YouSaid · the spoken record

Miyet

lines on the record: 120
first: 1998-12-18
most recent: 2000-08-15
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Returning to the Joint Military Commission, this is one of the keys to the success of the operation. We must know with certainty the nature of the determination, will and purpose of the parties, and the JMC can be a mechanism for addressing any difficulties that might arise. It is therefore absolutely essential to establish a permanent structure that would cooperate closely with the United Nations so that we can understand the intentions of the parties and so that the parties can in turn understand the intentions of the United Nations and its capabilities and modalities for action. This was mentioned by the representative of the Netherlands, and it is of importance to us. That is why the links between the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations are so important.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Here, one test is that we must know whether or not the Security Council will provide full financial support and whether or not the troops, logistics, communications and engineering will be made available to the Secretary-General so that the mission can be deployed on the ground. It is not a question solely of taking a decision; it is a question of having the necessary resources, including the troops and equipment needed for an operation of this kind. In that connection, we welcome the recent Security Council resolution that enables us to begin the procurement of equipment. A draft budget of $31 million, plus $500,000 for humanitarian assistance, has been submitted to the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions to enable us to move ahead.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“I believe that Ambassador Holbrooke used the word "confusion"; let me respond by saying that there is no confusion. There are three phases, and each phase must be envisaged in terms of the resources it needs. Phase two involves 500 observers, and it goes without saying that protecting them, deploying them and ensuring communication and freedom of movement for them - all with the necessary resources - are important to us. That is what we are working on at present. Let me return to Ambassador Lavrov's comment, which I think is absolutely fundamental. These observers must be deployed in a context in which they have the resources they need.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We are constantly aware of the need for the greatest seriousness, responsibility and clear- mindedness, something that a number of delegations have mentioned. Some have spoken of past tragedies the United Nations has faced; two recent reports are reminders of these. As members know, the Secretary-General and his team in my Department are fully aware of the need to operate with maximal security, but without setting preconditions that would make any operation completely impossible. Our aim is to implement the phases of the plan as quickly as possible so that we can play a positive part and can have the needed influence on the parties, with a view to giving the peace process every chance of success. We want to do this credibly; some have referred to "robustness" and to the force's deterrent power. We have these matters in mind.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Here, I am responding to Ambassador Dejammet. I would remind him that we already have four officers in Lusaka providing support to the Joint Military Commission. From the beginning, we hoped that the Joint Military Commission would have a permanent secretariat by 20 December. Here again, the United Nations is doing its utmost to support and facilitate its establishment. And here, France made a welcome financial contribution, for which I am grateful; thanks to a United Nations aeroplane, we were able to help in the deployment of the OAU military liaison officers to a number of sites in eastern Congo. So we have been active, and, with a sense of serious-mindedness, will continue to be active. The second part of my response relates to our need for all necessary resources.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We hope that during the course of phase two, we will have additional information on the 500 military observers. How will they be deployed and in what conditions on the ground? What kind of logistical means and protection will they have? Will the technical team on the ground be able to provide us with information? We cannot get the information by reading a crystal ball. This is one important element that we are working on constantly. As the Council knows, the technical assessment team has been in Kinshasa for several months now. We are making every effort in the hope that it will soon be deployed and, fortunately, we are now working with the Joint Military Commission so as to be able to complete that work. The second aspect of our commitment and resolve relates to the support provided to the Joint Military Commission.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“First, the Secretary-General, who was here yesterday, repeated that he was firmly committed to the whole of the African continent and to ensuring that the United Nations is present there and plays its part. That is a full and complete commitment. A plan has been proposed for a three-phase operation following the signing of the Lusaka Agreement, and we are trying to implement that three-phase plan. A number of elements are the responsibility of the Secretariat itself, while others are dependent on the situation on the ground or on the means provided by the Security Council. However, sometimes we have the feeling of being ahead, and sometimes we are criticized for moving too fast, as happened when we dispatched the military liaison officers.