YouSaid · the spoken record

MERIMEE

lines on the record: 993
first: 1992-01-06
most recent: 1995-09-15
sittings or episodes: 178
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

“We hope that the prospects opened up by the signing of the Abuja Agreement will make it possible for the Liberian people to set out again, without further delay, on the path of democracy, progress and development. May I add that I shall convey to Ambassador Merimee the extremely kind words which the members of the Council have addressed to him on the occasion of his departure and the wishes expressed to him for the success of his mission in Rome. He will, of course, be very touched by those wishes.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“This involvement also relates to humanitarian aspects. We are pleased in this respect that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has decided to dispatch a mission to examine the logistics for the return of the 850,000 persons that fled their country because of the war. The involvement of the international community should, lastly, extend to the economic sphere. The implementation of the peace Agreement should, we believe, be accompanied by a greater involvement of international financial institutions, whose assistance could be decisive in the implementation of troop demobilization, on which the restoration of peace depends. In conclusion, my delegation would like warmly to thank those countries that made special efforts so that the Liberians would not be left to their own devices.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“It is therefore necessary, above and beyond the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), for the United Nations to be further involved in Liberia. This involvement relates, first of all, to the United Nations operation, which was established by the Council in 1993. We are delighted that the Secretary-General envisages an increase in its numbers in order to monitor respect for the commitments undertaken by the Liberian factions at Abuja. My delegation also awaits with interest the report that the Secretary-General is to submit to the Council on the new concept of UNOMIL's operations, especially in the context of enhancing the relationship between UNOMIL and the Cease-fire Monitoring Group of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOMOG).”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“On 19 August 1995 the Liberian factions signed in Abuja a complete Agreement covering all the demands of the Security Council, making it possible once again seriously to envisage the return of peace to that country, which had just entered its sixth year of civil war. It is always a pleasure for my delegation to receive good news from Africa. The events that have just occurred in Liberia make us optimistic once again. Following the Abuja Agreement, a cease-fire has been established, a Council of State has been installed, and a complete timetable for the implementation of all other aspects of the Agreement has been accepted. Lastly, the military disengagement of the various factions is reportedly now under way. The Secretary-General also tells us that tens of thousands of refugees are voluntarily returning to their country.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“Mr. Thiebaud (France) (interpretation from French): It is with satisfaction that my delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution. In its resolution 1001 (1995) of 30 June 1995, the Security Council set extremely stringent conditions which the Liberian parties were to meet rapidly if they wanted the United Nations to remain lastingly involved in the settlement of the conflict in Liberia. When that resolution was adopted, few countries believed that after the resumption of the civil war the various Liberian factions would be able to reach an agreement that would set the peace process back on track. France at that time firmly advocated giving time to the Liberians. Events have proved us right.”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): I had not expected such words of praise, Mr. President, and I thank you for them. Since the work of the Security Council is a collective endeavour, everything you have said would not have been possible without the assistance that I have received from all the members of the Council. Once again, I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in Liberia Twelfth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (S/1995/781)”
1995-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3577 (1995) · source
“It has therefore become essential to set up a Commission whose mandate it will be to shed light, once and for all, on the many accusations that continue to poison relations between the countries of the region. We hope - and the text of the resolution gives us assurances in this respect - that the Commission will conclude its inquiry rapidly and with full impartiality. We also hope that, on the basis of the facts that it gathers, the Commission will be able to recommend concrete measures to end illegal arms flows in the subregion. My Government is, of course, prepared to cooperate fully with the work of the International Commission of Inquiry.”
1995-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3574 (1995) · source
“The Kinshasa authorities also indicated their readiness to assist such a commission and to provide it with all the necessary cooperation for the discharge of its mandate. The Government of France is gratified that the Zaire initiative has led today to the adoption by the Security Council of a resolution devoted to the establishment of this Commission. Since the adoption of resolution 918 (1994), many allegations have circulated regarding the assistance that the former Rwandan governmental forces continue to receive. These allegations have largely contributed to maintaining in Central Africa an atmosphere of distrust, which in part explains the difficulties facing the international community today in restoring peace and promoting national reconciliation in Rwanda and more generally in the Great Lakes region.”
