YouSaid · the spoken record

Moraes Cabral

lines on the record: 869
first: 2009-02-19
most recent: 2012-12-13
sittings or episodes: 118
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

“Portugal calls on the Iranian authorities to act responsibly and to comply with their international obligations, thereby bringing sanctions to an end. Portugal reaffirms its longstanding commitment to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue in accordance with the dual-track approach. In support of that approach, my country welcomes the statement of the E3+3 foreign ministers on 27 September in New York and fully endorses the efforts led by the High Representative of the European Union on behalf of the E3+3 in that regard. We sincerely hope that Iran will commit to serious negotiation process, exercise flexibility and reach early agreement on concrete confidence-building steps.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source
“Consequently, Portugal reiterates its serious and deepening concern with the continuing expansion of Iran's nuclear activities as reflected in the most recent IAEA report (GOV/2012/55) as well as with the fact that Iran continues to deny access to the Parchin military site. The 16 November report also stated that Iran continued to install more centrifuges for uranium enrichment at Fordo and Natanz sites. Despite the intensified dialogue between the IAEA and Iran since last January, the report also concludes that no concrete results have been achieved in resolving outstanding issues. Hence, without thoroughly addressing all these pending issues in close cooperation with the IAEA, Iran will fail to restore international confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source
“We are convinced that one of the best ways to do so is to adopt implementation assistance notices that would advance compliance with Security Council resolutions. Regrettably, the resumption of serious and credible talks with Iran has not yet materialized, nor has Iran fully complied with all its international obligations as set out in Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors' resolutions. In particular, Iran continues to fail to provide the necessary cooperation to enable the Agency to credibly assess that all nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful purposes.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source
“At the outset, let me thank Ambassador Ne'stor Osorio for his briefing and to commend him and his team for two years of intensive work leading the sanctions Committee on Iran. Under his able leadership, the Committee managed to advance the implementation of resolution 1929 (2010) and contributed to the efforts of the international community to seek clarification on the nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Let me also thank the Panel of Experts for its useful work in assisting the Committee. In that context, I want to emphasize the importance of acting on the recommendations ofthe Panel's final report (S/2012/395, annex), including the designation of specified entities that have engaged in proliferation activities or prohibited arms export actions. The Committee shall continue to issue guidance to Member States.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source
“Such an approach will help prevent any duplication of efforts and ensure that international responses effectively address the multiple dimensions of a complex situation such as that of the Sahel. For our part, Portugal will continue to contribute to the collective effort to find new and bold responses to a situation that extends beyond the Sahel region and affects us all.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“Looking at long-term measures, we believe that particular attention should be given to the issue of institution-building. As the example of Mali clearly shows, it is obvious that, without strong institutions, countries will remain vulnerable to both internal and external threats. We therefore expect the United Nations integrated strategy to provide concrete indications on how to address the issue of institution-building and what kind of measures may improve countries' resilience. I conclude by stressing again that the international involvement in the Sahel requires coherence and complementarity of the various efforts. A coordinated and integrated approach is therefore of the essence, while building on experience, solutions and lessons learned in similar situations in other regions of the world.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“Some of those problems faced by Sahel countries require quick responses, as they may potentially expand beyond the region or aggravate an already very serious humanitarian and security situation, but others require long-term strategies and instruments. We think, therefore, that the United Nations strategy should clearly identify which measures may have an immediate effect - for instance on humanitarian assistance, arms proliferation, criminal networks or border control - and which ones work essentially in the long run, especially those aimed at economic recovery, youth employment, climate change and capacity- building. That will help us in understanding how the different types of measures can best be employed and combined to promote sustainable development and security in the region.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“In that respect, we welcome the appointment of Mr. Romano Prodi as Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for the Sahel and look forward to the finalization of an integrated strategy for the region. We hope that Mr. Prodi will develop a strong working relationship with ECOWAS and with the African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, and we reiterate our full support to his endeavours. As a coordinator of international efforts, the United Nations should take into account the perspective and potential contribution of the wider region, including that of North African countries, and thus overcome the difficulty posed by the fact that the countries affected do not belong to one single regional organization.