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

“Unjustifiable actions cannot be redeemed by vindictive retaliation taken against innocent individuals. Violence in and around Gaza also continues to escalate. Only last week, an Italian human rights activist was brutally murdered. Portugal unequivocally condemns the indiscriminate firing of mortars and rockets by militant groups in Gaza and calls for their immediate halt. The targeting of an obvious civilian objective such as a school bus merits absolute condemnation. We recognize Israel's right to self-defence, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law. But we also urge it to use maximum restraint and ensure that civilians are not endangered. Attacks on civilians are completely unacceptable in any circumstances. We appeal to all parties to act responsibly and avoid further and very dangerous escalation.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“At the core of this regional conflict is the six- decade-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbours will remain elusive in the absence of an agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. Decisive action and strong political will are needed to relaunch negotiations and bring them to a meaningful conclusion. As the Under-Secretary- General recalled, violence is yet again on the rise in the region. Portugal vehemently condemns the heinous killing of a settler family in ltamar and the fatal terrorist attack in East Jerusalem last month. The perpetrators of such odious crimes must be brought to justice and held accountable for their acts. We are also concerned by the rising violence between settlers and Palestinians.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We are particularly worried and shocked by the number of children falling victim to this violence, as reported by UNICEF, and call upon all parties to protect children from direct and indirect effects of violence. Violence and repression can never be the answer. Only genuine comprehensive and inclusive dialogue will allow the important issues at stake to be addressed and solved in a peaceful and sustainable way that meets the legitimate aspirations expressed by peoples in several countries. The winds of change sweeping through the Middle East render progress on the Arab-Israeli peace process all the more pressing. The status quo is simply not sustainable. The absence of a timely comprehensive settlement will only further undermine confidence, exacerbate tensions and propitiate more violence.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his comprehensive briefing, even if it was a particularly sombre one. Dramatic events in the region are quickly changing the face of the Middle East, presenting its people with tremendous challenges but also with far-reaching opportunities. The one and only way to address such daunting challenges is through dialogue and reform. Portugal unequivocally condemns the use of force against peaceful demonstrations. We are concerned by increasing levels of violence in a number of countries in the region and deplore the many deaths it has caused. We urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“My delegation believes it would be useful in this new context for the Council to do some in-depth thinking on ways to strengthen Haitian institutions, the complete transfer of responsibility for the country's reconstruction and development in terms of these institutions, as well as the future of an international presence in Haiti. We would also like for the next report of the Secretary-General to include specific proposals to deal with security challenges. Today I wish to express Portugal's confidence in the will and determination of the Haitian people to confront and overcome the many challenges they face, as well as our belief in the commitment and solidarity of the international community to contribute to this effort to the greatest extent possible.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“In that connection, I would like to say a special word of thanks for the personal efforts made by Mr. Edmond Mulet. We encourage them to continue to work along these lines while promoting progressive ownership by the Haitian authorities of their full competencies and responsibilities in all of these areas, as emphasized by President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon. Peace requires neither dependence nor external assistance. Above all, it depends upon the will of the Haitian people, their democratic institutions and the economic and social progress they achieve. Haiti now has a new democratically elected President, and thus a real opportunity to promote a process of national reconciliation and a model of socio- economic development based on the rule of law and respect for the fundamental rights of its citizens.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“MINUSTAH has seen decisive success in supporting the work of the Haitian authorities in reconstruction, property distribution and the provision of essential services, medical care, reducing the number of displaced persons and combating epidemics. Its role also remains important, in close cooperation with the Haitian authorities, in the areas of institutional capacity- building, pursuing the reforms necessary to strengthening the rule of law, promoting human rights, fighting crime and protecting the most vulnerable groups, effectively delivering justice and putting an end to impunity. These are all elements vital to ensuring peace and security in the country and to promoting its sustainable development. Portugal enthusiastically welcomes all of the work carried out by MINUSTAH since 2004 and the dedication of the members of the Mission.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“Overcoming the impact of the natural disaster and accumulated deficits will take time and much effort before the Haitian people will be able to fully benefit from the security and development to which they are entitled. These efforts will require an ongoing and significant commitment on the part of the international community, as well as more effective aid coordination and greater coherence between the work of MINUSTAH, the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, donors, the United Nations Development Programme, the various United Nations agencies, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UN- Women and the various non-governmental organizations. I am delighted to hear from President Clinton that success has been noted in this area, but more can be done to improve this coordination.