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Before dealing with the many questions relating to the Joint Military Commission (JMC), I shall respond to two general questions. I shall try not to be evasive in responding to the representative of Bahrain. He asked why progress in the Lusaka process was so slow, particularly at the political level. Was that question addressed to the Secretariat or to the parties? That is the question that I wish to throw back at him. He also asked why the United Nations was so reticent. Was that question addressed to the Secretariat or to the Council itself? Those questions can be asked in relation to our discussion today. With regard to the Secretariat, I shall respond by making three points.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“It is our hope that action by the United Nations can have the same positive effect in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and thus contribute to a general improvement in regional stability and cooperation.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“An early start to the national dialogue would be an important step towards the resolution of the conflict. The Government and the parties should also reaffirm their full cooperation with MON UC in its efforts to implement the resolutions adopted by the Security Council. In this context, we believe that very strict adherence to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement is essential. The success of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic in supporting the stability of the Central African Republic has given us a clear and positive indication of the role the United Nations can play in the creation and maintenance of conditions of security and stability in that country.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“We intend to submit a further report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in mid- January, which, we anticipate, will contain options and recommendations based on the situation as at that time. Let me remind members that thanks to the resolution adopted by the Security Council, the necessary administrative measures have already been taken to facilitate the future equipping of these 500 military observers. In the meantime, action must be taken to check and reverse the degradation of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Naturally, it is the parties themselves who bear the primary responsibility for taking this action. The recent agreement on the nomination of Sir Ketumile Masire of Botswana is to be welcomed.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“With regard to the next stages, in resolution 1279 (1999) the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to report to it as soon as possible on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to submit his recommendations on further deployment of United Nations personnel in the country and on their protection. The Council also requested the Secretary-General to take the administrative steps necessary for the equipping of up to 500 United Nations military observers, with a view to facilitating future rapid United Nations deployments as authorized by the Council. In view of the difficulties we have faced - as I have said here - in gathering the necessary information to present a concept of operations, we are not at this point in a position to submit recommendations to the Security Council.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Humanitarian agencies themselves are currently having difficulties, particularly as a result of the effect of the currency control regime on their operating costs. There has been in increase in the level of chronic malnutrition in the districts of Bas-Congo, in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular among children under the age of five years. The World Food Programme has announced that while access to war- affected populations has improved, humanitarian agencies still have difficulty in reaching the interior of the country. It has also stated that unless new funds are made available immediately, 350,000 people already living under very precarious conditions will have to struggle even more to survive.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“A crisis committee headed by the Minister of Health is addressing immediate humanitarian needs. The threat of possible cholera outbreaks is currently being monitored by local authorities. This situation has also resulted in food shortages in urban areas. The prices of some food staples have risen by more than 25 per cent in recent weeks. This has been made considerably worse by Government-imposed currency exchange controls, which have impeded imports, particularly the import of foodstuffs. In addition, the supply of foodstuffs has also been seriously affected in recent weeks by rebel activity in food-producing areas, a situation that has been compounded by the start of the rainy season.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“On 15 December 1999, the Secretary-General of the OAU, Mr. Salim Salim, announced that the representatives of the Government of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the three rebel groups, meeting in Addis Ababa, had agreed that the former President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire, should assume to role of the neutral facilitator for the inter-Congolese political negotiations. Mr. Salim said he would consult with the President of Botswana, Mr. Festus Mogae, and with Sir Ketumile, and that he remained confident that with this nomination it would be possible to meet the challenges confronting the country. With regard to the humanitarian situation, heavy rains have caused numerous flooding problems in Kinshasa over the past two weeks. Twenty thousand persons are currently without shelter.