YouSaid · the spoken record

Monteiro

lines on the record: 721
first: 1997-01-10
most recent: 2005-10-13
sittings or episodes: 86
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We therefore strongly hope that today's signal of international support for the peace process will be an additional incentive for the parties concerned to create the conditions for peace, leading to the holding of free and fair elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is, we believe, the only path towards long and lasting national reconciliation. Furthermore, the European Union calls upon the Democratic Republic of the Congo to enhance the political and civil rights and fundamental freedoms of its people.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“The European Union is convinced that the extension and expansion of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo provides a unique opportunity for all the parties involved to restore peace and stability to that battered country and help give back to the Congolese people and all affected in the region the means to achieve a democratic environment and national reconciliation. The European Union reiterates that the success of MONUC hinges on the political will of the parties to fulfil the obligations they accepted under the Lusaka Agreement.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“Last month, all the regional leaders who came to New York to address this Council on the Democratic Republic of Congo reaffirmed their commitment to finding a peaceful and negotiated solution to the conflict and asked that the international community, through the United Nations, provide assistance. The United Nations reacted rapidly by showing its readiness to assist and to reinforce its commitment to this process. This Council is today following up on that commitment.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“The European Union reaffirms the importance it attaches to the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and stresses the need to ensure unhindered access by humanitarian organizations to all areas where the population is in need. The security of its personnel also needs to be assured. The European Union reaffirms its support - in the context of a lasting solution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - for the idea of an international conference to address the underlying causes of conflict and the related issues concerning the stability of the Great Lakes region. The organization of such an initiative, as soon as the key elements of the Lusaka Agreement have been implemented, could contribute to the achievement of security, structural stability and sustainable development.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“Recent reports regarding the outbreak of fighting between the Lendu and Hema tribes in the Ituri region of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo - fighting which has resulted in the killing of many people and major Violations of human rights - deepens our concern and stresses the dramatic nature of the situation and how the hostilities have caused immense human suffering to civilians, in particular women and children. The continuing practice of recruiting child soldiers, reported to be taking place especially in the east of the country, is particularly serious and unacceptable. This situation demands immediate action.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“As we have stated on many other occasions, the European Union stands ready to give its support in that framework, and reaffirms that funding is available to assist any credible political dialogue if parties show their readiness and seriousness concerning the process. The European Union considers the work of Sir Ketumile Masire as an element that is fundamental to the peace process and, in that context, reaffirms its support for all his efforts and initiatives as facilitator and stands ready to assist him in fulfilling his mandate. The European Union remains deeply concerned by the continuing reports of human rights violations caused by the delays in the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement, widespread ceasefire violations and the continuation of the conflict.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“In this regard, the European Union considers it essential that United Nations Member States take all the necessary measures to curb all sale or supply of arms and other military equipment to armed groups operating in the conflict. In this context, the European Union recalls its declaration of June 1999 on the arms trade to and within the Great Lakes region. The European Union further reiterates its call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is another key element of the Lusaka Agreement, which the European Union strongly hopes to see fully implemented. The European Union considers that an urgent national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in accordance with the provisions of the Lusaka Agreement is essential to ensure the success of national reconciliation.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“In this context, the European Union considers it to be of the utmost importance that all parties cooperate with and facilitate the deployment of MONUC to all designated areas and assure the security and freedom of movement necessary for the full accomplishment of its mandated tasks. This is essential for the success of MONUC and will be instrumental in ensuring the observance of the ceasefire. The European Union welcomes the establishment of an effective joint structure of MONUC and the Joint Military Commission (J MC) and reaffirms its intention to support its work. The European Union considers that a peaceful and voluntary process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the militia and other groups currently operating in the region constitutes a key factor in the process and a crucial element for the restoration of peace.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“The European Union believes that the decision made here today can achieve its aims only if there is unequivocal political will on the part of all involved and strict adherence by all parties to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. Clear progress must be made in establishing an effective framework for the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement, which remains the most viable basis for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Indeed, the successful continuation of the peace process depends on the willingness of the parties to place the interests of the Congolese people above any other interests.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the European Free Trade Association countries members of the European Economic Area, Liechtenstein and Norway, align themselves with this statement. The European Union welcomes the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). The decision to expand the force to more than 5,500 personnel, including 500 military observers, is highly appropriate and is a clear sign of the international community's commitment to peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
