YouSaid · the spoken record

Mekdad

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597

first

2001-03-19

most recent

2006-06-14

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87

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un-security-council

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1. “We praise the efforts of African countries to find a solution to the Congolese crisis, particularly the efforts of the South African leadership. In conclusion, we express our appreciation for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Moustapha Niasse, of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Namanga Ngongi, and of MONUC.”

   2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source

2. “We express our grave concern at the increase in the number of displaced persons as a result of the hostilities. It is essential to stress the importance of cooperation with the various United Nations agencies and programmes, with the World Bank and with other donors. We call upon the donor community to consider providing assistance soon, so that we can alleviate the suffering of this country's people. We encourage the inter-Congolese dialogue and the finding of a proper solution to the distribution of Government posts so that the Government will represent all Congolese parties and will be able to meet the people's expectations, to establish an all-inclusive national army and to extend the Government's authority throughout the country.”

   2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source

3. “The delegation of Syria also stresses the importance of proceeding with the process of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation, which will help to broaden the scope of humanitarian assistance and, at the same time, ensure the provision of assistance to the Congolese provinces that are in need. My delegation reaffirms that we must guarantee the safety and security of all those who work in the humanitarian assistance field and under the auspices of MONUC and must shield them from harassment. We express our concern at the human rights violations, the indiscriminate killings, the deterioration of the security situation and the situation of displaced persons, and the food shortages experienced by a third of the Congolese population, particularly in the Ituri region and in neighbouring areas.”

   2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source

4. “We thank him for his exhaustive information, which underlines the fragile situation of human rights and the fact that some parties have committed flagrant violations in many parts of the Congo, particularly in Ituri. The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic stresses the importance of respect by the various Congolese parties for the Pretoria and Luanda Agreements concluded between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Our delegation calls on all parties to respect human rights, to bring the perpetrators of those violations to justice and to end the culture of impunity.”

   2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source

5. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic welcomes the convening of this meeting to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is our pleasure to thank Mr. Guehenno for his comprehensive and exhaustive briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and on the role of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). We also welcome Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Our delegation appreciates the efforts of the High Commissioner during his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

   2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source

6. “We follow up national plans at the highest political levels in relation to child-related issues. At the level of international cooperation, the Syrian Government has agreed to sign the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which it ratified in 1993. Syria was among the first States to ratify the Convention, proceeding from its conviction of the importance of the Convention's provisions to ensure the protection and well-being of children everywhere. Syria believes that children represent our hope and our future. We believe that, in that respect, children must enjoy well-being and attention. The international community must therefore make every possible effort to safeguard that hope and that future.”

   2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

7. “We also believe that it is important to ensure respect for States' obligations under international agreements, particularly the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to urge all States to fulfil their obligations in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Times of War. In our region, many serious breaches of that Convention have occurred under the Israeli occupation of Arab lands. We further believe that it is of utmost importance to focus greater attention on the root causes of conflict and on the motivations and reasons for the enlistment of children. That will ensure the appropriate way of addressing this issue in a definitive manner. Syria attaches special importance to issues relating to children and to their care.”

   2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

8. “We believe that all issues referred to in the provisions of resolution 1379 (2001) must be taken up on an equal footing. The resolution contains very important provisions on the protection of children in armed conflict and under foreign occupation. My delegation believes that the best way to address issues relating to the recruitment of children and their protection in armed conflict must be based on a request from the parties concerned and an immediate end to the enlistment and recruitment of children. We believe that yet another important element is to ascertain the veracity of information submitted to the Security Council on situations in which the enlistment of children in armed conflict in some countries has been alleged.”

   2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

9. “The perpetrators of such tragedies must be brought to justice. The Security Council has attached great importance to the issue of the recruitment of children in armed conflict. Presidential statements and Security Council resolutions have urged parties to conflicts to cease recruiting children in armed conflicts, whether they be in Africa, Asia, or any other areas of conflict. In our region, we have witnessed the effects of armed conflict on children. We believe that the situation of children under foreign occupation must be dealt with seriously in order to address that catastrophic situation in a cooperative effort to put an end to the suffering of thousands of innocent children. This in no way implies that we wish to focus on certain elements at the expense of other important aspects.”

