YouSaid · the spoken record

Mwakawago

lines on the record: 148
first: 1995-02-08
most recent: 2005-12-20
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“Mr. Mwakawago: Since there were no questions or queries that require a response on my part, I should like publicly to thank you, Mr. President, and all the members of the Council for having commended the good work done by the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). UNAMSIL's success is the Council's success. Without the Council's support, we would not have succeeded. Finally, today is a historic day that saw the adoption of the resolution on the Peacebuilding Commission. The people of Sierra Leone are hopeful that they will be worthy candidates in that respect, so that peace can be sustained in that very beautiful country. Those who have visited Sierra Leone know that it is a fantastic country.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Finally, I thank the Secretariat, under the very able leadership of the Secretary-General, for constant guidance and support.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“As the owners of this process, the Security Council deserves due recognition, but then, as its servant, I may not be the appropriate source. However, I am convinced that the Council, as the servants of the people of the world, has already started to be showered with accolades on its success in Sierra Leone. We at UNAMSIL are convinced that we will bequeath to the people of the world the legacy of a mission that has been a great success. At a personal level, this has been a journey full of new and exciting experiences that have provided invaluable and fascinating insight into the intricacies of multilateral diplomacy. I will retain the fulfilling aspect of my tenure, which enabled me to meet and develop a mutually beneficial relationship with members of the Security Council in our professional or individual capacities.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“It laid the foundations for transition to democratic governance. Whatever success was attained depended very much on the cooperation of the Government of Sierra Leone, the United Nations country team, the diplomatic corps - especially those representatives most involved in the efforts to resolve the crisis - the non-governmental organizations and, above all, the people of Sierra Leone. I thank them all. I would like to single out the indispensable role the United Kingdom has played and is playing in the success of UNAMSIL in particular and peace operations in Sierra Leone in general. I also wish to thank all our partners in the local and international communities, without whom this Mission could have faltered or failed.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“To the troops who formed the backbone of our operations, I salute you all and wish to pay a special tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty. I also wish to thank the troop-contributing Governments for making such a vital investment in the search for global peace and security. To all the civilian staff, I commend your efforts for enduring tough conditions, and sometimes hardships, and wish you well in future endeavours, wherever you go. It would be remiss of me to end this report without mentioning the pioneering Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNAMSIL, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, currently the Foreign Minister of Nigeria. His diplomatic skills carried the day in presiding over a feeble peace process that included monitoring a shaky ceasefire.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Sustained stability will also depend on the ability of the Government to successfully carry through the security sector reform programme and reinforce good governance, in particular the reform of the judicial sector. Such efforts are beyond the capacity of Sierra Leone on its own. Continued donor support is required for the completion of critical reform programmes. Needless to say, the funds pledged at the Consultative Group meeting recently held in London should provide reasonable support to the Government in its effort to create an enabling environment for the consolidation of peace. Last but not least, my final remarks are directed to all the military and civilian personnel in UNAMSIL at both the local and international levels.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“The success of UNAMSIL has demonstrated how through collaboration the international community can respond to the needs and demands of countries in conflict in a rapidly changing global environment. I am convinced that the Mission has also provided a model for successful peacekeeping missions in the future. The various innovative approaches and strategies put into practice by the Mission, including the well-calibrated plan for troop withdrawal and the integrated mission concept, are workable undertakings to be emulated. The regional approach to peacekeeping, which has gained currency in the West African subregion, must be encouraged and sustained. Sierra Leone is certainly on an immutable course towards peace and development. While UNAMSIL has done much, Sierra Leone is still fragile.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Prominent among these achievements are the disarming, demobilization and reintegration of over 72,000 combatants, the return of over half a million refugees and close to two million internally displaced persons, the restoration of Government authority throughout the country, the organization of national and local elections and the retraining and restructuring of the country's security apparatus. Concrete support for this assertion was provided by a public opinion survey designed by Jean Krasno of Yale University in early 2005, which revealed that a huge number of Sierra Leoneans had a very positive perception of the work done by UNAMSIL since it commenced its operations.