YouSaid · the spoken record

Nana Effah-Apenteng

lines on the record: 398
first: 2004-07-20
most recent: 2007-03-28
sittings or episodes: 50
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

“My delegation is deeply concerned by reports of the conditions imposed by Israel on the troops of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as lucidly described by the Secretary-General yesterday. As a member of the United Nations, Israel has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of all United Nations personnel, who should not be made to suffer for their selfless response to international duty. It is regrettable that Israel has rejected as premature the clarion call by the Secretary-General and the international community for an immediate cessation of hostilities. That was to allow diplomacy to assume a central role in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The reality of Israel's absolute military dominance in the region belies the oft-repeated claim that this powerful country must take extreme measures to protect itself, even if that means laying waste another sovereign State that obviously is very weak. What can justify the sudden displacement of over half a million people and the death of over 300 others, including children? While some countries have the means to evacuate their privileged citizens from the relentless bombardment and wanton destruction going on, where do the displaced Lebanese go? Is this war really about dismantling Hizbollah? The use of force to combat terrorism has often proved to be counterproductive.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“If we lower the standards of international norms of behaviour, it will come back to haunt us. So we must always be vigilant and consistent in defending our shared values. Lest our position be misunderstood, let me emphasize that it is not Israel's sovereign right to protect its civilian population and territorial integrity from aggression that is at issue. It is the manner in which Israel, a respected democracy in the Middle East, has gone about exercising that right. The asymmetry in the death toll is marked and disturbing, and it is growing steadily. Lebanon is under complete siege, its land, air and sea under a relentless Israeli blockade.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We totally reject the deliberate and systematic undermining of international law and international humanitarian law and affirm in the strongest terms the time-honoured moral values of justice, equality and respect for the sanctity of human life to which we are all equally bound. The methods and actions of Hamas and Hizbollah are objectionable. Peaceful settlement rather than violent resistance to the occupation is the answer. The captured Israeli soldiers deserve and must obtain their freedom immediately. But fairness also demands that we do not pretend that there are no innocent victims of Israeli operations, the so-called collateral damage. More often than not, we hear of pre-emptive actions but are offered little evidence. No human life should be so easily dismissed as collateral damage.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the situation in the Middle East, specifically the tragedy in Lebanon. I wish to thank the Secretary-General's Special Adviser, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. J an Egeland, for their briefings. We are appalled by the violence that is going on and saddened that the United Nations Security Council has not been able to do the minimum required of it under the United Nations Charter, which is to call for an immediate ceasefire.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We therefore call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and the various armed groups and for a speedy resumption of the peace negotiations without preconditions. These are dangerous times, and the Security Council must live up to its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security by refocusing its energies and attention on seeking a just and lasting solution to the Middle East question.”
2006-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5489 (2006) · source
“Diplomacy was hardly given a chance in spite of the well-known difficulties faced by the Lebanese Government in disbanding the militia and extending control over all of its territory in full compliance with Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). While some success has been achieved through the strategy of containment, including the deployment of peacekeeping missions, not much has been achieved in addressing the underlying causes of the conflict in the Middle East. Objectively, the Middle East crisis revolves around the Palestinian question, which boils down to the achievement of an independent and viable State for the Palestinians within internationally recognized boundaries.”
2006-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5489 (2006) · source
“Furthermore, mistrust grows, positions harden and the prospects for a diplomatic solution recede, to the frustration of all. The Security Council is fully aware of all of these dangers and has repeatedly called for restraint on both sides of the Middle East peace divide. Beyond that, the Council has repeatedly reminded the parties of their commitments under international law and international humanitarian law. Against that background, the widespread bombardment of Vital Lebanese infrastructure, including the airport, highways and several other targets, in order to enforce a total blockade on a sovereign State is not acceptable.”
