YouSaid · the spoken record

Menan

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687
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2012-01-11
most recent
2013-12-18
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97
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un-security-council

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  1. While in its presidential statement (S/PRST/2012/8) of 29 March the Security Council expressed its concern at the deterioration in cooperation between the political actors in the country and about the dangers that poses for transition, it is nonetheless encouraging to note that a month later the country has seen no major regrettable developments. Togo welcomes this situation and urges the Yemeni people to spare no effort in committing their country to the road to peace, security and prosperity. My country also encourages the new leaders to work together with the opposition and representatives of the various interest groups to bring peace to the country.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  2. Togo once again urges every element of the Syrian Government and opposition to work to bring an end to the violence and to agree to sit down at the negotiation table in order to map out together a new future for their country with the international community's support. We believe that Mr. Annan's mission offers Syria a unique opportunity to return to peace. We urge the country's political class to work to that end. On the question of Yemen, we are pleased to note that the situation there has seen a period of calm since the holding on 21 February of the presidential election. The success of that election is a credit to the Yemeni people and a genuine sign of their willingness to end the crisis situation that prevailed there and to work towards finding peace in a fraternal and inclusive spirit.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  3. The Council is nonetheless doing all it can to get them to do so and to throw all its weight behind a settlement of this crisis, which has, unfortunately, left thousands dead, destroyed major parts of the country's infrastructure and imperilled national unity. The establishment, two days ago through resolution 2043 (2012) of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), is manifest proof of those efforts. In the final analysis, we continue to hope that the presence of observers on the ground will promote the speedy implementation of the Joint Special Envoy's proposals, even if we see violations of the ceasefire every day.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  4. With regard to Syria, while we can welcome the fact that in the space of a week the Security Council has succeeded in adopting two resolutions (2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012)), on sending a supervision mission to that country, that does not make the situation on the ground any less precarious. Togo remains concerned by the fact that the parties' declarations of good intentions are not always followed by actions that reflect respect for the commitments they have made, in this case to implementing the six- point plan of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Mr. Kofi Annan.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  5. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs for his briefing. I would also like to thank the Permanent Observer of Palestine and the Permanent Representative of Israel for their statements. The Council's consideration today of the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, once more gives our delegations an opportunity to address the events that are unfolding in that region, events that elicit more fears than hopes, despite the efforts of the United Nations and the international community. We will limit our remarks in this debate to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situations in Yemen and Syria.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  6. It is for that reason that Togo calls on all Syrians, from whatever side, to strive for a more effective implementation of the resolution that the Council has just adopted.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  7. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): Togo, like the other members of the Security Council, welcomes the adoption of resolution 2043 (2012), which reflects the unity of action that has prevailed within the Council since we adopted resolution 2042 (2012) a week ago. By voting in favour of the resolution, Togo has reaffirmed its firm support for Mr. Annan's mission as well as for the efforts made by the Secretary-General and all stakeholders striving for a swift return to peace in Syria. Togo remains convinced that the achievement of a peaceful and prosperous Syria is first and foremost the responsibility of the Syrians themselves - presidential and opposition supporters alike.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  8. We must do all we can to ensure that the progress towards democracy and the significant investments made by the international community in countries such as Guinea-Bissau bear fruit, and contribute to preventing unnecessary suffering from being inflicted on peaceful people as a result of coups d'etat. Only thus will the Council shoulder its peacebuilding and conflict-prevention responsibilities and help to promote democracy, human rights and development.