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“At its third session, which was held during the first week of December at Harare, the JMC took up the reports of four working groups - on the disengagement of forces, humanitarian assistance, disarmament and the withdrawal of forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The JMC also agreed that the Zambian Government would have the task of leading a mediation group comprised of representatives from MONUC, the OAU, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the RCD (Goma) to broker an agreement on the disengagement of forces around Ikela, as I previously indicated. The next meeting of the JMC is scheduled to take place on 20 January 2000. In the meantime, the MONUC JMC support team will participate and assist in the establishment of a 24-hour JMC secretariat and operations room in Lusaka.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“In order to complete its survey of the country and the deployment of the remaining military liaison officers, MONUC - together with the JMC - has drawn up a jointly agreed list of locations that includes the rear military headquarters of the parties, as stipulated in resolution 1258 (1999). The JMC, in accordance with the role established for it in the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, will be responsible, in conjunction with MONUC, for obtaining the consent of the parties for these deployments. (spoke in French) I would now like to take up the conclusions of the meeting of the Joint Military Commission.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Until we have the information we need from the survey and from the military headquarters of the belligerents, we will not be in a position fully to assess the conditions of security, access and freedom of movement and cooperation on the part of the parties, or to develop a detailed and comprehensive concept of operations to submit to the Council, as called for in resolution 1279 (1999). MONUC has also been assisting the JMC by deploying some of the regional joint military commissions, which have now been positioned in Lisala, Boende and Kabinda. Another team is scheduled to be placed in Kabalo. The regional joint military commissions are accompanied by teams of military observers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Teams of military liaison officers have also been deployed in Goma, Kananga and Gbadolite following visits made to those locations by the technical survey team tasked with preparing for further deployments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and another deployment to Kindu is scheduled to take place this week. However, the RCD has yet to agree to the planned positioning of another team in Kisangani, insisting that the Government should first allow more MONUC deployments in the area they control. Until MONUC is guaranteed the full security and freedom of movement it needs by both sides, it will not be able to complete its technical survey of the country or to station military liaison officers at the rear military headquarters of the parties, as stipulated by the Council.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Morjane met with President Kabila and the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as with the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Richard Holbrooke, during the latter's visit, and I am pleased to see him back here among us. MONUC has currently deployed 62 of the 90 military liaison officers authorized under Security Council resolution 1258 (1999), of 6 August 1999. In addition to Kinshasa, the site of the United Nations advance military headquarters, they are located in the capitals of the belligerent States, in Addis Ababa and in Bujumbura.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“The United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) is working closely with the JMC on the implementation of this agreement. Other clashes have taken place in the south-east of the country, and fears have arisen of a major attack on Bukavu and Uvira by the so-called negative forces which are not party to the Ceasefire Agreement. These include the former Rwandan Government forces and Interahamwe militia, as well as Burundi extremists. As far as the deployment of United Nations personnel is concerned, on 11 December, Mr. Kamel Morjane of Tunisia, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arrived in Kinshasa to assume his functions. Mr.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“The MLC also alleges that the Government has concentrated a brigade in Lulonga with the aim of recapturing Basankusu. At the same time, a group of about 700 Democratic Republic of the Congo-allied forces composed of Congolese, Zimbabwean and Namibian troops has been encircled at Ikela by the rebels and their allies and is running short of supplies. Agreement has been reached between the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) (Goma) and the Zimbabwean forces that if military activity aimed at relieving the encirclement ceased and troops withdrew towards Boende, the RCD (Goma) would then allow forces present in Ikela to be resupplied with non-lethal supplies, to be verified by the Joint Military Commission (JMC).”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Mr. Miyet: I will start my presentation with the military and security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The military and security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seriously deteriorated since the Security Council was last briefed, on 18 November. A Democratic Republic of the Congo Government offensive launched from Mbandaka against territory controlled by the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC) in Equateur province has triggered an MLC counter-attack. On 2 December, MLC forces seized Basankusu, and fighting in the area appears to be continuing. The MLC has accused the Government of bombarding Makanza and Libanda with mortar fire and launching airborne attacks on Basankusu on 2, 3, 5 and 9 December.”
