YouSaid · the spoken record

Motoc

lines on the record: 781
first: 2003-09-30
most recent: 2005-12-20
sittings or episodes: 113
sources: un-security-council

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“At the same time, the nature of conflicts in Africa requires coordinated regional strategies to approach cross-border issues such as: disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement; control of small arms and light weapons; humanitarian services; and others. Such developments should not undermine the unity of action and political control of each separate operation. The planning of all peacekeeping activities must carefully mirror, primarily, the needs of the affected population. Each mandate must consider the social, economic and political context, the need to prevent the worsening of the conflict, humanitarian assistance, human rights, the organization of elections, transition towards a democratic society and economic development.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“In its deliberations on specific conflicts or crises the Security Council is increasingly taking on board their wider regional aspects. This is matched by a similar perspective adopted on the ground by United Nations peacekeepers. As a case in point, the United Nations presence has reached critical mass in West Africa. Synergy among the peacekeeping missions in that subregion could be useful. The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire could increasingly share resources, particularly in terms of expertise, transportation, medical components and personnel.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“We welcome the contribution of the European Union to these efforts and its recent initiative of setting up a peace support operations facility aimed at supporting African countries and regional organizations in conflict management and resolution. Of special importance is the Joint Declaration on United Nations-European Union cooperation in crisis management, signed on 24 September 2003, which sets out concrete measures with regard to peacekeeping operations. The role of regional organizations must be further emphasized. Romania believes in the benefits of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations for efficient use of resources, better practices and enhanced long-term impact of peacekeeping missions.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“As Under-Secretary-General J can-Marie Guehenno stated recently in a contribution to the International Herald Tribune dated 19 April 2004, "There is a peace dividend to be had, but not without a clear-headed investment". That was the Vision that prompted Romania to change its policy and to start investing significantly in United Nations peacekeeping after 1990. My country now ranks within the first tier of troop-contributing countries. It also takes part in a series of other United-Nations-authorized missions of magnitude, at considerable risk and cost. Such contributions have to be recognized and factored in when evaluating how Member States shoulder responsibility in the overall efforts of the United Nations in the discharge of its peacekeeping function.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“A great deal of experience has been accumulated; we should continuously take stock of and analyse it with a view to a permanent improvement of performance in the field. The mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations have become increasingly complex, multifaceted and multidimensional. They stand out as an embodiment of the role that multilateral institutions can play in safeguarding peace and security. At the same time, this debate should also shed light on expectations that have not been met in United Nations peacekeeping and should explores ways and means to ensure further mobilization of the resources that are needed.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“The Pakistani initiative to organize this open debate is highly commendable and timely. We are witnessing an unprecedented increase in the number and complexity of peacekeeping operations, on practically all continents. The presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan to direct the Security Council's proceedings speaks eloquently of the topicality and importance of this item. We are honoured by the personal participation in today's meeting of the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan. My delegation associates itself with the statement to be delivered later by Ambassador Ryan of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. Therefore, I will confine my intervention to highlighting certain aspects of particular significance to us. United Nations peacekeeping missions have evolved tremendously during the past 50 years.”
