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

“At the same time, we recognize that the authorities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as the latest report by the Co-Chairman states and the resolution picks up, have demonstrated that they are cooperating and have provided the necessary assistance to the activities of the observer Mission; this is essentially why my delegation wished to extend the suspension of sanctions. Secondly, a number of steps have proved useful in plugging the gaps resulting from the shortfalls we have noted in the field, the most striking examples of which are the helicopter flights - where there is an inquiry now under way - and the sidestepping of the frontier closure by passing goods for Bosnia and Herzegovina by way of Croatian territory, which is why a part of the resolution includes a strengthening of the existing measures.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“Firstly, we are convinced that the mechanisms now in place to monitor the closure of the frontier between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina are, overall, achieving the objectives they were set up to achieve. In this regard, we do have confidence in the reports by the Co- Chairmen and in the work of the observer Mission, which is unfortunately restricted by a lack of material and financial means. We reaffirm that the best way of improving the Mission's operation is by increasing the resources allocated to it and by increasing the number of observers too.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): The delegation of France would like to welcome you, Sir, to the Security Council. It is delighted that this meeting is taking place under your presidency. My delegation would also like to associate itself with all those who have expressed their sympathy with the United States Government over the terrible bombing that claimed so many inhabitants of Oklahoma City as its victims. My delegation welcomes our Council's adoption of the resolution extending the suspension of sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Like many other members of the Council, France was called upon to make a difficult choice, which it did on the basis of a number of considerations.”
1995-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3522 (1995) · source
“It was also essential to remind the Bosnian parties of the vital need to extend the cease-fire and cessation-of- hostilities agreements beyond 30 April next and to restart, immediately, the negotiations towards an overall settlement by accepting the Contact Group peace plan as a starting point. France, which is the United Nations premier troop contributor, in Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular, expects a positive response from the parties, without delay, to Council's demands, and that UNPROFOR will thus be in a position once again to carry out its mandate.”
1995-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3521 (1995) · source
“They reflect a general deterioration in the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and are likely, sooner or later, to put UNPROFOR's missions there into the balance even though the Force has contributed to easing tensions and providing humanitarian assistance for the civilian populations. This being the case, it was a matter of urgency for the Council to react by condemning these unacceptable acts against the peace-keeping forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for it to give a sign of its determination to have the status of United Nations personnel there respected to the letter.”
1995-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3521 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): First of all, I should like to thank the delegations that have been so kind as to express their condolences - which I shall not fail to convey - to my Government and to the families. The Council last week adopted a statement condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the deliberate attacks on the personnel of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), who are serving the cause of peace in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since then there has been another act of violence, yet again causing the death of one of UNPROFOR's soldiers. These cowardly murders and totally unacceptable.”
1995-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3521 (1995) · source
“I express the hope that the Government of Iraq will continue to take this attitude, so that the suffering of its people can begin to decrease, until the Council is in a position to consider a radical modification of the sanctions regime.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“My delegation invites the Secretary-General to begin the necessary consultations and negotiations as soon as possible, and first of all with the Iraqi Government, so that this resolution may begin to produce its effects without delay, and so that the Iraqi peoples may begin to feel its benefits in the coming weeks. We share the very sound opinion that the decisions taken by the Council for humanitarian reasons will serve no purpose without the cooperation of the Government of Iraq. I welcome the constructive attitude of the Iraqi delegation, which has shown wisdom and realism in its dialogue with the initiators of this text. I also thank the co-sponsors, and above all Argentina, for having heeded the appeals addressed to them and for having been receptive to the comments that were made.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“Finally, my delegation stresses that the provisions of this resolution do not affect the implementation, when the time comes, of paragraph 22 of resolution 687 (1991), or of the other texts relating to the reduction or lifting of the sanctions. On this subject, I would like to point out that the derogations introduced in resolution 986 (1995) are regarded as a temporary measure, intended to disappear when the conditions have been met that would authorize the Council to take new decisions regarding the prohibitions to which Iraq is now subjected. It is important, moreover, that several paragraphs specify that the regime established is valid solely within the framework of the arrangements of this resolution.