1999-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4083 (1999) · source
“Mr. Miyet: I did not realize that the representative of Bahrain had asked me that question - I thought it was an observation. All efforts leading to the alleviation of the suffering of the people and to improving their plight are welcome. I think that it would be useful to discuss the matter with Carolyn McAskie, the acting Emergency Relief Coordinator, so that she can check with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization and find out which agencies are working most actively in that area and are able to support such a process. I will inform her about those project initiatives on the part of Bahrain.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“In our view, that is a demonstration, at least at this stage, of his commitment to working actively within the institutions that have been set up under the Lome Agreement. This is therefore a positive sign. The statements that he made appear to be relatively pertinent. It is now up to the members of that Commission themselves to hold discussions and to establish their guidelines, programme of work and strategy.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“In its last question, the French delegation referred to the statements made by Mr. Johnny Paul Koroma regarding the organization of the work of the Commission for the Consolidation of Peace and asked whether the issue had been discussed with the United Nations. I should like to remind the Council that the Commission is a national one, created under the Agreement. We are not talking about a Commission that is under the responsibility of the United Nations Mission. It is therefore essentially for the Sierra Leoneans themselves to organize and discuss it. The only comment that I can make is that Mr. Koroma's statement related to the strategy he envisaged for the Commission.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“It is essential to support this effort. At the same time, the presence of UNAMSIL, as well as of Indian and Kenyan troops and the ECOMOG troops that will remain or be replaced by fresh troops, will no doubt have an impact on the rebels themselves and on the various groups, showing them that the exercise is to be taken seriously, and that the force present in the country has the capacity to deter the various parties from reneging on the commitments they have undertaken. In conclusion, inasmuch as this is a public meeting and will no doubt resonate in the country as a demonstration of widespread support among African countries and throughout the international community, I believe that the Security Council is sending out an important message to all the parties.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“Obviously, both Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma are subject to pressures from their former troops, who want to see a real will to demobilize and tangible signs that their reintegration will provide them with adequate financial conditions and dignity. Such reactions affect the leaders, who are held to account by the troops. Under such conditions it is important for dialogue to continue, as is happening, and for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to maintain a consolidated, firm and assured presence in both Freetown and Lungi. In that context, and given the financial and human effort being made by the countries that have been contributing to ECOMOG, the support of donor countries is essential. I made that point earlier, and I hope that it will be borne in mind.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“We must make sure that it progresses in parallel, on the rebel side as well as that of the other forces - that is to say, the Civil Defence Forces (CDF) as well as the Kamajors. It is necessary to show that this disarmament programme involves all the parties, not only the rebel groups. A third explanation for the doubts and questions may also relate to the disarmament programme, in particular the conditions under which the fighters that have agreed to demobilize are received in the camps and the payment of a sum to enable them to provide for the survival of their families. These factors have created certain dissatisfaction and anxiety in the camps and led to expressions of discontent that are perhaps understandable.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“That presence - and the arrival of Indian and Kenyan troops with strong resources - in areas that have been only under rebel control throughout the entire period, might give rise to certain questions. As I said earlier, there is a need for dialogue and clarification so as to create conditions of confidence with regard to all the rebel leaders. Let us not forget that they have been isolated for months, even years, by combat and distrust. The sudden arrival of well-equipped foreign troops will doubtless give rise here and there to fears and questions that should be taken into account. Given the climate of distrust now prevailing, a further element that might give rise to such doubts and disquiet at this stage is the disarmament programme.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“I will say, though, as Ambassador Qin Huasun stated, that even if recently there has been some doubt about the implementation of the programme, we know that Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma are in Freetown, that they are actively participating in all the negotiations and that on several occasions they have made statements. It is clear that, if they had deliberately wished not to implement it, for their own safety and security they would doubtless prefer not to be in Freetown at this stage. That is one element that should be taken into account. The second part of my answer is perhaps linked to the fact that now United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) troops are in the process of being deployed.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“We believe that in this way problems can be avoided. It is clear that the deployment of these troops will give rise to questions and concerns. It is taking place in a measured and well-thought-out manner in order to ensure security. The second series of questions relates to the fact that there are some doubts as to the commitment of the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone (RUF) to participate in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, and as to the possible explanations. Is it an attempt to raise the stakes? Are there disagreements between the various rebel leaders? Or is it simply a refusal to implement the Agreement or a desire to retain their hold over diamond-rich areas? It is very difficult at this point to give a clear-cut answer.