   2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

10. “We fully support the Secretary-General's view, expressed in his statement this morning, on the need to integrate the protection of children into all aspects related to the maintenance of international peace and security. Reports submitted to the Security Council over the past year have led us to concentrate on the plight of children affected by armed conflict. We believe that the plight of young girls affected by armed conflict deserves more attention and follow-up by the Security Council. The way that the Israeli occupation authorities have killed hundreds of Palestinian children has been etched in our conscience and our memory. Muhammad Al-Durrah, the child killed next to his father, and Iman Hajju, the baby girl whose body was desecrated by the occupying forces' bullets, must be remembered.”

    2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

11. “The fact that the Security Council is meeting for a third time to debate this issue, including the report of the Secretary-General (S/2002/ 1299), and to discuss the implementation of resolution 1379 (2001) and previous resolutions shows the importance and seriousness that the Security Council attaches to this issue and to its follow-up. We hope that this meeting will lead to an effective plan to protect children in situations of armed conflict in general and under foreign occupation in particular. The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic has very carefully read the report of the Secretary-General. The report refers to real problems that the world's children face.”

    2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

12. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, Mr. President, allow me to thank you for convening this important meeting. We especially appreciate the considerable efforts made by France and its leadership in this regard. We would also like to express our thanks to Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his continuing follow-up on this issue and for the important statement he made at the beginning of this meeting. I would also like to express our thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Olara Otunnu, and to Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), for their efforts in following up on the issues before the Security Council related to children. The issue of children and armed conflict is very important.”

    2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684 (2003) · source

13. “The Council has also discussed many substantive issues in the areas of peacekeeping, women, security, peace, children and civilians in times of war, as well as the issue of terrorism. The Council has achieved many successes in dealing with many of these issues and has achieved progress that cannot be overlooked. Syria will continue to work actively to consolidate transparency in the Council's work and looks forward to more serious work to improve the machinery of the Council and to make it more credible and responsive to what the Charter states.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

14. “The establishment of the Working Group on the prevention and settlement of conflicts in Africa, which was headed by Mauritius very seriously and efficiently, helped to consolidate the role of the Council and contributed to dealing with African issues. The Council has followed up on the developments that have occurred in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and has given specific importance to Somalia during the period under consideration. We still have a lot to do in this area. We would like to state here that the Security Council's missions to conflict-ridden areas have contributed largely to ending these conflicts and to reaching a settlement, because it has allowed members to get acquainted with the real situation there.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

15. “The Israeli occupation of our land, which constitutes the highest form of terrorism, is a question that our Council should confront when there is a discussion of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is a matter that should be terminated as a matter of priority in the Council's work in order to reach a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, instead of talking about alleged terrorism undertaken by the Palestinian people, who are the real victims of Israeli terrorism. The Security Council has made great efforts to deal with African issues in order to reach a settlement for conflict-ridden areas.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

16. “In this context, Syria views any attempt to keep the Council from dealing closely with the issues relating to the Middle East, under different pretexts, a matter that is not just improper, but actually contradicts the concept of collective security, the Charter and the willingness of the international community to cooperate to find solutions for the challenges faced by our world. We believe strongly that any attempt to equate the Palestinian people, who are subject to a hateful and continuous Israeli occupation with the terrorist policies of the Israeli Government that contradict a just and comprehensive peace is a clear and flagrant contradiction of the Charter. This is an unacceptable violation of the United Nations role, and of that of the Security Council.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

17. “At the same time, we should all be aware of the fact that the Council has not followed up on the implementation of a number of its resolutions which negatively impacts its work and prevents the achievement of real progress to reach a settlement in this and other regions that are conflict-ridden. Dealing with Council resolutions and the importance of implementing them should be based on equality and a single standard. Syria considers international legality, as represented by the United Nations and all its bodies, including the Security Council, which is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, as one of the main pillars on which it relies in seeking a comprehensive and just peace, particularly in the Middle East, and generally in other conflict-ridden areas of the world.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

