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

“Peace and democracy have gradually triumphed in this part of the continent - first in Namibia, then in South Africa, then in Mozambique. Now only Angola is left. The Angolan people have shown many a time and oft that they want peace and national reconciliation. We hope that the opportunity they are now being given to end the war will enable them finally to turn over a new page in their history. My country, for its part, will do its utmost to ensure that this is so.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The Angolan Government and UN ITA negotiated the terms of the Lusaka agreement with a certain fierce resolve. In this connection, we pay tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye, who, with his patience and skill, was able to bring the two parties together to sign the document. We now hope that the Angolan Government and UN ITA will show the same fierce resolve in fulfilling the obligations that they have taken upon themselves. The Security Council has been kept scrupulously informed of the course of the negotiations. The draft resolution provides that it should also be scrupulously kept abreast of the details of their implementation. Ten years ago Southern Africa was riven by every conflict imaginable.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499Resumption1 (1995) · source
“In adopting this draft resolution, the Council is not, however, giving carte blanche to the Angolan Government and UNITA. In 1992, the electoral process, monitored by the United Nations, was not enough to put an end to the Angolan crisis. This failure must not be repeated. The United Nations involvement in Angola, having gone on for more than three years, should now enjoy full cooperation from the Angolan Government and UNITA. This cooperation is a prerequisite for the deployment of the infantry battalions that will be the mainstay of UNAVEM. III. Moreover, the Security Council states that it intends to review the United Nations role in Angola should the Secretary-General report that the cooperation required from the parties falls short or is slow in coming. For my delegation, this provision is no mere formality.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499Resumption1 (1995) · source
“III, as established, will have a clear mandate enabling it to underpin the efforts of the Angolan Government and UNITA to implement the Lusaka agreements signed on 15 November last until presidential elections are held and the elected President of the Republic assumes office. In the mandate, nothing has been overlooked. UNAVEM. III will perform political, military, police, humanitarian and electoral duties. We note also that special attention is given to mine clearance operations - which, inter alia, will make it easier for refugees to return - and to supplying the Angolans with information. My Government is also glad that the Secretariat has learned from past experience and that a United Nations radio station will soon be brought into service in Angola.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499Resumption1 (1995) · source
“For us, this is an additional guarantee that should make it possible for the Angolans to put an end to a fratricidal war and return to the path of democracy and progress. In this connection, my Government welcomes the role that OAU intends to continue to play in resolving the Angolan conflict. The involvement of regional organizations in solving crises is indeed a great advantage and vital to the success of the United Nations. The Security Council will shortly be adopting a draft resolution establishing the third phase of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III). This operation will include more than 7,000 personnelThe draft resolution provides a full framework for United Nations actions over the next two years. Indeed, UNAVEM.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): The French delegation is pleased to see you, Sir, presiding over the Security Council on this important occasion for Africa, and we are pleased also that the Council is in the hands of your country's Ambassador during the month of February. At the same time, I should like to convey to the Argentine delegation our great appreciation of the good work done by Ambassador Cardenas during the month of January. France would also like to welcome the impressive delegation from the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which is honouring us by participating in this Council meeting on Angola. The delegation's presence shows how interested Africa as a whole is in the question of Angola.”
1995-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3499Resumption1 (1995) · source
“We welcome what the Ambassador of Haiti said on this subject. In this connection, I wish to inform the Council that a meeting of the donor advisory group was held today, in Paris. It will be followed by a meeting to coordinate the activities of those providing funds to promote justice in Haiti. France has also resumed its bilateral cooperation on a large scale. We hope - in fact, we are certain - that everyone's efforts will set Haiti on the right path.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“The United Nations and the Haitians must take the necessary measures in that regard. It is true that there remain reasons for concern, particularly the resurgence of common crime and the implication in the violence of former paramilitary networks. This must be stopped if an authentic democratic society is to be built. Great attention should be focused on the reintegration and professional training of demobilized troops. The establishment of an honest and efficient police force is also of fundamental importance. My delegation welcomes the success of the training programmes that have been initiated, in which France is participating. Lastly, I wish to emphasize the importance of economic development and the rebuilding of institutions, particularly the judiciary, in order to consolidate democracy in Haiti.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“In this connection, my delegation again pays tribute to the commanders and other members of the Force. The ending of political violence, once one of Haiti's scourges, is an unquestionable success, as are the waning of fear and the resumption of political debate. The Government is performing its duties, and President Aristide, who advocates national reconciliation, is keeping his word. Furthermore, his message is being heeded. I also note that the timetable envisaged when the operation was launched has been met. That is a positive point. The holding of legislative elections is a decisive element in the return of democracy. This ballot should be held as soon as it reasonably can be. I hope that all the necessary arrangements will be made for it to be held in complete security and with complete impartiality.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): My delegation was pleased to vote in favour of the resolution, which authorizes the Secretary-General to make arrangements for the transfer of the duties of the Multinational Force in Haiti to the United Nations Mission in Haiti. When it adopted resolution 940 (1994), the Council decided that the objective was to hand over to the United Nations as quickly as possible - that is, as soon as a secure and stable environment had been established and the United Nations was in a position to take over it. There is therefore every reason to be pleased that the conditions have been met to allow the second phase of the operation to begin on 31 March. This attests to the progress that has been made since the deployment of the Multinational Force four months ago.”
