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

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“In the discussion that ensued, it was stressed, among other things, that the Panel could assist the Committee by closely monitoring the soon-to-be modified asset freeze, the illicit flows of arms out of Libya and the implementation of the travel ban. The Panel was asked to look both backwards and forward in investigating incidents of non-compliance. It was also suggested that the Panel build a cooperative relationship with the new Libyan Government and establish some form of coordination with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The Panel, on its part, emphasized the importance of continual access to Libya for the effectiveness of its work, with which the members of the Committee agreed. The Committee has dealt with a number of written communications from Member States, most of which relate to the financial restrictions.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Those informal consultations were aimed to discuss the scope and application of the arms embargo; to hear a briefing by the Office far the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the potential impact of sanctions on the civilian population in Libya; to hear a presentation by the Panel of Experts on its interim report and to go over pending requests for guidance from Member States. I would like to elaborate further on the informal consultations of 14 September. Following a recap of its findings up to 11 August, the Panel presented 11 recommendations, with four relating to the assets freeze, six relating to the arms embargo and one relating to a procedural matter concerning communication with the Committee.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“Among other things, the Council introduced additional exceptions to the arms embargo, removed the names of the Libyan National Oil Corporation and the Zueitina Oil Company from the asset freeze list, while partially relaxing the financial restrictions in connection with the other listed entities and lifting the ban on flights of Libyan aircraft. The Committee will thus be monitoring those measures, as modified. During the reporting period, the Committee convened three informal consultations - on 7 July, 18 July and 14 September.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“First of all, I would like to welcome Mr. Jibril to the Council's meeting today. In accordance with paragraph 24 of resolution 1970 (2011), of 26 February, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established pursuant to that resolution. The report covers the period from 28 June to 26 September. Allow me to begin by noting that by its resolution 2009 (2011), adopted just 10 days ago (see S/PV.6620), the Council modified the measures previously imposed in relation to Libya.”
2011-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6622 (2011) · source
“We therefore welcome the leading and coordinating role of the United Nations, and in particular the efforts of the Secretary-General in this regard. Portugal stands ready to support the Libyan people on their path to peace and democracy, including in the framework of the Security Council and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) in this new phase, in which funds need to be made available for State-building, economic recovery and urgent humanitarian assistance. Allow me to say a very heartfelt word of appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Al-Khatib and the valuable role he has played in recent months. I would also like to commend the work of Mr. Ian Martin and his team in preparing for the establishment of UNSMIL, and wish him and all his staff every success in the challenging tasks ahead.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“The establishment of an integrated United Nations support mission for an initial period of three months will allow the new authorities and the United Nations to plan further and more effectively for a longer period, based on a phased approach. We recall that in several resolutions dealing with women and peace and security, the Security Council has expressed its willingness to incorporate a gender perspective into United Nations missions. Portugal will continue to stress the importance of incorporating this dimension into all political peacekeeping mandates. The positive contribution that women can make to all aspects of post-conflict situations has long been established. As Libya enters a new chapter of its history, the international community must unite to assist the Libyan people in the tremendous tasks and challenges that lie ahead.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“Portugal fully supports the guiding principles of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL): national ownership, speed of response and rapid delivery, and effective coordination of international assistance. We also endorse the National Transitional Council's request for the assistance and support of the international community in implementing its plans for the stabilization and rebuilding of the country, according to the priorities it has set out. With the adoption of resolution 2009 (2011), the conditions have been met for the swift setting up of UNSMIL, thus enabling the United Nations to promptly assist the Libyan authorities in addressing manifold challenges and in meeting the timetable to which they have committed themselves.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“Women have played a central role in the historic events that have taken place and continue to take place in the country. It is now fundamental to ensure the equal participation of Libyan women in all aspects of the transition process and their inclusion in national and international decision-making about their country's future and in national reconciliation processes. We also strongly encourage the Libyan authorities to pursue the active protection of the human rights of their citizens and foreign residents, and to ensure that all serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“Allow me to welcome our Libyan colleague to the Council and especially to underline the General Assembly's vote this morning, which allowed for the full reintegration of Libya into our community of nations. Let me also underline the unanimity of the Council in adopting the very important resolution 2009 (2011). Portugal welcomes the improved situation in Libya and looks forward to a smooth and peaceful transition through a Libyan-led and owned, inclusive and representative process. We also welcome the statements issued by the National Transitional Council expressing its commitment to national reconciliation, human rights, justice and the rule of law. Over the past six months, we have witnessed significant developments in Libya.