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“The second round of the election was an important step forward in the Haitian democratic process. We would also like to thank the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the joint electoral observer mission of the Organization of American States and the Caribbean Community for all their work in that respect. The electoral process must now be concluded in a credible and transparent way, thus further strengthening the legitimacy of the country's institutions. Obstacles to security and development in Haiti are long-standing and structural in nature. The terrible earthquake of 2010 merely forced us to take an unvarnished look at the scarcity and difficulties that Haitians have experienced on a daily basis for decades.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“The international community cannot replace this sovereign will and can only act to support the efforts to stabilize and develop that country that are being conducted by the Haitians themselves. For these reasons, we welcome the election of Michel Martelly as President of the Republic. This democratic choice of the Haitian people is an essential condition to guarantee political and institutional stability in the country and to strengthen the confidence of the Haitians and the international community in the ability of the future Government to successfully deal with a process of reconstruction and development that is indeed very complex. In this regard, I recognize all the work carried out by President Preval, the progress achieved and the transparent manner in which the presidential elections were held.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“They include security, reconstruction, socio-economic development, the strengthening of its institutions and of the rule of law, and the promotion of human rights and civil society. This is an extensive debate because it also needs to address the underlying causes of the present difficulties, as well as a range of measures at the disposal of the international community to consolidate its support for the people and Government of Haiti. We begin, of course, with one simple observation. Peace and security in Haiti, as well as the efforts for national reconstruction and the pursuit of development, are the responsibilities first and foremost of the people and authorities of Haiti, an independent and sovereign country.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank the Colombian presidency of the Council for having organized this very important debate, and to thank the President of the Republic of Colombia and the President of Haiti, Mr. Rene Preval, for their presence here today. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and President Clinton for their briefings, which are very useful to our work. I would emphasize the presence of so many representatives of various friendly Governments, members of our Ibero- American community, whose support for this debate is eloquent testimony to our collective commitment to and solidarity with Haiti. We are conducting an extensive debate on Haiti today. It is extensive in that we must address a number of challenges confronting that country, all of which are interrelated.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“We will try to keep it that way, as we intend to organize, whenever needed, informal briefings to the general membership on the work of the Committee.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“I wish here to remind Member States of their reporting obligations resulting from resolution 1970 (2011) and to stress how important it is for the Committee to promptly receive national implementation 11-27938 reports, which are due within 120 days, meaning by 26 June. I should like to say one final word concerning the transparency of the work of the Committee, to which we are committed and which we will always try to improve. Even if it is rather early in the Committee's existence and there is only a short history on which to report, I am very glad that the first briefing is taking place here at an open meeting before the general membership. The success of sanctions lies in the active contribution of States to their implementation and their commitment and understanding of the regimes, which is only strengthened by transparency.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“We hope to have the Panel established soon. The prompt response of the Council, by adopting resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011), is a clear signal of its determination to address the situation in Libya and enable the Libyan population, through a national dialogue, to fulfil its legitimate aspirations to political reform in a peaceful and sustainable way while preserving the independence, territorial integrity and national unity of their country as stated in resolution 1973 (2011). The efficient implementation of the sanctions regime is crucial in that regard * hence the importance of Member States engaging actively in its implementation.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“For my part, I would like to use this opportunity to highlight some elements concerning the work of the Committee in overseeing the sanctions regime imposed by resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011). As I mentioned earlier, the Committee has already held two meetings. The Committee was able to quickly adopt provisional guidelines and is now fully operational to carry out its work. The Committee will be working on further designations of individuals and entities concerning the assets freeze, which, according 11-27938 to paragraph 19 of resolution 1973 (2011), have to be made within the next three weeks. The Secretariat is also working to recruit experts to establish the Panel of Experts that will assist the Committee in carrying out its mandate and report to the Council on its findings and recommendations.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“They also heard a brief update from the Secretariat on the status of recruitment for the Panel of Experts, to be made up of up to eight experts, as established by resolution 1973 (2011). Following a preliminary discussion of a query received from a Member State on the scope of the assets freeze, the members of the Committee agreed to consider a draft reply under the written non-objection procedure. An urgent request for guidance from another Member State, which involves providing clarification as to whether the assets freeze applies to the subsidiary of a designated entity, is also under consideration. I have now concluded the outline of the most important aspects of the report.