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  9. Even worse, the putsch only adds to the list of ills that the region is, unfortunately, already facing, namely, trafficking and the movement of weapons and drugs, organized crime, the activities of radical Islamic groups, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the humanitarian crisis, flows of thousands of refugees as well as secessionist inclinations. Given that very bleak picture, the responsibility of the Security Council is significant, because there is a need to find the best approach to ensure that each coup d'etat in Guinea-Bissau is not the next to last. We believe that the Security Council must maintain a firm stance regarding the militarist excesses that institutions, in particular in Africa, are constantly facing.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  10. Those reforms pertain in particular to that of the army and security sector, the combat against drugs and transboundary crime, in particular through the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI), and the establishment by ECOWAS and the CPLP, with the support of the United Nations, of a pension fund for the military. My country, which is actively participating in the quest for a solution in the regional framework, welcomes the ECOWAS initiative to send a stabilization force to Guinea-Bissau. It welcomes the junta's openness to a swift return to constitutional order. Nonetheless, it is a fact that the coup d'etat, which came right after the one in Mali, is yet another event that further undermines the precarious situation in West Africa.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  11. But over and above the general, legitimate disapproval of the international community, the events of 12 April bring to the fore, for all of Guinea-Bissau's partners, the issue of the ongoing interference of the army in the political life of the country. That is a serious handicap for its economic development. People who live in constant fear of instability cannot give expression to their creative impulses for development. The situation in Guinea-Bissau is of concern to us because it poses a real threat to the country's future that could undermine the progress made in recent years in areas where it is crucial to pursue reform in order to prevent a step backwards into chaos.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  12. It also provided support to the electoral commission so as to ensure the smooth functioning of the electoral process, which, unfortunately, has just been abruptly halted. By adopting resolution 2030 (2011), on 21 December 2011, which extended the mandate of UNIOGBIS, the Security Council sent a strong signal to Guinea-Bissau's citizens by supporting their efforts and by focusing on the challenges to be dealt with. The Council has frequently expressed its concern about the various threats facing the normal development of the country. It has regularly asked all political leaders to show moderation and the army to avoid interfering in political life. It thus rightly condemned this umpteenth coup d'etat in the country.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  13. That progress was made possible by the commitment of the political class to respect basic consensual rules so as to move forward, as well as by the support of the international community, through the United Nations, ECOWAS, the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, as well as various bilateral partners, whose mobilization to assist the country is clear evidence of their interest in the well-being of the people of Guinea- Bissau. There can be no denying the tremendous amount of work done by the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) in the area of peacebuilding in that country, in its role as coordinator of partnership assistance.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  14. Our disapproval of the 12 April coup d'etat, which is in line with the position of the African Union and of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as of other international organizations, has its basis in the problems that it is causing the people of Guinea-Bissau and in our justified and sincere concern for the country, whose prospects have nonetheless been promising given the progress accomplished in recent years in the framework of peacebuilding and stability.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  15. As my delegation stated before the Council on 13 April, Togo rejects the resort to force as a means of resolving political problems, in particular as a means of taking power. Indeed, the coup d'etat in Guinea- Bissau, which its perpetrators consider to be a solution, itself has the potential to undermine the order that the coup claims to establish. It is a not only a violation of the constitutional order and of free democratic expression but also a source of ongoing instability.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  16. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting, which, given to the wide range of eminent persons participating in it, provides us with an important opportunity to consider the serious situation prevailing in Guinea-Bissau as a result of the coup d'etat of 12 April. I would therefore like to welcome the presence in New York of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Angola, Guinea-Bissau and Portugal and to thank them, as well as the Permanent Representatives of Brazil and Cote d'Ivoire, for their statements. I should like also to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau for his briefing.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source