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“As in every scenario where the United Nations has a presence, it is the Security Council's duty to carefully monitor the evolution of the situation in order to ensure that the objectives and means available reflect both the reality on the ground and the evolving priorities of national authorities. That is why we think that today's resolution and our collective action in Liberia would have benefited from an explicit commitment on the part of the Council to hold new consultations on UNMIL in May 2012, based on the 11-50062 outcome of the technical assessment mission scheduled for early next year, and we hope that we will be able to work within that time frame. Indeed, we believe that we must preserve our capacity to act swiftly and to adapt, if necessary, to new circumstances in Liberia.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6619 (2011) · source
“Today's resolution reaffirms the strong commitment of the international community to pursue its assistance to Liberia in its remarkable efforts towards peace and democracy. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has played and will continue to play a central role in the process of addressing remaining challenges and capacity gaps, especially in the security sector, which is vital for a successful transition. We also believe that the upcoming elections will constitute a great challenge and a crucial milestone for Liberia, and that, as mentioned earlier this week by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ellen Loj, it will also have a strong impact on the various dimensions of the transition.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6619 (2011) · source
“Such continued solidarity is necessary to ensure the coordination and coherence of those efforts. It is certain that in adapting to new challenges and measures, MINUSTAH will continue to play a central role in that context, in close cooperation with the Haitian authorities, who have been called upon to increasingly take charge of their competencies and responsibilities. In conclusion, Portugal supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General and an extension of MINUSTAH's mandate for an additional year. I would like to assure the Permanent Representative of Haiti of Portugal's support for his goals and for the stability and growing development of his country.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“The activities carried out by the Haitian authorities are praiseworthy, given the considerable difficulties, but it appears that additional efforts will be required in the fundamental area of consolidation of the rule of law. The marginalization of particularly vulnerable groups, the significant number of internally displaced persons and gender-based and sexual violence also continue to be a source of major concern. Much has already been said about the work of MINUSTAH in supporting public institutions, economic recovery, the fight against community violence and the response to the cholera epidemic. I will therefore not address those issues. Nevertheless, it is important that the international community continue its efforts in solidarity with the people of Haiti.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“We feel that cooperation between MINUSTAH and Haitian National Police should be based increasingly on training and institution-building. Peace and security in Haiti are above all the responsibility of the people and authorities of Haiti, an independent and sovereign State. The international community cannot replace these national authorities and can only support the stabilization efforts carried out by the Haitians themselves. The protection of human rights and the humanitarian situation continue to be of special concern to us. MINUSTAH is continuing to cooperate with the High Commissioner for Human Rights in order to help Haitian institutions to better integrate the protection of human rights in their daily activities.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“I shall be brief because the essential points have already been covered in previous statements. We welcome the democratic transition that has taken place in Haiti. Democracy is being consolidated in the country despite the difficulties. We hope that the stalemate in the appointment of a Prime Minister will soon be overcome so that Haitian politicians will be able to concentrate on the process of reconstruction and development in conditions that will strengthen Haitians' trust in their democratic institutions. Security has been a central issue in Haiti for a long time. We take note that the Haitian National Police has been strengthened, but its action is "severely constrained by insufficient numbers and a lack of basic equipment and logistics" (S/2011/540, para. 11).”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): I thank the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mariano Fernandez Amunategui, and wish him every success in the performance of his duties. I thank him for his excellent briefing. I also offer a special word of thanks to Mr. Edmond Mulet for everything that he has accomplished. I also would like to welcome among us of our colleague from Haiti. Our debate today concerns the activity of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) over the past five months and also with the situation in Haiti and the challenges that it faces: security, reconstruction, economic and social development, the strengthening of its institutions and the rule of law, and the promotion of human rights - basically the building of a modern democratic State.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Portugal will pursue its efforts, within the different forums, to assist the Somali people in addressing the challenges before them. Before concluding, let me once again extend a word of sincere appreciation to the continuous engagement of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ambassador Mahiga, the African 1 1-49644 Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and other regional organizations in the Somali process. In this context, we naturally share the position of the European Union that will be expressed later in this debate.