2006-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5489 (2006) · source
“We hope that the visit will succeed in bringing an end to the violence. We also take this opportunity to reiterate the call for the immediate release of all kidnapped Israeli soldiers; the same applies to the Palestinian parliamentarians who have been abducted by Israel. Yesterday, Ghana voted in favour of the draft resolution on the Middle East (S/2006/508) that the Security Council failed to adopt, much to the regret of those who see in the dangerous escalation of violence in the Middle East a real threat of a regional war with unpredictable consequences. Once unleashed, force is difficult to control. Worse still, its casualties are frequently innocent civilians and it involves a general deterioration in the humanitarian situation. That was true of Gaza, and we are hearing of similar displacements in southern Lebanon.”
2006-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5489 (2006) · source
“At the outset, let me express the appreciation of my delegation to Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and to Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for their updates on the situation in the Middle East, regarding the ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon in response to the latest rocket attacks launched by the Hizbollah group. The repeated violations of the Blue Line by Hizbollah have been denounced consistently by the Security Council, and we note that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has done its best to prevent the situation from getting out of control. We further welcome the decision of the Secretary-General to send a three-man delegation to ascertain what can be done to end this unfortunate turn of events.”
2006-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5489 (2006) · source
“In resolving this conflict, we may need to amend the critical sanctions resolutions to the extent that they request Member States to incorporate them into their domestic legislations and compel the courts to enforce and implement them. Finally, I wish to stress the collective responsibility of all States Members of the United Nations to work towards the strengthening of international law, the rule of law and the maintenance of international peace and security, both within the domestic sphere and on the international plane, by practicing good governance and accountability and observing and implementing all international conventions and instruments.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“To pre-empt such challenges, which have the potential to undermine the credibility not only of the 1267 Committee but of United Nations sanctions regimes as a whole, we support the creation of an appeal or review mechanism. Our preference would be for a review mechanism distinct from the 1267 Committee. In that regard, we will examine favourably the recent French initiative for the establishment of a focal point in the United Nations for this proposal. However, this does not answer a fundamental question which is now confronting us: Is a decision of a Security Council sanctions committee subject to judicial review in Member States? That also raises the issue of which system has primacy - the United Nations or the judicial norms of Member States. Until this conflict is resolved, the problem may persist.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“In moving from a system of general sanctions to targeted sanctions, the challenge is to make targeted sanctions "smarter" by limiting or, ideally, eliminating the effects on the general population, without compromising their effectiveness. The 2005 World Summit Outcome document called on the Security Council to ensure fairness and clarity in the placing and removal of individuals and entities on sanctions lists. Issues of transparency, accountability and fairness have been raised with regard to the listing and delisting process under Security Council resolution 1267 (1999). While commending the 1267 Committee for its efforts to review its guidelines to address these problems, we are concerned about growing court challenges to the listing decisions of the Committee.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“My delegation hopes that the Council will be flexible on the question of the completion strategy of those two tribunals so as to enable them handle the most serious cases successfully. We also recognize the role of the International Court of Justice in adjudicating disputes between States. We believe that recourse to the Court has been very effective in reducing tensions between parties to international disputes. The facilities of the Court will be needed more than ever for the rule of law to prevail in international relations. The question of enhancing the efficiency and credibility of United Nations sanctions regimes is one of the major challenges of our times. Sanctions, properly calibrated and applied, remain one of the most important tools for the maintenance of international peace and security and for fighting terrorism.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“The need to end impunity for egregious violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, genocide and wars of aggression is necessary for the maintenance of the rule of law and international peace and security. On this point, we are happy to note that the International Criminal Court (ICC), whose creation was a landmark in the development of international humanitarian law, is now fully operational and has commenced investigations in a number of cases. The referral by the Council of the Darfur situation to the ICC is an important milestone in the Court's development. We also note with satisfaction the achievements of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“Transitional justice systems will therefore have to take into account the victims of past abuses and fashion a mechanism of national reconciliation by which the perpetrators of such abuses can at least atone for the wrongs done, if not brought to justice. There is a vital need for the international community to support this fragile process with the necessary political commitment and financial resources, if vested interests that feel threatened do not derail the peace and transitional processes. We believe that the newly established Peacebuilding Commission will address effectively such post-conflict issues. We call on the international community to show the necessary political will and commitment to the Peacebuilding Commission by providing appropriate resources to enable it to play the role envisaged for it.