YouSaid · the spoken record

Mekdad

lines on the record: 597
first: 2001-03-19
most recent: 2006-06-14
sittings or episodes: 87
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

“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Mr. President, we thank you for convening this meeting in order to consider the progress report of the Secretary-General on the recommendations of the Security Council mission to West Africa (S/2003/ll47). Syria was privileged to have participated in that mission. We would like also to express our appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Kalomoh for his introduction of the progress report, in which the Secretary-General outlines the steps taken or envisaged to implement the recommendations of the Security Council mission with respect to Guinea- Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone.”
2004-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4899 (2004) · source
“Allow me to conclude my statement by stressing that Syria attaches the utmost importance, at all levels, to the issues of children. Syria was one of the first States to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Last year, we ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and the second Optional Protocol on sexual abuse of children. These commitments stem from our belief that such international instruments are a fundamental basis for the international community to take action to protect and promote the rights of children for a better future for mankind.”
2004-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4898Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Furthermore, all possible means for dialogue and negotiation with the parties concerned ought to be used to solve all problems in accordance with agreed norms. Let me again stress the importance of the role of all United Nations bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, in confronting the effects of conflicts and wars on children. In addition to the agencies and funds of the United Nations, in particular the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), let me also stress the role of non-governmental organizations, which are fundamental in complementing and promoting international efforts in the appropriate manner and in strengthening our collective efforts to resolve this problem.”
2004-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4898Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Let me mention that, while we highly appreciate the reference in the report (S/2003/1053) to the fact that the situation of Palestinian children remains serious and unacceptable, we had hoped that the report would devote some ink to the issues related to the effects of preventing humanitarian assistance from reaching children affected by armed conflicts. The report of the Secretary-General contains proposals and recommendations that are worthy of study, particularly in light of practices and lessons learned. While we believe that there is a need for a coordinated and systematic mechanism for monitoring and reporting in order to present objective, regular and accurate reports on violations by parties to armed conflicts, we believe that such a question should not be politicized and that selectivity and double standards should be avoided.”
2004-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4898Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Nevertheless, and most regrettably, we see no concrete progress in protecting the children affected by the Israeli occupation of Arab land, including the occupied Syrian Golan. The grave situation remains and has indeed deteriorated. The international community has been unable, to date, to implement international provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, let alone the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions related to the protection of Palestinian children, who, for decades, have been living a miserable life.”
2004-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4898Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We thank the Secretary-General and all those who helped to prepare and enrich the report. International conventions on the protection and well-being of children, Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on the protection of children in armed conflict and the final document of the special session of the General Assembly devoted to children (resolution S-27/2), held in 2002, all strengthen and supplement international norms and should be respected by everyone. Progress made in the protection of children affected by armed conflict, as described in the Secretary-General's report, is a source of satisfaction, and we welcome it. We have noted a strong will by the parties concerned with this issue to face up to the challenges before them.”
2004-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4898Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): We warmly welcome you, Madam, as you preside over this meeting. Your concern demonstrates the attention that you and your friendly country, Chile, devote to the grave challenges facing future generations and the need to confront them. We should like to thank Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and Mr. Olara Otunnu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, for their briefings this morning. We believe that the contents of those briefings will help us to make progress in confronting the challenge of the plight of children in armed conflicts. My delegation has carefully read the report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/1053) now before us, and we believe that we should all pay heed to it.”