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the efforts being made to fulfil the Secretary-General's commitment to the full structural integration of the United Nations family in the country in the shortest possible time frame. Despite recent developments, the overall situation in Somalia remains fragile. It is therefore important to comprehensively address all the challenges Somalia faces at the political, security, humanitarian, human rights and socio-economic development levels. This also means pursuing our joint efforts to combat piracy through a multidimensional response to the problem. In the strong commitment, engagement and close cooperation of all Somali parties lies the main ground for a successful path towards peace and stability in Somalia.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“This is an endeavour to which we are glad to continue to contribute, including through the European Union's training mission in Somalia. Nevertheless, AMISOM. remains a crucial element to support and protect the Transitional Federal Institutions. We therefore reiterate our support to the Mission, endorsing its mandate renewal, and echo the Secretary-General's call for the acceleration of the deployment of additional troops to fill the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu. We will also favourably consider expanding the scope of its support package and the development of a guard force to provide security to personnel from the international community. But new challenges also arise for the United Nations.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“At the security level, the Transitional Federal Institutions should also capitalize on the recent improvements in Mogadishu by ensuring the delivery of basic services and providing good governance to all of its citizens. By doing so, it will also be honouring the efforts and sacrifices of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and of the Somali National Security Forces, which we commend. As the context on the ground is changing, new challenges arise for the Mission and for the Transitional Federal Government. In order to respond to the immediate needs, we encourage the strengthening of the Somali National Security Forces, as the Government bears the primary responsibility for safeguarding peace and security in Somalia.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“We are nevertheless encouraged by the efforts being made on the ground by all the agencies, funds, regional and local non-governmental organizations and humanitarian partners against a background of very challenging security conditions. We are also encouraged by the mobilization of the international community so far, and we welcome the holding of the summit on the humanitarian response to the Horn of Africa on the margins of the general debate of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. But these combined efforts will be fruitful only if the aid reaches those in real need. We therefore urge all parties and armed groups to ensure full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to all persons in need of assistance across Somalia.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“We underline in this respect the very positive role that women can play in conflict resolution, and we encourage all parties in Somalia to remove obstacles and challenges to the participation of Somali women in public life. In this endeavour, it is of the utmost importance that regional and international partners continue to be committed and to lend support to the Somali people in helping it to address all the challenges Somalia faces, the most recent of which is at the humanitarian level. We remain deeply concerned by the situation, and we are particularly distressed by its terrible impact on the lives of the Somali population, especially on children, who have been severely affected by famine.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“It is therefore essential that the Somali institutions build on the progress achieved so far and on the existing consensus. Throughout the remaining transition period, the Kampala Accord must be implemented, as must the road map, in compliance with the agreed benchmarks and timelines. We call on the signatories of the Kampala Accord to ensure cohesion, unity and focus on the completion of the four priority tasks set out in the road map for ending the transition - security, constitution, reconciliation and good governance - so that the transitional period may indeed come to an end in August 2012. As Portugal has stressed before, ensuring respect for human rights and paving the way for a better future for Somalis, including for their economic and social development, are also of paramount importance.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“Let me, too, thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2011/549) and Special Representative Augustine Mahiga for his very useful briefing, and commend him and his team for their constant efforts. Allow me also to welcome the presence of His Excellency the Prime Minister of Somalia, Mr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, and to thank him for his presentation, as I thank Mr. Diarra for his contribution to today's debate. There has been some encouraging progress in Somalia. Within the framework of the Kampala Accord, Parliament has endorsed a new Prime Minister and a new Cabinet has been appointed. The Mogadishu consultative meeting also took place and met its main objective, which was the endorsement of the road map. Despite these important steps, there are still significant challenges ahead, as Ambassador Mahiga outlined.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“In order to restore international confidence, Iran must without delay grant unlimited access to all its nuclear sites, equipment and personnel, and show genuine willingness to provide the Agency with previously requested documentation and all relevant information, in accordance with Iran's safeguards agreement and subsidiary arrangements.