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“To this end, the Mission encouraged civil society participation and local ownership of the national reconciliation process. We have also endeavoured to ensure scrupulous adherence to and implementation of the zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and the United Nations code of conduct. This has been complemented by extensive training for military and civilian personnel. As a consequence, there have been very few cases that the Mission was called upon to deal with. It is my hope that the existing mechanisms to prevent and investigate cases of sexual exploitation and abuse will continue under UNIOSIL. It is a great source of satisfaction and pride for me, and all at UNAMSIL, that I am able to report that the Mission has completed most of the tasks this Council had assigned it.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“In the area of human rights, I should stress that UNAMSIL leaves behind improved human rights conditions in terms of fundamental freedoms, especially in the area of civil and political rights. Preparations for the establishment of a national human rights commission are now at an advanced stage. Regrettably, progress in building a reformed and effective judiciary system has been slow, and improvements in prison conditions are outstanding as the Mission departs. This has retarded efforts for the effective delivery of justice. The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is now out and has been widely exhibited. UNAMSIL, assisted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, worked very well in promoting the outreach campaign.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Poverty remains the main threat to the stability of the country. With an unemployment rate of 70 per cent, especially among young people, the challenges to security are quite evident. Therefore, more local savings, private-sector development and foreign direct investment will be needed in order to offset the major decline in donor funding that is anticipated in the light of the competing demand for resources worldwide. The pledges made at the meeting of the Consultative Group in London represent the first step forward in implementing the country's social and economic programmes, which will serve as one of the pillars of UNIOSIL's peace-consolidation strategy.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“The establishment of the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone owes a great deal of its success to the implementation of the preceding joint UNAMSIL-United Nations country team transition plan for 2005. That has facilitated the seamless transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and enabled the follow-on mission to become operational by 1 January 2006. The appointment of Mr. Victor da Silva Angelo, the current Deputy Special Representative at UNAMSIL, as the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General for UNIOSIL has enhanced the handover process between the two operations. Considerable progress has been achieved on the economic front in the past few years, but it needs to be consolidated. This will be particularly significant with regard to job creation and the tackling of poverty.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“The Mission has also joined forces with other local and external stakeholders in efforts intended to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission, which has experienced structural and operational problems in the recent past. At the subregional level, it is also encouraging to note that inter-Mission cooperation has improved. Indeed, the heads of Mission of UNAMSIL, UNMIL and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) have continued to share information and to coordinate their peace efforts through regular meetings. To achieve similar goals, United Nations country teams in the Mano River Basin and Cote d'Ivoire have drawn up a regional plan of action for cooperation among them.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Against that background, UNAMSIL has initiated a series of programmes designed to promote inter-party dialogue as well as reconciliation and tolerance among the political parties. A different but related conflict- resolution task that UNAMSIL has taken up is the provision of assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone in resolving issues that have created tensions in communities, such as disputes over chiefdom boundaries. With respect to access to justice, I wish to report that efforts are being made to ease the backlog in court trials and to support training and capacity-building for court personnel, and steps are being taken towards the rehabilitation of prisons. Further efforts, however, are required to address existing challenges in those areas.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“However, the mere fact that there is vibrant political interaction among Sierra Leoneans is a welcome change. I should also indicate that organizational preparations for the 2007 elections, including the restructuring of the National Electoral Commission and the delimitation of constituencies, are ongoing. It is also encouraging that both Government and international support for the electoral process have been forthcoming. It is therefore my conviction that the holding of a free and credible poll in 2007 will constitute a key benchmark in the achievement of long- term stability in Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, the long- awaited formalization of the Political Parties Registration Commission has been completed. However, the preceding delays developed into a critical test of the Government's commitment to levelling the political playing field.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“The remedies that are needed include: tightening security; reviewing the licensing system; combating illegal sales; tackling the issue of child labour; the equitable distribution of benefits from the mining of diamonds; and resolving the persistent boundary disputes among local communities. The main political parties, the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People's Congress (APC), have already begun gearing up for the elections in 2007 by appointing their respective candidates for the presidential poll. However, both camps are experiencing internal fissures that are likely to have an impact on the conduct of the elections. As the 2007 elections draw nearer, it is very likely that both inter- and intra-party rivalry will intensify.