  17. The IAEA remains the go-to international mechanism on issues of nuclear security, while giving international efforts coherence and consistency. It should therefore continue to receive sufficient financial resources. In conclusion, Togo believes that the international community must spare no effort in responding more firmly to nuclear proliferation crises, supporting the work of the IAEA and pursuing concrete efforts towards achieving nuclear disarmament while also, as the NPT stipulates, cooperating in order to promote the responsible development of non-military nuclear technology.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  18. That is why negotiations on all matters involving disarmament and non-proliferation must be conducted in a spirit of openness and commitment, with the single aim of preserving international peace and security through the adoption of confidence-building measures and the protection of nuclear sites. We therefore believe that it is crucial that negotiations be resumed within the Conference on Disarmament on every subject area, including fissile material. The Conference can no longer be held hostage by a small minority of States at a time when humankind is haunted by the potential threat of terrorists acquiring such materials. My country requests that the International Atomic Energy Agency continue to play a central role in negotiations on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  19. We remain convinced that cooperation in the field of non-proliferation must also involve strengthening the regime established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on weapons of mass destruction. In addition to being a key element of the fight against terrorism, resolution 1540 (2004) is also a crucial instrument in combating weapons of mass destruction. In that connection, we welcome the efforts that the representative of South Africa, as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), has made in this area. Multilateralism and international cooperation remain essential to achieving the goals of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, security and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  20. My country believes, however, that African countries will be able to achieve those goals only in the context of cooperation with nations that possess such technology. All States, whether or not they are parties to the NPT, should contribute to the global goal of disarmament by helping to create the necessary secure environment, to reduce regional tensions, to promote collective security, to ensure that the international nuclear non-proliferation regime remains solid and reliable and to make progress in all areas of disarmament. In that regard, my delegation wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to the goal of general and complete disarmament, as well as to the elimination of all nuclear stockpiles.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  21. We also ask them to spare no effort in continuing good-faith negotiations aimed at reaching agreements that preserve the rights of all the parties and that help ensure international and regional peace and security. While article IV of the NPT permits all countries to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, developing countries, in particular those in Africa, do not currently derive genuine benefit from that right, as the severe energy crises they have faced in recent years have shown. Besides helping them to deal with such energy issues, nuclear technology should be available for them to use in the fields of health, industry, agriculture and other related activities. Doing so would enable them to cope with the numerous challenges they face in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  22. The launch on 12 April of a missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, intended, it claimed, to be put into orbit as an Earth observation satellite, confirmed that that country has not halted the development of its military nuclear programme, despite the Council resolutions prohibiting it. Iran, for its part, has continued to pursue its sensitive nuclear activities, according to the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also in violation of the relevant resolutions of the Council. While we reaffirm the right of those and all other countries to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes, Togo asks that they comply with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and with their commitments under the international legal instruments to which they are party.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  23. Our enthusiasm, however, cannot conceal the fact that the non-proliferation regime is still facing considerable difficulties, in particular the threat of nuclear arms or materials falling into the hands of non-State actors, especially terrorists. It is in that context that violations by certain States of their commitments continue to be of concern to my country inasmuch as they shake the confidence of the international community and undermine the integrity of the NPT regime. In that regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are particularly notorious and have also been subject to sanctions in connection with their nuclear programmes.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  24. The Paris meeting on 30 June and 1 July 2011 of the five permanent members of the Security Council, as part of the 2005 London conference on confidence-building measures towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, has enabled the nuclear-weapon States to renew their full support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which is the cornerstone of the non-proliferation regime. I should not fail to mention the latest Nuclear Security Summit, held in Seoul on 26 and 27 March. Togo welcomes those various initiatives, which attest to the growing political resolve of nuclear-weapon States and the international community to promote disarmament and non-proliferation. Today's debate is therefore taking place at a time when the international community is continuing its efforts to make further progress in those areas.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  25. In that context, the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on 24 September 2010, preceded by the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, on 13 March 2010, may be cited as examples and as reaffirming multilateralism as the fundamental principle underpinning negotiations on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The entry into force of the new Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, on 5 February 2011, represents an important milestone in the process of reducing nuclear stockpiles.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  26. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): First of all, Madam President, I would like to welcome your country's selection of the theme for this very important debate, which is directly in line with the international efforts aimed at supporting initiatives on non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Following the adoption of resolution 1887 (2009), which reaffirmed the leading role of the Security Council in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament, many events of no less importance have occurred on those topics, thereby proving the existence of a climate conducive to dialogue and negotiation.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  27. In doing so, the Council has demonstrated its engagement and resolve to work as one to find a timely and lasting solution to the crisis that Syria has lived under for more than a year. My country strongly supports the implementation of the terms of the resolution by all parties. We take this opportunity to renew our support for Mr. Arman and his team. The Syrian people have long awaited such an action from the Security Council. It is therefore important that all of its members - especially those that hold some sway with the Government or any element of the opposition - work to promote the resolution's implementation. The resolution should pave the way towards an inclusive political process, involving all Syrians in building a free, peaceful and prosperous nation.

