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

“We believe that DPKO and UNAIDS efforts will have to be further complemented by ensuring that the medical guidelines for operations are fully implemented. It is important that countries increasingly harmonize predeployment and in-country awareness programmes, as it is important to raise awareness of peacekeeping and peacebuilding personnel of the medical risks in the mission area, as well as their capacity to deal with them. Likewise, the adoption of the comprehensive strategy to eliminate sexual abuse in the framework of United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations was a major step in the right direction.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“In this context, we believe there is a need to implement effective integrated programmes that address sexual violence, HIV prevention and AIDS treatment in conflict and post-conflict settings. Portugal commends the collaboration between DPKO and UNAIDS in addressing HIV and AIDS awareness among peacekeeping personnel, and believes that the United Nations should take the lead in setting the highest possible medical standards in protecting both United Nations personnel and the local population from this epidemic. In this regard, we welcome the measures undertaken by DPKO aimed at improving the awareness programmes for peacekeepers and peacebuilders, and, in particular, having HIV and AIDS advisers and focal points in United Nations missions.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Indeed, when those two elements are brought together, they have the potential to generate devastating consequences for whole regions and States, striking the most vital elements of society: their youth, and in particular women and children, especially when rape is used as a weapon of war and intimidation. As we know, there is a high prevalence of HIV among women who have been victims of sexual violence. We cannot disregard this fact and its lasting consequences when we address peacebuilding strategies in post-conflict societies. Furthermore, conflict normally fosters the displacement of civilians, especially women and girls, increasing their exposure to HIV.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Resolution 1308 (2000) was indeed a milestone in the international response to the epidemic, as it acknowledged its uniquely devastating impact on all sectors and levels of society, and its threat, if unchecked, to the stability and security of many countries. Furthermore, it centred on the potential damaging impact of HIV/AIDS on the health of peacekeeping personnel, including support personnel, and called for concrete measures and international cooperation with the objective of better preparing them for their participation in peacekeeping operations. Unfortunately, we are still confronted today with an increasing number of cases of sexual violence in the context of conflict, at a time when conflicts are themselves growing in number and intensity. When combined with HIV/AIDS, such situations become particularly explosive ones.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Allow me to commend UNAIDS and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) for their progress report entitled "On the Front Line", not only for the clear picture it gives us of the progress made in the implementation of resolution 1308 (2000) but also for the recommendations it includes, which provide us with a road map towards a more comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS. Over the past three decades, HIV and AIDS have taken more than 25 million lives and infected 60 million people around the world. Not only has it been a major threat to life and human health, but it has also seriously impacted the economic and social fabric of many countries in different regions, putting at risk their stability.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“Like others, we believe that it is the responsibility of the Council to increasingly address the new challenges that undermine world peace, security and stability - be it the traffic in drugs, people and guns; certain consequences of climate change, from food security to loss of territory and forced migration; development issues, as discussed under the presidency of Brazil; or the subject we are addressing today: enduring large scale epidemics as a challenge to international security. In this context, I wish also to mention tuberculosis, which is so often associated with AIDS and which kills hundreds of thousands every year. I take this occasion to extend a warm welcome to the Secretary-General' s Special Envoy to Stop Tuberculosis, President Jorge Sampaio, who has joined us today.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“I thank and congratulate you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. I also thank the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for their participation in our discussion and for their comprehensive briefings. The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on international peace and security is an issue to which Portugal attaches the utmost importance.”
2011-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6547 (2011) · source
“A good part of the debate on this agenda item in recent years in the Security Council has centred in the completion strategies of the Tribunals. This particular focus, as relevant as it is to closing part of an important cycle of international justice, should not make us forget the important role of the Tribunals for international peace and security as a whole. I would therefore like to conclude by paying my country's homage to the outstanding contribution made by the Tribunals and their staffs, represented here by both their Presidents and Prosecutors, to the international criminal justice system and the prevention of crimes, setting an example and paving the way for the establishment of other tribunals, in particular the International Criminal Court.