YouSaid · the spoken record

Menon

lines on the record: 129
first: 2004-09-13
most recent: 2011-07-20
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“Like other regions in the world, we face many problems: economic development, terrorism, drug trafficking, environmental degradation, maritime security, ethnic and religious divisions and avian flu, among others. However, what each of us in ASEAN has come to appreciate is that, without ASEAN, each of these problems would be much harder to solve. And ASEAN alone cannot solve any of them. We have to work with other countries and with international organizations like the United Nations. We are grateful for their assistance, their partnership and their cooperation.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Through the ASEAN-plus groupings and the East Asia Summit, which includes Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand, we are creating a new architecture of peaceful cooperative development in the larger East Asia. The East Asia Summit process is maturing into an important regional forum that is progressing beyond dialogue into concrete cooperation. Let me stress that, while ASEAN is not big enough to be a major global player, it plays a significant role in holding Asia together and keeping it open to the rest of the world. ASEAN is outward- looking and inclusive, and through its various external linkages seeks to engage all who have a stake in the region's future. ASEAN is a work in process.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Through its many confidence-building measures and preventive diplomacy activities, the ARF has contributed to the stability and security in the region. Economically, ASEAN has negotiated, or is in the process of negotiating, free trade agreements with China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand and with the EU, and a closer economic partnership with the Unites States. We have a simple strategy, which is to give all of them a strong stake in our regional stability, unity and development. Strategically, some of the most important sea lanes pass through ASEAN waters. About a third of global trade, half of the global oil trade and 80 per cent of the oil bound for China and Japan pass through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The first such blueprint - for the economic pillar- will be adopted later this month. ASEAN has also been active in engaging the external environment. For ASEAN to prosper, we have always recognized the importance of maintaining good relations with all the major Powers in the region. ASEAN has dialogue partnerships with the United States, the European Union, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, India, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN has been playing a bridging role of sorts. It is the driving force behind the creation of such key regional groupings as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN+3 and the East Asia Summit. The ARF is the main security forum in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together 27 participating countries and entities including ASEAN, the United States, the European Union, Russia, China and India.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Four years ago, when the leaders of ASEAN met in Indonesia, they took a major decision to establish an ASEAN community by 2020 with three main areas as its pillars - security, economic and socio-cultural. Earlier this year, the leaders further agreed to accelerate the establishment of the ASEAN community by 2015. To create such a community, an ASEAN charter will be signed later this month in Singapore to provide a legal framework document for the further strengthening of ASEAN. It will help remake ASEAN into a more effective, cohesive and rules-based organization, through, for instance, establishing provisions for dispute settlement by independent panels. Blueprints for each of the three pillars of the ASEAN community will also map out concrete initiatives, targets and timelines to achieve this goal.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“It was a mechanism for member countries to manage common threats, while balancing internal sensitivities and conflicts. In short, ASEAN was born out of the strategic imperatives of its times. With the end of the cold war, peace returned to Indochina and ASEAN gradually expanded to include the newer member States of Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, to become a community of ten. ASEAN has been working to establish a norm of cooperation and dialogue among its members. Economic cooperation was always a key point. In 1992, ASEAN decided to establish a free trade area in stages. We have largely achieved that goal with respect to trade in goods. For investments and services, we still have some way to go. But there is the will to press on and transform ASEAN into one economic space.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“International organizations like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme should work with those that remain, strengthening their capabilities and encouraging mutual learning. At their best, these regional initiatives create a habit of cooperation and reduce misunderstanding. ASEAN has played this role. The year 2007 is special because it marks 40 years of unity. ASEAN has come a long way since it was established by the Bangkok Declaration of 1967. Against the backdrop of the cold war, and with regional disputes still fresh in memory, ASEAN began with the modest aim of keeping the peace in South-East Asia.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“But in a globalized world, regional cooperation can also play a key role. Indeed, even the Charter of the United Nations recognizes the role that regional arrangements can play in helping the United Nations to achieve its objectives. All over the world today, regional initiatives are proliferating. Some are modest in their objectives, providing forums to meet and consult. Others are more ambitious. They discuss security or create free trade areas. They foster joint efforts against problems like drug trafficking and terrorism. Many of these regional initiatives are open and inclusive and should be encouraged to remain that way. Those which are superfluous will gradually wither away.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“I am making this statement of the 10 Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Let me add that we are extremely pleased to see a fellow ASEAN member presiding over the Security Council. The end of the cold war marked the end of an era where global conflicts were seen through the prism of only two lenses. Today, we live in a more complex and interconnected world, where there are many new actors on the international stage and more variables and alignments to consider. While the threat of global war has receded, smaller conflicts that are often asymmetric, low-intensity and diffuse have proliferated. It has become a messier world. This situation presents new challenges to global peace and security. Obviously, the United Nations and the major Powers have a crucial role to play.”