1995-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3574 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): The delegation of France wishes to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, and we wish warmly to thank His Excellency the Ambassador of Indonesia for the way in which he conducted the proceedings of the Council last month. The Government of Zaire, in a note verbale dated 10 August 1995 addressed to the President of the Council, proposed the establishment under the auspices of the United Nations of an international commission of inquiry to be charged with thoroughly investigating allegations regarding the supply of arms to former Rwandan government forces in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa.”
1995-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3574 (1995) · source
“I would underscore in this respect that the plight of the civilian population and of the personnel of the United Nations Protection Force is still of primordial importance in our eyes. We must also think about the future, which looms threateningly. Signs indicate that the Bosnian Serb forces have no intention of stopping at Srebrenica and that Zepa could be the next safe area on their list. If this is so, then a new and very dangerous situation would clearly be created, and we should draw the appropriate conclusions. My Government has not given up on any of its objectives, at the forefront of which, I would recall, is reopening access to Sarajevo in satisfactory and secure conditions. We are ready to take any appropriate initiative to this effect.”
1995-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3553 (1995) · source
“This is why the draft resolution calls on the Secretary-General to take all necessary steps to bring about the withdrawal of Bosnian Serb forces from Srebrenica and the return of the population. In supporting this request, France does not wish to impose the use of any particular means. We are simply saying that we are ready, if the civilian and military authorities and the United Nations force consider it appropriate, to make troops available for any operations they regard as realistic and realizable. We will defer to their opinion, as we believe that it is not up to the Security Council to determine in detail how the objectives it has set in the draft resolution - which I hope we are about to adopt - should be implemented.”
1995-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3553 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): The action undertaken by the Bosnian Serbs against Srebrenica marks, in our opinion, the beginning of a new and particularly serious phase. Indeed, a step has been taken in the escalation of the situation - this time, a step that is of a different nature. Up to now, we had faced incessant violations of the status of the safe areas, but we had not yet had to confront a deliberate intention on the part of the Bosnian Serbs to use force to occupy a safe area. This is what has just been done by General Mladic's troops. My Government fervently hopes that the Security Council will adopt the draft resolution now before us, because it takes the View that the international community can under no circumstances accept any questioning of the status of the safe areas.”
1995-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3553 (1995) · source
“Hence, we take one final opportunity to encourage all those of good will - first and foremost the faction leaders, but also the leaders of countries of the region - to seize the opportunity presented by this resolution. My delegation expresses its warm gratitude for the efforts made thus far by President Rawlings and by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nyakyi, who is our line of communications with all parties in the field. The war in Liberia has continued for more than five years. It has cost some 150,000 lives. An entire country has been ravaged. It is shocking to note that the warlords seem to be satisfied with this tragic situation. My Government hopes that the appeal of the Council will be heeded, and that Liberia will soon return to the path of progress and reconciliation.”
1995-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3549 (1995) · source
“Secondly, it gives the Liberians a further two and a half months to sit down at the negotiating table and fully implement the Akosombo and Accra agreements, including the installation of the Council of State, the re-establishment of the cease-fire, the disengagement of all forces, and the creation of a new timetable for the implementation of the peace agreements, in particular the disarmament process. Finally, if the factions make no effort to overcome their differences, the Council will take the logical step of ending the existence of UNOMIL. The Council's message is therefore crystal clear: the factions must understand that we consider 15 September to be a sort of ultimatum. If wisdom prevails over conflict, however, the United Nations will continue to help Liberians restore peace and democracy in their country.”