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“UNMIL is already finalizing plans to provide permanent support to the military guard force at the Special Court. Following the local government elections in 2004, after a 30-year hiatus, the Government has begun implementing the devolution of some public services to local councils. Generally, the process is on track; however, challenges remain pertaining to limited capacity and the paucity of resources. I wish to bring to the attention of the Council the fact that, in the past two years, revenue collection from diamonds has increased dramatically as a result of reforms and the overhaul of the sector. Diamond exports increased from $10 million in 2000 to $130 million in 2004. By November 2005, $131 million worth of diamonds had already been exported.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“A smaller team chosen from that group of officers will be temporarily retained in Freetown to facilitate a seamless transition to the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL). On the civilian side, local staff have been deployed elsewhere, while others have been given their terminal packages and offered the opportunity to receive training to start self-help schemes and small businesses. The majority of the international civilian staff are in the process of being reassigned to other missions, while some are being absorbed by UNIOSIL. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has now assumed command of the Nigerian company military unit that is currently providing security protection at the premises of the Special Court, until 15 January 2006.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“One of our most satisfying achievements has been the realization of the benchmark to strengthen the manpower capacity of the Sierra Leone police to reach its pre-war target level of 9,500 personnel, under the supervision of the United Nations police. Similarly, training has also been conducted to impart a diverse range of skills to serving police personnel. It is encouraging to note that the rivalry that had existed in the past between the Sierra Leone police and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces has continued to dissipate. UNAMSIL's troop withdrawal is on course and will be completed today, while the present 33 United Nations police details are to be scaled down to 10 by the end of December.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“For our part, we have supported the International Military Advisory and Training Team in providing training in limited areas of specialization; joined forces with the United Nations Development Programme in improving the welfare and living conditions of the armed forces; and donated properties and equipment that were left behind by UNAMSIL military units, as per the relevant General Assembly resolution. That generosity notwithstanding, large funding gaps still exist with respect to meeting security sector running costs and the acquisition of transport assets, especially support services, communications equipment and the provision of adequate accommodation. The restructuring of the armed forces to reduce their troop strength has continued.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Ongoing discussions regarding the settlement of the Yenga border issue with Guinea are expected to yield the desired resolution, which should eliminate a potential catalyst for future friction. UNAMSIL has invested substantial resources to ensure the success of that initiative. The simmering situation in Guinea will also need to be monitored closely to ensure readiness to mitigate the security and humanitarian consequences that could ensue. The Council may be pleased to learn that the Secretary-General's initiative aimed at mobilizing support to strengthen the capacity of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces elicited positive responses from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India and the Netherlands.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“The establishment of a comprehensive security network, known as the Office of National Security, has, over the past few years, created a framework for coordination among the security agencies at the national level and right down to the local level. However, the country's security structure, including the Office of National Security and the provincial and district security committees, still require additional assistance in capacity-building. International support will continue to be critical to that process. No major threats have been discerned in the area of external security, while the situation in neighbouring Liberia continues to stabilize. Nonetheless, border security patrols have continued in order to guard against any unforeseen mishaps that might occur.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“When the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was established in 1999, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1270 (1999), the odds were heavily stacked against its success, and very few people gave it any chance of achieving its objective. That perception was further strengthened by the early setbacks that the Mission suffered, which included the capture of some peacekeepers and blatant disregard for the ceasefire agreement by the Revolutionary United Front rebels. However, as we bid farewell to the people of Sierra Leone, there is on the horizon no serious threat to the internal security of the country. The only aberrations that we have observed are a few isolated and localized incidents of public disorder, which, hopefully, were effectively brought under control by the national police.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“Mr. Mwakawago: Two years ago today, the Secretary-General, with the Council's endorsement, appointed me as his Special Representative for Sierra Leone. Today brings a close to the final chapter in a country's gradual rise from the ruins of a devastating, decade-long conflict and its remarkable turnaround that now leads towards a future filled with hope and the promise of a better life for its population. On behalf of my predecessors and on my own behalf, I would like to take this final and auspicious occasion to express my profound gratitude to the Council for its guidance and support over the past six years in directing the effort that succeeded in hauling Sierra Leone back from the brink of collapse. The Secretary-General's trust and confidence was absolutely invaluable, and I am extremely grateful for it.”