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“We should also encourage viable multilateral ad hoc arrangements within Sahel countries themselves for pooling resources for border control and in combating terrorism and organized crime. Support from outside the region is also a reality. I would mention, among others, the European Union, which is already implementing its own strategy for the Sahel. Therefore, we believe that the United Nations regional offices - the United Nations Office to the African Union and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa - and the relevant United Nations missions in the region can have a key role to play in bringing together all the relevant actors and promoting concrete initiatives. Much is already under way, but it is important that those different initiatives be framed by a coherent strategy.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“The increase in activities of drug traffickers and organized crime networks on the coast and their illicit financial resources do in fact fuel criminal activities and terrorism in the whole region. The effect from the neighbouring regions of the Maghreb and Europe are also evident. Portugal has for a long time defended the regional approach to the Sahel, not just because we find the same fragilities in most countries in the region but because the challenges faced by those countries are of a transnational nature. Efforts made by individual countries are important and can be more effective if their emphasis is placed on the development of regional capacities. There are already regional action plans approved by regional organizations such as ECOWAS that should be put into practice to deal with the problems affecting the Sahel.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“We hope that the Council can soon adopt a resolution that will specifically address the situation in that country in line with what has been requested by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The current crisis in the Sahel is historically deep- rooted, has complex and multifaceted causes, be they economic, social, political or ethnic, and therefore requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses the transnational nature of the challenges at hand, including, naturally, those of organized crime and terrorism, which also represent today a serious threat to neighbouring regions. Indeed, we should also be aware of the fact that security issues are not restricted to the Sahel. In fact, instability in West African coastal countries might significantly contribute to the mounting insecurity in the Sahel.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“I thank the Kingdom of Morocco for taking the initiative to organize this important debate at a time when the Sahel is facing such formidable challenges, and I thank Minister El Othmani for presiding over it. I also thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Romano Prodi, Mr. Antonio Guterres and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire for their statements. The presence here today of representatives from several organizations involved in the region further underlines the relevance of the topic for the maintenance of international peace and security in the Sahel and beyond. Recent events in Mali have underlined the need for the international community to pay greater attention and give new priority to dealing with long-standing fragilities in the Sahel and with their consequences.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“I also thank the experts and the Secretariat for their cooperation and diligence, as well as the interpreters for their valuable assistance and constant patience.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“The Council has done much recently on this matter, as a result of efforts by Council members and especially of the previous Chairs of this Working Group, whom I salute, which resulted on the adoption of presidential note 507 (S/2010/507). But we all know that there is always room for improvement, and note 507 is the point of departure not an end in itself. I am confident that the next Chair who will carry on from here will bring renewed energy and ideas to further the work. I am sure that he or she will have the full support and encouragement that I surely benefited from. Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to the members of the Security Council for their support and active contributions to the work of the Committees and Working Group I had the honour to chair.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“We are also considering measures to improve the annual report: by reinforcing aspects related to the interaction with non-Council members and providing more substantive information in the report and in its presentation to the General Assembly. Monthly assessments by Council presidencies can be particularly useful instruments to elucidate on the work done. Also very useful in that regard are informal briefings to the general membership by Council Presidents once they finish their presidencies, which could be done as a matter of practice, adding to the briefing that is already done at the start of each presidency. These are all aspects that have been discussed in the Working Group this year and are being considered through a draft note we expect to be adopted in the coming days. I am conscious that this is a work in progress.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“These are crucial elements to enhance the Council's efficiency and, ultimately, help promote the necessary consensus building within the Council. I hope, indeed I trust, that with the support and flexibility of all members in the Working Group, to conclude the work very soon. On the external aspects of Security Council work, the Working Group is considering further measures to improve transparency and interaction with the wider membership. A draft note is being discussed now on ways to improve open debates: by enhancing the interactivity, by ensuring a better follow up of open debates and by improving their efficacy.