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“Such an early-warning system could trigger action by the international community, using a wide array of tools and mechanisms, such as fact-finding missions, mediation and conciliatory efforts, arbitration and sanctions. Such measures may be necessary to restore the rule of law and justice in societies that are on a trajectory to conflict. As stated by the Secretary-General in his report on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies, prevention is the first imperative of justice. Post-conflict situations require the building of institutions of governance and justice, while at the same time gradually rebuilding the trust and confidence of a traumatized population in those institutions.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“Extreme poverty, ethnic tension and racial, cultural and religious intolerance, set against a background of poor governance and human rights abuses, have been known to ignite conflict. The responsibility of the United Nations and of the international community at large is to note such danger signals and take appropriate action to ameliorate the situation before it degenerates into conflict. This is a critical area that has often been overlooked. It is more cost-effective to troubleshoot when warning signals are evident than to contain a conflagration, with the attendant toll in human lives and huge peacekeeping costs. An effective system of early warning could greatly reduce the incidence of conflicts.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“In saying this, I am all too mindful of the enormous challenges faced by the United Nations as it embarks on profound reforms, in order to become more effective and credible as the pre-eminent tool of multilateralism in the twenty-first century. On the promotion of the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict situations, it is clear that a great deal more of the attention, resources and focus of the international community must be redirected towards addressing the root causes of conflicts. While well- tested mechanisms and procedures such as peacekeeping have been in place for years to handle conflict and post-conflict situations, there is a need to correct this lopsided emphasis, tilting it more towards pre-conflict situations.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“In that regard, the 2005 World Summit Outcome document was clear when it affirmed, in part 1, paragraph 6, "the importance of a multilateral system, in accordance with international law, in order to better address the multifaceted and interconnected challenges and threats confronting our world". (General Assembly resolution 60/]) That proclamation is in consonance with our firm conviction that multilateralism should drive our approach to international issues and that the foundation of that multilateralism should be the international rule of law. Today, as we confront the threat to human survival posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, authoritarianism, poverty and armed conflicts, we need to insist with even greater vigour that the rule of law must underpin our approach to multilateralism.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“At the outset, on behalf of my delegation, I wish to commend you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate, which has given us yet another opportunity to examine and reaffirm time-honoured values and principles that have enabled us to avoid the fate of those who experienced the horrors of the First and Second World Wars. The world is showing less and less tolerance for impunity and egregious violations of human rights, ethnic cleansing and genocide, and wars of aggression that threaten the independence and right to self- determination of sovereign States. The enduring lesson of the Second World War is that the continued maintenance of international peace and security is inextricably linked to the observance of the rule of law in the conduct of international relations.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474 (2006) · source
“The joint African Union-United Nations technical assessment mission is a key part of that transition, and we urge the Sudanese Government to embrace it as a partner in the search for peace. Trust and cooperation will serve the cause of peace better than mistrust and confrontation. So much time, energy and resources have been invested in this crisis because we all have a common stake in the dignity and security of humanity. The international community at large, and the United Nations in particular, should, in partnership with the Government of the Sudan and the African Union, monitor and remain actively engaged in the implementation of the Abuja accords. This Council should also live up to its responsibilities by not hesitating to hold accountable those who either violate the accords or impede their smooth and effective implementation.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“For my delegation, early proof of the viability of the accords - indeed, their first dividend - would be a quick improvement in the humanitarian situation on the ground. We are informed that, so far, only about 20 per cent of the $648 million needed has been pledged to the United Nations. The humanitarian agencies need funding to be able to reach many more needy people. Ghana is also of the view that that the time bas come to take concrete steps towards strengthening the African Union Mission in Sudan in anticipation of the transition to an expanded United Nations operation with a strong African participation and character. We therefore support the early holding of the pledging conference planned by the Secretary-General and look forward to a generous response.