2000-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4104 (2000) · source
“With its clear condemnation and intolerance of attacks on international personnel, the Council should also consider how best to enable peacekeeping operations to protect their personnel, those associated with them and those of humanitarian missions. The European Union pays tribute to those who have given their lives in the service of peace and is committed to bringing a safer environment to the work of United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The complete review of air safety as it pertains to peacekeeping is also most welcome. Careful and comprehensive training of personnel, including humanitarian personnel, is also crucial in this regard. We look forward to the Secretary-Generals forthcoming comprehensive report to the General Assembly at its fifty- fifth session on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. The protection of United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel is, as I said, of the utmost concern to us all. The Security Council has made clear its preoccupation with this problem, and the European Union fully supports the measures the Council may take to enhance the safety and security of personnel in situations of conflict.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The European Union stresses the importance of each peacekeeping operation having a comprehensive security plan, including standard operating procedures and a risk assessment for force commanders. The European Union supports the measures already highlighted and implemented where possible, including the deployment of the appropriate number of security officers, pre-deployment training for security officers and other staff and the provision of the necessary logistical support. The European Union also supports the Secretary-Generals continued strengthening of the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator with personnel dedicated to security in peacekeeping operations and looks forward to the appointment of a full-time security coordinator, as requested by the General Assembly for the security of humanitarian missions.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The European Union believes that the safety and security of personnel begin with adequate planning by the United Nations and with giving missions and operations the necessary training and resources, including protection elements, to achieve realistic mandates in safety and with security. For its part, the Secretariat must ensure that United Nations and associated personnel are adequately protected, and we welcome the Secretary-General's efforts to enhance the security of United Nations peacekeeping personnel. Important in this context is the draft resolution that the European Union sponsors every year in the General Assembly on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel. We look forward to the general and comprehensive review of security in peacekeeping operations currently under way.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“Governments must act forcefully to prevent violence against these personnel and to punish those responsible for attacks and other violations of international humanitarian law. In this context, the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is also essential, and we urge all Member States to sign and ratify the Statute as a matter of priority. The European Union remains committed to an early entry into force of the ICC Statute. The inclusion in the Statute of the war crime of intentionally attacking, in violation of international humanitarian law, personnel involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission will help to bring perpetrators to justice.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The European Union stresses the importance of the implementation of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and urges those Member States that have not yet signed and ratified this Convention to do so as soon as possible. Serious consideration should be given to expanding the scope of the Convention to include locally recruited personnel, who are essential to the functioning of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The perpetrators of crimes and violence against United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel must be brought to justice. Under-Secretary- General Vieira de Mello informed the Council last year that over 90 per cent of the deaths of humanitarian personnel have not yet been investigated by the relevant authorities. This situation is intolerable and cannot continue.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The blue flag of the United Nations must be respected. Without safety and security, missions and operations cannot function, let alone succeed. The increase in violent attacks has been registered while conflicts themselves increasingly involve civilian populations, which require greater levels of humanitarian assistance. But it is also true - and this is of great concern - that there is a growing lack of respect for international humanitarian and refugee law and for human rights. Responsibility for the safety of personnel on the ground falls, in the first instance, to the Governments hosting peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. We urge all parties to conflicts to take all steps necessary to ensure the safety and security of United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel, including locally recruited personnel.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The protection of personnel, whether United Nations, associated or humanitarian personnel, is now a fundamental responsibility for United Nations missions in situations of conflict. The safety and security of these personnel have always been of paramount importance, but the worrying increase in attacks against United Nations and other personnel makes this an issue of the utmost concern and requires a firm response from the international community. Violence directed at international and local personnel working to bring peace and humanitarian relief to areas of conflict is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in any circumstances. The efforts being undertaken by individuals in situations of extreme danger on behalf of the international community must be recognized. Their impartiality must be honoured and their safety guaranteed.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“Mr. Monteiro (Portugal) (spoke in Spanish): I wish, Mr. Minister, to welcome you and to thank you for presiding over this important meeting. My delegation and I myself are grateful for Argentina's initiative in convening this timely meeting, which is graced by your presence in the Chamber. (spoke in English) I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - and the associated countries Cyprus and Malta, as well as the European Free Trade Association countries members of the European Economic Area, Iceland and Liechtenstein, align themselves with this statement.”