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“Fighting impunity and pursuing justice for victims are crucial to preventing further crimes from occurring and to helping foster reconciliation between people in the regions concerned. The task is not only the responsibility of international tribunals; it is also the responsibility of national authorities. They play a fundamental role in ensuring that impunity is not tolerated, in particular through their resolve to address these crimes at the national level. Outreach and capacity building efforts are also crucial in that regard for an enduring justice legacy. We welcome the work undertaken by the Tribunals in that vein and encourage further engagement with national authorities to increase cooperation in that framework.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“Fourthly, I wish to highlight and commend the efforts of the Tribunals and their staff, together with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), in the activities conducive to the establishment of the Residual Mechanism. Both the Tribunals and OLA have important tasks to carry out under the framework established by resolution 1966 (2010) in order to ensure a smooth transition to the Residual Mechanism in approximately one year. These are also matters that the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals will follow up very closely in the months to come. I am confident of the support of all the other members of the Working Group to pursue those objectives in the most efficient way possible.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“My third point is to highlight other important matters presented by the Presidents in their reports concerning the enforcement of sentences - that is, identifying and encouraging further countries willing to host convicted persons to serve their sentences and the particular situation of the three acquitted persons still remaining at a safe house in Arusha while efforts are under way to find host countries to receive them. Moreover, the question of victims - in particular, how to find a proper way to assist and support them through a possible trust fund - is yet another important matter brought to our attention by President Robinson. These are issues that we will be discussing in the framework of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, which I have the honour to chair.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“Portugal underlines the assessments of the Presidents of the Tribunals and will endeavour - in the Council, in the Informal Working Group and in the General Assembly - to support the appropriate measures, as identified, to facilitate their work, stressing the need for allowing the necessary measures to overcome difficulties, particularly in human resources management. The problem of staff attrition is a serious one, with a direct repercussion on the successful and timely transition to the Residual Mechanism. All efforts, including through flexible, pragmatic and administrative arrangements, should be made to facilitate the retention of the personnel needed to conclude in due time the cases assigned to them.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“Secondly, I wish to commend the efforts put forward by the Tribunals in keeping as much as possible with the schedule of case work. In our View, it is important that the Tribunals are able to avoid significant slippage in their work in order to conclude the cases within the timeframe established, while making sure that the highest international standards of due process are preserved. On the other side, it is vital that all administrative obstacles hampering the Tribunals' work - namely, in the field of human resources - are rapidly and effectively removed.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“He was captured after 17 years, through cooperation between the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He should be brought before the ICTR, as should all those who are still fugitives. Cooperation with the Tribunals is indeed most crucial to conclude their work. We note other developments in that regard reported by the Prosecutors, and their efforts, in cooperation with national authorities, to detain those still at large, who must be brought to trial, as well as to provide access to documents identified as necessary for their investigation. We welcome the efforts undertaken in the region by national authorities, as reported, and encourage all further possible efforts by those authorities to respond to the Prosecutors' and Tribunals ' requests.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“The arrest of Mladie - indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for genocide and crimes against humanities 4 is a significant outcome of the cooperation of Serbia with the ICTY and a positive step towards reconciliation in the region, as well as towards the European institutional perspective of Serbia and the other Balkan States, as the Council promptly recognized. We also welcome Serbia's declared intention to continue the search for Goran HadZic', the remaining person indicted by the ICTY who is still at large, on the same day that Bernard Munyagishari was arrested. He is accused of crimes against humanity during the 1994 conflict in Rwanda.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“I thank the Presidents and Prosecutors of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda for their very useful reports (see S/2011/316 and S/2011/3l7) and for their briefings here today. I should like especially to convey greetings to Judge Byron, along with our thanks for his work. I also warmly congratulate Judge Khalida Rachid Khan, to whom we wish every success as she assumes the functions of the presidency of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). I wish to make four comments. First, I welcome the recent arrests of Ratko Mladic' and Bernard Munyagishari.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“The United Nations and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have already come a long way together. This is a strategic partnership aimed at achieving peace and progress for the Congolese people and the stability of this vast region. Portugal commends the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the progress achieved and encourages it to continue along this path despite the challenges it still faces. I have taken note of the appeal made by Minister Tshibanda and I wish to assure him of our unfailing support in the pursuit of the goals he mentioned, which we fully share.