2004-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4970 (2004) · source
“Finally, I would like to add a few words of support and acknowledgement for UNMIK and its chief, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. Harri Holkeri, for KFOR and for the entire international presence in Kosovo. They have huge tasks ahead in difficult and - as the report indicates - dangerous conditions. Those tasks cannot be accomplished effectively unless sufficient political backing and resources are made available to them by the international community and the Council.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“In that respect, every effort should be made to bring to justice those responsible for the grave attacks in March, to enforce the rule of law throughout Kosovo and to reverse the huge moral damage created by the violence and the destruction of property and Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries, many of which are part of our universal heritage. At the same time - and as requested recently by the Council - solutions must be sought for more effective governance and the evolution of responsibilities at the local level, allowing for the full observance of the rights and interests of all members of minority communities. In this context, we welcome proposals that are discussed and agreed by all interested parties. But it is clear that the situation should not be prolonged for too long, as that could generate even more problems for everyone.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“We can find no better illustration of why full implementation of the standards should dominate the political agenda of Kosovo than the fact that recent violent events have further damaged its already fragile and weak economy. How can one build a future on such foundations? Romania welcomes in that respect the public commitments of Kosovo leaders to implementing the standards. We hope that those commitments - and every chapter of the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan - will be fully put into practice in order to maximize the chances of a positive review in 2005. However, in the short term, we believe that confidence-building in Kosovo will not be possible without some timely and effective measures in terms of rule of law and justice, reconstruction and full protection of minority communities.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“We all have a stake in implementing standards, no matter what status will eventually be arrived at. In the same vein, the longer it takes for standards to be worked on, the more difficult it will prove catch up, irrespective of the eventual determination of the final status. In this context, we note that the report before the Council also stands as an initial review of the current state of standards implementation in Kosovo. Romania attaches great importance to the further development of the review mechanism, the functioning of which will be essential in clarifying the political approach and reasoning of the international community and the Security Council with respect to the discussion of Kosovo's final status.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“It is crucial to eradicate the mentality existing in Kosovo of violence as a means to achieve political goals. And that action should proceed at every level and in every field, not least starting with a change of attitude among those political and local leaders who failed to act responsibly during the recent crisis. To the same end, the local media should be supported in acquiring more professional and democratic reporting standards. As a country of the region, Romania is particularly concerned about the long-term implications of any action related to Kosovo's future. That is why we insist that "standards before status" should be taken very seriously and reiterate that its implementation should be reflected throughout Kosovo, serving as a symbol of the Kosovars' will to live in peace in the region and to promote its stability.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“More emphasis should be put on security, returns, minority rights, the rule of law and justice and the devolution of functions from the central level to local bodies, so that every inhabitant of Kosovo and every person wishing to return there can have an equal opportunity for a normal, free and secure life. The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and all communities in Kosovo, with the assistance of the international presence, should work together in a responsible and coherent manner to achieve that goal and to prevent the recurrence of similar violence in the future. An important step forward would be the establishment of a stricter legal regime for small and light weapons and the intensification of operations to collect illegal weapons.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The progress made in the province prior to the ethnically motivated violence in March has been seriously overshadowed by the organized, widespread and targeted attacks against the Serb and other communities in Kosovo. We are at the stage where simply identifying problems is not enough. Concrete measures have to be adopted and put in place for ensuring the real and effective implementation of measures set out in the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan and, as an ultimate goal, for the development in Kosovo of a secure, democratic, tolerant and multi-ethnic society. Therefore, while reaffirming Romania's attachment to the "standards before status" policy, we fully share the View that the aforementioned Plan must be further recalibrated and prioritized.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“First, I would like to thank Special Representative Mr. Harri Holkeri, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and, not least, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations for this thorough and lucid report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/348). I also welcome the presence at our meeting of Mr. Vuk Draskovic, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro. Romania associates itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by Ambassador Ryan of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. The general image of the situation in Kosovo in the aftermath of recent events as depicted in Mr. Holkeri's report is a distressing one.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The extension of UNMISET for a further one- year consolidation phase with a reduced size and a modified mandate will consolidate momentum for the development of full Timorese self-sufficiency and will confirm Timor-Leste as a fine example of successful United Nations peacekeeping and peace-building. Finally, I wish to express Romania's satisfaction with the continued development of cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. We hope that the political commitment will be shortly followed by concrete results in the finalization of an agreement on the border line, as well as in addressing the issue of former refugees remaining in West Timor. Likewise, we encourage the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in bringing those responsible for serious crimes to justice.”
2004-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4965 (2004) · source
“That vision is reflected in the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his special report of February 2004 (S/2004/117) and is developed further in his most recent report. This vision is shared by Romania, which is supportive of the Secretary-General's recommendations. As the report states, ongoing international support continues to be essential to enable Timor-Leste to reach a critical threshold of self-sufficiency. Romania believes that that support can best be provided through a continued multisector United Nations presence in Timor-Leste that includes a limited military component.”