1995-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3496 (1995) · source
“We think the opposition ought to be represented both at the governmental and at the local level. The European Union stresses that peace in Mozambique deserves participation by all Mozambicans in its consolidation. More broadly speaking, the European Union notes that the success of the operation in Mozambique, following the elections in South Africa, is a source of encouragement for the process of democratization and progress throughout southern Africa. We hope that Angola will follow Mozambique's example and soon rejoin the ranks of democratic countries advancing towards political renewal and economic and social development.”
1995-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3494 (1995) · source
“In its resolution 957 (1994) of 15 November 1994, the Security Council set 31 January 1995 for the withdrawal of ONUMOZ. Clearly, the Mozambicans will not be abandoned after that date. United Nations specialized agencies will replace the blue helmets to coordinate the development and growth of the country in order to consolidate the new peace. We appeal to the Secretary-General to ensure that this takes place. It is for that very purpose that the European Union will continue its assistance. All Mozambicans must be able to see their ballot transformed into a road map to democracy and progress. In that connection, the European Union attaches great importance to true national reconciliation. We hope that sincere cooperation between the majority and the opposition will be among the new Government's priorities.”
1995-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3494 (1995) · source
“Finally, we must emphasize that the management of the case of Mozambique was exemplary with respect to efforts by the countries of the region and by the troop- contributing countries, and with respect to the involvement of donors in the process of implementing the Peace Agreement. The European Union spared no effort on the Community-wide and bilateral levels to enable us today to say that the United Nations Operation in Mozambique has been a complete success. Suffice it to recall that 80 per cent of the election expenses were defrayed by the European Union, which during the balloting provided 200 observers in addition to those serving as United Nations international observers. The European Union intends to continue its Community-wide and bilateral efforts to promote peace- building in Mozambique.”
1995-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3494 (1995) · source
“This shows how eager the Mozambicans, voting for the first time, were to turn a new page in their history. This success resulted from a set of factors that deserve to be emphasized. First, the tale of Mozambique would not have had this happy ending without the determination to succeed displayed by the President of Mozambique, Mr. Chissano, and the President of RENAMO, Mr. Dhlakama, both of whom were motivated and encouraged by the Mozambican people's desire for peace. Secondly, the European Union wishes to pay tribute to all who participated in the United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ), and in particular to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Aldo Ajello, who supported the efforts of the Mozambicans to make the elections succeed by adapting ONUMOZ to the situation as required.”
1995-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3494 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union. The European Union would like first of all to welcome to the Security Council the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mozambique, Mr. Leonardo Santos Simao, who has honoured us with his presence here today. In the past year, after nearly 20 years of conflict, Mozambique has experienced notable events. For the people of Mozambique, the elections held on 27 to 29 October 1994 were a decisive step forward and the culmination of the lengthy peace process that had started in earnest with the signing of the Rome Agreement on 4 October 1992. In all, 88 per cent of the 6.4 million Mozambicans who had registered to vote went to the polls over three days to elect their President and their legislators.”