2004-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4898Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Allow me to stress once again that Syria is ready for fruitful cooperation with all States within the framework of the United Nations to seek reliable means for eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. That would surely promote the role of the United Nations in setting out the rules of multilateralism in all aspects of international relations.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“While we affirm the importance of the role of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security, we nevertheless believe that the Council must address the root causes of the conflicts in which such weapons are used. It should deal with those causes and stress the vital need for compliance with its resolutions in those situations. The Council could also encourage initiatives aimed at mobilizing resources and expertise in order to strengthen the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. It could also, if so requested, provide assistance to States to overcome the difficulties they face in implementing the Programme.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Out of its desire to make the Middle East a region free of all weapons of mass destruction, Syria has submitted a draft resolution, which remains before the Security Council, calling for the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction in the region. We hope that the situation will ripen, allowing all Council members to vote in favour of that draft resolution. Given the importance of regional and international interaction and cooperation in confronting the problem of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, Syria has signed many agreements with friendly and sister States to confront the problem and maintain our common security.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Syria participated in the conference organized by the Department of Disarmament Affairs, in cooperation with the League of Arab States, a few weeks ago in Cairo, Egypt, to study the needs and difficulties of Arab States in confronting the issue of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We hope that the outcome of the Conference will be reflected in a future report of the Secretary-General. In that regard, I underline that the difficulties faced by Arab States are a result of the current situation: Israel's occupation of Arab land and Israel's massive arsenal of all types of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, in addition to its many advanced conventional weapons systems.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Here, I should stress that addressing the issue of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons must in no way mean setting aside the priorities established by the United Nations in the disarmament field. Those priorities were clearly and unanimously set out by the international community in the Final Document of the first special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament, held in 1978. That document emphasized that top priority must be given to disarmament in the area of nuclear weapons and the other most lethal weapons of mass destruction.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“That is why we have called upon all States - particularly manufacturing and exporting States - to make every possible effort, through international cooperation, to find effective solutions that will put an end to this tragedy. The catastrophic damage caused by small arms and light weapons has become obvious in the conflicts that continue to afflict a number of African States as well as in conflicts in States in other regions. In this regard, we renew our appeal to all Member States to respect the embargoes imposed by the Security Council on the export of small arms and light weapons to African countries suffering from conflict situations.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open meeting, which provides another opportunity for Member States to express their views and concerns with regard to the issue of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. I should also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2003/12l7) on this subject. In addition, I cannot fail to express our thanks and appreciation to Mr. Nobuyasu Abe, Under- Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, for introducing the Secretary-General's report. The 2001 United Nations Conference reaffirmed that the problem of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is extremely complex and difficult. It threatens the lives of innocent people, particularly children, women and the elderly, who continue to fall victim to such weapons.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Finally, my delegation quite agrees that the serious threat inherent in the Taliban and Al Qaeda should be the main concern of the international community. We support the comments on the innovations needed to find effective tools to face up to these threats and to combat this eminent danger effectively. In this connection, we look forward to the new draft resolution, which will be adopted by the Council in the near future. We hope it will take into account all the concerns expressed - for example, annual reconsideration of sanctions in order to be able to adapt and consequently improve them.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“In this connection, we reiterate the importance of coordination between the two in order to avoid any overlap and to give them a greater capacity to act against terrorism, especially by defining clearly the areas where each may work. Syria, on behalf of the Arab Group, last year submitted a draft resolution on the question of eliminating weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Among the important elements in that draft resolution was not to allow terrorist organizations - Al Qaeda and the Taliban, for example - to obtain weapons of mass destruction. Syria's draft resolution, which was supported by the Arab Group, is still being considered in the Council, and we hope that circumstances will allow for the adoption of this important resolution, with all Member States cooperating with the Council.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“In fact, the importance of those visits has been demonstrated in several areas, because members have had the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further information relevant to the work of the Committee. Furthermore, the Chairman can thereby ascertain what steps are being taken by those States to improve the situation. Fourthly, my delegation supports cooperation between the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee, within the framework of their respective mandates, because each constitutes an important mechanism with respect to Security Council action against terrorism.