1995-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3549 (1995) · source
“The humanitarian situation has become increasingly alarming. And UNOMIL is no longer able to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it by the Council. Yet it cannot be said that the international community has not been patient. Perhaps it has been a little too patient. The resolution we have just adopted has the virtue of stating things clearly. It underscores three basic elements. First of all, it recalls that a final settlement of the crisis in Liberia depends primarily on the determination of the factions to reach an agreement. We consider, indeed, that the factions bear full responsibility for the situation of hundreds of thousands of civilians, who have had to leave their villages to seek refuge in the capital or in neighbouring countries.”
1995-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3549 (1995) · source
“Mr. Thiebaud (France) (interpretation from French): Nearly two years ago the Security Council decided to establish the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL). The operation was created to follow up on the agreement between the Liberian parties concluded at Cotonou on 25 July 1993. When it adopted resolution 866 (1993), the Security Council thought that peace would soon be restored in Liberia and that free and democratic elections would soon be held there. Two years have gone by, and unfortunately nothing has happened. To the contrary, the situation in Liberia continues to deteriorate. Following the Cotonou agreement, other agreements have been signed, first at Akosombo, then at Accra on 21 December 1994. These agreements have been systematically violated. The cease-fire was broken as early as September last year.”
1995-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3549 (1995) · source
“From this standpoint, it is essential that the parties understand that there is no military solution to the conflict and that they should refrain from taking any action that might lead to an escalation, which would endanger the chances for a peaceful solution. It is just as important that the party that has not yet done so accept the Contact Group plan as a starting point for any overall political solution. My Government is determined that the sacrifices it has made thus far and the new efforts to which it is prepared to commit itself must not be in vain. It will spare no effort to restart the negotiation process and will fully support all initiatives to that end.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“The humiliation of UNPROFOR personnel must cease, and the United Nations mandate must henceforth be carried out. France will not remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless its soldiers can maintain their pride and honour and serve effectively in the cause of peace. I would like to emphasize in this connection that strengthening UNPROFOR and improving its conditions for carrying out its mandate, thus making it possible for United Nations contingents to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, have only one purpose: to promote the pursuit of the peace process by stabilizing the situation and by facilitating a cessation of hostilities.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“Faced with UNPROFOR'S serious difficulties on the ground, the impossibility of its carrying out its missions and the attacks to which it has been subjected, the Governments of France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, rather than electing to withdraw from Bosnia and Herzegovina, proposed that additional means be made available to the United Nations. The resolution the Council has just adopted will have to be implemented quickly if we want to make UNPROFOR less vulnerable and enable it to carry out its mandate: to assure the delivery of humanitarian assistance, see that the safe areas are respected and monitor current or future agreements on a cease-fire and a cessation of hostilities. My Government expects the new means made available to the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be used judiciously, but not weakly.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“The missions of the rapid reaction force will consist essentially of emergency actions to help isolated or threatened units or to help in the redeployment of UNPROFOR elements in order to make them less vulnerable or facilitate their freedom of movement, which is so essential. The resolution the Council has just adopted contains a provision that the modalities of financing will be determined later. To our mind, this is not a matter of bypassing the usual rules for financing peace-keeping operations, nor is it an attempt to undermine the prerogatives of the General Assembly. We understand that this provision simply means that it is not up to the Council itself to establish the modalities for financing for an operation it decides upon. It goes without saying that the deployment of additional troops must not be delayed because of this.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“The second objective is to enable UNPROFOR to fulfil its mission. In this regard, it was necessary to give the military commanders in the field a broader range of means to react. At present they can choose only between endless - and usually fruitless - negotiations with the parties and resort to air power. I would like to emphasize in this respect that the nature of the United Nations operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be changed. There will be no change in UNPROFOR's mandate or in its rules of engagement. The elements of the rapid reaction force will act in support of UNPROFOR within the framework of its mandate. They will be placed within the existing United Nations chain of command. Their tasks will be set by the commanders of the United Nations peace force and UNPROFOR on the ground.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“As the Council knows, the Governments of those three countries, faced with the grave deterioration of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina - the systematic impeding of the delivery of humanitarian assistance, the blockading of the Sarajevo airport, attacks against UNPROFOR personnel, the taking of UNPROFOR personnel as hostages and attacks against the civilian population - decided that the only possible response was to provide UNPROFOR with new means, for twin objectives. The first is to better assure the security of its personnel. It was inadmissible that UNPROFOR personnel should continue to be subjected to threats, restrictions on their freedom of action, detention or direct attacks as they carried out their functions. The United Nations soldiers could not continue to live in that state of constant insecurity and humiliation.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): My delegation heartily welcomes the adoption of resolution 998 (1995), on the strengthening of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR). It was essential for the Council to act swiftly in order to make possible the prompt deployment of elements of the rapid reaction force proposed by the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.”