2005-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5334 (2005) · source
“It is our hope that in working on blueprints for conflict resolution, the question of humanitarian assistance and overall development will be given pride of place. This initiative is welcome. But I would like to conclude by hoping that special sessions do not replace African initiatives; at the end of the day very little is achieved on the ground. With the good will of all, I am quite sure that peace can prevail in the continent and that African development can become a reality.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“There were, indeed, two peacekeeping operations: one by the United Nations under the Security Council and the other by a leading member of the Council. It is quite obvious that that model cannot be replicated elsewhere in the continent, but the Working Group could examine the implications and the ramifications of such an experiment. I have referred only to the presence of two operations in the same area with different command structures. I did not tackle the firepower at the disposal of each of the forces. That can be analysed by the Working Group. In conclusion, I will only make brief reference to the importance of the peace dividend in any conflict resolution. The African drama has been documented extensively. Indeed, all analyses emphasize the preponderance of poverty.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Given the fact that it is the neighbours of a conflict area who bear the brunt of the fallout of the conflict, it is our View that sound coordination is vital. The region is closer to the scene on a daily basis and punitive measures by neighbours have managed to cajole an obstinate Government to negotiate. Yet, in the light of past experience, the Working Group could discuss the issue and come up with recommendations as to how best to use regional mechanisms to enforce Council mandates. Last but not least, I would like to address the issue of peacekeeping operations in Africa. There have been misgivings with regard to the handling by the Security Council of African peacekeeping operations. There is a perception out there that there has been a lot of hesitation and under-subscription. The Sierra Leone experience is instructive.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Currently, we host over 500,000 refugees from Burundi and over 170,000 from the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. It is a huge responsibility. We submit, therefore, that conflict resolution mechanisms should at all times be factored into the plight of refugees. I am aware that disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion, repatriation and resettlement are an integral part of the conflict resolution mechanism. I am, therefore, flagging the issue of refugees, so that it is does remain an afterthought. The second issue is the question of the relationship between the Council and local actors. I raise this because of three considerations. The Council is entrusted with the overall authority for securing international peace and security. Along with that mandate is the power to impose sanctions.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“That is not helpful. The pledges made in Paris have not been honoured. The Transitional Government needs the aid that was promised. It is our conviction that, if assistance were given to the Transitional Government, it would greatly help cement peace by isolating the rebels for what they are. I cannot overstate the fact that conflict resolution has elements of "the carrot and the stick". It is vitally important that the two elements are carefully calibrated. Otherwise, all the efforts will come to naught. Let me conclude my statement with a few general observations, which I hope the Working Group will address as well. One of the unintended consequences of conflicts is the movement of peoples, either as refugees or as internally displaced persons. Tanzania has been host to refugees since long before its independence.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At this juncture, I would like to underscore the postulates ofthe 2000 Millennium Summit with respect to the plight of Africa. We hope that the Working Group will not try to reinvent the wheel. Rather, we hope that it will analyse the various proposals and come up with workable solutions. I need also to state here that some progress was achieved in Burundi by the end of last year. After four years of protracted negotiations, an agreement was reached and one of the recommendations was an interim power-sharing arrangement. The transitional Government was installed on 1 November last year. In 12 months there will be a changeover. Fighting, unfortunately, is still continuing, but the regional leaders are working very hard to secure a ceasefire. At the international level, it would appear that there is a wait-and-see attitude.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Along with that, we took note with appreciation of the destruction of 1,000 firearms during the Security Council Mission's visit to Kisangani. Trafficking in illegal small arms and light weapons is the worst scourge in African conflicts. It will be recalled that the Council has had occasion to address the issue. I need not over-emphasize here that African conflicts cannot be resolved without also addressing the perennial problem of illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons. Peace is central to addressing the development equation of Africa. African leaders are determined to bring positive change to the continent. The people are yearning for peace so that poverty, ignorance and disease can be confronted head on. It is, therefore, important that the Council become an active partner for change.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In the light of the above positive developments, we may wish to ask whether there is a need to revisit all resolutions pertaining to the three resolved conflicts and determine what elements are still outstanding so that they can be programmed for resolution. In the case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from where the Security Council Mission has just returned, it is heartening to note that the inter- Congolese dialogue took place in Sun City, South Africa. From the reports we have seen, substantial progress was made. We expect that the Council will stay engaged until all the outstanding issues are sorted out and ownership of the process returns squarely to Congolese hands. However, at this stage it is important to commend the Congolese people on the achievements registered.