2004-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4965 (2004) · source
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the authorities of Timor-Leste for their steady efforts and encouraging achievements towards developing their country as a stable and democratic nation. All the remarkable progress that has been achieved so far has brought closer the moment when responsibility will be transferred from the international presence to the people and the Government of Timor-Leste. The Security Council, bilateral donors and the wider international community have invested enormous energy and expectations in Timor-Leste. Remarkable success has been achieved so far, but further international assistance will be required in order to consolidate and secure its irreversibility.”
2004-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4965 (2004) · source
“I cannot start without expressing outrage at and strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Grozny, Russian Federation. Romania's sympathy and condolences go to the victims and the bereaved families and to the people and the Government of the Russian Federation. On the issue at hand, I join other members of the Council in thanking the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) (S/2004/333) and Special Representative Sharma for his briefing. My delegation welcomes the participation in this Council meeting of Senior Minister Ana Pessoa of Timor-Leste. As Romania aligns itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union, I will limit myself to making a few brief comments.”
2004-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4965 (2004) · source
“We now have a very good opportunity to put that institutional synergy to work even more effectively, especially in the western Balkans, since two neighbouring countries of the region - Bulgaria and Romania - are currently chairing, respectively, the OSCE and the South-East European Cooperation Process, which is the most representative subregional organization. With a view to best profiting from the presence of our guest, I would like to ask him to kindly elaborate on the strategy and thoughts of the OSCE chairmanship-in-office with regard to dealing with so- called frozen conflicts, such as the ones he briefly referred to in the first part of his rich remarks - he mentioned Moldova and Georgia - since in that respect the United Nations and the OSCE, we think, can successfully share experiences and ideas.”
2004-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4964 (2004) · source
“The rich presentation we heard at the beginning of our meeting shows eloquently the usefulness of periodic interaction between the universal Organization, and the Security Council in particular, and regional organizations, especially when their respective agendas intersect. Romania has made the relationship between global and regional organizations in stabilization processes a main thread of its mandate as an elected member of the Security Council. We truly hope to see Foreign Minister Passy, as OSCE Chairman-in-Office, join the high-level debate on this topic, which we plan to organize during our July presidency. Romania held the chairmanship-in-office of the OSCE fairly recently - in 2001 - and had opportunities then to explore areas for improving the operational relationship on the ground between the United Nations and the OSCE.”
2004-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4964 (2004) · source
“My delegation is, of course, more than pleased to welcome to the Council the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Foreign Minister Passy of Bulgaria, a friendly neighbour of Romania with which we share common institutional experiences in the assumption of international responsibilities. It seems that wherever Romania has exercised a mandate, Bulgaria has succeeded it, and that wherever Bulgaria has done so, Romania was next in line. I take the opportunity therefore to commend Bulgaria for activities and achievements of its chairmanship during the first four months of its mandate.”
2004-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4964 (2004) · source
“Finally, I wish to express appreciation for all the efforts undertaken by the Government of Papua New Guinea and by the Bougainville parties in the peace process. All the positive developments achieved so far are evidence of the increased capacity of the people of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to assume full ownership of the peace process and move forward towards political normalization and economic development. Here, I would also like to commend the role played by other countries in the region, as well as by United Nations specialized agencies and international donors in supporting the peace process and achieving good progress in Bougainville.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“Good news is also related to talks between the national Government and Bougainville leaders on the finalization of the third draft of the Bougainville constitution. We encourage the parties to proceed in a timely manner with the approval of the constitution, which will mark an important step towards autonomy. We are confident that the parties will soon take a decision on the timing of elections for an autonomous government, and will make the necessary preparations in that regard, with the support of the United Nations Mission. We further hope that progress in the political process will be followed by progress in the economic field and improvement in the living standards of the population. In our View, the transition towards an autonomous Bougainville should be synonymous with the transition towards a prosperous and stable Bougainville.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“First, we welcome you, Sir, and congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. I also take this opportunity to commend the performance of the German presidency during the month of April. I join other members of the Council in thanking Assistant Secretary-General Danilo Tiirk, for his briefing on the latest developments in the activities of the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB). Romania is encouraged to note the steady progress in the implementation of the peace process in Bougainville, with the effective contribution of the small, follow-on United Nations Mission. We welcome in particular the advance towards the destruction of contained weapons, and the good prospect that the entire process will be completed soon.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“Additional efforts are going to be needed now from all of us, indeed from the entire United Nations membership, and we must implement the provisions of the resolution in good faith. Romania, which is connected to all existing international non- proliferation regimes, is certainly going to live up to the commitments proceeding from the important resolution just adopted by the Security Council. I fully trust that we did the right thing in taking, as the Security Council, an important step towards making our world a safer place.