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“In the meantime, the Agency is still waiting for a thorough response to a number of pending questions regarding those activities, and for further information in connection with Iran's announcement that 10 new Iranian enrichment facilities will be built in the near future. The same opaque situation applies with regard to heavy water-related projects; those projects were not suspended and may begin to be operational by the end of 2013. We regret that to date Iran has not provided the Agency with access to these facilities. In such circumstances, it is impossible for the Agency to fully affirm the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“We took note of the mention in the last report on Iran by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Authority that, in response to an invitation from the Iranian authorities, the Deputy Director General for Safeguards, Mr. Herman Nackaerts, recently visited the country. That is an encouraging development, and I sincerely hope that this initiative is meant to indicate that Iran has the intention of significantly improving its cooperation with the Agency. But the pending issues that Iran has to clarify go far beyond a single visit to the country by Agency officials. The Director General's report stresses that Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“I reiterate our full support for the Panel of Experts, mindful of the vital role it has to play in assisting the Committee. I would also like to express my appreciation for the meaningful recommendations they made to the Committee in May. I trust that some of the Panel's valuable suggestions will soon be translated into concrete measures. In this regard, I must say that I continue to be convinced of the usefulness of publicizing the final report of the Panel of Experts as soon as possible, thus making important and helpful information available to all United Nations Member States. Our concern over Iranian nuclear activities, as well as over the development of its ballistic missile capabilities, has not diminished during the past three months.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“Like others, let me start by thanking Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri and his team for the very competent way they conducted the work of the Council last month, and by wishing you, Mr. President, every success in your efforts during Lebanon's presidency of the Council and assuring you of our constant support. I thank Ambassador Nestor Osorio for his comprehensive briefing on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) on Iran, and wish to congratulate him on his very efficient stewardship of the Committee. I would like to commend the work of the 1737 Committee, particularly the review of the document on guidelines and the ongoing update of the programme of work, which are both very useful tools for improving the efficiency of the existing regime.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“Of course, I share his view of the role in early peacebuilding efforts in keeping law and order, allowing for people to return to their normal livelihoods and, obviously, getting a political process under way. We often say that peacekeepers are the first peacebuilders as long as there is a peace to keep and build. But I think that that is a useful way of looking at it. Here, I conclude that - and this has been stated before - missions need the means, tools, adequate training and leadership, but, as our South African colleague stressed, there is a need for an overall political and coherent strategy in order for missions to do their job properly.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“I think that that there was broad consensus that UNIFIL's presence in the area is still an extremely important element. As I stated during that debate - and we are very happy about it - we will shortly reinforce the Portuguese contingent within UNIFIL with 12 officers from Timor-Leste. I think that that also has a very symbolic dimension to it because Timor-Leste, being a country where there is still a United Nations mission, for its part it is already participating in other United Nations missions. I thank Major General Khalid for his statement and his answers. I think that the issue of strong inter- mission cooperation is extremely important and can be decisive in some areas.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“My third comment is addressed to Major General Asarta Cuevas. Again like others, we condemn the attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) yesterday and in May, which unfortunately took lives. We consider the situation unacceptable, and the parties should abide by United Nations resolutions and by their responsibilities. Our French colleague raised the important issue of how we can best ensure the protection of the soldiers in a very difficult situation. As the General mentioned the other day, last week we had a very useful debate on the situation in Lebanon and it is very clear that the presence of UNIFIL has had a very important and positive impact on creating a stable and calm situation, albeit still very fragile.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“I fully agree with him that there is a problem if the application of the conditionality starts to have a negative impact on mission operational activities. I also thank Lieutenant General Prakash for his reference to the threat of the Lord's Resistance Army. We ourselves suggested the useful debate that we had on that last week (see S/PV.6588). Moving on to the protection of civilians, to which we all attach the utmost importance, there has been significant improvement over the years on that very important dimension. We commend the efforts of the Secretariat and the positive progress made by missions in that area. To Lieutenant General Nyamvumba, I would say that the issue is to what extent a mission, if not mandated in that sense, should use force to protect civilians in a non-permissive environment.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“However, let me pay tribute and commend all the women and men who are in missions, the Force Commanders and the Police Commissioners for the way in which they carry out their tasks, often - as we have already heard today - in very difficult conditions. They deserve our constant support. I have a couple of comments on what has been said, and I endorse much, if not everything, that has already been said, so I will be brief. The conditionality policy can be used as a tool but, as was underlined by Lieutenant General Prakash, some caution is needed in its application. The issue for us - as he himself said - is that there is scope for development and refinement in the conditionality dimension and the positive and negative elements it entails.