1995-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3494 (1995) · source
“The European Union will continue to support all efforts to this end. In conclusion, the European Union, whose members have made a considerable contribution in support of the activities of the United Nations in the realm of the maintenance of international peace and security, considers that the Organization has a creditable record to date, despite all the setbacks that have occurred in certain cases.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“We should also seek means of stemming the flow of small-calibre arms, which are helping to trigger and fuel conflicts. Too often the work of the United Nations in the field of peace-keeping is misunderstood by public opinion. People seem to think either that this is the very essence of the Organization's work or that the failure of certain operations masks the success recorded elsewhere. We think that the tasks, the difficulties and the achievements of the United Nations should be part of a public relations policy that would make possible a proper appreciation of the efforts of the Organization. The European Union will support any action to this end. It is also important for populations within the zones of United Nations operations to be informed as to the objectives and progress of the operations.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The Secretary-General rightly stresses that civilian populations are the principal victims of current conflicts. In this regard, we, like him, are concerned at the proliferation of small-calibre weapons and anti-personnel mines. It is in this context that the European Union has proposed that consideration be given to a code of conduct for the transfer of conventional weapons. The commitment of the European Union has contributed a great deal to the progress made, within the framework of the Convention on the banning or limitation of the use of certain conventional weapons, to limit the export of anti-personnel mines. We should also like to recall the initiative taken by the European Union in the realm of mine-clearance assistance.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“We would hope in this regard that relations between the United Nations and regional arrangements and organs which, under Chapter VIII of the Charter, could help the work of preventive diplomacy and peace-keeping could be formalized even further in such a way as to be consistent with the objectives, field of activity and the capacities of each of these organizations. The Security Council, to which any Member State may bring any dispute which poses a threat to international peace and security, should be kept informed of action taken or contemplated in this area by regional arrangements and organs. It should also be recalled that only the Security Council can mandate enforcement action in the case of a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. I should like to end with two points.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The European Union wholeheartedly supports the intention of the Secretary-General to develop coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations by means of consultation, diplomatic support, mutual operational support, co-deployment and joint operations in compliance with a number of principles: primacy of the United Nations in accordance with the Charter; clear-cut division of labour; and consistency, particularly with regard to the norms for peace-keeping. Furthermore, the European Union considers that the United Nations can, on a case-by- case basis, benefit from the delegation by the Security Council of certain operational tasks to regional organizations and arrangements.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The unfortunately fluctuating nature of crises faced by the international community should mean that we never reject the possibility - in the absence of the consent of the parties, and even against their will in certain exceptional circumstances, if the situation so requires - of our Organization's deciding to have recourse to the enforcement measures provided for in Chapter VII of the Charter. Otherwise, we would collectively be sending a very negative signal about the Organization's will to ensure respect for international law.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“It is true that a peace-keeping operation is more likely to succeed if it is undertaken with the consent of the parties and without the use of force. It is always preferable, as the Secretary-General quite rightly points out, for the prestige and resources of the United Nations - and, indeed, those of Member States - not to be committed in an attempt to prevent a crisis or put an end to one, except within the framework of a process which enjoys the consent of the parties. The fact remains that the use of force entails dangers for an operation if it does not possess the necessary military resources to face its consequences and if the conditions with regard to the definition of the mandate in the command structure and the conduct of operations have not been met.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The acts of a State or entity which will make it possible to ease or lift sanctions must be defined when they are adopted. Sanctions should also be regularly examined. As to their effects, we believe that requests for exemption in connection with humanitarian activities must be examined rapidly by the relevant Committees in such a way as to prevent unnecessary suffering on the part of the civilian populations. Furthermore, we should continue to study, in particular having resort to the expertise of the Bretton Woods institutions, means of helping Member States which have suffered indirect damage because of the application of sanctions in the interests of international peace and security. With regard to the use of force and military enforcement measures, a number of comments can be made.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The Secretary-General in his report touches on the delicate question of enforcement measures, whether it be the imposition and effects of sanctions and the effects of them or military measures involving the use of force. The European Union has supported the sanctions regimes against certain States or entities. These measures are indeed the only enforcement instrument, apart from the use of force. We consider that sanctions against States or entities which have contravened international law are not designed to punish their populations, but are an exceptional but necessary measure, when it comes to exerting pressure on a Government to bring about a change of attitude on its part where diplomatic means alone have proved inadequate to achieve this goal. Sanctions must have a precise goal.