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“We welcome President Kabila's pledge to fight mercilessly against the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region, and we hope that it will soon bring about tangible results in a regional framework. In dealing with these and other threats, it is thus fundamental to further enhance regional cooperation and support the efforts of the African Union and subregional organizations. We hope that the work of the United Nations Office in Central Africa will also be instrumental in this regard. (spoke in French) I should like to address the Minister personally and recall the words of Dag Hammarskjold: "the pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed or abandoned".”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Moreover, we commend the Secretary-General for dispatching the multidisciplinary mission, which will soon visit the region to assess the LRA threat. We look forward to hearing its recommendations to strengthen and better coordinate United Nations and African Union efforts to help address this threat. Secondly, the illegal exploitation and trafficking of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo fuels conflict and instability and deprives the Congolese people of the benefits of their country's assets. The results of the Lusaka Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region are encouraging.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“But as we heard today, the international community stands ready to continue to work with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in this process. We welcome the enhanced dialogue and close cooperation between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO. I would now like to focus on two key challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo that have a regional dimension and can only be addressed through effective regional cooperation. The first challenge is the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), which is responsible for intolerable humanitarian tragedy in Central Africa. We welcome the efforts of the African Union, namely the recent joint experts mission to LRA-affected regions.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“In this regard, I commend the efforts of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), both in technical and logistical terms, and underline the European Union's support to this process. The fulfilment of the medium- and long-term expectations of the Congolese people depends on furthering institution-building and economic and social development. Only with legitimate, credible and resilient institutions will the State be able to discharge its functions. Only with economic and social development will the State be able to sustain peace. Bearing in mind the decisive importance of national ownership, the primary responsibility for these endeavours rests naturally with the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Allow me to underline the role played by the European Union Mission of Assistance for Security Sector Reform, which is led by a Portuguese general. The upcoming presidential and legislative elections will be a key moment in the stabilization and peace consolidation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I paid special attention to what Minister Tshibanda said on that important point. It seems to me that it is particularly important that the national authorities hold and keep up an enhanced dialogue with the opposition and the international community in order to ensure an environment that is conducive to a peaceful, free and fair electoral process.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“However, it is significant that the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have shown the political will to investigate the cases of sexual violence that led to the trial and conviction of officers of the Forces arme'es de la Republique democratique du Congo. We strongly support the fight against sexual violence and the defence of fundamental human rights. In that regard, I would like to pay special tribute to the efforts being developed by Special Representative of the Secretary- General Wallstrom in this field. The reform of the security sector and upholding the rule of law are essential to overcome those challenges. We therefore encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to continue to pursue those processes in an integrated way, while closely coordinating with its international partners.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“The activity of armed groups remains an intolerable source of instability and violence in the Kivus and in Orientale province. It is at the root of continued violations of human rights. We remain concerned with the recruitment and use of children. We call upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to implement the recommendations of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We also remain concerned about the high number of cases of sexual violence against women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as mentioned by the Secretary-General.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Allow me also to reiterate Portugal's condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of those who lost their lives in the recent plane crash while serving the United Nations and the international community. Despite the substantial challenges that the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces, there is a positive structural trend that is essential to foster. To do so, it is critical to continue enhancing security and improving the protection of civilians. In that regard, we express our satisfaction with the stability achieved in the vast majority of the country and the progress towards the neutralization of foreign and other armed groups, namely through the process of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this timely and important debate on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I wish to extend a most cordial welcome to Minister Raymond Tshibanda and to thank him for his statement, which we heard with great interest. It illustrated the significant progress made in several decisive areas, and it clearly reflects the commitment of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to tackle the challenges that still lie ahead. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his important statement. As a member of the European Union, Portugal naturally shares the position that will be later expressed by Mr. Pedro Serrano.