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“Thus, at its first meeting, the Committee adopted provisional guidelines for the conduct of its work. It approved a note verbale that contained a reminder to all Member States to report to the Committee on the implementation of the relevant provisions of resolution 1970 (2011) regarding the arms embargo, the travel ban and the assets freeze within 120 days of the adoption of the resolution. The Committee also approved an update to its lists of individuals and entities. Finally, it agreed to the issuance of a press release on its work. All of these documents will be made available on the Committee's website. In addition, in the prior consultations under other matters, the members of the Committee were alerted to forthcoming proposals on additional designations by members of the Committee.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“Currently, there are 18 individuals designated as being subject to the travel ban, and 13 individuals and 5 entities designated as being subject to the assets freeze. Since the adoption of the two resolutions, the Committee has met twice in informal consultations followed by a formal meeting to conduct its work. Moreover, prior to its first meeting, the Committee considered and approved on an expedited basis an 2 urgent request for an exemption to the aforementioned ban on flights, in accordance with paragraph 17 of resolution 1973 (2011), to allow a Member State to evacuate its nationals from Libyan territory using a Libyan-company-owned aircraft. After briefly discussing several proposals in informal consultations on 25 March, the members of the Committee agreed to adopt these proposals in a formal meeting immediately afterwards.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and giving me the opportunity to present the first report of the Committee established recently pursuant to Security Council resolution 1970 (2011), on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. The text of this report, which will be posted in full on the website of the Committee, which is already available, gives us a picture of the activities undertaken until today by the Committee. I will now read out the main elements of the Committee's report. The mandate of the Committee, first set out in resolution 1970 (2011), was subsequently expanded by resolution 1973 (2011) to also apply to the measures decided in that resolution. Broadly speaking, the Committee's tasks include overseeing the arms embargo, travel ban, assets freeze and ban on flights of Libyan aircraft.”
2011-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6507 (2011) · source
“We should work collectively to improve our working methods in order to allow us to draw regularly on the advice of Chairs of country-specific configurations. The interactive dialogue on Burundi, with the participation of the Chair of the PBC country-specific configuration, promoted by the Brazilian presidency of the Security Council last month, was an excellent practice. We should be able to develop other formats that would serve the same purpose of further engagement of the PBC with the Council. In conclusion, the success ofthe PBC in fulfilling its task represents our collective success in our efforts towards achieving sustainable peace. We are aware of the challenges before us in improving our capacity to deal with peacebuilding tasks. Let us also be creative in reaching out and devising appropriate ways to address those challenges.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“These include promoting economic activities, health and education, and gender equality, as well as the mitigation of the effects of climate change. Finally, we should work towards strengthening relations between the PBC and other United Nations organs. On Monday the General Assembly held a very rich debate on this same report (see A/65/PV.79). I think we should value the Assembly's contribution in our reflections and efforts to strengthen peacebuilding. In what concerns the Security Council, the report, as well as other reports and documents produced in each of the country-specific configurations, contains much valuable information on how the work of the PBC can feed into Security Council discussions, namely, those on the establishment, renewal and conclusion of mission mandates.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“We note with satisfaction that this issue is one of the main aspects of the PBC road map for actions in 2011. Secondly, there is the challenge of greater engagement of the PBC in development issues. The report indicates a growing trend to include development aspects in priority plans, especially concerning the problem of youth unemployment, an issue with serious destabilizing potential, especially in Africa. PBC engagement in this field, however, requires a more consistent dialogue with development agencies to promote a peacebuilding approach in their assistance efforts. There are also a number of other issues besides youth employment with great potential in terms of peace dividends and long-term stability.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“Allow me now to focus on a number of challenges that in our view merit particular attention. First, there is a challenge for the visibility of the PBC in its capacity to coordinate with other actors present in the countries where it intervenes. There is no denying that the PBC is a catalyst for mobilizing donors' resources, identifying financing gaps and priorities for international assistance. But this should translate into actual work being carried out on the ground. Besides dealing with the regular planning and articulation of the national authorities, the PBC should be more systematically involved early on with other actors, first and foremost with the other United Nations agencies but also with bilateral partners, international financial institutions and regional organizations.