2000-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4100 (2000) · source
“The European Union therefore appeals to the leaders gathered here today to take this historic opportunity to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the wider region and to all its people.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“We emphasize the importance of access by humanitarian organizations to all people in need. The European Union reiterates the importance it attaches to the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of children and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of child combatants. The European Union is fully committed to supporting initiatives that will bring peace to Africa. It is also actively engaged in assisting African countries to develop their economies. However, assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be made only under the necessary conditions of peace and security.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“That is why the European Union reaffirms its support for an eventual international conference on security and cooperation in the Great Lakes region to address and resolve the underlying causes of conflict in the region. The European Union encourages the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and all African countries concerned to begin preparatory work as soon as the main elements of the Lusaka Agreement have been implemented and announces its readiness to cooperate with the parties by providing technical and financial assistance in this regard. The European Union remains deeply concerned at the immense human suffering caused by the conflict to the civilian population of the region, in particular the dramatic situation faced by the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“It is the European Union's intention to provide the support needed to ensure the success of MONUC in its second-phase expansion and a subsequent third-phase peacekeeping presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For the second phase, we welcome the recommendations of the Secretary-General on the deployment of 500 military observers with a United Nations force. In this regard, the European Union stresses that it is essential to ensure adequate United Nations military protection. As is clear from the very highest level of representation of the countries in the Great Lakes region here today, a settlement of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo needs to be considered within a regional framework.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“Finally, the European Union stands ready to give its support to the national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which it considers to be an essential element of the reconciliation process. Funding by the European Union is available to assist the political dialogue as soon as the parties themselves show their firm readiness to initiate the process. In this context, the European Union welcomes the appointment of Sir Ketumile Masire as the facilitator for the national dialogue and stands ready to help him discharge his mandate. The European Union stresses the need for the dialogue to begin at an early date. These are the objectives which we hope the parties will work towards this week. The European Union considers that the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, has a crucial role to play in the peace process.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“The European Union believes that progress must be made to establish the essential institutions and channels that will form the framework for the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement. In this connection, the European Union considers that the Joint Military Commission has a crucial role to play, and we encourage efforts towards integration of its work with that of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The European Union also stresses the need to ensure a peaceful and permanent process of disarmament, demobilization and ...-J "Mu-MMJ A-tuvv reintegration of the militia groups currently operating in the region. We also hope to see progress this week towards an outline of how this will be achieved.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“Without a full and sustained commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement, the international donor community, of which the European Union represents a major part, will find its ability to contribute to the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo limited. The presence of the leaders of the States signatories to the Lusaka Agreement in New York this week, however, presents a critical opportunity for the parties to set this right and make clear their commitment to the Agreement and its implementation. We hope that one of the results of this week's discussions will be a clear and credible declaration to this end. Such a declaration would offer a firm basis for further deployment of the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are a number of other key targets for this week.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“I would also like to acknowledge the participation in this meeting of ministers from the Governments of Belgium, Burundi, Canada, France, Mali, Namibia and the United Kingdom, as well as the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity. This meeting of the Council clearly demonstrates that there is the political will in the region and the international community to advance peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider Great Lakes region. But peace and security in the region are only achievable if firmly rooted. The European Union believes that the Lusaka Agreement is the most viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. The European Union regrets that adherence to the provisions of the Lusaka Agreement by the parties has been far from complete, and that implementation is way behind schedule.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as Iceland, align themselves with this statement. The European Union welcomes your initiative, Mr. President, to focus discussions of the Council during the month of January on Africa, and today on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also warmly welcome the presence at this important meeting of the heads of State of Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“The prevention of conflicts is now regarded as a priority task of the United Nations, and there can be little doubt that tackling the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS in Africa constitutes preventive action at its best.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“HIV/AIDS cannot be dealt with effectively by single United Nations bodies, but needs instead to be handled in a holistic manner by all sectors of the United Nations aiming at stable peace and security and long-term social and economic development. The European Union commends the United States for initiating this debate in the Council. The debate will strengthen the urgency of implementing the imperatives for action on the security aspects of HIV/AIDS as proposed by UNAIDS. The suffering of HIV/AIDS victims in Africa should not go unheeded, and efforts are under way to increase the effectiveness of national and international action addressing this difficult problem. The Security Council's awareness of the effects of HIV/AIDS in Africa is necessary for effectively addressing issues of peace and security on that continent.