    2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source

  28. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): My country welcomes the Security Council's unanimous adoption today of resolution 2042 (2012), on Syria. This is an important event in the light of the fact that several times in the past the Council has failed to speak with one voice on the serious crisis in Syria. The adoption of this resolution constitutes still greater support by the Council to the mission led by Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States Kofi Annan, reinforcing its presidential statement of 5 April (S/PRST/2012/10). Today the Council has authorized the deployment of a limited observer team to Syria to monitor the cessation of violence by all parties, so as to facilitate the immediate and full implementation of the Joint Special Envoy's six-point plan, which entered into force on 12 April.

    2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source

  29. In that respect, it is troubling that the final report of the Panel of Experts has yet to be communicated to the Council due to objections raised by certain Member States, at a time when it is meant to convey information and best practices aimed at helping States in their efforts to implement resolutions on the Iranian nuclear programme. The international community, and the Security Council in particular, must prevent nuclear energy from being diverted from peaceful uses towards the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear devices. In that context, it is important to redouble our efforts to ensure more efficient and effective measures, such as sanctions, and to remain vigilant in confronting violations of Security Council resolutions.

    2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source

  30. Military activities linked to the so-called civil programme should not include nuclear-related activities. We believe that the only guarantee of reassuring the international community today as to the true intentions of Iran is for that country to allow access to all sites, equipment and documents associated with its nuclear programme. In paragraph 29 of resolution 1929 (2010), the Panel of Experts is requested to make recommendations on actions that the Council, the Committee or Member States could consider taking to improve the implementation of the measures under consideration. It goes without saying that the implementation of the sanctions regime requires good knowledge of best practices in the field.

    2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source

  31. As Iran is a State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in our opinion it should respect its commitments and work to reassure the international community of its willingness to cooperate and, above all, to engage in direct negotiations with the P5+1. To date, the attitude of the Iranian authorities, as represented by their public statements, has had little effect in allaying suspicions as to the real nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. Moreover, the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, of 24 February, notes serious concerns with respect to the Iranian nuclear programme. That information suggests that Iran has undertaken activities towards the development of a nuclear explosive device. Such a situation, lest we forget, jeopardizes regional and international peace and security.

    2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source

  32. The quarterly report presented to the Council by the Committee again highlights alarming violations of the resolutions associated with the Iranian nuclear programme, despite the many appeals from the international community for those commitments to be respected. Togo has always advocated the principle of general and complete disarmament in all its aspects. We express our grave concern about those serious violations and urge States to fully honour all commitments undertaken. While Iran cannot be denied the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, that right should not extend to permission to acquire nuclear weapons.

    2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source

  33. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): I would first like to associate myself with previous speakers in thanking Mr. Osorio for his excellent work at the head of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). In the past three months, the Committee, supported by its Panel of Experts, has participated further in the implementation of Security Council resolutions related to the Iranian nuclear programme, in particular by promoting a better understanding of the sanctions regime, pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and others, and in reminding States of their obligations stemming from those resolutions. We welcome that work and encourage the Committee to continue along those lines.