18. “They had the opportunity to express their views with regard to the political issues being discussed and to express their vision for finding solutions for these issues. The Council has also held a number of wrap-up meetings in which members and non-members reviewed its work. The Council has achieved tangible improvements in the past period. Having regular briefings on the situation in the Middle East was one of the achievements that deserve mention here. The Council, throughout its working years, did not have such an opportunity to discuss the situation in an explosive region that constitutes a real threat to international peace and security.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

19. “We are hopeful that the Council will rectify the error that was made, particularly since a large number of its members stated in our recent consultations their desire to receive a full copy of the Iraqi declaration in order to form their opinion and views independently and responsibly. This is also important in order to maintain the unity of the Council's work with respect to significant issues, as has been affirmed by many Council members. It is well known that we have achieved tangible progress in the area of the transparency of the Council's work. The Council has held an unprecedentedly large number of open meetings, and non-member States have participated in the Council's work more than ever before.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

20. “The importance of today's meeting is based on our deep conviction that we all must strive to improve the Council's performance and its working methods, so that its work can become more transparent and more effective, which in turn will enable it to address the challenges that are included on its agenda, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter. Here, we must add that respect for the Council's working methods and equal treatment of all its members are crucial in order to preserve the Council's unity and credibility. We would have liked to have had the compulsory procedures and working methods of the Council followed in dealing with the Iraqi declaration, since we made our position clear in that regard in a letter that was circulated as a Council document.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

21. “Here, we should like to express our appreciation to the representatives of the five States that will leave the Council in a few days' time for their great contributions to its work, particularly in the area of developing its working methods and procedures and in carrying out its responsibilities through the adoption of many important and historic decisions. Because Syria still has a full year and a few days until the end of its tenure in the Council, we promise to present further comprehensive views with regard to the Council's performance at this time next year.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

22. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): My delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this wrap-up meeting to discuss the work of the Council. We have listened attentively, particularly to the statements of the representatives of delegations whose Council tenure will conclude at the end of this year. We reiterate our thanks to your delegation for presenting accurate daily information to Council members concerning our work programme, a practice that we believe should become permanent within the framework of improving the Council's working methods. This meeting coincides with the end of the year, which allows us to review and assess our work, not only over the past month but throughout the year.”

    2002-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4677 (2002) · source

23. “In conclusion, allow me to thank the President and her delegation most sincerely for the excellent preparations they have made for the Council's consideration of this item.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

24. “That requires that the international community quickly and seriously implement international instruments on the provision of legal and civilian protection, in accordance with international humanitarian law, and that it increase pressure in this regard. The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic calls for justice and reconciliation in addressing the root causes of conflict, so as to be able to avoid resorting to violence. The Secretary-General's report includes a number of recommendations and observations. We have read them very carefully, and believe that they deserve careful and in-depth consideration. Those who have spoken before me have highlighted the elements to which they believe the Security Council should give special consideration. In order to save time, it would not be useful to repeat them in my statement.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

25. “In that regard, we welcome the current cooperation between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Department of Political Affairs and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Although half a century has passed since the adoption of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and although most States are now party to that Convention, there is still a wide gap between the Convention's norms and their implementation in armed conflicts. In that regard, some States hide behind the pretext of particular circumstances to continue to act in ways that run counter to the provisions of the Convention. We believe that the international community has a special responsibility to condemn and end such actions.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

26. “My delegation therefore highly appreciates the efforts made by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide assistance and to reveal the negative consequences of the failure of assistance to reach the right people at the right time and place. My delegation also notes the fact that the report of the Secretary-General has rightly focused on the particular suffering of children in armed conflict and on the great importance that the international community must attach to that situation and to the particular conditions of women and older persons in armed conflict. The increasing cooperation between the various bodies, departments and agencies of the United Nations is of utmost importance in promoting the efforts of the Organization to protect civilians in armed conflict.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