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“With the adoption of this resolution, the Council lives up to its responsibilities, addressing one of today's most ominous challenges to international peace and security. The objective of this resolution is indeed an essential component of overall efforts to address contemporary threats to international peace and security, specifically those posed by non-State actors seeking to acquire and use weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The unity of action demonstrated today by the members of the Council is a clear indication that this particular issue is indeed a matter of great urgency. A lot of work remains to be done if the resolution is to attain its objectives - both within the United Nations and in nations' daily implementation of the guidelines set forth in it.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“In this impressive atmosphere of consensus, I can afford to be very brief. Most of the features making up the thrust of the resolution the Council has just adopted have been the object of extensive and useful exchanges in the interactions both within the Security Council membership and among the general membership of the Organization. The outcome of this is the powerful unanimity displayed today by the Council and the good understanding by all of us of the purposes this resolution serves. This optimizes the chances that the implementation of its provisions will meet the expectations of world opinion. The Council is filling in an important gap in international efforts to deal with non-proliferation.”
2004-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4956 (2004) · source
“Most of the concerns expressed during our deliberations have been reflected in the text. We are satisfied that all those strenuous efforts made possible a substantial improvement of the draft and clarified how we can ensure the optimal materialization of its fundamental goal. The objective of the draft resolution is very important. Its aim is very high. If our aspiration is to get rid of the scourge of the proliferation of WMD and prevent self-destruction, we have to act accordingly, in a united and responsible manner.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The draft resolution's implementation will not affect the obligations undertaken by States parties to international treaties nor the statutory responsibilities of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Efforts to prevent proliferation, undertaken at the national, regional or international levels, through enhanced coordination, do not hamper the transfer of materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes. The critical importance of the draft resolution and its contents was demonstrated by the extensive consultations and exchanges that took place within and outside the Council. They were complemented by a transparent and constructive interaction with individual Member States and regional and political groups.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“It also requires the establishment of physical protection measures and effective controls over related materials. For such a preventive approach to work, the need for international cooperation is capital. It requires the establishment of national authorities and the adoption and enforcement of relevant domestic legislation. While addressing a very specific and focused issue, the draft resolution reaffirms the need for all Member States to fulfil their obligations in arms control and disarmament and upholds the multilateral treaties. Efforts for combating proliferation have to be deeply rooted in the domestic implementation by States of their obligations and in the permanent enforcement of adequate related legislation on matters such as export controls and the physical protection, secure manipulation and transfer of sensitive materials.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“The draft resolution will make a fundamental contribution to the efforts of all responsible members of the international community to address threats stemming from the proliferation of WMD, especially its most dangerous form - the pursuit of weapons of mass destruction by non-State entities and terrorist groups and organizations. For that reason, Romania decided to be a sponsor of the Security Council draft resolution. The draft is, indeed, a platform for inducing greater responsibility by all States in reducing proliferation risks. At the end of the day, it can only create a better and more secure environment for all of us. It asks Member States, without discrimination, to enact and enforce appropriate legislation to prevent the proliferation of WMD, including criminal and civil penalties for violations of export control regulations.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“But, unfortunately, the new phenomenon, intimately interconnected with terrorism, is not covered by those treaties. The Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Past experience in dealing with newly magnified threats such as terrorism shows that prevention is always better than the cure. It is therefore time for the Security Council to address this new threat in an appropriate manner by filling the existing gap in international treaties. This is one threat the Council cannot afford to overlook or fail to act upon.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Today, the international community is confronted with a consolidated network of proliferators established among States and entities located in regions marked by instability and armed conflict. The possibility of terrorist organizations acquiring elements or even systems of WMD is largely recognized today as among the most dangerous threats - if not the most dangerous threat - the international community is facing. There is no panacea or one-size-fits-all policy to counter the threat posed by the proliferation of WMD. A number of tools are at the disposal of the international community. All are necessary; none is sufficient by itself. The spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons has been successfully limited by international disarmament and non-proliferation multilateral agreements.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Romania aligns itself with the statement that will be delivered later on by Ambassador Ryan of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. In addition, I would like to make the following remarks. First, we appreciate the opportunity presented by this open debate, its timeliness and usefulness in our overall efforts to consensualize the adoption of this draft resolution and to improve conditions for its later sound implementation. The proliferation threat has assumed a gloomier dimension: the prospect of non-State actors seeking to acquire and use weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Present-day security and stability are seriously challenged, both globally and regionally, by the risk associated with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. State and non-State actor proliferation routes are now starting to merge.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Romania, for its part, will continue to spare no effort in fostering the aims that stand as the basis of this most difficult, but generous political undertaking on Cyprus, which we believe are shared by all members of the Council.”