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“We hope and trust to register new progress when we again meet to discuss UNMIK's next report. In conclusion, allow me to once again underline the importance of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. High hopes and much room for progress and tangible results lie in those conversations. It is Portugal's strong belief that peace and security in the region require sustained commitment from all sides to democratic institutions, the rule of law, justice and human rights. Those will, in the future, prove to be the enduring mark of the cooperation of the international community in the Balkans.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Portugal also stands ready to work within the institutional framework of the European Union to better equip EULEX with the necessary capabilities to allow it to address the situation adequately and efficiently. But as I stated here last February, the seriousness and relevance of this issue demands that we follow it closely and keep an open mind on any future action that the full pursuit of the investigations may require. That is why we View the letter of the Secretary- General offering the United Nations assistance with the independent investigation as an important element in this context, to which due consideration should be given if the evolution of the investigations presently being carried out so warrant. Despite all the difficulties, the situation in Kosovo has evolved positively during the past three months.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Time and again, the Security Council has rightly denounced impunity and defended the assertion that the perpetrators of serious crimes and violations of human rights must be brought to justice. Impunity is not only intolerable in itself, it can also be an obstacle to peace and to a healthy and cooperative political environment, as so many cases illustrate. The allegations made by Senator Marty, if proven, will weigh lastingly on our collective memory and conscience. Their seriousness warrants a thorough, complete and independent investigation. Portugal fully supports the role of EULEX in that context. We were happy to learn that investigations have started and we hope that they will allow for the full clarification of the allegations.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“All of these elements can be particularly relevant when addressing not only Senator Marty's allegations but also the case referred to in annex I of the Secretary-General's report concerning the indictment of defendants in the so-called Medicus case charged with illegal kidney transplant. The EULEX report states that "Kidneys were allegedly removed from impoverished individuals, recruited on false promises of payment that they never received, then transplanted to wealthy foreign patients." (S/2011/28], annex I, p. 16) In all its horror, that sentence encapsulates the particularly heinous nature of this type of crime. My second comment concerns the investigation of the alleged facts presented in the Council of Europe's report.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Nearly a year ago, the General Assembly adopted the Global Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons, which of course includes trafficking for the purpose of organ removal and trafficking in organs. Dick Marty's report further underlines the importance and reach of the Action Plan, which promotes the universal ratification of the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its trafficking protocol, while reinforcing State's national and regional commitments to prevent and combat such trafficking, as well as strengthening cooperation among States, international organizations and other stakeholders.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“I also paid careful attention to what Minister Jeremic said to the Council, as well as to the contents of the Serbian concept paper that circulated previously defending an international investigation, as well as to the letter of the Secretary-General of 4 May. I wish to make two comments on this matter. First, with regard to the nature of organ trafficking, this is a complex criminal activity that requires a sophisticated network and the complicity of a variety of different actors, and not only doctors and recipients. It has become a horrendous international traffic that often has to rely on the complicity of authorities in different countries.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Again, the task facing Kosovo's Administration is one of institution- and capacity-building. We commend and support the efforts made by the EU Special Representative in that context. Concerning the report of Senator Dick Marty to the Council of Europe, I took note of the Secretary- General's reference in his report (S/2011/281) to the initiatives that UNMIK and EULEX have undertaken in that regard. I am encouraged by the declared intention of the Kosovar and Albanian authorities to cooperate fully in the investigations. In that context, I also call upon all other countries that are in a position to elucidate on these very serious accusations to come forward and help.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“On the other hand, in the community, criminal acts and vandalism and theft affecting cultural and religious sites are still occurring. The situation in the north remains tense. Other elements that may trigger renewed tensions abound. We commend UNMIK's efforts and dedication to ensure peace and security, but those efforts will be to no avail without the full commitment of the people of Kosovo themselves to ll-33372 engage fully and in good faith in a process leading to the settlement of their differences. Let me also stress the importance of the ongoing cooperation between Kosovo authorities and EULEX with regard to the rule of law, namely, on access to justice, policing and investigation, criminal prosecution and compliance with international human rights standards in civil and criminal proceedings.