rwandan Army and Interahamwe forces. Actions taken in Europe against key FDLR political leaders have clearly had a demoralizing impact on forces on the ground, which, along with new Security Council sanctions targeting key F DLR leaders and more active MONUSCO operations undertaken in collaboration with the FARDC, have increased pressure on FDLR and other forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“While such programmes are an essential component of the efforts to address the problem of independent Congolese armed groups, those individuals integrated without adequate training tend too often to be associated with reported abuses. To address this issue and the great need for the general professionalization of the security services of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1 strongly support all efforts to increase to a sufficient level the amount of training provided to the FARDC. I would also wish to underscore the importance of increasing the capabilities of the Congolese national police. While MONUSCO initiated in September a long-term training programme for newly integrated police, with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, much more is needed.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“Following rapid intervention by Government authorities and MONUSCO, 11 soldiers were arrested, including their commanding officer and three other officers. Such action is a welcome step towards ending the impunity felt by too many for too long. It is important to note, however, that there are still significant weaknesses in the capacity of civilian and military justice systems. MONUSCO has taken action to bolster military prosecution capabilities with the establishment of joint prosecution cells, thanks to support provided by the Government of Canada and the Peacebuilding Fund. But much greater efforts are needed. I must also note that programmes to integrate former members of armed groups create additional problems.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“MONUSCO continues to respond to these incidents and to provide all possible support and protection in this area. 11-2264] Meanwhile, there have also been too many reported cases of abuses committed by members of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese national police. We have been working closely with Congolese authorities to address those abuses, and I am encouraged to note a significant increase in 2010 in the number of arrests of Government soldiers and police accused of such abuses. For example, a significant number of rapes and other abuses were committed by FARDC troops in the first days of January, also in the Fizi area, resulting in at least 35 victims of sexual violence.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“There are no recommendations arising to date from this exercise for a change to the overall MONUSCO presence or its general approach, although we will continue to make specific adjustments in response to tactical and threat conditions. The protection of civilians clearly remains our major priority and focus, driven particularly by the operations of foreign and domestic armed groups in the eastern portion of the country. These groups continue to act as predatory forces, often incorporating the use of rape or other violence as a weapon against civilians, as recently took place, for example, in the Fizi area of South Kivu, where 50 to 80 cases of sexual violence perpetrated by the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (F DLR) were reported during the latter half of January.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“The Mission has thus been able to establish a very constructive dialogue with civil and military stakeholders at all levels of Government. One outcome of this, among others, has been a strengthening of cooperation in terms of military operational cooperation, police training programmes, the approach to stabilization programmes, and the joint assessment process. (spoke in English) The ongoing joint assessment process incorporates an active review of security conditions, utilizing input from a variety of sources, including non-governmental organizations and the United Nations country team. Findings have validated the MONUSCO presence and approach to security issues, helping also to guide our future planning.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“Mr. Meece: It is my honour to appear before the Council today in association with the second report presented by the Secretary-General (S/20ll/20) since the adoption of resolution 1925 (2010). I am pleased to note progress in several significant areas of the 2 mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), but also note continuing concerns and issues, particularly in regard to the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as reflected in the Secretary-General's report. (spoke in French) Relations between MONUSCO and the Congolese Government have seen continual improvement, as confirmed to us by President Kabila on the occasion of his meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General and me in December 2010.”