1995-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3543 (1995) · source
“Measures to that end include the clarification of the embargo regime imposed under resolution 918 (1994) and the possible deployment in neighbouring countries of military observers whose task it will be to monitor the implementation of the embargo. We regard the restoration of stability and confidence, the return of refugees and national reconciliation as the only ways in which the countries of the region, and Rwanda in particular, will be able to return to the path of peace and progress.”
1995-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3542 (1995) · source
“We hope the Rwandan Government will continue to make every possible effort to promote the continuation of this process. We are certain that on the basis of such efforts the international community will continue to render assistance to the Rwandan people. We also believe that the refugee question cannot be resolved solely in a national framework. France therefore continues to hope that a conference on peace, security and stability will be organized so that the problems facing the countries of the Great Lakes Region can be resolved in a regional framework. In conclusion, my country believes that confidence can be re-established in Rwanda only if there is a halt to the arms smuggling that fuels tensions in the region.”
1995-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3542 (1995) · source
“The Rwandan Government has requested that the United Nations draw the relevant conclusions from these changes and that the United Nations operation in Rwanda no longer be entrusted with peace-keeping tasks per se. That is what the Security Council has just done in giving UNAMIR a new mandate. It is also envisaged that the troop strength will be reduced by more than half. We hope the Government of Rwanda will cooperate fully with the United Nations operation and that it will continue to respect the Status of Mission Agreement. We attach particular importance to this last point. Thus reconfigured, UNAMIR will have the primary task of providing assistance to the Rwandan Government, particularly with regard to what we see as the essential, priority question: the return of refugees and their reintegration into their communities.”
1995-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3542 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): Before turning to the main subject of my statement, I should like to offer you, Sir, the congratulations of the French delegation on your assumption of the presidency and to say that we take great pleasure at seeing the representative of Germany guiding the work of the Council. My delegation voted in favour of resolution 997 (1995), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) for six months, until 8 December 1995, and maintains a United Nations presence in Rwanda. The situation in that country has changed considerably since this operation was established. There is no longer a civil war. The camps for displaced persons have been dismantled.”
1995-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3542 (1995) · source
“The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 12.40 pm.”
1995-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3541 (1995) · source
“In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council: "As is known, the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/ 1995/398) states, in paragraph 18: 'Despite the present quiet in the Israel- Syria sector, the situation in the Middle East continues to be potentially dangerous and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached: That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the View of the Security Council." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/l995/29.”
1995-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3541 (1995) · source
“In favour: Argentina, Botswana, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Nigeria, Oman, Russian Federation, Rwanda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President (interpretation from French): There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 996 (1995).”
1995-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3541 (1995) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, document S/l995/398. Members of the Council also have before them document S/ 1995/430, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. It is my understanding that the Security Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution (S/ 1995/430) before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by ShOW of hands.”
1995-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3541 (1995) · source
“In favour: Argentina, Botswana, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Nigeria, Oman, Russian Federation, Rwanda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President (interpretation from French): There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 995 (1995). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 5.35 pm.”
1995-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3540 (1995) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Western Sahara, document S/ 1995/404. Members of the Council also have before them document S/ 1995/426, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. It is my understanding that the Security Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. If I hear no objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by show of hands.”