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“Moreover, we should focus on analysing the Committee's activities. Furthermore, the Committee must be impartial and ensure transparency in considering information obtained from various sources. Full cooperation and assistance on the part of Member States is therefore necessary. Secondly, I should like to highlight the importance of reports submitted by Member States, which constitute the major source of information for the Committee and the Group in dealing with threats, as well as the need to provide assistance to countries in combating such threats. Thirdly, visits to States made by the Chairman of the Committee and its members have proved extremely useful in the process of conducting a dialogue with those States.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“It is becoming increasingly important in the context of the anti-terrorism efforts of the Security Council and the United Nations. The Committee has done a great deal to improve its methods of work; indeed, the listing is now easier to use. Moreover, detailed consideration was given to the reports of Member States submitted pursuant to resolution 1455 (2003). The reports of the Monitoring Group represent an important mechanism for assessing compliance by States with the relevant resolutions. Nonetheless, the Committee's task has been difficult, and here I should like to make the following comments on the work of the Committee and of the Monitoring Group. First, there is a need to review the analytical capacity of the Committee. The Committee and the Monitoring Group should have firsthand information.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“We wish them every success in their efforts to help the international community to achieve international peace and security. We listened attentively to the presentation of the second oral report of the Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning the Taliban and Al Qaeda - n accordance with paragraph 14 of resolution 1455 (2003) - which detailed the work of the Committee. In that regard, we would like to commend Ambassador Mufioz for the outstanding manner in which he has discharged his responsibilities, and we express our gratitude to him and to his Mission for their contribution to the success of the work of this Committee. The efforts made by the Committee are part and parcel of international efforts to combat terrorism.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Mr. President, I wish at the outset to thank you for your kind words. I will always be at your disposal. This is the first time that we are taking the floor in the Security Council following the end of our term of office as a non-permanent member. I should like to thank you for having convened this meeting and to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency for this month. I wish also to extend to your predecessor our gratitude for the efforts he made during the past month. We would like also to take this opportunity to congratulate the new members - Algeria, Benin, Brazil, the Philippines and Romania - on their election and on having begun their participation in the work of the Council for the period 2004-2005.”
2004-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4892 (2004) · source
“In this last statement, I should like to wish every success to the members of the Council, permanent and non-permanent alike, with whom we have cooperated sincerely in addressing the challenges of our world, particularly in eliminating the sources of tension that continue to threaten international peace and security. I also wish every success to our colleagues in the delegations that will begin their service in the Security Council in the new year. All the members of the Permanent Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic, and I personally, would like to convey our best wishes for the coming holidays and new year to all members and observers.”
2003-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4888 (2003) · source
“I should also like to thank the Vice-Chairmen from Guinea and Spain for their efforts in helping us to keep up with all the developments pertaining to the implementation of resolutions 918 (1994) and 1011 (1995). I would also like to thank the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations for its full cooperation with the Committee. I also express my best wishes to the people and the Government of Rwanda in overcoming all the difficulties they have faced. We wish them every success in rebuilding their country, as well as development and well-being in Rwanda.”
2003-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4888 (2003) · source
“Central Africa in general, and Rwanda in particular, are experiencing clear progress towards stability and security. We believe that that should draw the appropriate attention and concern from the Security Council in the future. I would also add that all aspects of weapons smuggling to this important region of the world, including Rwanda, must be stopped immediately. There is no justification whatever for tolerating such smuggling, the repercussions of which are always dire. In that regard, allow me to pay tribute to the complete cooperation that existed between Syria's chairmanship of the Committee and the Security Council secretariat.”
2003-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4888 (2003) · source
“I would, however, like to emphasize that, in the absence of a specific monitoring mechanism for the effective implementation of the weapons embargo, the Committee reiterates its previous comments stressing the fact that it depends upon the cooperation of States and organizations having any information concerning potential or real violations of the arms embargo. Once again I underscore the fact that the Committee received no such indications or specific allegations of violations last year. I should also like to add that, following the Security Council's adoption of resolution 918 (1994) imposing sanctions on Rwanda and the creation of a committee to monitor implementation, another resolution (1011 (1995)) was adopted lifting the sanctions against the Government of Rwanda while maintaining the embargo on non-governmental actors.”
2003-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4888 (2003) · source
“I should like at this meeting to convey to the Security Council the fact that the sanctions Committee on Rwanda, which was created by resolution 918 (1994) did not hold formal meetings this year. That was not due to a lack of desire on the part of the Committee's Bureau to face any violations of resolution 918 (1994). Instead, the reason was due to the fact that the Committee did not receive any information on violations of the resolution. The fact that we received no complaints of possible violations does not necessarily mean that no weapons reached Rwanda illegally. However, it does illustrate the international community's increasing awareness of the need to avoid any violations of the resolution, as that would have dire repercussions for the situation in both Rwanda and the Central African region in general.”