2011-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6476 (2011) · source
“I myself witnessed the scale of MONUC'S contribution, as well as that of the specialized agencies, to the peace process, the conduct of elections and the overall objective of forging peace and security in the region. Council resolution 1925 (2010), which changed the name of the Mission to MONUSCO, is yet another step accomplished within the framework of its transition to a peacebuilding mission. In my view, it forms a solid basis for our work. (spoke in English) I have no illusions as to the difficulty of the road ahead. The problems are great in scope and complexity. I remain fundamentally optimistic, however, that with sufficient will and resources, progress can and must be achieved. It is important to pursue that path.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“(spoke in French) Having been afforded the honour of appearing before the Council for the first time as Special Representative of the Secretary-General, I would be remiss if I concluded my statement without paying tribute to the achievements of my predecessors, who have assisted the Democratic Republic of the Congo throughout a peace process that has been both long and difficult and who were able on numerous occasions to 10-58489 guide MONUC so skilfully through the various crises that have marked its existence. I remain greatly impressed by the commitment and dedication of MONUC staff, as well as the staff of MONUSCO and the other United Nations agencies, and the enormous work they have accomplished.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“As long as armed groups are still active, peacekeeping activities will have to go hand in hand with peacebuilding activities and with support for socio-economic recovery. I hope that together with the Government and bilateral partners, the needed support will be available for all the areas of the Democratic Republic where peace has been restored, but where people wait for a peace dividend.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“In presenting these observations, I do not in any way wish to minimize the extent and scope of the challenges ahead. They are daunting. I have always believed, however, that they can be met and resolved with sufficient will and commitment on the part of the Congolese Government and population, and by sufficient support from the international community. On behalf of MONUSCO, I can firmly state that we want to do our part, in terms of stepped-up military activities, enhanced civilian protection and stabilization programmes, and activities to address short- and long-term needs. However, we require the resources and the political support needed to carry out that mission fully. We will be frankly laying out what we view as key budget requirements, and we are ready to use them with the highest degree of effectiveness possible.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“It is worth noting that the share of the 2011 election budget to be supported by the Congolese Government is considerably larger than its share during the first round of democratic elections, in 2006. I would also note that I have been greatly encouraged by the improvement in regional relations. These are of critical importance to the future stability of the region, and of course there is currently a particular focus on how to deal with the major threat posed by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in several countries. That is an ongoing priority, and in fact the latest meeting at the ministerial level has just taken place in Bangui under the general auspices of the African Union, a meeting in which we participated. I can assure the Council of our readiness and willingness to continue to support such regional efforts.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“President Kabila and other Government leaders have made it very clear that the conduct of democratic, transparent and credible elections is a major priority. A good deal of concrete progress has been made. Budgets have been approved by national and international authorities; initial planning for needed logistics support by MONUSCO has been completed, and there are ongoing operations for voter registration and other early preparatory steps. The United Nations Development Programme is also fully committed to playing its necessary role in providing technical and other assistance. Further work will be needed in future for the conduct of the subsequent local elections planned, now targeted for 2013.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“As I look to the future of MONUSCO and the region, I must of course make reference to the new procedures to effect a joint evaluation with Congolese authorities of security conditions. I am pleased to say that the process has gone well. Differences over specifics have been discussed and resolved, and the process itself has been useful in providing an ongoing institutional mechanism for collaboration. I have had an ongoing open discussion with Congolese officials on the subject. I can say that the initial assessment cycle does not indicate a need for any significant adjustments to the MONUSCO deployments or focus. I must also mention a new and very important priority for the Congolese Government and for us, and that is the conduct of national elections scheduled for November 2011.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“This area, however, as is the case with many other issues, will require sustained engagement from the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its international partners over a substantial period of time. There are other related areas that must be addressed to establish long-term stability in the east and throughout the country. Among them is the issue of the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, a major area of concern. There are no easy or quick answers. But simultaneous efforts are required on a number of fronts, from, among many other things, bolstering domestic Congolese capabilities to international efforts to establish an acceptable regulatory framework for the mineral trade.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“I also applaud the arrest of Caliixte Mbarushimana in Europe under a warrant of the International Criminal Court. These are encouraging steps forward, but they also underscore the continuing need for the strengthening of both military and civilian justice systems. I have been engaged in early discussions with both Congolese leaders and international community partners as to how to improve our overall dialogue regarding those vitally important areas of needed security sector improvements. I am convinced that it is feasible to substantially improve the ongoing process of consultations in all those sectors - I hope with a focus on concrete programmes.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“That will require significantly increased resources from donors as well as from the United Nations, and we welcome all expressions of support. Significantly, one key element will be providing equipment to trained police personnel and units, an authority that the Council has not granted to MONUSCO. As I have noted, justice systems also remain a very important area in facilitating progress and long- term stability. A key objective here is ending any culture of impunity. In that regard, I am pleased to note the successful efforts by MONUSCO forces, in cooperation with the military prosecutor's office in North Kivu, to arrest "Lieutenant Colonel" Mayele, a major commander implicated in the incidence of mass rapes of late July and early August.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“The general discussion of the future strategy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo includes a central focus on security sector reform, which covers a vast range of activities from training and operations of the military to military and civilian justice systems and police training and reform. MONUSCO is involved in many of those areas, together with other international partners. Indeed, just two weeks ago, MONUSCO launched a six-month training programme for 500 recently integrated Congolese national police, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. 3 That is a small part of the needed effort, however. We have been requested by the Congolese Government to expand the training programmes very significantly, and we wish to do so.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source
“In that regard, I have been seeking to shift the nature of our conversation, basically to one of opportunity rather than problems. Another major issue has been the lack of support to holding battalions to prevent the return of negative forces to cleared areas. That has long been a problem area, and we are addressing it. By implementing such support, subject to conditionality, we reinforce our human rights efforts, potentially significantly increasing military effectiveness in targeting armed groups while also improving the overall relationship with the FARDC.”
2010-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6403 (2010) · source