27. “In his current report, he calls upon the Security Council to take steps to guarantee the protection of civilians in armed conflict. My delegation understands fully the compelling reasons for the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report. We are fully prepared to discuss the measures he has put forward, with a view to reaching agreement in the Council on them. The issue of access to vulnerable populations is a primary challenge and a very complicated and multifaceted issue that involves a number of entities. Protection and assistance programmes serving millions of vulnerable people are sometimes abused. At times, they may be delayed or even rejected, producing destructive results.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

28. “Catherine Bertini, the Secretary- General's Personal Humanitarian Envoy to the Occupied Territories, reported in August on the mounting humanitarian crisis, describing it as a crisis of access and mobility. She highlighted the impact on civilian populations of loss of access to basic needs and services, including medical treatment and education, because of curfews and closures, while other services, such as food supplies and water, are blocked from reaching communities." (S/2002/1300, para. 24) The Secretary-General has presented a series of reports - for which we are grateful - on violations of human rights in armed conflict so that United Nations bodies, including the Security Council, may further consider the issue.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

29. “Under the pretext of fighting terrorism, Israel has also most heinously exploited the international consensus on combating terrorism established following 11 September to combat the just Palestinian cause. Israel continues its attempts to classify resistance to occupation and resistance in self-defence and in defence of land and dignity as terrorism, which runs counter to every norm of international and humanitarian law. Syria for many years has called upon the international community - and, indeed, has cooperated with it - to condemn terrorism in all its manifestations, particularly State terrorism. Paragraph 24 of the Secretary-General's report refers to the tragedy of the Palestinian people: "Ms.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

30. “The Israeli forces of occupation have a record replete with criminal activities, with about 2,000 martyrs and thousands of wounded among the Palestinian civilian population in the last two years alone. This is a crime of genocide being perpetrated by Israel. Palestinians - children, women and the elderly - are being killed by military aircraft, tanks and missiles used by the Israeli army. We all have become aware of the killing of 10 Palestinian civilians at the end of last week, including two workers of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Three United Nations personnel have been killed by Israel in the past fortnight alone. My delegation would like to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his strong condemnation of such Israeli acts.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

31. “The decision by the Security Council to keep this item at the top of its agenda shows the great importance that the Council attaches to this issue, especially since civilians are the primary victims of today's conflicts. Unfortunately, women and children make up an unprecedented number of the victims of such conflicts. Two and a half million people were directly killed in the conflicts in the past decade. About 31 million were either expelled or uprooted from their homes because of armed conflicts. This is a very wide circle of human misery. The Middle East is a clear example in that regard. The latest period has witnessed more acts perpetrated against the defenseless Palestinian people.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

32. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me at the outset to express to you, Madame Foreign Minister, how delighted my delegation is to see you presiding over this important session, whose item under consideration is of utmost concern to the peoples of the world. Allow me also to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for his rich statement to us at the beginning of this meeting. I cannot also fail to thank Mr. Oshima, Under-Secretary- General for presenting the Secretary-General's report. I should also like to thank the Director-General of the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) for the comprehensive statement he made just now.”

    2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660 (2002) · source

33. “Zuma's very important statement, and we took note of all the proposals and opinions therein. We noted in particular the opinions he expressed and the role he assigns to the international community, especially the Security Council, to implement, fully and successfully, the agreement that has been signed on Burundi. The delegation of Syria would like to reaffirm its support for the proposals that Mr. Zuma submitted with regard to the role of the Security Council. I would like to reiterate the important role to be played by the donor countries in making the agreement that has been signed a great success.”

    2002-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4655 (2002) · source

34. “I should also like to welcome Ambassador de la Sabliere, the new Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, and to reaffirm our full cooperation with him in the coming phase of the Council's work. I should also like to pay tribute to President Mbeki of South Africa, which holds the current presidency of the African Union and of the Non- Aligned Movement, for his constructive efforts to bring about peace in Burundi and in other parts of the African continent. We would also like to welcome the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of Burundi and the Forces for the Defence of Democracy, and we look forward to the forthcoming Council consultations, during which we will be discussing the new developments in Burundi. We listened attentively to Mr.”