    2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source

  34. Above and beyond those challenges, UNAMA has worked in synergy with other organizations and programmes of the United Nations, and we commend the Mission once again. It must continue its work to ensure stability in the country. That task requires more time and the support of the Council at this time, to renew the mandate of UNAMA for an additional 12 months. Togo firmly supports the extension of the mandate of UNAMA and at the same time wishes Mr. Kubis and his team every success in carrying out their task.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  35. That climate of violence is coupled with local power struggles. The recent and unfortunate events that have been attributed to ISAF forces are not likely to calm the ostensible hostility of certain organized groups, such as the Taliban, against the foreign presence that, nevertheless, benefits the country. It is important for a frank and constructive dialogue to be established between the Government and representatives of those groups in order to create a climate of confidence and achieve the task at hand. Furthermore, the fight against terrorism, drugs and contraband remains a major challenge in terms of ensuring peace in the country. For that fight to be successful, all neighbouring countries must cooperate, in particular through participation in the regional programme developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  36. My delegation congratulates the entire United Nations system as it continues to work steadfastly, in an extremely difficult context, to support the peace process, at the end of which Afghanistan will be able to take control of its own destiny, in line with the decision taken at the Bonn Conference stipulating the departure ofa large majority of foreign forces in 2014. Despite such progress, it is unfortunate that the peace process in Afghanistan continues to face numerous obstacles and challenges that hinder the long and laborious march of the Afghan people towards full autonomy. Those include the recurring question of security represented by terrorist acts and a campaign of intimidation and assassination targeting senior Government officials and security forces, local political leaders and religious leaders.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  37. At the same time, Togo is delighted that UNAMA, in line with the pertinent resolution, is implementing its political mandate, which includes good offices, political outreach, support for the processes under way in the country related to strengthening electoral institutions as well as protecting, promoting and enforcing human rights. Furthermore, we cannot fail to mention the crucial role that the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), under NATO command, continues to play alongside Afghan national forces in ensuring the people's security and protecting the country's infrastructure and institutions.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  38. Togo hopes that the ministerial conference planned for Kabul in June will lead to conclusions capable of improving coherence within existing regional mechanisms. My country would like to take the opportunity of this debate to express its gratitude to the countries that are friends of Afghanistan for their unwavering efforts to help the country to bring an end to the situation of crisis and insecurity in which it has found itself for now more than a decade. We hope that the NATO summit and the Tokyo conference to take in place in May and July, respectively, will constitute a turning point in the implementation of the mutual commitments defined in Bonn in December 2011.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  39. The involvement of the international community in capacity-building, both of the authorities and institutions, that particularly takes into consideration women's participation and constitutionally guaranteed quotas is to be commended. Additionally, it should be noted that the fight against corruption has also seen progress due to establishment of the joint Government and international Monitoring and Evaluation Committee composed of national and international representatives. Its mission is to achieve 60 well- targeted aims, which Togo would like to see implemented gradually. Those encouraging developments have only been possible thanks to a favourable regional context that is characterized by good cooperation on work aimed at peace and security in the country. Such a positive sign could herald the return of investors in Afghanistan.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  40. With respect to security, the public image of the Afghan police has considerably improved, thanks not only to an increase in well-supervised officers who are trained and operational, but also to the increased role of women within those ranks. In the political sphere, since the Bonn Conference of 5 December 2011, the debate has focused on the best way to manage the country's political process. From that standpoint, national and regional mechanisms to strengthen efforts towards promoting peace as well as reintegration and reconciliation processes that are open to all have been developed and implemented by the Afghan Government. Furthermore, my country is delighted that the Afghan authorities are seeking to extend their authority in the context of good governance throughout the country, to which the authorities have given top priority.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  41. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Jan Kubis for his comprehensive briefing on the report of the Secretary- General on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2012/ 133). I would also like to congratulate the German delegation on its crucial role in managing the Afghanistan issue and for preparing the draft resolution that will be submitted to the Council on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The report under consideration takes stock of the substantial progress made towards the established indicators, some of which I will mention here.