2007-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5776Resumption1 (2007) · source
“China and India are two large countries with a long history of engagement with Myanmar. We believe that they are uniquely placed to play a role. In that regard, allow me to commend China for its quiet efforts, which we believe were instrumental in securing a substantive and useful visit for Mr. Gambari. We 20 hope that India will play a similar role. Likewise, Japan has a role to play, because it is a major aid donor to Myanmar. All of us - the international community as a whole - must do our part. Because of the size and complexity of the undertaking, the good offices of the United Nations and Mr. Gambari offer the only new way forward.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“All such actions should have only one objective, which is to strengthen Mr. Gambari's hand as an effective mediator. Fourthly, ASEAN will take a responsible position. Myanmar is part of the ASEAN family. Whatever we may think about the behaviour of a family member, it is still a family member. But ASEAN's influence is limited. That was underscored last year when the Myanmar authorities refused to seriously engage the ASEAN envoy. Yet, the same authorities received Mr. Gambari and arranged a substantial programme for him, which included meetings with Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. That was a clear signal of Myanmar's preferences. It is in everyone's interest to keep Myanmar in the ASEAN family, but we are not Myanmar's only neighbour.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“There are many armed ethnic groups that are opposed to central Government rule. Only a very tenuous ceasefire prevents the renewal of hostilities. That should not be an excuse for delaying necessary steps forward, but neither do we want a Yugoslavia in South-East Asia. There has also been talk about additional sanctions. My delegation can understand the impulse to punish unacceptable behaviour. Indeed, we should not rule that out. But we have to pause to consider dispassionately what the real impact of additional sanctions will be. How will they affect a regime that is only tangentially connected to the rest of the world? Will they help or hinder the role of the United Nations? How will they affect the willingness of the SPDC to cooperate with Mr. Gambari? What is their impact on the people of Myanmar?”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“It would be a grievous mistake to think that if the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) left the scene tomorrow, all would suddenly be well and all problems would automatically be resolved. The military is a key institution in Myanmar that cannot be wished away. Any peaceful solution to the crisis will have to involve all parties, including the military. If the military is not part of the solution, there will be no solution. If the process is mishandled, it could result in greater instability and more suffering for the Myanmar people. Thant Myint-U, a former United Nations Secretariat official and grandson of U Thant, warned recently that the world must be careful that the change it wants to see in Myanmar does not lead to the anarchy seen in Iraq. Myanmar is not a homogeneous State.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Gambari's visit as a success or failure. He has succeeded in beginning a process that can bring change to Myanmar. The fact that Myanmar has allowed Mr. Gambari to visit three times, most recently in the midst of the present crisis, is encouraging. It shows that the Myanmar authorities want to maintain a line to the United Nations. There are also reports that the authorities have released some of those detained. Unfortunately, many others are still being detained and arrests reportedly continue. Yesterday, Senior General Than Shwe announced that he was willing to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but he imposed preconditions on that meeting and, most regrettably, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains in detention. Mr. Gambari's visit is the start of a long and arduous process. Thirdly, we have to be pragmatic.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“First, we need to recognize that the United Nations efforts, as embodied by Mr. Gambari, are unique and irreplaceable. At this stage, Mr. Gambari represents our best hope and is also the only game in town. Mr. Gambari is an experienced and gifted diplomat who seems to have gained the trust of both sides. The international community should buttress his position and invest him with the requisite support, authority and prestige. Mr. Gambari should return to Myanmar and resume his good offices role as soon as possible to sustain the momentum. We urge the Myanmar Government to continue to cooperate with the United Nations and Mr. Gambari. Secondly, we should avoid falling into the trap of over-simplification. The situation in Myanmar is complicated. As the Secretary-General himself has noted, we should not prematurely try to pigeonhole Mr.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“It also referred to the serious impact on ASEAN's credibility. It therefore cannot be just an internal matter of Myanmar. On 29 September, my Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, wrote to Senior General Than Shwe to convey his deep concern and to urge Myanmar to work with Mr. Gambari to find a way forward. On 2 October, my delegation in Geneva delivered a statement at the fifth special session of the Human Rights Council on the draft resolution on Myanmar and stressed the importance of supporting Mr. Gambari's mission. On 3 October, Prime Minister Lee met with Mr. Gambari to assure him of ASEAN's full support and to encourage him to press on with the United Nations efforts. But we are here today to look forward, not back. To move forward, there are certain realities that we have to acknowledge.