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“It should also be recalled that an essential condition for the rapid deployment of peace-keeping forces is the availability of financial resources, particularly for the start- up phase. That is why the European Union stresses that it is imperative, for Member States, pursuant to their obligations under the Charter, to pay their assessments for the financing of activities they have approved. Rapid deployment and, more generally, the success of peace-keeping operations, depend on the political will of States to shoulder their responsibilities for peace-keeping. This will should be strengthened by improving arrangements for consultation and exchange of information with countries providing contingents, as mentioned in the Presidential statement of 4 November 1994.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“This cooperation concerns the training of troops, stockpiling equipment and necessary logistical planning in order to mobilize urgently personnel and contingents for preventive diplomacy missions, humanitarian actions and peace-keeping operations under the United Nations. Members of the European Union are now considering arrangements for cooperation with African States within this context. Furthermore, the European Union has noted with interest the Secretary-General's proposal to create a United Nations rapid reaction capacity. This proposal, however, should be examined most carefully in the light of its practical implications and its political and financial consequences.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Furthermore, the member countries of the European Union are either fully-fledged members or observers in the Western European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In these bodies, procedures have been worked out to support peace-keeping operations and to contribute to them. Particular attention should also be given to the improvement of peace-keeping capacity in Africa. The African countries, through the Organization of African Unity in particular, should also improve their internal cooperation as well as their cooperation with other organizations or Member States.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“However, we think that if enough States commit themselves to it the system of stand-by force modules is an appropriate response to the question of rapid deployment. The European Union hopes that the Secretariat will continue to develop this concept and to attract support from other Member States. The European Union feels that particular attention should be given to the greatest possible capacity for interaction between contingents and that the system of stand-by forces should be supplemented by a similar exercise with regard to command structures and civilian components. Other measures to improve the capacity for rapid deployment can be considered within a regional framework. All the members of the Union are also members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“In this respect, we support the concept proposed by the Secretariat of calling upon Member States to equip and train battalions provided by other States in the form of an overall allocation within a given time-frame. Arrangements relating to stand-by forces, the principle of which was endorsed in the Presidential statement on 27 July 1994, should make it possible to anticipate the planning phase of operations and to reduce the time between the adoption of a resolution and the deployment of a force. In principle, this system does not guarantee that contingents will be provided for a given operation, since States which agreed to participate are under no obligation to respond automatically.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“The question of rapid deployment of peace-keeping operations remains crucial. Speed of deployment depends largely on the capacity of Member States themselves to meet manpower and material needs. In this regard, we favour the idea of studying the stockpiling of reserves of the United Nations to use material left over from already completed operations already completed for the start-up phase of new operations. We also believe it to be necessary to improve - as has been shown by the time taken in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda - arrangements for contacts between Governments which are contributing troops to the United Nations and those that are providing equipment.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Peace- building activities can also be useful, without the deployment of a peace-keeping operation, to prevent conflict or remedy its consequences. These measures could be planned from the outset in the mandates or the political agreements between the parties before the launching or in the course of an operation. In any case, the transfer to the competent bodies of the peace- building functions assumed within the framework of a peace-keeping operation should be planned and organized. We believe it is necessary to have a transitional phase between an operation under the aegis of the Security Council and actions that are the responsibility of other parts of the United Nations system, so as to preserve a political logic in the implementation of consolidation measures.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“In cases where a peace-keeping operation has been necessary, we believe it is legitimate and useful for the United Nations to maintain a presence on the ground after the end of the operation in order to ensure that its action is followed up in such a way as to contribute to a lasting restoration of peace through measures for coordinated consolidation in the economic, social, institutional, electoral, humanitarian and human rights fields. This method has already been proven on many occasions, particularly in Namibia and Cambodia. It deserves to be continued, as is intended in El Salvador and Mozambique. Indeed, it would be difficult to understand if, after having put so much effort into an operation that was probably burdensome, complex and costly, the United Nations were to withdraw without taking measures designed to secure the results.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“By strengthening personnel and material resources available for United Nations preventive- diplomacy activities, we would be bolstering the confidence of the international community in the Organization's capacity in this field and helping make better use of the resources available to the United Nations as a whole. I should like to take this opportunity to recall the European Union's support for the preventive deployment of troops, including stationing them on only one side of a border, in order to help stabilize a tense situation, where the consent of all the Governments concerned is lacking. Preventive deployment, such as that carried out in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, should be used in other cases as well, whenever it seems useful and possible to do so.