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“Everyone knows that peace and security in the region would be seriously and permanently affected if Iraq's territorial integrity were threatened. It was therefore essential that no provision of this resolution seem to encourage in any way the country's dismemberment. Resolution 986 (1995) affirms the Council's dedication to Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Its penultimate paragraph, moreover, specifies that none of its provisions should be construed as infringing this sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, the Council has taken care to ensure that the constraints surrounding the derogations of the trade embargo should be implemented with respect for the prerogatives and legitimate interests of the Iraqi State.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“Without going into the details of the resolution, I note with particular interest that the Council has chosen to revise the general conditions for its implementation three months after the start of its entry into force. It will do so on the basis of a report from the Secretary-General, which should inform it whether the sums which Iraq is authorized to use are large enough to cover the needs of the people and whether the mechanisms that have been provided for suffice to enable Iraq to make use of these sums. The Council will thereby be assured that the text meets the objectives it has set for itself. Unflagging attention has been paid to the matter of respect for Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The current unrest in the north of the country lends this question particular importance.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“This consideration led my delegation as early as 1991 to initiate texts that would become resolutions 706 (1991) and 712 (1991). The negotiations for their implementation never came to fruition. The lessons from this experience had to be drawn to ensure that the new provisions could serve effectively to bring relief to the Iraqi people. We are all aware that the humanitarian situation in Iraq has worsened over the past few years. Nevertheless, we do not possess an exhaustive analysis enabling us to determine precisely the extent of the needs. There is no doubt, however, that they are great. The testimony of non-governmental organizations and the reports of the United Nations institutions that are now working in that country have amply shown this.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): Resolution 986 (1995), which we have just adopted, is an important text. It took a long time to draft because several partially contradictory approaches had to be reconciled. The Council wisely gave itself the time to overcome these difficulties. My delegation was able to join in approving this text for the three following reasons: it responds to a serious humanitarian situation; it respects Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity; and it does not prejudice decisions the Council will take towards reducing or lifting the sanctions once the necessary conditions have been met. France believes that sanctions are not a punishment but, rather, are designed to induce a State to behave in a certain way. The effects of sanctions on the peoples must therefore be attenuated as much as possible.”
1995-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3519 (1995) · source
“My delegation fervently hopes that the Liberians will put the national interest first and finally commit themselves, with good faith and a sense of continuity, to the peace process. Thus, the Council's decision to extend UNOMIL's mandate today both sends an invitation and sounds a warning: it tells the parties that it is not too late to show genuine resolve to restore lasting peace to Liberia, but it also makes clear that it will soon be impossible for the international community to continue to assist Liberia if Liberians themselves refuse to come to an understanding.”
1995-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3517 (1995) · source
“At the urging of the international community and with the assistance of the countries of ECOWAS, whose Chairman has been tireless in this regard, the Liberian factions have long been called upon to work towards national reconciliation, which alone can guarantee lasting peace in the country. However, recent events have shown that the factions have not been resolutely committed to that course of action: the cease-fire is being more honoured in the breach than in the observance, human rights violations seem common and no real progress has been accomplished in installing the institutions provided for by the Agreements I mentioned. In this context, the meeting organized on the initiative of the Chairman of ECOWAS, which is due to take place next month in Abuja, seems in many respects to represent a last chance.”
1995-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3517 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merime'e (France) (interpretation from French): Our Council has just unanimously adopted resolution 985 extending the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) to 30 June 1995. Through approving the resolution, France wishes to express its desire to see the implementation of the peace process in Liberia which should have been assured with the signing of the Akosombo, Cotonou and Accra Agreements by all the Liberian parties. By extending UNOMIL's presence in Liberia for a limited period, France also intends to send a clear message to the parties.”