    2002-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4655 (2002) · source

35. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic is pleased to welcome very warmly Mr. Jacob Zuma, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa. We should like to thank him for the sincere message of peace that he brought to the Council. We should also like to express our great appreciation for his successful efforts that led to the signing of the agreement on 2 December in Arusha to put an end to the conflict in Burundi and to achieve peace in that country, which has suffered greatly and now deserves to live in peace so that its friendly people can have the opportunity to build a new and developed Burundi.”

    2002-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4655 (2002) · source

36. “In this regard, we think it is essential that international assistance by the donor States be continued and that the international community continue to fulfill its obligations. In conclusion, we call for the redoubling of peace and rehabilitation efforts in Bougainville. We think that UNPOB still has contributions to make in the post- conflict phase, and therefore we feel that the 12-month extension is justified and should be supported. Thus, we must support and maintain UNPOB's work until the completion of its mandate.”

    2002-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4647 (2002) · source

37. “The information given to us this morning on the peace process in Bougainville, the note from the Government of Papua New Guinea dated 26 August 2002, the ministerial statement by that country's Inter- Government Relations Minister before the Parliament, and the last memorandum of 20 November, which we just received, all clearly show the progress made towards restoring normalcy in Bougainville. This is the prevailing situation, despite some references to challenges, mainly by some parties such as Francis Ona outside the peace process, on the one hand, and the rehabilitation and development of the infrastructure, provision of services and attainment of economic development, on the other.”

    2002-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4647 (2002) · source

38. “The second factor is the important role played by the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) and the Peace Monitoring Group in their efforts to facilitate the implementation of the Peace Agreement. This role merits our appreciation and support. In view of the role played by UNPOB at this critical stage, and because of its active involvement in coordinating the implementation and consolidation of the responsibilities agreed upon - especially as the weapons disposal plan is reaching its second stage, to be completed on 24 December 2002 - Syria strongly supports the request of the Papua New Guinea Government that UNPOB's mandate be extended for a further 12 months, until the end of 2003.”

    2002-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4647 (2002) · source

39. “Undoubtedly, over a year after the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, that territory has begun to move slowly towards building genuine peace, as envisioned in the Agreement of 30 August 2001, which was based on the three pillars of autonomy, referendum and weapons disposal. All of these tracks are intertwined. In this respect, we must recognize the great impact of two factors for success in the Bougainville peace process. The first factor is the sincere efforts made by the Government of Papua New Guinea and its commitment to pursue the peace process. We must also acknowledge its achievements in completing all constitutional and legal measures in order to give the Bougainville Peace Agreement its legal status within the constitution of Papua New Guinea. This is a commendable achievement, and it should be supported.”

    2002-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4647 (2002) · source

40. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, allow me to express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting on the situation in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. I would also like to express our gratitude to Sir Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs, for his briefing this morning on the evolution of the peace process in Bougainville and on the role played by the United Nations in that regard. We also welcome among us the new Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea, who will later shed more light on the peace process.”

    2002-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4647 (2002) · source

41. “This has been made possible by the intensive presence of the military components of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) at the borders, as well as by consultation, cooperation and continued coordination with the Mission's counterparts in the Indonesian force in West Timor. We continue to look forward to agreement on demarcation and the implementation of joint obligations, as declared by Timor-Leste and Indonesia, which would allow UNMISET to downsize its presence and, finally, to withdraw.”

    2002-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4646 (2002) · source

42. “Syria therefore concurs with the report's assertion that multilateral aid from donors aimed at achieving socio-economic prosperity in Timor-Leste is a vital prerequisite for the long-term stability of that country. We would like to express our concern about the slow rate of refugee return since the end of June, and we agree with the report that a resolution of that problem is necessary for the stability of the country. Syria welcomes the general improvements referred to in the report with regard to the state of external security and border monitoring and the need to ensure a stable and secure environment.”