1995-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3540 (1995) · source
“"The Security Council notes the observation of the Secretary-General contained in his report of 12 May 1995 that grounds exist for continuing United Nations efforts and maintaining the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan and recalls its View that extension of the cease-fire is necessary for this." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/ 1995/28. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 3.40 17.171.”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“"The Security Council calls upon the parties to agree on a substantial extension of the Cease-Fire Agreement of 17 September 1994 and to achieve substantive progress during the fourth round of inter- Tajik talks, in particular on fundamental institutional issues and consolidation of the statehood of Tajikistan as defined in the agenda agreed upon during the Moscow round in April 1994. It stresses that strict compliance by the parties with all the obligations they have assumed is a necessary condition for successful political dialogue.”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“In this context, it welcomes the agreement by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the leader of the Islamic Revival Movement of Tajikistan to hold a meeting, which took place in Kabul on 17-19 May 1995. "The Security Council notes with concern the recent inactivity of the Joint Commission and is therefore encouraged by the parties' decision to strengthen the Commission and its mechanism for monitoring the Cease-Fire Agreement of 17 September 1994 (S/ 1994/ l 102, annex I). It welcomes the commitments by some Member States to the voluntary fund for contributions established by the Secretary-General in accordance with its resolution 968 (1995), and reiterates its encouragement to other Member States to contribute.”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“"The Security Council commends the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, the Russian Federation as a host country and all observer countries which significantly contributed to the positive outcome of the high-level inter-Tajik consultations held in Moscow from 19 to 26 April 1995. "The Security Council is concerned over the actions of both sides in the past three months, which posed obstacles to the peace process, as noted in the report of the Secretary-General. The Council stresses the urgent need for the Tajik parties to resolve the conflict and to confirm, by taking concrete steps, their commitment to achieve national reconciliation in the country exclusively through peaceful political means on the basis of mutual concessions and compromises.”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“"The Security Council welcomes the Joint Statement of the delegation of the Government of Tajikistan and the delegation of the Tajik opposition signed in Moscow on 26 April 1995 as a result of the high-level consultations through the good offices of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy with the assistance of the representatives of all countries acting as observers at the inter-Tajik talks (S/ 1995/337, annex). The Council expects the full implementation of the agreements reached in Moscow and, in particular, supports the convening of the fourth round of inter-Tajik talks on 22 May 1995 in Almaty and looks to the parties to cooperate fully in those talks.”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan, document S/1995/390. I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to document S/l995/337, which contains the text of a letter dated 27 April 1995 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council has considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan of 12 May 1995 (S/l995/390).”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“Ishould like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Tajikistan in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Kaynmov (Tajikistan) took a place at the Council table. The President (interpretation from French): The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
1995-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3539 (1995) · source
“There are no further speakers. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 7.25 p.m.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“The Security Council has just heard the statements by the members of the Council both before and after the voting, all of which confirmed the special position of Al- Quds Al-Sharif in the international community. I believe the Council is today fully aware of the negative consequences of not adopting the draft resolution, not only in the Arab and Islamic world, but all the world over. Of course, by not adopting the draft resolution, the Council clearly shows disdain for the claims of the Arab and Islamic States. None the less, I ask the Council yet again to continue to demand that Israel rescind its decision to expropriate Palestinian and Arab lands in East Jerusalem. The President (interpretation from French): The representative of Israel wishes to speak, and I now call on him.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“In spite of the many letters addressed to the Secretary- General and the President of the Security Council by His Excellency the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations and this month's Chairman of the Arab Group - on behalf of the Arab States and the Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference - in which they all ask the Council to take immediate action to put an end to Israeli violations in East Jerusalem, and ask that Israel make a commitment to honouring the Declaration of Principles until the final status of Jerusalem is negotiated in May 1996, and in spite of the urgent meeting held on 6 May 1995 by the League of Arab States, from which a letter was sent to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council - in spite of all these Arab and Islamic appeals to the Security Council, the draft resolution submitted to the Council by the non-aligned caucus was not adopted.