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“Like others, we believe that peacekeeping and peacebuilding are truly at the crux of the United Nations today. All members know how deeply my country is committed to these tasks. We have been active in several missions during the past 30 years. We therefore thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this very timely debate. It is extremely useful to have this opportunity to interact with Force Commanders and to hear their points of view directly, so I thank the Generals for their very comprehensive presentations, which were extremely useful, as were the answers that they gave to some of the questions raised.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“The only way to provide stability for Syria in the long term is through a peaceful transition to democracy based on national unity, territorial integrity and respect for the rights of all its citizens. We call, then, on the Syrian authorities once again to cease the violence it has imposed on its citizens, and we urge it to exert the utmost restraint and to allow for humanitarian access.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We are deeply troubled by the ongoing repression of peaceful protestors across the country and the dramatic death toll it has entailed. We regret that the Syrian authorities have note yet responded to the calls to immediately stop the violence. It is also regrettable that Damascus has not yet allowed the undertaking of a fact-finding mission, which is expected to report back to the Human Rights Council. We commend the neighbouring countries that are providing assistance to fleeing populations. The solution to the crisis lies in an immediate end to the violence, a credible, genuine and inclusive national dialogue, and meaningful political reforms without delay.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We also regret the loss of life on 15 May during the Nakba demonstrations in the south of Lebanon, and commend the efforts of UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces to prevent the recurrence of a similar tragic outcome on 5 June. Portugal welcomes the formation of the new Lebanese Government. Lebanon now has the opportunity to address many challenges and fulfil its international obligations, including those pertaining to resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004) and the Special Tribunal. We also urge Israel to honour its own commitments under resolution 1701 (2006) and to swiftly complete its withdrawal from the northern part of Al-Ghajar and to fully respect both the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Lebanon by air, land and sea. The situation in Syria remains of the utmost concern.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“Let me recall President Obama's words of 19 May: "The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves and reach their full potential in a sovereign and contiguous State." We therefore commend and strongly encourage the ongoing efforts of the Quartet in pursuit of an urgent resumption of meaningful direct negotiations that will result in the establishment of a Palestinian State on the basis of the 4 June 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed by the parties. As I said, time is of the essence. The status quo is not only unsustainable but also very dangerous. We had very useful consultations on Lebanon last week, during which I stated our position fully. Here, I wish to reiterate our condemnation of the terrorist attack against a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy on 27 May.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We vehemently condemn the launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel and call on all sides to refrain from provocative actions and to exert maximum restraint. On the other hand, Portugal urges the Government of Israel to end the closure of Gaza and fully comply with resolution 1860 (2009). We reiterate that all assistance and legitimate goods destined for Gaza should be delivered, channelled through official crossings and established mechanisms. Palestinians have worked diligently in preparing for their statehood and, as Mr. Serry reiterated, are ready for it.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The developments on the ground that Mr. Serry has outlined continue to be extremely worrying. They constitute serious obstacles to peace and undermine trust and the feasibility of a two-State solution. This is particularly the case of the accelerated settlement activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem; renewed land confiscation in the occupied territories; and the unabated demolition of Palestinian homes and the eviction of their inhabitants. Once again, we strongly deplore that Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit remains in captivity and continues to be denied any humanitarian access. This is totally unacceptable, and we urge his immediate release. Portugal is equally troubled by the marked increase in security-related incidents in and around Gaza after a period of calm.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We regret that a way has not yet been found to bring the parties back to direct talks, which have been on hold since September 2010. We are still convinced that negotiations remain the only way to achieve a final settlement based on the two-State solution, with the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State, living peacefully with Israel and its other neighbours. To succeed, negotiations must be based on clear parameters that reflect widely held principles. They must also address all final status issues and ensure tangible achievements within a set time frame. They will demand the clear political will of both sides and have to be conducted in good faith. As developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the wider region continue to underscore, time is of the essence.