2004-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4947 (2004) · source
“My delegation voted confidently in favour of the draft resolution in the belief that, without interfering in any way with the sovereign decision of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, we should do our best to support the complex efforts that have been made for so many years under the auspices of this Council to achieve a just settlement of the Cyprus issue, allowing a reunited island to join the European Union when it embarks on a historic enlargement of which Romania, too, is a part. We appreciate the huge good-faith contribution of the parties and the Secretary-General's team to get the process to this point. Now, the Cypriot people will have to make their decision on the plan.”
2004-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4947 (2004) · source
“Israel must refrain from actions that embitter the daily life of the inhabitants of the Palestinian territories, increase their economic hardship or induce a sense of humiliation or despair. A just, comprehensive and lasting peace can be achieved only through negotiations, as envisaged in the road map and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. The proposed Israeli withdrawal from Gaza could be a step in that direction, provided that it takes place in the context of the road map and contributes to an effective implementation of the two-State solution, including through a coordinated transfer of responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority.”
2004-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4945 (2004) · source
“But any measures taken by Israeli authorities in this respect must be in strict compliance with the relevant norms of international law. From that point of View, the extrajudicial killings are contrary to international law and are totally unacceptable. In the present, complicated and volatile situation, both parties must do their utmost to refrain from acts that could cause violence to escalate and compromise any chance to revive the prospects for peace. Effectively fighting terrorism, dismantling its infrastructure and ending incitement to violence remain top priorities. We are also extremely concerned by the gravity of the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories due to the confrontations and security restrictions.”
2004-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4945 (2004) · source
“At the outset, I would like to state that Romania aligns itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. Therefore, my remarks will be very brief. My delegation expresses its deepest concern over the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East following the targeted killing of the Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi. We believe that the Government of Israel must examine very carefully the consequences of that act, for such operations do not provide more security; rather, they fuel tension and hatred that in turn generate even more violence. As stated on previous occasions, Romania recognizes the right of the State of Israel to self- defence and to protect its citizens against attacks perpetrated by terrorist organizations.”