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“First, let me touch on the question on the deployment in the northern part of Sierra Leone and the conditions under which it will take place, in particular the security conditions. As has been made clear, the deployment in the north will consist of two Kenyan and Indian contingents. That is due in part to the desire of the Organization and the Secretariat to show clearly that the United Nations action is a new and impartial action, and also to show our resolve that United Nations action in this connection must be vigorous. This information has been communicated to all the parties, including Foday Sankoh, Sam Bockarie and Johnny Paul Karoma. Discussions are ongoing to ensure that every clarification will be made as to the deployment - how and when it will be carried out, under what conditions and with what mandate.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“This is linked mainly to the fact that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) troops would remain. This is referred to in the report of the Secretary-General and was mentioned in my briefing at the outset of this meeting. We expect the ECOMOG troops to remain with a robust presence in both Freetown and Lungi. There is no need to increase the United Nations troops. The reference in the report was linked to the level of cooperation with ECOMOG and to the actions that they could take in this region. Therefore, for the time being, the conditions are there. (spoke in French) I will strive now to answer the questions raised by the French delegation, to inject some optimism and to show that to speak in French does not necessarily entail pessimism.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“So with respect to the ceasefire and as far as the civilian police is concerned, actions are already being carried out with the support of the British Commonwealth. This task was not directly given to the United Nations, but we are assisting and supporting this process and will continue to do so. Our human rights component is also working very hard to try to assist the process. One hundred Sierra Leonean police officers were trained this week by our human rights experts, and these programmes will develop later on. The representative of Namibia also posed some questions as to the references by the Secretariat to the fact that the strength of the troops will be reviewed, depending on the conditions on the ground.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“We will send a technical assessment team very soon to review with the Government and the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) what the demining needs are, both to protect the United Nations troops to be deployed there and to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance and the work of the humanitarian non-governmental organizations. The second question was raised by Ambassador J agne on the possibility of deploying civilian police. Here too I would say that every mission is different and that the concept of operations has to be adapted to specific needs. Mainly, as far as we are concerned, it is under the Lome Peace Agreement that we are carrying out our activities and actions.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“With respect to the French presentations, I would like to apologize to the French-speaking delegations for the fact that there is a small error in the French version of the report, in paragraph 6, where reference is made to the "American national electoral Commission". Perhaps the translator was influenced by the fact that Ambassador Holbrooke was there; his reputation is such that maybe he is also chairing this Commission. I will now turn to the various questions raised. With respect to Ambassador Fowler's question on mines, it is true that we have recently discovered that there is a mine problem. We did not know of it before because we were not able to reach the northern part of the country. It is clear that we do not know the scope of the problem at this juncture.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“I think that the expressions of gratitude are well-deserved and that there are now grounds for real hope that Ambassador Adeniji is someone who will be able to successfully take over. (spoke in English) Maybe, for Mr. van Walsum's benefit, I should say that perhaps I was influenced with respect to the bad news and the good news, but considering the way the English speakers expressed themselves - Ambassador Jagne himself said at one point "an revers de la medaille" - I believe that maybe with these good English words I was drawn into another language. Or maybe it was the French delegation which, by posing questions that raised a lot of doubts and uncertainties, influenced my presentation. But I will see.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“First of all, and I regret that I did not do the same earlier, several delegations have expressed their satisfaction with, and gratitude for, the work done by Francis Okelo during the difficult phase that led to the Lome Agreement. Subsequently he proved to be a key player for the United Nations and demonstrated wisdom, intelligence and tact in carrying out his role. By the same token, Special Representative Adeniji has, under very trying circumstances, already proved - through his experience, his authority and his ability to manage a difficult operation in the Central African Republic - that in the months ahead he will be up to the challenge posed by the process.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“Now that the main mechanisms for ceasefire monitoring and disarmament are almost in place, the responsibility for advancing the peace process in Sierra Leone and keeping the momentum in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process rests with the parties, in particular the rebels. The United Nations, in close cooperation with ECOMOG, stands ready to do its part.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“The Secretary- General also renews his appeal to donor countries to provide ECOMOG, in a way that consolidates its presence, with the support needed during the coming phase of its operations to effectively perform the tasks assigned to it. (spoke in English) I would like to conclude by saying that in spite of several serious concerns which I have outlined just now, we believe that there is perhaps also cause for some cautious optimism. It is clear that the commitments of the parties to the Lome Agreement will be put to the test in the coming crucial period.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“It is therefore important, as members of the Council are aware, that ECOMOG continues to play a major role in providing security at Lungi and at Freetown as well as in assisting the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, as envisaged in the Lorne Agreement. The Secretary-General has continued to be in touch with regional leaders, in particular President Obasanjo of Nigeria, to emphasize the importance that ECOMOG maintain in Sierra Leone a credible force of several thousand troops so that the process can proceed under the best possible conditions. The Secretary-General warmly thanks ECOMOG and the contributing countries for their continued efforts and for the sacrifices they have made to support the Government and people of Sierra Leone.