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In 1999, at the special session of the General Assembly for the overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD+5), the international community set a new internationally agreed target for addressing HIV/AIDS in the world. The European Union fully supports the attainment of the goals set during the special session and will continue to work in cooperation with African Governments to attain them, and it encourages all involved to lend their support to this task. And what can the Security Council do? Given its threatening impact on social and economic development, HIV/AIDS has a destabilizing effect on peace and security in the region. Therefore, the Security Council has a responsibility to take HIV/AIDS into consideration in its work.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“For our part, the European Union has, over the last 10 years, allocated a total of 1.5 billion euros through its Programme on Health, HIV/AIDS and Population (HAP) for African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. This is in addition to a number of national programmes being carried out by European Union member States. In 1998 alone, close to 120 million euros were committed by the European Development Fund for this purpose and another 22 million euros were committed for AIDS and population under specific budget lines. This European Union support for the Programme on Health, HIV/AIDS and Population presently represents more than 10 per cent of total European Union aid and is expected to increase.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The Union also looks forward to the further development of the strategy of International Partnership Against AIDS in Africa. Education, information, counselling and sexual health services accessible to young people are of the essence. In this respect, we welcome the Programme of Action for the Decade of Education by the African Ministers of Education and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit in Algiers that acknowledged the need for education on HIV/AIDS. Knowledge is and will remain the best preventive measure against this deadly disease. This is proof that a growing number of African Governments are demonstrating a stronger political commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS than ever before. This is a welcome development that should be encouraged and supported by the international community.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This is why the European Union supports the idea of developing strong national and international partnerships to address this issue. To this end, the European Union reiterates that the adverse impact of the epidemic on individuals, communities and nations can be overcome only through the combined efforts of Governments, the international community, non-governmental organizations and civil society as a whole - religious organizations, the corporate sector and foundations - the United Nations system and people living with HIV/AIDS. However, efforts must be coordinated, and the European Union believes that the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has an important role to play in this regard. The European Union fully supports UNAIDS and its co-sponsoring organizations in their joint efforts against HIV/AIDS.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In fact, AIDS now risks becoming a destabilizing factor in the development of many African States. The effects of this disease are compromising economic development and tearing at the social fabric of entire communities, which in turn presents risks for peace and security in specific regions and beyond. Furthermore, situations of instability and conflict make it harder to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS and to implement effective policies designed to control and stem the spread of the disease. It is clear, therefore, that AIDS presents a challenge to the entire international community and, with regard to its effect in Africa, is deserving of the attention of the Security Council. As a global problem it therefore requires a global strategy based on collaborative partnerships and responsibility.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Let me congratulate you, Mr. President, and thank you for this debate, as the first of this year. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the Union - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey align themselves with this statement. The European Union deeply shares the concern of the Secretary-General at the grave humanitarian emergency the world is facing, particularly in Africa, with the spread of HIV/AIDS. In Africa, the European Union has been helping countries deal with this disease and its tragic effects for many years, and we are well aware of its devastating consequences.”
2000-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4087Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This is a very important idea that was long refused linkage here in the Security Council and that some consider to be a General Assembly instrument. I believe that it can be used in certain situations, particularly now that we are thinking about deploying a peacekeeping operation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I think this peacekeeping operation should be followed by elements of peace-building. That is why I recall the idea of convening an international conference on the Great Lakes region. I wish to say one final word to state the obvious. There should be no competition for allocation of resources between different regions of the globe. As the Secretary- General reminded us this morning, this Organization has to provide the tools, including financial ones, to implement its own resolutions and decisions.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Council should encourage this trend and add its political weight whenever necessary. If this does not happen, arms embargoes, for instance, will continue to be the farce that they currently are. In the context of the sanctions committees, I must praise the work carried out by Ambassador Fowler. This is a good example that should now be followed. We know, however, that there are no quick fixes for solving African problems. That is precisely why we strongly support urgent and sustained action, as was requested this morning by the Secretary-General. Let me stress the importance of an ingredient usually missing when the Security Council deals with conflicts in Africa. I refer to what is boldly termed "post-conflict peace-building".”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I must here remember and pay homage to the mission that Maitre Blondin Beye was undertaking when he died - a mission to some African capitals, undertaken in the eleventh hour in the hope of getting support to persuade Jonas Savimbi to abide by the Lusaka Protocol. I would also like to discuss the idea of preventive deployment. Why has the previous success with preventive deployment in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, for instance, not been replicated elsewhere, and particularly in Africa? Another instrument that was referred to by previous speakers is that of targeted sanctions. This very important, but the work of the sanctions committees should not be bureaucratic but businesslike. Committees should regularly evaluate their own work and become proactive in fulfilling their mandates.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“However, when the United Nations seeks their assistance and participation - a mechanism that should be encouraged - it has to be ensured that those organizations have all the means necessary to carry out those functions. Secondly, I want to address the issue of the insufficient use of preventive diplomacy, such as fact- finding missions, Security Council missions and other similar instruments. I must recall the effectiveness of the Security Council mission to Jakarta last September, which greatly facilitated our work in East Timor. At the same time, I cannot forget how difficult it was to establish it. Thus, I believe that we have to use more of these instruments and other missions - missions, for instance, of representatives of the Secretary-General.