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“This runs counter to the Fourth Geneva Convention, of 1949, the norms of international law, the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly and the text of the Declaration of Principles signed by Israel and Palestine on 13 September 1993, which provides that the question of Jerusalem should be solved through negotiations on that city's final status. Those negotiations are set for May 1996, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (2967) and 338 (1973). Since the United Arab Emirates is currently presiding over the Council of the League of Arab States, allow me to express my profound regret that the draft resolution, submitted by the non-aligned caucus of the Council, was not adopted. It is also unfortunate that the United States voted against the draft resolution.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“I would also like to express deepest gratitude to the representatives of the countries of the Non-Aligned Movement that are members of the Security Council that cosponsored the draft resolution and, in particular, to the Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman, Coordinator of the Non-Aligned Caucus of the Council for this month. His sincere and persistent efforts in all stages of the procedure relating to the draft resolution, right through its submission to the Council, are much appreciated. Nor can I fail to express our gratitude to the other members of the Council that voted in favour of the draft resolution. The Council has met in urgent session to examine the grave actions of the Israeli Government in East Jerusalem aimed at expropriating 53 hectares of land in order to establish settlements.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“The representative of the United Arab Emirates was asked to speak. I invite him to take a place at the Council table and to make his statement. Mr. Al-Suwaidi (United Arab Emirates) (interpretation from Arabic): I wish to thank you, Mr. President for your tremendous efforts in conducting the proceedings of the Council in the context of our consideration of the agenda item "The situation in the occupied Arab territories". On behalf of my delegation, I would also like to thank you sincerely for this opportunity to address the Council after the vote on the draft resolution.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“It is basic to the peace process that Governments should be careful about the political form they give to these historical and religious ties; otherwise, reconciliation will be impossible. Finally, my delegation appeals to Arab authorities and populations to rise above the disappointment they may feel this evening and to continue to lay claim to their legitimate rights by peaceful means, foremost among them, and irreplaceable, the peace process. For its part, France will continue, along with its European partners, to support all who wish to work for Israeli-Arab reconciliation. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. As no further members of the Council wish to speak at this stage, we have now completed the voting process. The representative of Morocco wishes to make a statement.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“My delegation regrets that it was not possible to adopt the draft resolution. It stated very precisely what the Israeli Government must agree to in order to avoid undermining the peace process by its decision to confiscate 53 hectares of land in East Jerusalem. We therefore appeal to the Tel Aviv authorities not to misconstrue what has just occurred, and to head the unanimous expression of concern by States Members of the United Nations. We hope they will agree without delay to go beyond the intention they announced last Sunday and rescind outright the implementation of the decision that has been challenged. The devotion of Jews to Jerusalem is understandable and legitimate, as is that of Muslims and Christians.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“In no instance can this indicate that international law does not apply in the meantime. To the contrary, Jerusalem remains an occupied territory, and will remain so as long as the parties have not agreed on its final status. Until that day, which we hope will come as soon as possible, all international conventions and United Nations resolutions apply to the Holy City. As the Government of Israel has not rescinded its decision, despite the many appeals from Arab Heads of State, the European Union and a large number of other States, the Security Council had to pronounce itself on the matter. To that end, the sponsors of the draft resolution on which the Council has just voted adopted reasonable, moderate wording, which my delegation welcomed all the more since it took account of all its comments and those of other European States.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of France. My delegation has already had the opportunity to express its views on the Israeli Government's decision to carry out expropriations in East Jerusalem. Along with all the other countries of the European Union, France recalls that these expropriations are contrary to international law and violate, in particular, provisions of the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, these measures have been explicitly forbidden by several resolutions of the Security Council and disregard the spirit of the Declaration of Principles signed on 13 September 1993. The parties to the peace process decided to reserve for future negotiations discussion of the most delicate matters, including Jerusalem and settlements.”
1995-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3538 (1995) · source