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“In this regard, the battalion from Ghana, already on the ground as part of ECOMOG, will be reinforced to meet United Nations specifications and, pending the final necessary administrative arrangements, will be brought under United Nations command by the end of this month. Since October, the Secretariat has also been engaged in intensive discussions with the Government of Nigeria and with other ECOWAS countries, including the Gambia and Guinea, in order to expedite the deployment of their military personnel. After the necessary information on important logistical details that the Secretariat received from the Nigerian authorities late last week, we hope that 2,000 fresh troops and 50 military observers from countries with which we have been in consultation can be brought in before the end of the year.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“The Force Headquarters, including logistic, administrative and security elements, all provided by India, have also arrived this week. The Indian battalion and rapid reaction force, comprising some 1,200 troops, will be arriving in three batches in the course of this month, and the deployment of this Indian contingent should be completed by the end of the year or by early January 2000. Over half of the Kenyan battalion is already on the ground, and their deployment should be completed by this weekend. As members of the Council are aware, the Secretary- General has approached several Governments now contributing troops to ECOMOG with a view to securing their participation in UNAMSIL.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“The Lome Peace Agreement clearly commits all former parties to the conflict to providing safe and unhindered access for humanitarian interventions. Clearly it is important that this access be given without further delay; this would also send a message to the Security Council. I turn now to the question of the deployment of UNAMSIL. Since the preparation of the report, significant progress has been made with regard to the deployment of the military component of UNAMSIL. Nevertheless, efforts continue, in close coordination with the contributing States involved - to which I take this opportunity to convey my gratitude - to expedite the deployment so that the component can begin its work very soon. The Force Commander, Major-General J etley of India, arrived in Freetown on 7 December.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“My final point relating to the various sources of concern is that the humanitarian crisis in Sierra Leone continues: the delivery of humanitarian assistance has been seriously hampered by the outbreaks of violence in various places. Assistance efforts by the humanitarian agencies continue to be obstructed by a variety of threats and by the procedures that must be carried out vis-a-vis various groups in order to gain access to many areas. These procedures are arbitrary and at this point there is no automatic access for non-governmental organizations. In addition, some national and international humanitarian personnel and experts continue to suffer harassment, assault and even at times detention at the hands of the rebel forces.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“In this regard, it should be recalled that a Ghanaian ECOMOG soldier was injured recently when his unit took part in the defence of a village against an attack by a rebel group at Pepel island, 20 kilometres east of Lungi. Still with reference to human rights, the Human Rights Commission and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission envisaged in the Lorne Agreement have yet to be established. As described in the Secretary-General's report, UNAMSIL and the Government of Sierra Leone are working closely with the office of Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to prepare the ground for the establishment of these two important commissions.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“Another source of concern for the entire United Nations family, for non-governmental organizations and for Governments is the human rights situation, with too- frequent occurrences of rape, looting and harassment of and attacks on civilians. Furthermore, both the RUF and the AFRC have to date shown great reluctance to release adult and child abductees. Only some 1,000 adults and children have been released so far. Considerable numbers of civilians are still in captivity, and there are reports of continuing abductions. UNAMSIL issued a strong appeal to the parties to take immediate action to end the abuses, the human rights violations and the attacks against civilians. We also continue to urge Government authorities and ECOMOG to protect the civilian population to the extent possible, and wherever possible.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“More recent sources of concern were several public statements made in the last day or two by Mr. Foday Sankoh himself in connection with the arrival of United Nations troops and their role in the disarmament process. Lastly, since it is reported today in the press, I should like to inform the Council that two doctors from the non-governmental organization Doctors Without Borders have been detained in the Kailahun region. Mr. Bockarie has voiced his dissatisfaction over the disarmament process under way. Efforts are now being made on the ground by the Government and United Nations representatives in order to achieve the speedy release of the two doctors, and perhaps it might be desirable for the Council itself to voice the need for their release.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“The town was subsequently attacked and taken over by the RUF. Fighting between the RUF and AFRC also took place around Lunsar and Rogberi. In addition, there were reports of frequent attacks by armed groups on Villages and roads throughout the country. In particular, attacks in the area of Kimbia reportedly caused up to 1,000 persons to flee into Guinea. Another source of concern relates to Mr. Sam Bockarie, one of the RUF commanders in the eastern part of the country, who has made several public statements that could give rise to some doubt as to the strength of his commitment to the peace process. Efforts are now being undertaken by the Government, the RUF leadership and UNAMSIL to provide him with the necessary clarifications about the Lorne Peace Agreement and the disarmament programme.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source