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“But it would be remiss not to recognize the positive and active participation of the United Nations and of the Security Council, in particular. It is against that backdrop that these deliberations are being held today. In all three cases war situations have been resolved through the use of different mechanisms. But one thing is certain and evident, and that is that the Security Council worked in close collaboration with regional and local entities. Perhaps the Working Group could go over the elements that were positive and isolate the negatives in order to expedite conflict resolution.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“As we are meeting, my delegation would like to register our appreciation and delight at the good news emanating from The Hague with respect to the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, from Luanda, the capital of Angola, and from Freetown in Sierra Leone. The Ethiopia-Eritrea border conflict has been settled, and the two countries have accepted the arbitration of the Boundary Commission. In Angola, a general amnesty has been proclaimed to UNITA fighters and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Government and UNITA. A few days ago, the Council lifted sanctions on UNITA for 90 days. The latest good news is the peaceful outcome of the presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone. In all these cases, the peoples of those countries deserve our very hearty congratulations.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are honoured to see you, Sir, preside over the Council's meeting. I would like to start by commending Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani of Singapore, the current President of the Council, and Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul of Mauritius, the Chairman of the Working Group, for organizing this special meeting devoted, yet again, to the situation in Africa. It is our intention to make a modest contribution to the workings of the Working Group. But before I do that, I would like to congratulate the people of East Timor for achieving statehood. The United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, deserve our commendation.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The situation demands of the Security Council urgent action in conformity with Article 24, paragraph 1, and other relevant sections of the Charter. The world demands resolute action, and nothing less. There should be no further unnecessary loss of life, especially of civilians. We appeal to the Council to draw on the vast arsenal of instruments at its disposal in order to restore peace in the region. We believe that the major players should have unfettered freedom to be a part of the solution. Time is of the essence. It is our hope that the Council will not be found wanting. The road map for the Palestinians should be laid out so as to give them hope and determination.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“My Government appeals to both sides to comply with Security Council resolutions, but more so to the Government of Israel, which has the upper hand in the current confrontation. At the end of the day, only peaceful negotiations will provide the much-needed solution to the historic conflict. It is therefore incumbent upon both parties to urgently summon the political will to return to the negotiations. Only a couple of weeks ago there seemed to be some glimmers of hope that a negotiated resolution was possible. Now one wonders whether it has been dashed. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my Government's support for the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, and his tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The situation is even worse today. One need not emphasize the unequal strength of forces, to put it mildly, between the parties. In making appeals to the parties, it is important to take that reality into account. My Government appeals strongly to the Security Council to take urgent action to stop the carnage that is going on in the region. The requirements of security have to be balanced by an unequivocal assurance to the Palestinians that statehood, both viable and respected, is around the corner. Violence or attacks will not solve the Palestinian question or ensure the security of Israel. My Government believes that for any meaningful movement towards resolution of the crisis, the authority and safety of President Arafat have to be guaranteed. The Council should have no ambiguity on the issue.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“This conclusion is borne out by the fact that no statement to that effect has come from the Israeli authorities in the current campaign. The right to self-determination is provided for in the Charter of the Organization. No amount of prevarication can assuage the determination of a people to free themselves and establish their own self-rule. My Government is gravely concerned at the escalation of violence and of the military incursions in the Palestinian Authority areas. The incursions have been accompanied by widespread destruction of hard- earned properties, particularly in Palestinian areas. Collective punishment is being visited on the Palestinian people, violating the basic tenets of the Organization. In our previous interventions, we had occasion to speak of the disproportionate use of force by the Israeli authorities.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“On the contrary, what is evident is the systematic destruction of the Palestinian Authority and the confinement of its leader to his offices, with little or no services. That situation can only fuel more anger, resentment and, to say the least, humiliation. On 30 March, the Security Council adopted resolution 1402 (2002) which, inter alia, in paragraph 1 "calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah". The situation on the ground shows the opposite. More cities are being occupied, and one wonders what the fate of the occupied territories will be. An analysis of the situation reveals the following: the destruction of the Palestinian Authority can be construed as undermining any semblance of the right of the Palestinians to a State of their own.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At the outset, I would like to associate my delegation with the statement made by Ambassador Domisani Kumalo, the Permanent Representative of South Africa, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. As we are meeting here today, the situation in the Middle East is fast deteriorating. Already, since September 2001, over 1,000 Palestinians and 400 Israelis have died, the majority of whom were civilians. The toll of the dead is mounting by the day. Reports emanating from the region paint a very grim picture. Last month the Security Council met in an emergency session and adopted resolution 1397 (2002) of 12 March, which had no dissenting voice. The resolution was unequivocal in terms of what the Council demanded of the parties. There has been absolutely no visible movement towards compliance with the resolution.