2003-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4888 (2003) · source
“As we are soon to leave the Security Council as an elected member of this important international body, it is my pleasure to address the issue of Rwanda, an African country with which the international community stood shoulder to shoulder in order to return to it peace, stability and security. In speaking about Rwanda, it is necessary to mention the Security Council's visit to the countries of Central Africa several months ago. Through that mission we were able to witness events on the ground, to meet the different parties and to witness the plight of the peoples of Rwanda and the other African countries we visited, as well as to learn about their hopes and aspirations.”
2003-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4888 (2003) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation supports the Secretary-General's recommendation to establish a United Nations interim observer mission in Bougainville for a period of six months beginning in 2004. That would help to support the peace process entered into by the Bougainville Interim Provincial Government.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Thirdly, there is a need to resolve all pending issues and to integrate all factions and forces remaining outside the peace process. Fourthly, the new constitution is of central importance for the implementation of the Peace Agreement. We believe the second revised draft text is extremely important. Fifthly, there is a need for regional support for the peace process, in particular for the efforts made by the transition team in Bougainville in that regard. Allow me to express our appreciation for the efforts of the Bougainville Interim Provincial Government to bring about peace and stability there. We also appreciate its support for all measures leading to the establishment of an autonomous government.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Mr. Atieh (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): We would like to thank Mr. Danilo Turk, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in Bougainville. The Bougainville Peace Agreement aims at strengthening the foundations of a society enjoying genuine peace and the restoration of civil authority in the form of a democratically elected civilian Government. In that connection, we wish to make the following points regarding the peace process. First, the programme to collect and dispose of arms must continue, especially given the progress made and the success attained during stage II. Secondly, former combatants must be reintegrated into civil society, and plans must be made to ensure security in that regard and security in general.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“My delegation would like to express its gratitude for the efforts made by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. We welcome the road map that has been prepared in relation to this issue. We believe that, along with the aide memoire to be adopted by the Council in the next few days through a presidential statement, the road map will constitute an important and effective instrument to facilitate the Council's consideration of issues relating to the protection of civilians. My delegation also supports the 10-point plan based on the road map that was referred to by Mr. Egeland in his statement. We hope that the Council will adopt it as soon as possible, as it includes elements that have the unanimous support of the members ofthe Council.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“Examples of such effects can be seen in the suffering of civilians in recent years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and other countries. We are pleased to welcome the progress achieved in those countries, as well as in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, following the deployment of United Nations forces, and the success in Sierra Leone. In that regard, we would like to recall that the United Nations has made great headway in recent years in addressing this issue. However, there is still a long way to go to achieving the desired goal. Doing so requires political will and determination. That means that, if the Organization is to effectively and soundly tackle this problem, the protection of civilians in armed conflict must remain an important item on the agenda ofthe United Nations in the future.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“It has flouted United Nations resolutions calling on it to halt the construction of the wall, which will affect the lives of more than 200,000 Palestinian civilians in 65 villages and towns on both sides, whose access to their land and water will be fully or partially blocked. The wall will also impede their access to humanitarian assistance. These facts have been noted in the Secretary-General's reports, especially that on the expansionist wall. We thank Mr. Egeland for touching on this critical issue in his statement. We must not forget the suffering of the African continent, which has experienced and continues to experience armed conflicts that have had devastating effects, for the most part on innocent civilians.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“In the past three years alone, Israeli occupation forces have killed some 3,000 Palestinians, mostly women, children and the elderly. Israel's policy has also extended to the murder of United Nations staff members, including six from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Israel has imposed restrictions on the freedom of movement of UNRWA and other humanitarian personnel, thereby increasing the suffering of the Palestinians, in total disregard of all international norms, conventions and appeals to halt such practices. Moreover, the occupying Power has widened its oppressive measures against Palestinian civilians through its ongoing construction of the racist, expansionist wall.