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and for giving me the floor. I am another humble son of Africa. I can be added to the list. I was born and raised in the continent, and so I can be added to the list of the Ambassador of the Bahamas. The first conclusion I would like to draw from this meeting is that we have to work harder to utilize the range of instruments already available. Let me discuss a few of these specifically. The first is that the United Nations should work more closely with regional and subregional organizations. The United Nations cannot abdicate its duty to maintain international peace and security by delegating that responsibility to African regional or subregional organizations.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We look forward to helping East Timor become a land of life, not of death; of hope, not of despair; of the future, not of the past. The United Nations has a crucial part to play in this process of transformation. Our vision of East Timor is one of an independent country at peace with itself and its neighbours, and fully integrated into its region. As always, Portugal stands ready to support this common endeavour.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“In fact, without the remarkable restraint displayed by the East Timorese leadership and the degree of social organization it provided to the population, the consequences of the crisis would have been graver still. I cannot end without expressing the profound appreciation of the Portuguese Government for the extraordinary work performed by the personnel of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) under the most difficult and stressful of circumstances, in particular the skilled leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Martin. Their courage and determination at the risk of their own lives are examples to us all. I must also reiterate our sincere appreciation for the work carried out by the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jamsheed Marker, and his Deputy, Mr. Francesc Vendrell.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“The creation of a multidisciplinary force which includes elements from virtually all main agencies of the United Nations family is, to us, the right approach. We sincerely hope that the concerted action of the international community will help turn East Timor into a beacon of democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, tolerance and prosperity in the region. Of course, for this to be achieved it must count on the unwavering support of all Timorese, regardless of their political opinions, in their cooperation with the United Nations. In this regard, we consider extremely encouraging the exemplary and responsible manner in which Mr. Xanana Gusmao and the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT) have responded to the crisis.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“In this regard, allow me to call the Council's attention to the latest report of INTERFET, in which it is clearly stated that elements of the Indonesian security forces continue to support the militias and that the latter have made threats to INTERFET and stated their intention of controlling the western regencies. These are worrying developments, and at this moment, when the Security Council is considering a draft resolution of historic importance, we think it useful to recall Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations, which states that resolutions of the Security Council are legally binding on all Member States. Establishing UNTAET is a fundamental step in the right direction.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“Fourthly, the Council must ensure that the security and safety of refugees in West Timor and other parts of Indonesia is guaranteed in accordance with international humanitarian law, and that all refugees who wish to do so are allowed to return to East Timor as soon as possible, as established by the proposal presented by the Government of Indonesia. Fifthly, the Council must ensure that Indonesia guarantees that the territory of West Timor is not allowed to be used by its so-called militias as a platform to destabilize East Timor.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“We must ensure that not only the letter but also the spirit of the Agreement and of the resolutions is complied with in practice. To this end, it is absolutely necessary that the Security Council, first, guarantee that a rapid and effective transfer of power between INTERFET and UNTAET takes place without disruption on the ground. Secondly, the Council must guarantee that the territorial integrity of East Timor is fully respected. Thirdly, the Council must guarantee that humanitarian assistance is distributed to all those in need without delay, both in East Timor and Indonesia. This means, of course, free and unimpeded access for all the humanitarian organizations that will have to conduct those operations.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“Notwithstanding the remarkable advances the process of self-determination in East Timor has experienced over the last few months, it still faces enormous difficulties on the long road ahead. The guiding lights for the months to come remain the New York Agreement of 5 May between Indonesia and Portugal and the relevant resolutions of this body and the General Assembly. In this context, we welcome the implementation by the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly of article 6 of that Agreement by unanimously taking the necessary steps to terminate its de facto links with East Timor. We trust that the newly elected Government of Indonesia will fully assume Indonesia's responsibilities in the next stage of this process. However, we must remain vigilant.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“Since 27 September, the Portuguese Government has expressed its readiness to contribute assessment teams to restore basic services in a number of key sectors. I would like to recall that Portugal has already contributed to the various trust funds established to support operations in East Timor and to various humanitarian assistance initiatives. In this respect I must single out Australia's courageous leadership of the International Force, East Timor (INTERFET), and the outstanding financial contribution of Japan, without which the successful transition of East Timor would have been much more arduous. Our gratitude also goes out to all others who have contributed to the success of INTERFET, as well as to the Security Council, which enabled the establishment of that operation and, now, of UNTAET.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“In this context, we would like to express our support for the draft resolution to be adopted today, since it contains what we consider to be the basic requirements for a successful operation and will set down the foundations for an independent East Timor. For its part, Portugal will continue to work together with the Secretariat to put in place on the ground an efficient and effective mechanism of coordination that will reflect its unique legal and political responsibilities. To this end, and as he requested, we have already expressed in writing to the Secretary-General our readiness to support, within our capabilities, each and every component of UNTAET, both in terms of human and material resources. Portugal has identified a number of areas to which it intends to make specific contributions, as requested by the United Nations.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source