2004-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4945 (2004) · source
“The Romanian delegation stands ready to work closely with the German and other delegations in ensuring an appropriate follow-up to today's debate.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“A recent project of the International Peace Academy on the war economy in a regional context notes that not only has the political economy of regional conflict complexes been neglected by peace- builders, but this neglect has left many war-torn States vulnerable to continued instability and poverty. Finally, the conclusions of today's debate should be followed up in a broader perspective - that of a systematic coordination between a variety of public and private sector actors and agencies, including the Security Council. Effective cooperation and interaction among key stakeholders is the way to ensure the successful implementation of any economic or political strategy in any country, based on a strong sense of ownership.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Conventional diplomatic and military interventions aimed at preventing and resolving conflict need to be complemented by more systematic regulation of global trade and commerce, as well as by the provision of more effective mechanisms to ensure the responsible management of resource wealth and sustainable development in vulnerable States. Regionally-based approaches to peacemaking and post-conflict reconstruction, starting with the Security Council, should integrate business as a basic component. Many contemporary intra-State conflicts have strong regional economic linkages. Often, the most entrenched conflict economies are those that are embedded in regional conflict formations, such as those in West Africa and the Great Lakes region.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“It is essential that business practices do not participate in human rights abuses and refrain from any improper involvement in local political activities. Fifthly, the United Nations system should show understanding and provide adequate support for the responsibility the foreign business is asked to shoulder when it enters or re-enters a country or a market in the phase of peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. Due consideration should be given to generating the right combination of incentives and regulations at the national and international levels so as to promote good corporate governance.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Secondly, foreign companies should themselves generate stability through all their activities. The private sector is called on to engage as a reliable and substantial partner in the development process of the respective countries. Corporate social responsibility is now endorsed by many international declarations and conventions that focus on the role business can play in countries affected by conflicts. Thirdly, help is also needed for the local private sector, which may either have been eroded or distorted following its involvement in the war economy, or completely shattered by it. Fourthly, business, be it local or foreign, is called on to join other components of society in upholding respect for human rights within its own sphere of activity, thus making a direct contribution to preventing and overcoming conflicts.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Romania's own recent experience shows that sustainable investment and trade are essential factors for a successful transition to the rule of law and a functional market economy. First, I would point out the fact that it goes without saying that business needs a stable environment, politically and legislatively. To give an example, in today's Africa, there is growing recognition that areas once seen as State preserves need partnership with the private sector if they are to attract the capital and skilled management they need for economic growth and development. However, sub- Saharan Africa attracts today less than 10 per cent of total foreign direct investment in the developing world. The challenge ahead is creating an enabling business climate to provide facilities that would draw in investors.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Indeed, business and the private sector add an economic dimension to the political aspects of post- conflict reconstruction and development. Many measures should be taken and questions need to be answered. Our German colleagues raised a number of them in the non-paper distributed in preparation for this meeting. I will briefly try to present our delegation's input. Globalization drives the investment of multinational companies all over the world. Recipient countries may or may not be affected by conflicts at the time when the investment decision is taken, but companies investing in a developing country will always look at their financial performance from the long-term perspective, at their own image as a good corporate citizen and at promoting economic development in the respective country.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Sanctions regimes and the activity of independent panels of experts have addressed some of the root causes of conflicts nurtured by economic motivations. The Kimberley Process of diamond certification is a recent case in point. The time has come to build on the experience accumulated in managing the economic factor as a source of conflict. The Secretariat could thus put together a report highlighting the significance of the broader regional and global dimensions of the political economy of contemporary intra-State conflict. A major part of that report could dwell on the political economy of post-conflict transformation. It is in that stage of conflict that business sector involvement could take on a really strong positive connotation.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“We also welcome the presence among us of the President of the World Bank, the President of the Economic and Social Council, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group for African Countries emerging from conflict and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens. Their input was assuredly enriching. Until recently, the role of economic factors in intra-State conflict was largely overlooked. Explanations of conflict emphasizing enmity, religious fundamentalism or manipulative politicians amply prevailed. Many of the situations tackled by the Security Council have, however, revealed that obscuring the role of economic agendas in both causing conflict and hindering peace-building is counterproductive. In some cases, conflict-prone economic agendas have accordingly been addressed in the Security Council's decision-making.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“And we all concur that economic development depends to a great extent on the viability of a country's private sector and the involvement of international private sector actors. This meeting is extremely important in helping members of the Security Council to deepen their understanding of the particular role business and the private sector actually play, or could be expected to perform, in the different stages of conflicts: prevention, resolution, post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction. In that regard, my delegation would like to welcome the participation and opening statement of the Secretary-General in this debate.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Germany's initiative of organizing this public meeting of the Council is highly commendable and timely. We are indeed witnessing a growing awareness that economic security is key to stability and security in countries marked by conflicts and key to ensuring sustainable peace and economic development. Concrete evidence shows that the business sector's role is closely connected to the responsibility entrusted to the Security Council by the Charter. Resolution 1366 (2001) highlights the mutually supportive relation between conflict prevention and sustainable development. It acknowledges the priority attention that should be devoted to poverty and the lack of development, which are important root causes of conflict.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source