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“We also support the initiatives of a number of countries, including European countries, that have provided the Secretary-General with a list of personalities, experts and resources likely to help the Secretariat to carry out fact-finding, mediation or good-offices missions in parts of the world where disputes may surface or be exacerbated. We support the Secretary-General's suggestion that the personalities so designated should also be available for long-term missions. We also support the efforts to ensure regular financing for preventive-diplomacy and peacemaking missions.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Conflict prevention includes assistance to countries that are making progress towards democracy and the monitoring of elections. The establishment of and respect for human rights and the rights of individuals belonging to minorities, as well as measures to promote economic and social stability, are other basic elements of prevention. We attach particular importance to preventive diplomacy. We support the intensification and improved integration of efforts between the United Nations system and regional organizations in order to better identify situations that may give rise to conflicts.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“It emphasizes that the concept of peace-keeping, especially in the form of peace-keeping operations, is an irreplaceable instrument and that there is a need to improve the capacity for rapid deployment of United Nations troops. It takes into consideration various aspects of the resort to enforcement measures, military and non-military alike, and calls for caution in this regard. In all these areas the Secretary-General underlines the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. Recourse to the methods of preventive diplomacy and peacemaking is the best means of preventing the outbreak or exacerbation of conflicts and of avoiding situations in which the Security Council must decide to launch a peace-keeping operation.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. I should like first to thank the Secretary-General for his excellent report entitled "Supplement to an Agenda for Peace: position paper of the Secretary-General on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations". This important document provides timely help for the Council and the General Assembly to ponder in depth all facets of the objectives and means of maintaining international peace and security. It rounds out the important contribution of "An Agenda for Peace", which remains a useful basis for reflection by Member States. The report of the Secretary-General quite rightly stresses the importance of preventive diplomacy and post- conflict peace-building.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492Resumption1 (1995) · source
“Some of the questions I have raised, such as those concerning sanctions, are substantive. Others, such as those concerning the proposed rapid reaction force, address more particularly the real possibility of implementing the proposals before us in the near future. We believe that emphasis and efforts should be focused on progress that can be achieved now, allowing the development of existing means to improve the rapid deployment of United Nations operations. In conclusion, I wish to recall that the basis of our thinking, "An Agenda for Peace", continues to be valid. The current inadequacy of the means available to the United Nations should not lead us to abandon in principle the goals which we may set ourselves for the future, and in particular the United Nations capacity to enforce peace when it is called upon to do so.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“Indeed, although experience teaches us that the imposition of sanctions must have a specific aim and that the means and criteria for lifting a sanctions regime and regular consideration of that regime must be stipulated from the outset, we also feel that it is necessary to preserve the Security Council's autonomy in decision-making. It would seem to us that the proposed establishment of a mechanism whose primary function would be to evaluate, before any decision is taken, the potential impact of the planned sanctions on the country in question and on third countries, of the planned sanctions and to measure the effects of those sanctions during their implementation would, unfortunately, lead to all sorts of pressures being exerted on the Council. We would therefore be unable to endorse that suggestion at this juncture.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“Implementing such a concept would obviously take a long time. The careful study which it deserves and the hopes it might arouse do not, in the opinion of my Government, justify any delay in developing the system of stand-by forces. The measures outlined in Article 41 of the Charter - the imposition of sanctions - are the only enforcement instruments available to the Security Council to ensure the maintenance of international peace and security other from recourse to military force, which, as we know, is very difficult to implement. This is why their use is not subject to any restriction. The Charter only refers to the ability of third States to consult the Council over specific economic difficulties they may encounter. On this subject, my Government does not entirely agree with the Secretary-General's proposals.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“We took note with great interest of the proposal by the Secretary-General regarding the creation of a United Nations rapid reaction force, made up of national battalions trained under the same procedures and with integrated equipment which would constitute the strategic reserve of the Security Council. This proposal will be considered very closely by my Government. Its practical implications, political consequences and financial aspects raise issues. The main advantage of creating such a force, compared with the existing system of stand-by forces, would be the permanent availability of battalions in all circumstances. We would note, however, that questions concerning agreements between the Governments concerned and the United Nations, the command of the force and its financing have not been spelled out.