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“As a neighbour of Myanmar and a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it is with a heavy heart that we speak today. Recent events in Myanmar cannot be overlooked or ignored, even by Myanmar's friends and neighbours. That is why, on 27 September, we issued a statement in our capacity as ASEAN Chair. All ASEAN members were present, including nine of ten Foreign Ministers. The statement expressed revulsion over reports that the protests were being suppressed by violence. It called for restraint, national reconciliation, the release of political detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and for Myanmar to work towards a peaceful transition to democracy. In addition, the statement expressed support for the visit of United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Ultimately, dealing decisively with climate change comes down to political will - the political will to sign the relevant treaties and protocols, the political will to make compromises, and the political will to make sacrifices for the longer term. We now know that what we have done in the past century has caused much damage to our environment and to the world. We also know that unless we take immediate steps to rectify matters, the situation will get progressively worse in the coming decades. Every long journey begins with a first step. Hopefully, today's open debate will inspire us to take the next step of dealing with this global issue in a broader setting involving the entire United Nations membership. James Freeman Clarke once said that a politician thinks of the next election, a statesman, of the next generation.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Given the magnitude and urgency of the problem, the General Assembly should consider convening a high-level event or a special session dedicated to the issue of climate change. There is no point in sitting around and complaining that the Security Council is encroaching onto areas that should be dealt with by the General Assembly. The Assembly should rise to the challenge and do something about this global issue. A high-level event or a special session of the General Assembly could give an added push to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Bali at the end of the year.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“With its broader membership and mandate, the General Assembly is clearly another body that must discuss this issue. The General Assembly already has existing mechanisms to deal with this. There are also other forums such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Economic and Social Council. The upcoming fifteenth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development is expected to play a key role in discussing the problem of climate change. All those forums must continue to address the issue and its environmental, social and economic effects on the world, particularly in those countries most at risk. Following this open debate, let us not put aside the issue. We should see this as just one small step in a longer march.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Or should we use all our resources to try to understand the issue and all opportunities and forums to explore the problem from various perspectives? Each piece of the puzzle could help us see the bigger picture. We would like to view today's open debate in the Security Council in that light. At the very least, these discussions will keep international focus on the problems associated with climate change. We are not advocating that the Security Council play the key role with respect to climate change. But neither can we deny the Security Council some sort of role, because it seems obvious to all but the wilfully blind that climate change must, if not now, eventually have some impact on international peace and security. The Council is one player in the broader debate on the issue. Of course, the Council is not the only or the main player.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“People have been studying conflicts for centuries without arriving at a perfect formula for predicting them. But while we should recognize the complexity of the issue, we should not lose sight of the simple idea that people often fight over tangible things. While it may be difficult to quantify the relationship between climate change and international peace and security, there should be no doubt that climate change is an immediate global challenge that has trans-boundary, multifaceted effects. There will be serious implications as concerns politics, socio- economics, geography, security and the fundamental way in which we interact with nature and with each other. Given that complexity, can we realistically limit ourselves to finding one correct forum to discuss all aspects of this problem?”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“If climate change causes socio-economic conditions within developing countries to deteriorate, millions of people will be compelled to seek refuge in developed countries. Even poverty and socio-political dislocation are globalized these days. I believe that there is a broad consensus that we must act to arrest that for which we ourselves are responsible. Many of the problems caused by climate change can be tackled only if we work together. Let us view our procedural disagreements against that backdrop. Intuitively, there may be a nexus between environmental degradation from climate change and increased conflict over limited resources made even scarcer. Land, water, food and minerals have often been variables in that complex equation leading to conflict. It is notoriously hard to quantify exactly the role of each variable in that respect.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Let me begin by stating the obvious. There is some discomfort about the venue and nature of today's debate. But let me also state what is equally obvious to all except those who refuse to see reality. Climate change is the main global environmental challenge. There is general agreement among scientists that the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations is causing global warming. We are witnessing rising sea levels and extreme weather. We are seeing the extinction of species. Those effects are worldwide and potentially devastating as they increase in severity. Given the paucity of their resources, developing countries will be the hardest hit. For some, their very survival is at stake. For example, entire island nations might cease to exist as a result of rising sea levels. But it is not only the poor who will suffer.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663Resumption1 (2007) · source