1995-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3517 (1995) · source
“On the eve of the Conference on extending the NPT, whose indefinite extension, I would recall, France firmly advocates, this vote seems to my delegation to be a particularly encouraging sign. For their part, the permanent members of the Security Council, in presenting this resolution, have assumed the responsibilities incumbent upon them as nuclear-weapon States concerned about fulfilling their obligations under the NPT.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“"France reaffirms in particular the inherent right, recognized in Article 51 of the Charter, of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack, including an attack with use of nuclear weapons, occurs against a Member of the United Nations until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security." (ibid., p. 3) The fact that our Council has pronounced itself very clearly on this resolution, which calls for universal adherence to the NPT and emphasizes the need for States parties to the Treaty to fully respect all their obligations, bears witness to the desire of the members of the international community to work to strengthen the non- proliferation regime.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“"Having regard to these considerations, France makes the following declaration: "France, as a Permanent Member of the Security Council, pledges that, in the event of attack with nuclear weapons or the threat of such attack against a non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, France will immediately inform the Security Council and act within the Council to ensure that the latter takes immediate steps to provide, in accordance with the Charter, necessary assistance to any State which is the victim of such an act or threat of aggression.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“France recognizes that the non-nuclear-weapon States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are entitled to an assurance that, should they be attacked with nuclear weapons or threatened with such an attack, the international community and, first and foremost, the United Nations Security Council, would react immediately in accordance with the obligations set forth in the Charter.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“The declaration made on 6 April in Geneva is also a very important step in so far as, for the first time, France pledges to give positive assurances to all non- nuclear-weapon States parties to the NPT, in order to indicate its determination to alert the Council should these countries be attacked or threatened by nuclear weapons. In the course of the numerous consultations in the preparation of this draft, concern was expressed as to whether the joint commitments made by the nuclear Powers concerning the so-called positive assurances could ensure the matter's being brought before the Council. On this point, France's declaration should dispel any ambiguity or apprehension. It states: "France considers that any aggression which is accompanied by the use of nuclear weapons would threaten international peace and security.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“The fundamental importance of the joint declarations of 6 April by the permanent representatives of the five permanent members at the Conference on Disarmament prompts me to reiterate what was said then. First, with respect to negative assurances, France reaffirmed that it "will not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear- weapon States parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, except in the case of an invasion or any other attack on France, its territory, its armed forces or other troops, or against its allies or a State towards which it has a security commitment". (S/I995/264, annex, p. 2) France thus makes clear, for the benefit of the States which are signatories of the NPT, the guarantees it gave in 1982.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“It is also a collective response, since for the first time since the appearance of nuclear weapons the five Powers recognized as such by the NPT have been in a position not only to co-sponsor such a resolution, but also to a large extent to harmonize the contents of their national declarations. The five Powers afford all non-nuclear- weapon States parties to the NPT harmonized negative assurances, thus reinforcing their security. Finally, it is a concrete response, because, for the first time a Security Council resolution specifies the measures which the Council may take, in the event of aggression, in the areas of settling disputes, humanitarian assistance and compensation to victims. The resolution which has just been adopted by the Council would not exist without the national commitments made by all the recognized nuclear Powers.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“The resolution reflects the common desire of the nuclear Powers, permanent members of the Council, to respond to the aspirations of the international community and promote the universality and indefinite extension of a Treaty which is now more than ever the very cornerstone of the non-proliferation regime. The resolution which has just been adopted is intended to be a global, collective and concrete response to the legitimate aspirations of the non-nuclear-weapon States in the context of the post-cold-war period. First and foremost it is a global response, for, unlike resolution 255 (1968), the text that the Council has just adopted involves both positive and negative security assurances.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“Mr. Me'rime'e (France) (interpretation from French): The French delegation would like to convey its congratulations to you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency and also its very sincere thanks to Ambassador Li Zhaoxing for the way in which he conducted the work of the Council last month. The Council's adoption of resolution 984 (1995), a few days before the opening of the Review and Extension Conference of the States parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is an act of particular importance, whose scope is not lost on any delegation.”