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“The underlying idea is to stress the informal aspects of consultations, better organization of resources to allow more space for subsidiary bodies to meet, more use of video conferences to avoid the costly presence of briefers, and better planning of work by readjusting mandates and reporting cycles with a view to even up the workload throughout the year, leaving more time for the Council to prepare decisions and for prevention activities. Another aspect relevant to the internal work is the practice related to the work of penholders and the process of appointing Chairs of subsidiary bodies. The Working Group is now concluding the consideration of this question, through a draft note that deals with issues of enhanced participation, inclusiveness and exchange of information among Council members.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“However, questions of transparency and inclusiveness remain important within the Council for Council members. We worked on that during the first part of the year. Following consultations organized by the Council in March, during the United Kingdom presidency, a discussion was held on further measures to improve interactivity, better planning of work and better use of conference resources. Those same aspects were further developed in the Working Group and later condensed in a note by the President in June (S/2012/402).”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“It is never easy to get away from routine, which is always more comfortable than change; so it is a difficult task to generate interest in new measures, to discuss their usefulness and practicability, and to adopt them. Ultimately, more difficult is to persuade all of the need to change. I must say that the experience I have had was very positive. I counted on the active contribution of all members in the many discussions we held during the last year, at a pace of one, sometimes two, meetings per month. To improve the working methods, we must start by improving the way the Council does its internal work. A significant part of the Council's work is done in consultations. While there has been an effort by the Council to meet more often in public, consultations are indeed useful to help the Council prepare its decisions.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Without it, it would have been impossible to carry out such a complex and important task. Let me turn now to the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, which I have had the honour and pleasure to Chair since January. To chair a working group, more than helping build consensus, is to try to develop an agenda by seeking to lead the efforts of its members towards achieving major goals shared in general within the working group. The case of the Working Group on working methods is a special one, where Council members can share their views on ways to improve the Council working methods and have the opportunity to make a difference in the way the Council works in the future.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“We tried our best to provide information and possible guidance to our colleagues in many delegations who approached us with questions concerning the implementation of the regime. We view that as part of transparency, for which we advocate strongly. But we also view that as very useful to the overall efficacy of the sanctions regimes. Naturally, I wish also to highlight the role of the secretariat of the Subsidiary Organs Branch, and to express my gratitude for its invaluable assistance, as well as that of Panel of Experts: they have been truly indispensable. Last but not least, I want to thank all members of the Committee for their constructive commitment and spirit of cooperation and creativity, which were fundamental in helping the Committee address the number and complexity of submissions.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“In that regard, it is crucial to continue and strengthen the good practice that has been followed of putting together the efforts and contributions from different United Nations bodies - the Panel of Experts, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Office for Disarmament Affairs - in order to consistently assess and address the challenges posed by the proliferation of arms and military materiel from Libya to the region. Finally, the complexity of this sanctions regime and the rapid change of its normative framework required an important effort of assistance to United Nations delegations.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“As of today, the assets freeze applies only to two remaining listed entities: the Libyan Investment Authority and the Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio. It is my understanding that as soon as the Libyan authorities deem it appropriate, the Council or the Committee will consider the delisting to ensure that the correspondent assets are made available to and for the benefit of the people of Libya. In relation to the arms embargo and the proliferation of Libyan arms and related materiel in the region, we must recognize that they continue to raise serious challenges for the Committee. The continued cooperation of States with the Committee, with the invaluable assistance of its Panel of Experts, is fundamental to overcome those challenges.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“I would like to make two observations, if I may, prompted by our experience, that may serve as useful guidance for the future. First, resolutions establishing sanctions regimes cannot disregard their humanitarian impact and should thus consider the early inclusion of humanitarian exemptions to help populations affected by the freezing of national assets and funds. Secondly, those resolutions should clearly determine whether or not subsidiaries of listed entities are subject to the sanctions. I believe that those early clarifications would be very useful for a more efficient implementation of an assets freeze, while at the same time helping to prevent unintended impact on populations and third States more affected.