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“That can be accomplished by adopting and using effective arrangements to investigate such violations at the local and international levels and by arresting and bringing the perpetrators to justice, as well as through cooperation among States to that effect. The disarmament, reintegration and rehabilitation of ex-combatants are important factors in countering the culture of violence. My delegation affirms the need to address that issue not only at the local level, but also at the regional level. States bordering on conflict zones must recognize their responsibility to provide assistance in that regard. The Middle East offers the clearest example of the suffering of civilians, in this instance as a result of Israel's ongoing occupation of Arab territories.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“The Council must continue to impress on all parties to armed conflicts - governmental and non- governmental actors alike - the necessity of shielding such personnel from harassment. Special attention must be given to the suffering of women and children in armed conflict. The Security Council must accord the highest priority to their situation and explicitly take that issue - including their subjection to sexual violence and exploitation - into account when drafting the mandates of peacekeeping operations. My delegation attaches great importance to depriving the perpetrators of gross violations of international humanitarian law of their impunity.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“Some States invoke certain situations as a pretext to pursue practices that contravene international humanitarian law. The Syrian delegation affirms in this regard that there is no acceptable pretext for killing or displacing innocent civilians. It is necessary to treat the root causes of armed conflicts and to prevent violent retaliation. The question of access to vulnerable groups in many conflict zones poses a major challenge and is among the most pressing issues relevant to the protection of civilians. It involves a complex and multifaceted process requiring appropriate security arrangements, such as guarantees for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to groups entitled to it, which necessarily entails guarantees for the safety and security of humanitarian and associated personnel.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“More than 2.5 million people have died over the past decade, while more than 30 million have been displaced or uprooted from their homelands by armed conflicts. In his most recent report on this subject, the Secretary- General noted that the number of dead and wounded among innocent civilians has risen to a level that can without exaggeration be described as terrifying. International humanitarian law requires warring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War was adopted more than 50 years ago and that most States have acceded to it, there remains a wide gap between its provisions and the implementation thereof in armed conflicts.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“We extend our sincere condolences to the Government and people of friendly Russia and to the delegation of the Russian Federation to the United Nations. The Security Council's decision to maintain today's item at the top of its agenda is proof of the great importance it attaches to the issue at hand, especially since civilians are the principal victims of contemporary conflicts. In that regard, I must refer to the important resolution 1502 (2003), introduced by Mexico and adopted by the Council under Syria's presidency last August, on the protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. Sadly, women and children constitute a large percentage of those affected by such conflicts.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me at the outset to convey to you, Sir, the gratitude of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic for convening this important meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. My delegation also thanks Mr. Egeland, Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for his comprehensive and important briefing this morning. I believe that the most noteworthy elements of his briefing are the specific ideas that he offered, which we feel are worthy of Security Council endorsement as official Council documents. We also associate ourselves with you, Sir, in your strong condemnation of the terrorist act that took place in Moscow today.”
2003-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4877 (2003) · source
“Such regional effort requires our ongoing support in order to preserve the ceasefire between the parties and to work towards disarmament, demobilization and the reintegration of ex-combatants. My delegation associates itself with all the preceding speakers regarding the need for the international community to continue to support the African mission, and we call on the Council to contribute effectively and appropriately towards preserving the peace in Burundi in accordance with the Pretoria Agreements. The African Mission is playing an essential role at this stage in the efforts to ensure peace and security in Burundi. Logistical and financial support by the international community and by donor countries will have to be given to this Mission, so that it can play its role as planned.”
2003-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4876 (2003) · source
“Zuma, and those of the African Union in support of the Transitional Government in Burundi. We thank them for working to implement the agreements signed by the parties, in particular the Pretoria Protocols, in order to ensure acceptable power-sharing at the political, defence and security levels, and so that there may be fair elections in order to bring the transitional period to its conclusion. The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms the importance of supporting the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative. We pay tribute to the efforts of the African mission in Burundi, a mission that is working successfully to fulfil its mandate. That mission has played an important role in resolving the conflict and in moving towards the establishment of peace and security in Burundi.”