1995-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3514 (1995) · source
“This means that the civilian authorities under the Special Representative of the Secretary-General will not assume responsibilities within the chain of military command, and that the theatre commander will have full responsibility for the implementation of the three mandates entrusted to the United Nations Forces. Finally, I should like to pay tribute to the UNPROFOR personnel, who over these past three years have displayed exceptional courage and dedication, and particularly to those who have fallen in carrying out their duties.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“We are satisfied with the solution chosen, which preserves the unity of command and of political leadership over the entire theatre, as well as the logistical and organizational interrelationship of the three Forces. We regard this as essential. We believe that respect for this principle of unity strengthens both the security of the troops deployed and the means available to the United Nations to facilitate negotiations in a theatre where the problems are closely intertwined, in particular between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this connection, we would like to emphasize that the theatre commander must continue to exercise full authority over all the Blue Helmets deployed throughout the territories of successor States to the former Yugoslavia.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“We call upon the Serbs of Bosnia, once again, to accept the proposals presented by the Contact Group as a starting point. Without such acceptance, no settlement will be possible. I would now like to express the satisfaction of my delegation with regard to the renewal, under a new name, of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We welcome the fact that the Macedonian Government has clearly indicated its desire to see the United Nations preventive deployment maintained, which contributes significantly to the maintenance of peace and security in the region. Allow me now to the return to the new configuration of the United Nations presence in the former Yugoslavia. UNPROFOR has just been restructured into three distinct operations.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“Here again, it is a matter of the Force's continuing to carry out essential missions, whether overseeing the implementation of cease-fire and cessation of hostilities agreements or allowing humanitarian assistance to continue. My delegation reminds the Council that keeping UNPROFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an end in itself. We must be seriously concerned by the recent increase in serious violations of the cease-fire and cessation of hostilities agreements, and we ask the parties, as the agreements are about to expire, to exercise the greatest restraint; it is imperative that the agreements be extended. It is up to the parties to show their desire to reach an overall political settlement. The sole purpose of UNPROFOR's presence is to facilitate a conclusion.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“Until the new mandate is implemented, transitional arrangements are contemplated to ensure the continuation of the principal missions of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Croatia and to allow the necessary redeployment to begin. It must be clear to all that the goal of UNCRO's presence is to help reach a political settlement. We call upon the Government of Croatia and the local Serb authorities to continue their negotiations on confidence- building measures and to resolutely commit themselves to a negotiated settlement, for which the United Nations, the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United States have all striven. UNPROFOR's mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been renewed.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“This presence is essential if we are to avoid a resumption of hostilities and to foster negotiations with a view to a political settlement. The resolution we have just adopted defines the broad outlines of a new mandate which should permit the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO) to carry out several missions that we regard as essential: implementation of the Cease-Fire Agreement of 29 March 1994, the application of the Economic Agreement of 2 December 1994 and the monitoring of Croatia's international borders, which reflects the Council's concern to ensure that its sovereignty and territorial integrity be preserved. The mandate will have to be spelled out in order to be implemented, and in this connection we await the next report of the Secretary- General.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): The three resolutions which our Council has just adopted are of major importance, for two reasons. It has been decided both to continue the United Nations presence in the former Yugoslavia and to give the existing force a new, differentiated, structure, while preserving the unity of political and military leadership. The Council adopted these three resolutions unanimously, and I wish to say that my delegation fully appreciates the spirit of cooperation that characterized the discussions between the sponsors and their Council partners. My delegation welcomes the fact that the Croatian Government has finally accepted the continuation of the United Nations presence on its territory.”