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  42. Indeed, building democratic societies must go hand in hand with better living conditions for people. The claims of the people of the Arab world have now become part of history. Like any impetus for freedom, they are a wager, and like any wager, they must be well supported.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  43. Because such revolutions arise from unemployment among highly educated and trained young people, uncontrolled poverty, soaring commodity prices, the failures of systems of justice, the abuse of power and corruption, they offer opportunities to the new leaders of the countries in question and elsewhere to position the human being at the heart of development. They must work in a spirit of openness and complementarity in order to create conditions conducive to development. However, new democratic countries and those on the way to becoming democratic cannot rebuild alone. They must be assisted with substantial economic aid that can help them to offer their societies a new way of life in which young people no longer have to resort to acts of despair.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  44. The concept must be clearly defined so that it may be implemented in situations where human rights are violated on a massive scale. Beyond those challenges, it must be said that the convulsions in the Arab world offer opportunities. These include, most importantly, freedom of expression, the ability of people to choose their leaders, and the participation of all stakeholders in society in the management of public affairs. The revolutions in the Middle East remind us of the importance of establishing good economic and political governance to foster development.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  45. The situation is complicated further by the uncontrolled movement of weapons, the emergence of armed militias, acts of vengeance and the settlement of accounts, refusal to disarm - all of which exacerbate insecurity and the lack of stability in the countries and regions involved. Another challenge to be met is the humanitarian. In countries where revolution has taken place, thousands of people have had to flee their homes and seek refuge in the interior of their countries or in neighbouring countries. The situation calls for emergency humanitarian aid, which is not always easy to mobilize or deploy in isolated areas where access is difficult. This is where the concept of the responsibility to protect comes in.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  46. Surprised by the scope of the unprecedented rebellion, some Heads of State were forced out of power. However, that was not enough to re-establish calm because, in reality, the aim of the youth movement was the establishment of a new democratic society. While a leader may be ousted in a few months, establishing such a democratic society requires more time and greater sacrifices. The challenges of the current situation in the Middle East are legion, but they also provide major opportunities for the peoples of the region. The challenges involve rebuilding countries where justice, equality and human rights will now be the cornerstones. From that point of view, re-establishing peace, security and national unity are the first challenges to be met.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  47. A little more than a year ago, reacting to a police officer's action that could be described as unremarkable, a young Tunisian chose to set himself on fire in order to express his anger, or rather his despair, at continuing to live in a society where inequality was increasingly prevalent and where shameless displays of wealth existed side by side with rampant poverty. That act was the trigger for the far-reaching change that is shaking several Arab States. In fact, it was a revolution comparable to the French Revolution of 1789, which Hegel described as a splendid dawn. From Tunisia to Bahrain, from Egypt to Libya to Yemen and Syria, young people rose up with a single voice to demand more justice, more equality and a better distribution of the wealth of their countries. They were asking, in a word, for democracy.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  48. Mr. Menan (Togo) (spoke in French): I wish to begin by thanking the United Kingdom for having organized today's debate, which provides us with a special opportunity to consider the situation in the Middle East through the prism of the demands of the people and the changes taking place there. I should like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and welcome the presence of Ministers who, by travelling here today, have demonstrated the importance they attribute to the matter before us.

    2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source

  49. Helping Haiti to rebuild itself means bringing peace to the country and the entire region. Even if there is a role for the international community to play, it is first and foremost the Haitians themselves who must work to build a stable and prosperous State in their country. That is why we continue to say that now is not the time for divisiveness or for settling political accounts. Quite the opposite, Haitians must roll up their sleeves, and the authorities must establish a policy of dialogue and national reconciliation so that all citizens, both in the country and abroad, may take part in the reconstruction of their country.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  50. This is the right place to welcome the role played by the United Nations, in particular MINUSTAH, in the country before and in the hours immediately after the earthquake. Its involvement in many reconstruction, security and rule of law programmes must be commended because it renews hope in a country where fear, fatalism and uncertainty had taken hold in people's hearts and minds. Looking at the progressive drawdown of the MINUSTAH surge after the earthquake, it is extremely urgent, as the report mentions, for the Haitian Government to take over the process of reconstruction and development. However, the road to reconstruction in Haiti seems to be a long one. In that regard, efforts undertaken by the country's authorities should remain supported by those from international organizations, donors and bilateral actors.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source