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“In the case of Guinea-Bissau, as already mentioned by Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti, I would also like to underline the role of the PBC configuration in the process that led to the debt relief, resulting from Guinea-Bissau reaching the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point of the International Monetary Fund. The debt relief, together with a recently approved new tranche of Peacebuilding Fund financial support, will create the conditions for the Government of Guinea-Bissau to press forward with social and economic programmes and enhance the strengthening of national institutions. In the context of political fragility, the PBC's role is certainly an important contribution to stability in that particular country, which faces, as we all know, a number of serious challenges.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“We now have a more focused, thematic approach and a better understanding of priorities and of how the PBC fits into the larger set of international actors. We have, as well, the lessons learned from five country-specific configurations, which, we believe, is experience that will certainly be valuable for the recently created configuration for the Republic of Guinea. Portugal takes pride in its active participation in four PBC configurations, as we are strong supporters of an approach that takes into account the relationship between security and development and its implications for integrated action by the international community in post-conflict societies, which are particularly fragile ones. The PBC is in a unique position to ensure that socio-economic progress effectively functions as a promoter of stability.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“Thank you for organizing this important debate, Mr. President. I also wish to thank Ambassador Wittig for presenting his report and for his commitment and leadership while he was in charge of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). I also thank Ambassador Gasana for his statement and assure him of our constant support in his important task. I would also like to warmly greet Ambassador Viotti and the other Chairs of the country-specific configurations present here during our debate. We welcome the progress of the PBC as reflected in its report (S/2011/4l). Over the past five years, the Commission has established itself as a relevant platform for international assistance in the transition of post-conflict societies towards durable peace.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“To that end, I very much support the intention of the Chair to follow up on the implementation of the programme of work of 23 July 2010, disseminating additional optional guidance on implementation reports, reviewing the Committee's consolidated list, and updating its guidelines in accordance with the new provisions of resolution 1929 (2010). Being very much attached to transparency and outreach initiatives as one of the best ways to stimulate the overall implementation of the relevant resolutions, I also very much welcome periodical open briefings for interested Member States.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“It is in the larger context to which I just referred that the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) has a particularly important role to play. While expressing deep concern about the various incidents reported in the 90-day report, indicating that violations and attempted violations of the sanctions regime continue to occur, I agree with Ambassador Osorio that the recent increase in the reporting of such violations by Member States sets a positive example and should be encouraged.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“The report further indicates that Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities, did not supply the Agency with information regarding the construction of new uranium enrichment facilities, and has not suspended work on all heavy water-related projects. Without full access to the Iranian nuclear facilities, Director General Amano concludes that the IAEA is unable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of these activities. Allow me to say a word on the diplomatic track. We regret that Iran does not seem willing to negotiate meaningfully, as was indicated at the Istanbul meeting in January. We call on Iran to engage fully in this process. My country remains committed to a negotiated solution, and we fully support High Representative Ashton in this regard.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“In order to restore international confidence and allow it to sustain the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme and its related activities, the quality of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has to be enhanced and moved up to a satisfactory level by putting fully into practice the safeguards agreement of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its Additional Protocol, thus granting access to all sites, equipment, persons and documents, as requested by the Agency. Unfortunately, the report of the Director General of the Agency to the Council of the Board of Governors on 7 March reiterated the fact that certain activities being undertaken by Iran and some of its nuclear facilities are contrary to relevant resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“Like others, I want to thank Ambassador Ne'stor Osorio for the 90-day report on the activities of his very important Committee. And while wishing him all success in conducting the work of the Committee, I also want to assure him and his team of my country's full support for the fulfilment of his mandate. I wish to convey my appreciation to the Panel of Experts for the work they have done in a very short time, and to thank them for the pragmatic and useful recommendations offered in the interim report of 24 February, the first after their appointment by the Secretary-General in November in accordance with resolution 1929 (2010). The adoption of that resolution was the most important event of last year regarding Iran's compliance with its international obligations.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“It has to be fundamentally reformed through a peaceful process. Today we voted for this resolution because we believe that it fulfils these essential objectives: to establish an immediate ceasefire; to put an end to violence; to protect civilians; to allow for unimpeded humanitarian aid; and to lead to a national dialogue among the Libyans conducive to the establishment of a democratic State, guaranteeing the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the country, as desired by the Libyan people. In that context, we fully support the mission entrusted by the Secretary-General to Mr. Al-Khatib and his efforts to find a sustainable and peaceful solution to this crisis, as we support the efforts of the Arab League and of the African Union in this same sense.