“There is much that additional United Nations police can contribute in the post-election environment, especially in maintaining peace and assisting in the police sector reforms. Finally, we urge the United Nations to expedite the staffing of UNMIT personnel supporting security and judicial sector reforms. The present shortfalls in staffing and expertise in some of those areas is a concern, as they mean that more transgressors get away unpunished.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“UNMIT is a good start. It is a question of commitment. We can help by giving UNMIT strong support to fulfil its mandate. Timor-Leste is at a critical juncture of its development as a young nation. There is still much work to be done, and the Secretary-General's recommendation to extend UNMIT's mandate by 12 months is reasonable. UNMIT must stay the course and complete the tasks. We would even venture to say that UNMIT should stay for as long as it is needed to do so. To roll back prematurely will be to repeat history. We also support the Timorese Government's request for an additional formed police unit at a time when maintaining law and order is so crucial. We caution against that unit pulling out too soon after the election.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“We are also pleased to note that, while the Timorese Parliament has set up its own commission to determine the causes of last year's crisis, it has committed to implementing the recommendations of the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry in its fight against impunity. That is an important undertaking, as it brings proper closure to the reconciliation process. It also signifies the Government's resolve to uphold the rule of law and sends a powerful message of deterrence to would-be trouble makers. Following full independence, in 2002, and the three-year mandate of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor, which ended in May 2005, we may have been too quick in pronouncing success in Timor-Leste. We were soon reminded of how delicate nation-building can be. What we have now is a second chance to get it right.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“Resources must be made available for reconstituting and normalizing the forces of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste and the Falintil-Forgas Armadas de Defesa de Timor-Leste, as well as to build up their capacity to maintain law and order. Thirdly, we need to work on upholding the rule of law. Strengthening the country's fledgling judicial system, in terms of both capacity and capability, is vital. That is one of the most daunting tasks that confront new nations, and Timor-Leste is no exception. We are therefore pleased to note that UNMIT and the United Nations Development Programme are working hand-in-hand with national and international partners to secure the necessary resources and expertise for that purpose.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“Fuelled by the easy availability of illegal weapons and unemployed young people, those gangs have been responsible for much of the violence that has rocked Dili. If unchecked, they could seriously undermine the electoral process and set back all the important work that has been accomplished thus far. To ensure a smooth election and expeditious reconstruction after the election, no effort must be spared in reining in and disarming those gangs, while at the same time tackling the problem of unemployment among young people. Secondly, there must be no let up in security sector reforms to integrate and strengthen the Timorese police, the military and the Ministries of the Interior and Defence. Every effort must be made to resolve the mistrust and rivalry between those institutions.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“A Singaporean is currently one of the Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General in UNMIT, and we have 23 police and military officers on the ground. It is clear from the report that UNMIT has been working hard in multiple areas. That includes the key issues of security sector reform and support for Timor- Leste's electoral process. Much ground has been covered and all the pieces are in place for a successful election. However, there are still many challenges that the country has to grapple with. In our opinion, three of those areas stand out as warranting priority attention. First, priority must be placed on maintaining law and order. We have seen how quickly gangs of young people sprouted following the breakdown of law and order last year.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his detailed report (S/2007/50) on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). I would also like to thank Mr. Atul Khare, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, for his comprehensive briefing to the Security Council a short while ago. Like others, I would also like to thank Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, for his statement. The role of the United Nations in Timor-Leste has been of great interest to my delegation. We have supported United Nations operations in Timor-Leste in various forms since the days of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, in 1999.”