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“It is important that this dialogue proceeds on all outstanding issues, with the aim of producing results in the near future. We encourage the parties to engage actively in that sense. Despite the fact that the overall security situation has remained relatively calm since the beginning of the year, it is obvious that more efforts must be made in order to fight and prevent organized crime, put an end to trafficking in drugs and human beings and stop all criminal incidents that target both Kosovars and members of the international community. We take good note that the Kosovo police conducted a number of successful operations aimed at putting a stop to some of these criminal activities. We encourage them to redouble their efforts in that area.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Since our last meeting on UNMIK (see S/PV.6483), the nomination of a new President and Government have taken place in Kosovo. It is encouraging that the crisis around the presidential election and the appointment of Ms. Jahjaga took place within the applicable institutional framework and without disturbance. Another important development has been the beginning of the meetings of the Pristina- Belgrade dialogue, facilitated by the European Union (EU). A number of significant issues have been identified and discussed. I would, as an example, mention those pertaining to civil registry and cadastral information, as well as regional economic cooperation and the movement of goods and freedom of movement, as particular important ones.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“In that sense, Portugal reiterates its appreciation and support for the work being done and wishes to thank and commend the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the Kosovo Force, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for the accomplishments achieved. We also wish to highlight the active engagement of UNMIK with the communities and authorities in Kosovo and with the Governments of Serbia and Albania in order to fulfil its mandate. That commitment and cooperation are essential for furthering our common aims in Kosovo, but they are also a very important element in guaranteeing peace and stability in the whole region and promoting cooperation in the Balkans.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Like others, I wish to thank Special Representative Lamberto Zannier for his very comprehensive briefing to this Council, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Vuk J eremie, and Mr. Enver Hoxhaj for their remarks. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/281) offers a factual and comprehensive analysis of the situation prevailing in Kosovo, of the progress made during the period under review and of the significant challenges that still lie ahead in terms of ensuring security, stability, economic development and respect for human rights. It clearly makes the case for the continued commitment of the international community in order to support the people and authorities of Kosovo in their efforts to overcome those challenges and build a modern democratic State.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We also remain fully committed to the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Portugal welcomes and supports the statement issued by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States on the current developments in an increasing number of Arab cities, its appeal to Governments to commit to an immediate implementation of reform, and the forthcoming meeting of the League's Foreign Ministers. Portugal calls once again upon the Government to Syria to show all possible restraint and to ensure the protection of its citizens. We call upon all parties in Syria to engage in a genuine, comprehensive and inclusive dialogue and to embark on an inclusive and sustainable reform process.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“We support the Secretary-General's call for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings. Portugal takes note of the Syrian Government's decision to lift the state of emergency, of the laws introduced over the past few days, and of the announced intention to proceed with political reform. These measures and intentions must nevertheless be credible, carried out in an effective way and translate into real improvements and effective reform. Syrian authorities have an obligation to respect human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as freedom of the press, and to respect the integrity and dignity of arrested persons and their right to due legal process. My country is mindful of Syria's critical importance to the peace and security of the Middle East.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his briefing. Dramatic events in the region are quickly changing the face of the Middle East. Like those elsewhere in the region, people in Syria are demanding freedom, democracy and reform. The one and only way to respond to such legitimate aspirations is through genuine and inclusive dialogue. Violence and repression can never be the answer. Portugal is gravely concerned about the situation in Syria and the increasing levels of violence resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. We extend our condolences to the families of all the victims. We strongly condemn the violence against peaceful demonstrators and call for an immediate end to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“We expect a new Government, once formed, to fulfil its obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004), and to reiterate its commitment to all international obligations, including those concerning the Special Tribunal. We remain concerned by the almost daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty by Israeli overflights of Lebanon, which exacerbate tensions in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon area of operations. Portugal reaffirms its full support for Lebanon's sovereignty and independence and the need for its sovereignty to be fully respected in land, sea and air.