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation joins previous speakers in expressing our deep regret for the loss of life of the six workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last month. We extend our sincere condolences to the ICRC and to the bereaved families. We condemn the perpetrators of the dastardly act; they should not go unpunished.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Regrettably, notwithstanding the findings in paragraphs 145, 146, 182 and 191, apparently obtained through third-party sources, "overwhelmingly" suggesting the use of entities in Tanzania as a transit point for the inappropriate marketing of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Panel chose not to visit Dar es Salaam, as evidenced in annex II of the report. Consequently, no Government official, nor any known Tanzanian, was interviewed. This neglect may have unwittingly undermined the relevance of those parts of the report to which we are addressing ourselves. This significant flaw requires a remedy. We also continue to extend our hand of cooperation. This we do in the interests not only of peace for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but of peace and prosperity in the region.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is even more puzzling that those activities are said, in the same paragraph, to be "exclusive of operations handled by the Government of Rwanda, via Kigali". My Government would like to have details so that it can investigate them. My Government is willing and ready to play a very constructive role in our efforts to end the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But we can do so only in the context of irrefutable facts or a transparent process. We are too conscious that this has not been an easy task for the Panel of Experts. However, under the prevailing circumstances, it is difficult for us to respond in a constructive and meaningful way to the allegations contained in paragraphs 145, 146, 182 and 191 ofthe report. For my Government, the door for dialogue with the Panel and this Council remains open.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This is of particular importance because, as a country, we have a legitimate undertaking to facilitate the lawful shipment of goods destined for or coming from the landlocked countries along our western borders, including the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as agreed between our two Governments. Furthermore, it is also a matter of concern that in paragraph 146, the report alleges that "The shipments of gold, diamonds and timber are also processed in Dar es Salaam in cooperation with RCD representatives by a company believed to be a covert business entity created for the purpose of facilitating support for the financial and logistical operations of RCD- Goma." Both the RCD representatives and the covert company remain unnamed.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In paragraph 145, the report alleges that a preponderance of information obtained from documents and individuals in Dar es Salaam and elsewhere "overwhelmingly suggests that RCD-Goma and others are marketing the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - gold, diamonds and timber - through Dar es Salaam." That paragraph, however, proceeds to note that the RCD-Goma has fashioned a mechanism that grants an appearance of legitimacy to the documents covering the shipments, "complete with the required stamps and signatures indicating approval and issuance in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi". Yet surprisingly, the report fails to make a determination about the real likelihood of parties in Tanzania dealing with those documents at their face value and in good faith.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The obvious and perhaps unintended implication is, of course that the port, the airport and the Bank of Tanzania are either knowingly or unknowingly being used to finance the continuation of the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the event that these claims were true, such activities would no doubt be in clear violation of the stated policy and commitments of the Government. The Government is therefore interested in the veracity of the allegations. Regrettably, the report does not offer much help in this regard.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this regard, we View with considerable concern the allegations made by the Panel of Experts in paragraph 145 of the report regarding the role of the seaports and airports in Dar es Salaam as a transit point for what are described as the commercial activities of the RCD-Goma, as well as that of the Bank of Tanzania as a holding point for diamonds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo before they are allegedly shipped to Belgium, the Netherlands and South Africa. We consider those to be serious allegations. It is instructive that these allegations are made under part III of the report, entitled "Links between the exploitation of natural resources and the continuation of the conflict".”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This phenomenon has distracted us from more pressing issues of development in our border regions. Concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for my President, Mr. Benjamin Mkapa, and his Government, nothing has been of such singular importance as peace in that country. Peace for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is therefore not only in the interests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but in our self-interest as well.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“My delegation appreciates the opportunity to address the Security Council in this open debate on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My delegation also welcomes the report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We see it as a notable contribution to our collective effort to create the necessary conditions for peace and prosperity for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people. Tanzania is a country that shares a border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result of the war in that country, we have had to host refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have also painfully witnessed their suffering, even as we have to bear the burden of hosting them.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source