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“Due to these reasons, we voted with the other members of the Council for resolution 1970 (2011), which was adopted unanimously. Nevertheless, the authorities in Tripoli took no note of that resolution and have failed totally to abide by it. On the contrary, since 26 February, the violence has escalated, as have the crimes committed against the Libyan population. Civilians have been bombarded from land and air. Portugal has also constantly stressed the need for a national political dialogue that would enable the Libyan population to fulfil its legitimate aspirations to build a democratic, modern State based on the sovereignty of the people and on institutions that would represent them effectively. For the international community, the regime that has ruled Libya for more than 40 years has come to an end by the will of the Libyan people.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“Since the outset of the Libyan popular uprising, Portugal has consistently condemned the indiscriminate violence against civilians and the gross and systematic violation of human rights and of humanitarian law perpetrated by a regime that has lost all its credibility and legitimacy vis-a-vis its own population and the international community. We have appealed for the cessation of all violence and for the establishment of an immediate ceasefire as well as for the full protection of civilians and foreign residents in Libya and their right to leave the country without hindrance and in safe conditions. We have drawn attention to the plight of the thousands and thousands of refugees forced to flee the violence and the need to afford them all humanitarian assistance possible.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“11-2662] Portugal, as a friend, an ally and a partner of Afghanistan, hopes that this Afghan New Year will usher in a clear vision of the path ahead, robust implementation of the planned transition, increased institutional capacity to address the people's needs and, ultimately, a brighter future for Afghanistan.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Portugal welcomes the recent steps taken towards the further promotion and protection of women's rights, especially as regards the participation of women in Afghan Government institutions, including the civil service. The future of Afghanistan should not be built over the respect of human rights for all and especially should not be built over the human rights of women or at the cost of their education or their participation in public and political life. In this respect, we would encourage the Government of Afghanistan at the highest level to publicly emphasize that the promotion and protection of women's rights is an integral part of peace, reintegration and reconciliation.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Indeed, the security situation should not be a pretext to compromise a consolidation of the democratic process in Afghanistan and the promotion and protection of human rights. Human rights are indeed one of the battlegrounds in Afghanistan. We should not be surprised that the enemies of a democratic and peaceful Afghanistan are proud to despise the most fundamental human rights and make it a point to flaunt their contempt for the country's achievement in this area. Portugal is particularly encouraged by the significant steps taken by the Government of Afghanistan to prevent the recruitment of children and other commitments to prevent sexual violence. The use of children by the Taliban forces and the attacks against schools and health-care facilities are certainly some of the most dramatic aspects of the current situation in Afghanistan.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Portugal is pleased to be working in the Security Council towards securing a mandate that allows UNAMA to fulfil its mission, namely, increased support for the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to improve governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption; better coordination of support and resources; the delivery of humanitarian aid; and the monitoring of the situation of civilians and their protection. One other fundamental issue is also the coordination between the United Nations agencies and programmes, so that resource allocation is improved, in particular in the areas of counter-narcotics, reconstruction and development. I should also like to address the issue of human rights. It is, as regards Afghanistan, both a tale of achievement and an enduring concern.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Important steps in increasing public trust in institutions, the Administration and the police are needed, and their ongoing efforts deserve our support. Tensions between State branches over the status of Parliament risk undermining the consolidation of institutions and discrediting the democratic process in the eyes of the people. Finally, electoral reform must be addressed, bearing in mind the effects it may have on the transition period and on the stability of Afghanistan.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Afghanistan is on the threshold of transition, a process in which we all have a stake and in which we all must assume our responsibilities. A phase- and conditions-based transition to Afghan-led security is a momentous step for the country, and Afghanistan must be sure of its allies and of the support as laid out at the London and Kabul Conferences and the Lisbon summit. We look forward, therefore, to the Bonn Conference next December and to the preparatory work to be done in that connection. Portugal will increase its contribution to ISAF by 25 per cent, reaching a total of 250 military personnel to help train their Afghan counterparts. We remain ready to carry out this mission for peace and freedom in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, there is much to be done in Afghanistan beyond the security situation.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“While this is a fundamental step in order to attain counter-insurgency goals, we must make sure that these levels are sustainable and that the safety of numbers does not affect standards or capacity. The Declaration approved in Lisbon in November by the Heads of State and Government of the nations contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) represents a pledge with respect to the long-term nature of the partnership between NATO and Afghanistan. Portugal reafflrms its support for President Karzai's objective to lead and conduct security operations in all the provinces by the end of 2014, and we will see Inteqal through as allies and partners, not only in the area of security but also as regards governance, development and the rule of law.