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“My second observation is that while the core objective of the sanctions was initially to prevent further attacks on the civilian population in Libya and ensure that the former regime leaders had no access to funds outside Libya, the measures were later modified to address the changing situation on the ground, in support of the Libyan-led transition and rebuilding process, as well as regional security. In that transition process the Committee had an important role to play by constantly adjusting to the new challenges and responding to the needs, in line with the mandate entrusted to it by the Council. On the asset freeze in particular, the Committee played a specific role in responding promptly to those needs and devising ways to help funds become quickly and readily available to the Libyan people.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“It has certainly been characterized by the need to adjust itself with efficacy to rapid changes in the political context in Libya, and in consequence to respond to a very significant workload, related to a diverse set of areas prompted by the evolving situation on the ground. Just as an illustration, I would like to point out that within a period of 21 months the Committee received 362 official communications and issued 568 letters or notes and a significant number of addenda, totalling more than 1,500 official communications. Within the same period, the Council adopted six resolutions on the matter, resulting in various modifications and adaptations of the sanctions regime that the Committee has had to address.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Lastly, sustained effort within the Committee to improve the implementation of sanctions is always a work in progress, and I very much hope that the next Committee Chair will continue to benefit from the cooperation and constructive support I have received during these past two years in helping to implement the important mandate conferred by the Council. Turning to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, which I have chaired since its establishment in February, the first observation I would like to make is that its sanctions regime seems likely to have been the most rapidly evolving such United Nations regime of recent years.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Also very significantly, I think that the Committee has developed a certain sense of convergence that has allowed us to agree on some important principles: first, the general understanding that implementation assistance notices represent an important and valuable tool in providing guidance to Member States on a number of technical and practical issues; secondly, the importance of regularly reviewing the concrete parameters of the sanctions regime; and thirdly, the importance of taking advantage of existing synergies, informally and in a very pragmatic way, between various committees and panels of experts.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Early this year, as mandated by the Council, the Committee agreed on new designations and updated the lists of individuals, entities and items related to the nuclear and missile programmes of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The annual work plan was also updated, giving the Committee a comprehensive and clear approach based on compliance, investigation, outreach, dialogue, assistance and cooperation. It is against that background that I want to commend the excellent work and valuable assistance that the 1718 Committee consistently got from the Panel of Experts.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“As Chair, I have always worked on the basis of continuing and inclusive engagement with all members in an effort to build consensus on fulfilling the Committee's mandate. To strive for consensus is not always an easy task; however, reaching such a level of agreement is actually the only way to make solid progress in a sanctions committee context. That is why we have focused very much on compromise and settling potential differences when addressing the challenges that have come our way. Secondly, although it has had its complexities and difficulties, the 1718 Committee has shown that in general it has had the capacity to effectively address the situations faced during our tenure.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“I thank the Security Council for the opportunity to share my views and assessments on the work carried out by the three subsidiary bodies that I have had the honour to chair in the course of my country's membership of the Council, and for bearing with me. Regarding the sanctions regimes in general, Ijoin previous speakers in pointing out that sanctions are obviously not an end in themselves and are there to support a political objective. They should not exacerbate people's suffering and should be regularly reviewed. We also support the extension of the Ombudsperson's mandate to all the sanctions regimes. I will start by addressing the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) during the past two years.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Above and beyond the trial-related activities, they are also laying the groundwork for the future, well after the Tribunals close their doors, both by helping to launch the Residual Mechanism and, most importantly, by helping the countries of the respective regions to take over and continue the vital task of fighting impunity for the most serious crimes and fulfilling their people's legitimate aspirations for justice. For all the aforementioned reasons, Portugal wishes to express its recognition for the Tribunals' work and for their overall contribution to ensuring and promoting justice and reconciliation.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“The role played by both Tribunals, firmly rooted in a comprehensive normative framework established by the Council, has been fundamental to the attainment of those goals of the international community in full respect for the principles of justice. Moreover, the Tribunals play a crucial role in building a solid legacy for the benefit of other international and domestic tribunals, which Portugal would like to commend. As it is the last time we participate as a member of the Council in these regular briefings, we wish to take this opportunity to thank the Presidents, Prosecutors and staff of the two Tribunals for their important work.