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“In the current circumstances, the only way to effectively initiate planning for an operation and guarantee its rapid deployment is to develop the data bank containing all the commitments for the contribution of forces and keep it up-to-date. By definition, these stand-by commitments, since they are not automatic, cannot in all cases necessarily ensure rapid deployment of an operation. Nevertheless, we cannot understand why the system developed by the Secretariat should fall into disuse due to lack of attention, on the pretext that its effectiveness is not guaranteed in all cases. We consider not only that arrangements regarding stand-by forces should be maintained, but that the inter-operational nature of the forces, in terms of equipment, deployment timetables and command structure, should be developed.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“As experience has shown on many occasions, rapid deployment is essential for the success of operations. In this connection, it should be noted that the speed with which an operation is deployed depends not only on the capacity of the Secretariat, but also to a large extent Member States to respond to the demands made on them. The concept of stand-by forces, which was developed by the Secretariat, is, if a sufficient number of Member States commit themselves to it, an excellent way of reducing the time required for deployment. My Government, which put forward this concept and which has advocated and supported its implementation, very much hopes that the Secretariat will continue to develop and promote it among Member States.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“They can occur during or as a continuation of a peace-keeping operation in order to ensure the lasting restoration of peace. They can also be initiated independently of an operation, as a consequence of a preventive diplomacy mission or a peace- making mission. Actions to promote the creation of diplomatic institutions and economic and social development help to eliminate the underlying causes of conflicts, particularly internal conflicts. My delegation would like to see such measures implemented, particularly after a peace-keeping operation, when they prove necessary to promote the lasting restoration of peace. We should follow up the major progress which has been achieved in the last two years in strengthening the ability of the Secretariat to plan, deploy and conduct peace- keeping operations.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“We are pleased that this example has been, or is in the course of being, followed by other countries. Furthermore, we support in principle the idea that stable funding should be provided for the initiation and conduct of preventive diplomacy missions and peace-making, including long-term missions. The preventive deployment of peace-keeping troops is one way to prevent the outbreak or worsening of conflicts and to help restore peace. My Government hopes that we can have recourse to preventive deployment to help stabilize tense situations whenever it is useful and possible, including deployment on one side of the border when there is a lack of consent by all the Governments concerned. Peace-building activities are a necessary corollary to preventive diplomacy and peace-making.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“I would like to discuss three subjects to which, in the view of my delegation, special attention should be given if we wish to improve the United Nations capacity to maintain international peace and security. I am referring to preventive diplomacy and peace-making, to the rapid deployment of peace-keeping operations and to the imposition of sanctions. We attach particular importance to the use of preventive diplomacy for peace-making efforts to forestall the outbreak or aggravation of conflicts and to settle their underlying disputes. It was to this end that we transmitted last year, in coordination with the Government of the United Kingdom, a list of individuals, experts and means to help the Secretariat to carry out preventive diplomacy missions.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“Mr. Merimee (France) (interpretation from French): The European Union will shortly be making a statement through its President. My delegation, which naturally endorses the views expressed in that statement, now proposes to emphasize the points to which we attach particular importance. I should like at the outset to congratulate the Secretary-General on the excellent report he submitted on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, a direct follow-up to "Agenda for Peace", published two and a half years ago. The thinking it contains is fortunately enriched by the experience derived from peace-keeping operations during the interim.”
1995-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3492 (1995) · source
“At the end of the three-month period, which will serve as a test of the good will of the Liberian factions, my country will be ready to consider possible recommendations by the Secretary-General for augmenting UNOMIL's resources and functions.”
1995-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3489 (1995) · source
“The continuation of the conflict in Liberia is truly a threat to the stability of the region. The humanitarian situation, which, as the Secretary- General stresses, has left the population in extreme distress, is of deep concern to my country. France is providing humanitarian assistance, particularly within the framework of the European Union. The United Nations and the non-governmental organizations are doing all they can to come to the aid of the Civilian population. It is absolutely shocking that material and other supplies intended to assist people are plundered and that the life and freedom of movement of the personnel of these organizations are threatened. My delegation therefore calls upon the parties to respect their commitments and to ensure that the military commanders in the field allow assistance to reach its destination.”
1995-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3489 (1995) · source
“My delegation voted in favour of this resolution, which extends the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) for three months, to enable the parties to provide concrete proof of their good will and spirit of responsibility. It is once again being made clear that the international community and the United Nations cannot take the place of the Liberians; they alone are responsible for their country's fate. The French Government urges the Liberian factions to respect the cease-fire concluded on 28 December last and calls for strict implementation of the arms embargo. My Government supports the Secretary-General's recommendation for the holding of a summit of the Heads of State of the region to harmonize their policies towards Liberia and promote the implementation of the Accra Agreement.”
1995-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3489 (1995) · source