1995-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3512 (1995) · source
“I would recall that it has promised 500 million ECU over five years and, more importantly, it alone has already expended some $100 million to help to finance the administration of Jericho and the Gaza Strip and to pay the salaries of the Palestinian police. The European Union will continue to give its support. It is at the disposal of the parties whenever needed, as it has always been, to help them overcome any problems they may encounter in implementing their decisions.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The European Union would like, in conclusion, to address an appeal to both parties and to all those who assist them. Courage and political vision have always led to the most significant results in the region. The European Union would therefore issue a plea for the prompt conclusion of the main discussions currently under way between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, whether on security, the redeployment of the army, settlements, continuing the transfer of authority or the elections, so important to strengthening the legitimacy of the peace process by establishing normal democratic procedures. The European Union has already given its financial and political support to the peace process.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“This new departure was in accordance with the agreements between the Palestinians and the Israelis, which, inter alia, stipulate that this is a matter that will be taken up during the final-status negotiations. The authorization given at the beginning of this year for new construction on the West Bank and around Jerusalem is, unfortunately, at variance with the Declaration of Principles. This is why the European Union expressed its concern by issuing a declaration in Brussels on 5 January. Furthermore, it approached the Israeli Government to alert it to the negative consequences of this matter. The European Union reiterates in this meeting of the Security Council its appeal to the Government of Israel to find ways to settle this matter, with respect for international law and commitments solemnly undertaken.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The delay, in relation to the initial timetable, in the negotiations on the elections and in the redeployment of the Israeli army has also contributed to a feeling of disillusionment noticeable among the inhabitants of the occupied territories. The Permanent Observer of Palestine particularly wished to draw the attention of the international community to the settlements question. I hardly need go into any lengthy detail about the position of the European Union on this topic, as it is based on a number of Security Council resolutions. These settlements are in contravention of the provisions of The Hague and Geneva Conventions governing the occupation regime of occupied territories. The Israeli Government had taken the courageous decision to put a freeze on these settlements.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The recently announced decisions regarding the handing over of the lists of Palestinian police officers to the Israeli authorities and the creation of a new security court indicate that the Palestinian leaders have become aware of the crucial importance of this matter. But the question of security must not become an obstacle to progress in the negotiations. The Palestinian people, which placed great hope in the autonomy agreements, has the impression that its living conditions have not substantially changed since. The sealing off of territories is clearly the most disturbing decision in this connection, because it deprives numerous Palestinian families of their income.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The enemies of the peace process are trying to destroy it and to impose their own logic - that of war - by trying to convince public opinion in Israel that the path of dialogue will lead to deadlock. The European Union most vigorously condemns recourse to blind violence, which creates innocent victims. The concern expressed by the Government of Israel over security matters is therefore quite legitimate. The Palestinian Authority must provide itself with the necessary means and take every possible step, while respecting human rights, to monitor the activities of extremists in the regions that it administers.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Nevertheless, the Government of Israel has just categorically reiterated that it is resolved to continue its discussions within the agreed framework. The leaders of the PLO, for their part, have decided to continue to pursue the peace process. None the less, they have seen fit to draw the attention of the international community to the current situation. These attitudes are encouraging. On the other hand, the disappointing results of the recent Summit meetings at ministerial level between the Palestinians and the Israelis, despite the intervention of mediators, shows the seriousness of the obstacles that the negotiators have encountered. The Israeli population is disturbed at the increase in terrorism.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The peace process in the Middle East is at present encountering serious difficulties. The European Union attaches the greatest importance to the idea that these should be overcome by the parties concerned, because the effort made at the peace Conference inaugurated in Madrid almost three years ago has produced noteworthy results that have made it possible to resolve a major portion of the problems that were impeding reconciliation between Israel and the Arab world. The European Union notes that today the most disturbing problems are those in the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505Resumption1 (1995) · source
“That is why we call on the Palestinian Authority to do all it can, within the framework of the responsibilities entrusted to it, to prevent and to punish such acts. Experience has shown that the problems of the peace process cannot be resolved by slowing that process or calling its validity into question. Rather, it was through agreement to move forward that Arab and Israeli leaders began, often in a striking way, to build peace together.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“This is why it is clear to my Government that continuing the expansion of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem - which ignores article 49 of the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 - runs counter to the spirit of the Oslo Agreements and is therefore contributing to the difficulties now being encountered in the peace process. France therefore encourages the Israeli Government, within the framework of its commitment to peace and of the decision of principle it took long ago, to find a way to halt the work on expanding the settlements, which is being carried out by private interests and with private financing. We understand that Israeli public opinion, understandably traumatized by the resurgence of terrorism, sometimes doubts the choice made at Oslo.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): My country deeply deplores the difficulties currently being experienced in the peace process, and which have led the Palestinians, supported by the Arab League, to request the Security Council to take up the question of the settlements in the occupied territories. At this meeting, my delegation will have the opportunity to set out the position of the European Union concerning the present situation in the occupied territories and the conclusions we draw from it. I should therefore like at this point to stress the need for the parties involved to avoid any action which might harm the cause of peace.”