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“That is an unsustainable situation to which a solution must be found, and we call on the Tribunal to continue to exert all efforts necessary to overcome the current difficulties. Finally, Portugal has always stood for fighting impunity and ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes without exception and wherever they take place. Accountability for such crimes is of utmost importance in order that countries that have been subjected to the scourge of war rebuild their societies in peace and security. It is an essential element for promoting national reconciliation, strengthening regional cooperation and allowing peoples to look confidently to the future. In the case of the Balkans, it also constitutes an essential step for the countries in the region to fully integrate themselves into a common European destiny and framework.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“As we approach the end of the Tribunals' work and project a number of convictions, we have to be prepared for an increasing number of Tribunal requests to be addressed to States to host convicted persons to serve their sentences and the need to find appropriate and prompt responses to those requests. In particular, we reiterate, in that respect, the need to encourage definitive solutions to address the situation of those persons acquitted by the ICTR and those released after serving their sentences. Still today, they remain under protective measures in safe houses in Arusha because they can neither return safely to their communities nor find host countries willing to accept them.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“We encourage further necessary efforts to ensure a better cooperation in that area among relevant States. The cooperation of the States of the region with the Office ofthe Prosecutor is also crucial for the prompt and full implementation of the ICTY mandate. In that regard, we are very pleased to note the statement by the ICTY Prosecutor expressing his satisfaction in general with the cooperation provided by Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fourthly, let me mention the situation of convicted and acquitted persons, as some previous speakers have done.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“In that context, we welcome the continuing outreach efforts by the Tribunals as well as their capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening local judicial institutions and raising awareness among civil societies. Thirdly, on cooperation both among States in the region and with the Office of the Prosecutor, an essential element of regional ownership is indeed the extent to which States in the region cooperate among themselves in criminal matters, including war crimes investigations and prosecutions. We should not forget that a significant number of cases concerning such crimes remain to be pursued domestically and that questions of the capacity of national institutions to conduct effective criminal prosecutions and the level of cooperation among States in the region are crucial in that regard.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“Despite a number of recently adopted Council resolutions referring to that issue, problems seem to persist in some cases. While commending the efforts that they have made in that regard, we encourage the Presidents of the Tribunals, together with the United Nations Secretariat, to continue to identify possible ways of further promoting better use of resources with a view to improving the management of the time devoted to the cases, while conforming in full, naturally, with the principles ofjustice. Secondly, on outreach and capacity building activities, as the Tribunals enter the final stages of their work, the issue of national and regional ownership of the fight against impunity for the war crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia gains in relevance and importance.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“We also welcome the fact that the ICTR trial work remains on track, that the last trial will be concluded before the end of 2012 and that all appeals are projected to be concluded by the end of 2014. On the other hand, while the ICTY still has to face significant work ahead, as clearly set forth in the report (see S/2012/592), it is important to note that all arrest warrants issued by the Tribunal have been executed and that the Tribunal and Prosecutor may now concentrate on the main trial activities. As the reports of the Tribunals highlight, some other challenges remain. Let me underline four ofthem. First, on management and resources, both Tribunals share a grave concern resulting from staff attrition and its effect on the daily management and overall capacity to fulfil the completion strategies endorsed by the Security Council.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“Under those difficult conditions, we must recognize the efforts by the Judges, Prosecutors and all the staff of the Tribunals in trying to keep on track the overall implementation of the completion strategies of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), as endorsed by the Security Council. We appreciate the information provided by the President of the ICTY on the projected trial activity and the reasons for its adjustment. It is indeed very important that the Council remain fully apprised of relevant developments so as to allow it to promptly help overcome the difficulties encountered and ensure a smooth implementation of the completion strategy.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“I thank the Presidents and Prosecutors of the Tribunals for their very comprehensive briefings. I would also wish to thank Ambassador Rosenthal and his team for the efficient leadership they have shown at the head of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. The Tribunals face today a significant challenge. They have to complete their trial activity as planned and contribute to the development of the International Residual Mechanism, while facing, at the same time, an increasing problem of staff attrition.