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The region is living through times of change. Israelis and Palestinians must seize this opportunity to engage diligently and fruitfully with each other. Now is the moment for bold and brave leadership to focus on the only solution that can bring sustainable peace and prosperity to Israelis and Palestinians alike: an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security. I would like to say a few words on the situation in Lebanon. Portugal hopes for the formation of a new Government in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“While we welcome all the measures aimed at supporting the Palestinian Authority State-building exercise and the economic development of the occupied Palestinian territory, those measures are not to be considered as a substitute for timely negotiations on all final status issues. Likewise, as events all throughout the region are showing us, temporary and interim solutions are simply not an option, either. The peace we all hope for in the Middle East is a lasting and comprehensive one that would enable the full integration of Israel into its regional environment. A breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, would contribute to appease a region in turmoil. The Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon tracks are equally important and need to be pursued in tandem.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“At the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in Brussels last week, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations concurred that the Palestinian Authority is above the threshold for a functioning State in a number of key sectors, and is close to reaching the objectives of the State-building programme. Nevertheless, the Palestinian Authority's institution-building achievements can be sustainable only if they are matched with progress in the peace talks. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas set for themselves the goal of reaching a framework agreement on all core issues by September. It is vitally important that by then the State-building and political process be brought into alignment. We thus again urge the parties to resume with the utmost urgency meaningful direct negotiations.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“As underscored by the four European Union countries in the Security Council in their explanations of vote on 18 February, when we voted on the draft resolution on settlements (see S/PV.6484), direct negotiations should seek to achieve, first, an agreement on the borders of the two States based on the 4 June 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed between the parties; secondly, security arrangements that respect the sovereignty of the Palestinians, end the occupation and protect Israel's security; thirdly, a just solution to the refugee question; and lastly, the fulfilment of the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem, solving through negotiations the status of the city as the future capital of both States. That is also the position of the European Union, which will be expressed later on in this debate.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Peace between Israelis and Palestinians can be reached only through a direct, genuine and politically negotiated process leading to the establishment of a Palestinian State. The dual deadline for reaching an Israeli-Palestinian agreement on permanent status issues and completing the Palestinian two-year State- building plan is fast approaching. Yet, the negotiations process is at a standstill. The Quartet was due to meet in March. The April meeting was again postponed. Portugal wishes for a new meeting to be scheduled as soon as possible and encourages the active involvement of the Quartet to bring the negotiations process forward. It is essential that the international community clearly set out the parameters of a peace agreement and a clear calendar to attain this objective.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Likewise, an increasing number of Palestinian residents of Jerusalem have been denied their right to live in the city. Reuniting the West Bank and Gaza also remains an important objective. Portugal fully supports the efforts of President Abbas in favour of Palestinian reconciliation within the framework of the Palestinian Authority and the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Let me reiterate what I have often said here. Portugal condemns all actions that undermine trust and opposes all unilateral actions that prejudge the outcome of negotiations on final status issues, including Jerusalem. On the contrary, it is by building trust and building on trust that Israelis and Palestinians will be able to settle their differences and ensure a lasting and comprehensive peace. The foregoing brings me to the crux of our concern.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“It is in the interest of everyone, and particularly of Israel, not to reinforce extremism or foster a more broadly radicalized environment in Gaza. Once again, we join the international community in appealing to Israel to cease all settlement activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. These settlement activities, including natural growth, are illegal under international law. They undermine trust between the parties, erode the prerequisites for a two- State solution and constitute an obstacle to peace. It is thus unacceptable that settlement construction proceeds unabated and that plans for its extension continue to be announced regularly. Also, regrettably, evictions and demolitions continue to render Palestinians homeless throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, depriving many families of their livelihoods.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We also note with concern the continued captivity of Staff Sergeant Shalit and call for his immediate release. It is unacceptable that he continues to be detained and denied access in violation of humanitarian law and practice. Portugal welcomes the positive steps taken by the Government of Israel concerning the easing of the closure of Gaza. Nevertheless, as stated by the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee last week, "more is needed for a fundamental change of the situation in the Gaza Strip. A lasting recovery will require a removal of the ban on exports and private sector imports of investment inputs, as well as lifting restrictions on the legitimate passage of people". Likewise, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains one of great concern. We thus reiterate our call for the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009).”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source