2003-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4876 (2003) · source
“Mr. Atieh (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): My delegation wants to welcome Mr. Jacob Zuma, Deputy President of South Africa. We thank him for the useful information he has given us in his statement. We also would like to extend our welcome to Mr. Rosenthal, President of the Economic and Social Council, and we thank him for his statement. My delegation took note of the important declaration of the heads of State of the Great Lakes region at the 20th Summit of the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative, held in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. Syria encourages all regional initiatives and all initiatives aimed at establishing peace in the Great Lakes region, and in particular, in Burundi. In that regard, we pay tribute to the efforts of South Africa and above all to President Mbeki, as well as to the coordinator, Mr.”
2003-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4876 (2003) · source
“We would therefore renew our appeal, which is accepted by most members of the Security Council, to work to put an end, as soon as possible, to the occupation of Iraq so as to maintain its territorial integrity and the unity of its people and to ensure the election of a national Government that fully and faithfully represents all segments of Iraqi society and that would lift the plight currently endured by the Iraqi people. We look forward to Iraq regaining its sovereignty and the role that befit its history, civilization and capabilities.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source
“We also stress the major role that neighbouring countries may undertake in attempting to solve the various problems now facing Iraq. In that regard, we need the expertise and capabilities of the United Nations as the only organization with such abilities and potentials. Our brothers in Iraq are now undergoing a most difficult period in their history because of the prevailing chaos and the lack of a dignified life. Syria, a country that is tied to the people of Iraq by history and geography, cannot but be concerned at developments taking place in Iraq today. Proceeding from this, we believe that preserving the fundamental interests of the Iraqi people, ensuring a life of dignity for them and restoring the conditions for social and political stability in the country also serve Syria's interests.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source
“In this regard, and along with other members of the Security Council, we await the Governing Council's presentation of a timeline and programme for drafting a new constitution and holding democratic elections in accordance with the terms of paragraph 7 of Security Council resolution 1511 (2003). Syria believes that any plan to save Iraq from its current situation must involve all sectors of the Iraqi population with all various social and political affiliations. This would ensure the territorial integrity, Sll'V.4869 sovereignty and political independence of Iraq. We believe that it is necessary for the United Nations to have a major, effective and vital role in both political and humanitarian activities in Iraq.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source
“Terrorist bombings that target civilians and essential humanitarian institutions, international organizations and diplomatic missions are condemned, and the need to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice for their criminal acts is stressed. Finally, there is a call to competent Iraqi authorities to cooperate with neighbouring countries in order to eradicate the threat of terrorism and to avoid any infiltration through borders of neighbouring countries by terrorists. We have considered the declaration by the Governing Council on the political processes to take place in the coming period in Iraq.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source
“We stress the right of Iraqis to determine their own political future and the importance of a strong, vital role for the United Nations in Iraq, particularly in supervising the constitutional and election processes and setting a timetable for the end of the occupation. There is the speeding up of the transfer of power to the Iraqis themselves, supporting the efforts of the Iraqi Governing Council in its transitional responsibilities towards the election of a representative Iraqi Government, and reasserting the responsibility of the Coalition authorities in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source
“In that meeting current developments in Iraq were discussed as well as their repercussions both regionally and internationally. In view of the importance of the outcome of the meeting, I would like to outline the major points agreed upon by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the neighbouring countries. There is a need for Iraq's neighbours to show full solidarity with and sympathy towards Iraq in its current plight because of the grave deterioration in the security situation, as well as the general economic and living situation in the country. Any measure that may lead to a division of Iraq must be rejected, and Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source
“In recent weeks, visits to Damascus by many representatives of the Iraqi people with various political affiliations - including a large number of the Iraqi Governing Council - show that relations between the two peoples and the two countries are very deeply entrenched. In order to help our Iraqi brothers to overcome the daily hardships they face, tons of food supplies, as well as other items of humanitarian assistance, have been shipped to Iraq. In addition, the Syrian electricity grid has been connected to the Iraqi one in some places in order to help meet the basic daily needs of the Iraqi people. On 1 and 2 November 2003, Damascus hosted an important meeting of foreign ministers of neighbouring countries, including the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Turkey, Kuwait and Syria, as well as Egypt.”
2003-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4869 (2003) · source