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“Steady progress on such complex and sensitive issues will not be easy. The international community must therefore continue to support the people of Yemen. The United Nations and the Security Council in particular must remain vigilant and ensure that all parties abide by resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012). The full implementation of those resolutions is essential for a peaceful, inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led political transition that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people for peaceful change and meaningful political, economic and social reform.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“The National Dialogue Conference may also provide a valuable forum to respond to the concerns of those that have distanced themselves from the process in a way that preserves the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Yemen. In conclusion, Yemen has come a long way, but there is still a long and difficult road ahead, as Mr. Benomar indicated. We call on all Yemenis to build on the progress of the past year and to press ahead with the next phase of the transition process, during which a number of key milestones are to be reached. Those include, first, the convening of an all-inclusive National Dialogue Conference; secondly, constitutional and electoral reform to prepare for general elections by February 2014; and, thirdly, steps to address transitional justice and support national reconciliation.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“Equally disturbing are reports that the education of children continues to be disrupted by attacks against and the occupation of schools, which we strongly condemn. We welcome the commitment made by the Government of National Unity to end the use and recruitment of children by the Yemeni armed forces and call on all parties to urgently end such unlawful acts. We are hopeful that the National Dialogue Conference will enable concrete advances to be made on the issue of transitional justice. Grievances will need to be resolved if a peaceful and lasting democratic transition is to succeed. On the other hand, all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“We welcome the achievements ofthe Committee on Military Affairs and encourage further measures to complete the restructuring of the security and armed forces under a unified, professional leadership structure, which is essential to guaranteeing State authority and law and order throughout the country. In addition, it remains necessary urgently to address the economic and humanitarian situation, notwithstanding the fact that some progress has been made, as we heard from Mr. Benomar. Although many people have recently returned to their homes, thousands remain displaced and deprived of the most basic services and needs. We are particularly troubled by the hundreds of thousands of children under the age of 5 who suffer from malnutrition.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“We warmly welcome these much-awaited developments and look forward to the early launch of a National Dialogue Conference that makes allows for a participatory, representative, transparent and meaningful process and engages effectively all regions, groups and segments of Yemeni society, including women and young people. Notwithstanding the numerous accomplishments registered, the challenges are manifold. Heinous acts of terrorism continue to claim lives and destroy public and economic infrastructures. Portugal vehemently condemns any such acts, which are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, and we fully support Yemen's efforts to combat terrorism. While calm has returned to many parts of the country, security is still an issue of concern.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“Let me also say a word of appreciation to the Secretary-General for his continued good offices. We welcome his recent trip to Yemen on the occasion of the first anniversary of the signing of Yemen's historic Transition Agreement, and we fully support his message of praise and encouragement to the people of Yemen. Indeed, under the able leadership of President Mansour, Yemen has come a long way over the course of the past year, despite the many difficulties encountered. The transition process remains largely on track and several important benchmarks have been met, the latest of which are the agreement on the distribution of seats in the National Dialogue Conference and the establishment of the Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendum.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“Mr. President, I wish at the outset to express my congratulations and best wishes for your tenure during this month. You know, Sir, that you can count on our full support. I wish also to say a very warm word of appreciation and thanks to Ambassador Puri and his team for the way they conducted our business in the most efficient way during what was a very busy month. I also thank the United Nations in general for providing us with a Yemeni-like temperature today, which I think is very appropriate for our debate. I wish to thank Mr. Benomar for his briefing and especially for his commitment to and continued efforts in support of a democratic transition in Yemen. He has given us a very full, correct and precise report on the situation, the achievements made and the challenges ahead.”
2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source
“As was mentioned here today, we must go the extra mile with UN-Women, the United Nations system as a whole and with civil society. Let us do it!”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We appeal for their adequate protection. Every effort must be made to promote women's full and equal participation in electoral processes, as candidates and as voters, and to eliminate discriminatory or legal barriers against women's participation. A lack of access to education, but also the fight against violence, in particular sexual, violence should be addressed in this context, as has been already rightly underlined in previous statements. In conclusion, resolution 1325 (2000) is a powerful message to encourage women around the world in countries at war and countries in peace to engage in the future of their countries and in the promotion of peace and security. Portugal remains fully committed to that objective and engaged in enhancing action at the national and international levels to fulfil those goals.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source