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“I am sure that I speak for all of us when I express my condemnation of such despicable, wanton killing and maiming, and I ask Ambassador Tanin to convey our condolences to the victims' families. Peace and security are Afghanistan's primary needs and the foremost grounds for United Nations assistance to the Afghan Government. The task that is still ahead is vast, and the security progress achieved over the past year, while significant, is also fragile and reversible. Ambassador Tanin can rest assured that Afghanistan's partners are steadfast in their commitment. Afghan security forces are expanding, reflecting growing Afghan ownership of the security situation. The Afghan national security forces will soon reach their growth figures for trained and operational personnel.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“I wish to thank our colleague Ambassador Tanin for his very useful comments. National ownership is at the heart of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, an objective that Portugal shares in its fullness. Allow me also to thank the Special Representative and the personnel of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who face one of the most daunting tasks that the United Nations has undertaken to this day. Allow me to express Portugal's appreciation to them for their commitment, dedication and courage. Allow me also to recall that at the beginning of this week, a vile attack once again indiscriminately took the lives of dozens of civilians in Kanduz.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“That is why we underline that the continuing commitment, engagement and close cooperation of all parties will be necessary to achieve peace in Somalia, foster national cohesion and open the way for economic and social development. We strongly support the continuous engagement of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and other regional organizations. In that context, we of course share the position of the European Union, which will be set out later. But let me also stress that while the international community must carry on showing its commitment and acting in a concerted way, affording the Somali people the support and encouragement they deserve, concrete steps can only be achieved if there is real commitment from Somali leaders and institutions in laying the foundations for peace and stability in the country.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“11-2583] We believe and strongly support a multidimensional response to the problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia that includes tackling the root causes of the problem, improving the current responses and embracing new economic, security and jurisdictional/correctional solutions, including an extra-territorial specialized court in the region, as proposed in the recent report (S/2011/30, annex) presented by Special Adviser to the Secretary-General Jack Lang. As I have previously stated in the Council, Portugal strongly supports the proposals contained in that report. We do not underestimate the difficulties in Somalia.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“Portugal echoes the concerns shared by other members with regard to the threat posed by piracy, including the increasing violence and their increasingly sophisticated methods, which we strongly condemn. We have been engaged with international partners and allies in the fight against piracy. We took part in NATO operations and currently participate in the European Union's Operation Atalanta. Portugal will assume command of that mission beginning in May.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“The most serious impact of ongoing violence and insecurity in Somalia is on the Somali people themselves. We condemn in the strongest terms all attacks on the Transitional Government, AMISOM. and the civilian population. We are particularly concerned about the situation of women and children, the most vulnerable victims of violence. In that regard, we welcome the commitment by the Transitional Government to halt the recruitment of children, as well as the appointment of a high-level focal point for child protection and human rights, namely, State Minister Zahra Ali Samantar. We wish her every success in her endeavours. We also urge the parties to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law and to ensure full and unhindered access to all populations in need by humanitarian workers.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“Portugal also recognizes the progress made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and national security forces in consolidating security and stability in Mogadishu. We encourage the strengthening of the Somali Security Forces, as the Transitional Federal Government bears the primary responsibility for safeguarding peace and security in Somalia. Nevertheless, AMISOM. continues to play a vital role in Somalia. We therefore reiterate our support to AMISOM. and encourage the full deployment of 4,000 additional troops. Regrettably, those gains have been overshadowed by the tragic losses of life suffered in recent fighting in Mogadishu. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda, the Transitional Government and the Somali people.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“In that endeavour, one must comprehensively address all the challenges Somalia faces at the political, security, humanitarian, human rights and socio-economic development levels. Also of paramount importance is to ensure the strengthening of civilian capacity-building and to engage Somalis in the process, as well as in public life in general. Portugal subscribes to the View expressed in the very useful concept note (S/2011/1l4, annex) prepared for this debate that an inclusive and strengthened dialogue with all Somalis and key stakeholders will help map the way forward for Somalia. We therefore welcome and encourage the work of Ambassador Mahiga in assisting the Somali people in reaching agreement on post-transitional arrangements, in consultation with the international community.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source