1995-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3505 (1995) · source
“We should therefore be vigilant and see to it that respect for individual freedoms in criminal legal proceedings is properly ensured under the decisions recommended by the Council. My delegation will continue to pay special attention to this point in the future.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source
“This text is, then, in our view, not only an acceptable but a positive one in that it can and must be understood as a call to proceed to detentions that applies only to those States that have the necessary legislation to be able to do so legally in the case of alleged perpetrators of acts falling within the competence of the International Tribunal. By limiting instances of impunity, the resolution we have just adopted also contributes towards the return of the rule of law in Rwanda, and this we welcome. Furthermore, the international community is following very closely any initiatives taken by the Security Council in the field of international criminal law now that thought is being given as to what tomorrow's international legal institutions might look like.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source
“Our efforts have helped develop a text that, in its final version, makes no mention of Chapter VII of the Charter, addresses requests to States that are not binding in nature and specifies that any detentions will be effected in accordance with their national law - which, in our view, means that only those States that have domestic legislation enabling them to act along the requested lines will be able to do so, as the resolution cannot serve by itself alone as a legal basis for arresting anyone. Also, the two categories of acts - those that fall within the competence of the Tribunal and others, i.e., serious acts of violence in the camps - are clearly distinguished in the text and treated separately. This is also important, since there must be no confusion about this point.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source
“The most appropriate legal formula would have been a presidential statement calling for the Tribunal to start work soon and for States to take any measures that might be needed to adapt their criminal law and only then requesting States to make the necessary arrests and detain people. Nevertheless, a presidential statement would have presupposed a consensus among members of the Council and, despite our efforts, it has not been possible to achieve one. In these circumstances, rather than risking paralysis, we took pains to make acceptable the draft resolution that was available to us.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source
“When this is done and the rules of procedure have been adopted, it will be possible for all States that need to do so to adopt the necessary domestic legislation to enable them to cooperate fully with the Tribunal. From that moment on, the arrest and detention of those suspected of committing acts of genocide and serious violations of international humanitarian law will be possible, at least in most cases. We should not close our eyes to the fact that until that time such measures are quite simply impossible in law in many States. That is why a resolution under Chapter VII requiring all States immediately to detain the suspects they have in their territory would in our view have been absolutely out of the question.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source
“The text we have just adopted might be useful inasmuch as it constitutes a political message to all States and, in particular, those neighbouring Rwanda, that they should consider detaining those who have committed genocide and other individuals who carry out criminal acts in and around the camps. Nevertheless, my delegation cannot hide the fact that adopting a resolution was never, in its view, the right way to send such a message. The priority, to our mind, is that the International Tribunal should start work as soon as possible, that is, now that the location of its seat has been chosen, the judges should be elected and should start work.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merirnee (France) (interpretation from French): France has just supported the resolution concerning the detention of Rwandese suspects. It has done so because it intends to assist in the process of national reconciliation, democratization and the establishment of the rule of law in Rwanda. Trying criminals that have taken part in acts of genocide undoubtedly has a role to play in this process. By the same token, we think that everything should be done to discourage acts of intimidation against the refugees now living in camps outside Rwandese territory who wish to return to their country.”
1995-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3504 (1995) · source