2007-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5628 (2007) · source
“It is important that the Council send a strong signal of support for the people of Timor-Leste by establishing an appropriate United Nations mission after UNOTIL. The successor mission must have a robust peacekeeping mandate. Peacekeeping under the leadership of the United Nations offers the best hope of pulling together the resources of Member States to address the situation in Timor-Leste in the longer term. S/l'V.5457”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“There is also an urgent need to resolve the differences among rival factions and to help rebuild institutions. The United Nations can assist in a thorough review of the reasons behind the rapid breakdown of law and order to prevent a recurrence of the problem, particularly when Timor-Leste holds elections next year. I call on the leaders and the people of Timor-Leste to speed up the process of national reconciliation and to act with the international community to address the problems at home. The leaders of Timor-Leste have asked for assistance, in particular a longer United Nations presence. I hope that the Security Council will seriously consider that when it decides on a new mission mandate.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“Two key institutions - the Timorese Armed Forces (F-FDTL) and the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) - have unravelled before our eyes. We have seen appalling images of looting and hostilities. These events have been a stark reminder of how easily the peace and serenity of a new country can be shattered. The deployment of troops and police from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal has restored a degree of calm. For this, those countries deserve much praise. However, massive displacement of people remains, and law and order has not been fully restored. Law and order must be re-established. The armed gangs must be apprehended and disarmed as an integral step in the restoration of peace and security so that people can return safely to their homes and jobs.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“Let me first thank Special Envoy Ian Martin for his update on the situation in Timor-Leste. I also join other speakers in commending the troops and police from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal for their assistance to Timor-Leste during this difficult period. About five weeks ago, we deliberated on the importance of maintaining a continued United Nations presence in Timor-Leste. My delegation emphasized then that we should not be "penny wise and pound foolish". Instead, there was a need to remain engaged in the work of institution-building for Timor-Leste. I believe that many delegations shared these sentiments. It is unfortunate that recent developments seem to have underlined the need for this approach. Timor- Leste has slid into instability just days after celebrating the fourth anniversary of independence.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“What tools do our Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and military commanders have for monitoring problems on the ground? Do we need more? A preliminary look at available data suggests that the number of allegations increased in 2005. My delegation urges DPKO to analyse this data and evaluate the effectiveness of the measures introduced over the past 12 months. The damage to the image of peacekeepers and DPKO must be repaired. With clear accountability, optimization of resources and a tough, clear-headed approach, we can do this. Our dedicated peacekeepers deserve no less.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“In terms of deployment, we were surprised to hear that a conduct and discipline unit had been appointed for Timor-Leste. With the termination of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor, would it not have been better to send that unit to another mission? Thirdly, we need to evaluate the efficacy of our measures and to question whether we have provided ourselves with enough tools to root out the problem. For example, do we have more responsive investigation capacity by OIOS compared with previous investigations by DPKO? Are the new investigators better trained to deal with sexual crimes? How can so many investigations be pending? Does that mean we have insufficient investigative and prosecution capability? Do we need to look into accountability?”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The challenge is to find common procedures and to coordinate between disparate agencies such as the Department of Political Affairs, the Department of Public Information, the Office of Human Resources Management and the Office of Internal Oversight Services. That would help us to avoid the duplication of responsibilities and to ensure the effective deployment of resources. Permit me to cite the example of conduct and discipline units. Recently, several such units were formed. However, their roles remain insufficiently understood by peacekeepers on the ground. The confusion is perhaps exacerbated by the presence of child protection advisers and gender advisers already in field missions. We need to be mindful of possible overlap and duplication of functions.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Just as each peacekeeper will be held accountable for his or her actions, commanders and senior staff will also be held accountable for the misconduct of personnel under their command. Accountability must be applied fairly and across the board. Transgressors must be dealt with swiftly and consistently. By the same token, commanders and senior staff must be given the requisite unified commands if we expect them to address this problem. The second issue is the need for a system-wide approach. Peacekeeping operations are the domain of multiple actors, given the complexity of policing conflict situations.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“I say this because it pains me to see a small minority sully the reputation of the dedicated majority. To save the main body, we need to deal with this cancer, this minority, without remorse. To my delegation, it boils down to three critical issues. The first is clear accountability and punishment. The United Nations cannot champion the concept of the rule of law while its peacekeepers break the law. The fact that these abuses have been going on without censure for a long time is especially unacceptable. Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and commanders have to send a message to the units and entities under their command that such behaviour is intolerable.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The Secretary- General himself has admitted that although progress has been made in eliminating exploitation and abuse, not all managers, commanders and other personnel are vigorously pursuing the United Nations zero-tolerance policy. That is a moral outrage. People in war-torn lands see Blue Helmets and expect their lives to improve. That hope is the single greatest compliment that they can pay to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), It arises from the Department's reputation for effectiveness and its strong record of achievement. So when there is sexual abuse, it is a total betrayal of trust. Please do not misunderstand me; I do not say this with any intention to embarrass DPKO. I acknowledge the Department's crucial role in managing and resolving conflicts.