    2002-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4646 (2002) · source

43. “We would like to express our satisfaction at the fact that Timor-Leste has joined the United Nations and other international and regional organizations, and that it has established diplomatic relations with all the States members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations. The report highlights a number of challenges, most of which relate to the lack of necessary resources, the importance of funding and the need for continued support by donors. We therefore appeal to all the donors to maintain their support for Timor-Leste's current rebuilding and development programme and to assist the Government in its efforts to formulate and achieve the objectives of the national development plan.”

    2002-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4646 (2002) · source

44. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me at the outset to extend my profound thanks to Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Timor- Leste, for his comprehensive and useful briefing this morning and for the efforts he is exerting along with all the workers of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET). We wish him all success in his performance and in the important mission he has been entrusted with. We wish to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Mission in East Timor, which is of particular importance because it is the first report that deals with the developments in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in the wake of their independence on 20 May 2002 and the establishment of the Mission.”

    2002-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4646 (2002) · source

45. “It reaffirms the central role of the Security Council in addressing all phases of the Iraqi issue. Syria has also received reassurances from the permanent members of the Security Council that the resolution strengthens the mandate of the international inspectors; that it serves the objective of preserving Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability; and that it will lead to a comprehensive solution of the Iraqi issue.”

    2002-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4644 (2002) · source

46. “Mr. Mekdad (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Syria voted in favour of the resolution based on its concern to achieve international unanimity in commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the resolutions of international legitimacy, be they with respect to Iraq, the Palestinian cause or the Arab-Israeli conflict. Syria voted in favour of the resolution, having received reassurances from its sponsors, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, and from France and Russia through high-level contacts, that it would not be used as a pretext for striking against Iraq and does not constitute a basis for any automatic strikes against Iraq. The resolution should not be interpreted, through certain paragraphs, as authorizing any State to use force.”

    2002-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4644 (2002) · source

47. “At the same time, we reaffirm that we stand against any illegal exploitation of natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we reiterate the importance of taking the necessary measures to ensure that the natural resources of that country and throughout the African continent are used to benefit the continent's peoples, and that the illegal exploitation of wealth is brought to an end. We reaffirm our keen interest in having the Council consider the report in an objective manner, and we support the idea that the Council should lay down very clear and specific guidelines with regard to the functions and work of any mechanism to be established by the Council in the future.”

    2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642Resumption1 (2002) · source

48. “We reiterate that the only guarantee against the illegal exploitation of natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is continued efforts to establish a strong Government in that country that would ensure regulated, legitimate and sustainable exploitation of natural resources to the benefit of its people and of the region in general. Yesterday, my delegation reaffirmed that informal consultations must be conducted to consider the report's recommendations and conclusions.”

    2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642Resumption1 (2002) · source

49. “My delegation reaffirms its keen interest in revealing the whole truth behind the illegal exploitation of natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, we also reaffirm the importance of not undermining the reputation of individuals or companies or exaggerating certain incidents in the absence of the necessary irrefutable. The livelihoods of thousands of families depend on the activities of the accused business people and companies. We reaffirm that all parties must be committed to the implementation of agreements recently reached, and to the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement.”

    2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642Resumption1 (2002) · source

50. “Our delegation believes that every accusation against Arab individuals named in the report can be answered and refuted, as the Permanent Representative of Oman said this morning. We confirm that these individuals and company representatives possess the documents needed to refute all the accusations levelled against them. They are entirely right to be dissatisfied, since the Panel neither contacted them nor gave them a chance to produce documents proving their innocence. In annex I of its report the Panel lists the companies it recommends should be subject to financial restrictions; annex II lists individuals for whom the Panel recommends a travel ban and financial restrictions. This includes Arab, African and European business people. We believe that there is an urgent need to re-evaluate the entire contents of the report.”

    2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642Resumption1 (2002) · source