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“At the outset, allow me to recognize your presence here today with us, State Minister Hoyer. I thank Special Coordinator Robert Serry for his very useful briefing, and the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their contributions to today's debate. Portugal's position and concerns are well known. We have been repeating them here month after month as the overall situation has unfortunately not changed, as Mr. Serry underlined. I can therefore be brief. We remain gravely concerned at the prolonged, frustrating and dangerous stalemate in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process and the lack of any credible negotiating process. As a member of the European Union, we naturally share the views that will be expressed by the Acting Head of its delegation later in today's debate.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“That is why we believe that today's debate should not be a one-off event, but rather a step towards a consistent and regular consideration of the issue by the Security Council, based on reliable information on specific situations where climate-related phenomena are negatively affecting peace and security. That would allow us to have a more complete understanding of the complex links between climate, development and security, and therefore strengthen our capacity to prevent conflict and promote international cooperation.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“We should also actively discuss the security impact of climate change with other international organizations that are already addressing the issue from a security perspective, including the European Union and the African Union. We must consider how our actions may complement and reinforce each other for a more effective response. In that context, Portugal, as a member of the European Union, naturally shares the position that will be later expressed by Ambassador Pedro Serrano on these issues. Indeed, global problems call for collective responses, and this is particularly important when resources are scarce. In conclusion, the effects of climate change are likely to increase in the near future. What we are discussing here today as possible security implications will likely become increasingly evident.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“If the movement of populations due to desertification has a cross-border or even a regional dimension, then it is very likely that its security implications will go beyond the borders of a particular State and may derail progress in post-conflict stabilization and peacebuilding efforts. If properly addressed, the security challenges whose effects are amplified by climate change do not necessarily lead to conflict. As with many other issues that the Security Council discusses on a regular basis, we believe that in this domain we should likewise give priority to a preventive approach and to the development of early-warning mechanisms.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“Let us remember that 47 per cent of all land area falls within international river basins and that over 200 river basins are multinational. As water demands increase, tensions or even conflict over water resources will also increase. Desertification and increasing food scarcity as an effect of climate change are also reasons for the involuntary displacement of populations, a link recently recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres, in his report on climate change, natural disasters and human displacement. This is first and foremost a humanitarian and development issue but, as we are all aware, the strongest impact of desertification is felt in countries with social and economic vulnerabilities, some of them emerging from long periods of conflict and instability.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“How do we deal with populations that need to be resettled? Where do they go? How do they get there? How does one manage and defuse the tensions that resettlement entails? How do we address the legal consequences of the loss of territory, such as the definition of borders, economic zones and continental shelf rights? Our failure to deal collectively with such questions may lead not only to humanitarian disaster but also to a surge of serious tensions in a vast region, threatening peace. I am sure that President Marcus Stephen will give us a very vivid analysis of those problems in all their complexity. Desertification and its effects on food production and water availability should also merit our attention in this debate, since its consequences are often felt across national borders.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“We strongly believe that we should be able to develop concrete strategies for coherent, integrated and comprehensive responses of United Nations institutions, including the Security Council, to address these risks. The case for such an approach is particularly relevant when it is called for by those Members of the United Nations particularly affected by climate change and whose very existence is at risk. I would like to mention again the particular case of the Pacific SIDS, for which the negative effects of climate change are no longer a possible scenario but a very concrete reality. Sea-level rise may, in time, lead to the loss of entire territories, but those island States may become uninhabitable long before that. When that occurs, there are a number of issues that need to be answered and that have clear international implications.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“As I have repeatedly stated, Portugal does not see the Security Council as the forum for climate change negotiations or even for discussions on measures to mitigate and adapt to environmental vulnerabilities. These issues belong to other contexts that have the legitimacy and the appropriate tools to address them. It is, however, the Council's role to recognize and deal with new challenges and to ensure that such challenges do not lead to tensions and ultimately to conflict. Therefore, there is, in our view, an added value in the Security Council discussing the impact that certain consequences of climate change may have for international stability, peace and security.For the same reason, Portugal hopes that we may still be able to find a consensus on an outcome for our discussions today.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source