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to address the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations. I would also like to express my gratitude to my friend, the Ambassador of Jordan, and to Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for their comprehensive briefings. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the diligence of the thousands of peacekeepers who stand the line with courage and honour. These men and women are a credit to the principles of peace and humanitarianism. They have become integral to helping many countries recover from post-conflict situations. Against that backdrop, it is tragic to hear of continued reports and allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct by some individuals.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“To move forward, I can only ask that the investigations be carried out thoroughly and as quickly as possible. If the evidence points to charges, then make them, so that the staff members in question can defend themselves. If they are unable to do so, then find them guilty of wrongdoing and deal with them accordingly. Conversely, if they are exonerated, they should be reinstated and given a full apology. This should be done before the current Secretary- General steps down. I say that because investigations in the United Nations have an odd habit of dragging on to become another person's problem. So let us approach the issue of reform and its various facets with even-handedness and equal fervour. As Martin Luther King, Jr., once wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere".”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“And while I certainly support scrutiny into the Department of Management and DPKO based on the OIOS report, this is not the only report in town. The Volcker Commission has also come up with a voluminous report on a larger topic. Perhaps some of our reform zeal should be apportioned to looking into how billions of dollars seem to have been mismanaged in the oil-for-food programme. This is an issue I believe the Security Council is aware of. As H.L. Mencken once said, "Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice". Perhaps we need to apply the stings more evenly. Moving back to the OIOS report, there comes a point where we have to cease crying over spilt milk. Some peculiar decisions have led to a fair amount of damage being done both to individuals and to the relationship between the Secretariat and Member States.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“I understand that those operations are under the management of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and that authority had also been delegated to senior DPKO staff to conduct procurement activities in the field up to a predetermined level. Yet the highest ranking official placed on administrative leave is the Assistant Secretary-General for Management. It seems incongruous to us that his counterpart from DPKO, in whom delegated authority was vested, was not treated in the same way. Even a member of the OIOS team which drafted the report had recently said during a lunchtime briefing, "Any delegation of authority comes with accountability". Perhaps it is our zeal to reform that has led us to forget the process on occasion. But we need to remember that the process is important if we want our actions to be legitimate and enduring.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“To make matters worse, a senior Secretariat official called a press conference thereafter and spoke of apparent fraud and corruption in the United Nations. This must, at the very least, prejudge the investigations. The curious decision to speak to the press also bypassed the very body, the General Assembly, which called for the report in the first place. Member States were only provided copies of the OIOS report at their request, more than a week later. This would be comical if it were not so tragic. It also spurred a broader debate on the relationship between the Secretariat and the General Assembly. Thirdly, there are questions about equal treatment. The OIOS report dealt primarily with alleged wrongdoing in procurement activities in peacekeeping operations.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“The scale of this, assuming it is true, demands a quick and thorough investigation. We need to get to the bottom of this. But at the same time, the investigations require probity and unquestioned fairness. To have legitimacy, they cannot be seen as a selective witch-hunt or as a means for personal profiling. Unfortunately, we have fallen short here. I state outright that a Singapore national is among the eight staff members placed on administrative leave. That said, has due process been followed? First, the staff members were placed on administrative leave in mid-January without being given copies of the draft report on which their leave was ostensibly based. How does one defend oneself without knowing the charges? Secondly, the draft OIOS report was leaked, leading to the publication of the names of the staff members.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“This is not about making particular countries happy; this is not about providing a platform for people to grandstand and show off. This is about making the United Nations work for its entire membership. A well-run, legitimate and credible United Nations assists in areas as diverse as development, humanitarian relief and conflict prevention. We should all be committed to making the United Nations work, because it is our servant and because our success or our failure will be collective. In that spirit, let us look at the OIOS report. Its conclusions are dire. Apparently, according to the report, there is substantial evidence of abuse in procurement for peacekeeping operations, leading to financial losses and significant inaccuracies in planning assumptions. Numbers as high as $300 million overall have been cited by the OIOS.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“A senior United Nations official was inspired to bypass the General Assembly, to call a press conference and to speak about corruption in the United Nations. Member States and one grouping of States were then inspired to question that official's motives and to ask about due process and equal treatment. Two members of the United States Congress were inspired to misinterpret the motives of that grouping. Now, we find that both the General Assembly and the Security Council are inspired to deal with the issue and to define the limits of their respective mandates. I like to be positive. I am inspired to believe that, despite the tensions, this episode will have been a good one if it motivates us to look seriously at reform and the sanctity of the reform process.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. This is an important issue. All voices should be heard. None of us at the General Assembly's fifty-ninth session could have imagined what was in store when we asked the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to conduct a management audit of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. All we wanted was to investigate allegations of fraud and mismanagement, so that we could address problems in the system. More than a year later, the 45-page OIOS report has become a source of much inspiration. It has inspired the Secretariat to place eight of its staff on leave without charge. The draft was also leaked, inspiring journalists to write about the story and to print the names of those staff.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source