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“Ghana hopes that the Security Council mission to the Sudan next month will enhance the confidence as well as the growing partnership between this Council and the Government of the Sudan. While welcoming the Abuja accords, we should recognize that they were signed only by the Government of Sudan and the larger faction of the Sudanese Liberation Army. The smaller faction of the SLA and the Justice and Equality Movement still remain outside the peace process. The international community should therefore exert pressure and make strenuous efforts to bring all interested parties and groups into the peace framework. Only such a course of action would make possible the Darfur-Darfur dialogue and conciliation, which is a critical component of a comprehensive peace process in Darfur.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“It is now the duty of the Sudanese Government and people to give the agreements practical meaning by working together with the international community to change their country for the better and make life worth living for all. The recent contacts between the Government of the Sudan and United Nations officials have been a source of great encouragement to my country. The participation of the Sudanese delegation in this meeting is indeed a strong sign of the growing confidence between the authorities of the Sudan and their international counterparts. We believe that, having taken this huge step forward, the parties to the Abuja accords must remain faithful to their respective commitments and demonstrate a resolve worthy of leaders who genuinely have the interests of their people at heart.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“Clearly, those factions that still believe in a military solution instead of a negotiated settlement to the problem are merely deluding themselves. The signing of the Abuja peace accords truly signifies the possibility for a new beginning not only for the people of Darfur but, in fact, for all Sudanese. Nonetheless, as has been pointed out time and again, the signing of the accords merely provides a launching pad for further progress. Difficult and protracted as the negotiations were, we should brace for the more challenging task of implementing the agreements. We share the view that it is only through a faithful and effective implementation of those accords that the political, economic and social root causes of the conflict can be addressed.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“In particular, we owe a debt of gratitude to President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, the host of the inter-Sudanese peace talks; to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, the current Chairman of the African Union (AU); to Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, the AU Special Envoy for Darfur and Chief Mediator; and, not least, to our international sponsors from the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, and a host of other benefactors who must share in the pride of our success. We also congratulate the Government of the Sudan and the larger faction of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) on signing the accords. We urge the factions that did not sign the agreement to seize the opportunity to become part of the solution to the crisis in Darfur, rather than remain a hindrance.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“It is our hope, therefore, that the outcome of today's meeting will be manifested in greater unity of purpose and stronger resolve on the part of the international community to bring to a speedy end the intolerable human suffering in Darfur. Above all, this meeting should lead to increased understanding and cooperation between the Government of the Sudan and the international community in seeking lasting peace and security in Darfur. The Sudan must resume its place as a force for positive change in Africa and deserves every encouragement and support to do so. It is most appropriate on this occasion to pay special tribute to the many leaders and eminent personalities who actively helped in brokering the Abuja accords.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“At the outset, let me express my delegation's delight in seeing you, Sir, the Foreign Minister of a sister African country, chairing this meeting. We are also happy to join other speakers in welcoming the other foreign ministers and dignitaries who are here this afternoon. We thank them for that noble and invaluable gesture of support for the peace process in Darfur. At the same time, I wish to take this opportunity to convey the sincere apologies of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana for his inability to participate in this meeting, due to the rather short notice and earlier commitments. Nonetheless, Ghana deeply appreciates the significance of this meeting, which lends critical support to the Abuja peace accords.”
2006-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5434 (2006) · source
“Let it not be said that the international community left the people of Timor-Leste in the lurch. The Security Council should continue to support the Government and the people of Timor-Leste and accede to the request by the Secretary-General to establish an integrated United Nations office along the lines set out in his report.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Again, the sense of alienation felt by the inhabitants of Oecussi, who apparently are cut off from the rest of the country due to the poor infrastructure, does not augur well for national stability and must be addressed sooner rather than later. Finally, while my delegation concedes that considerable progress has been achieved in preparing Timor-Leste for the disengagement of the United Nations mission, we believe that the timing is crucial and that, if we do get it wrong, all that has been achieved could unravel. That is why we share the view that the United Nations must remain actively engaged beyond 2007 and see through not only the elections but also the important capacity-building programmes that are urgently needed to enable the people of Timor- Leste to consolidate their hard-won independence.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Considering the sensitivities surrounding the findings of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, it is also our view that only the United Nations can help manage the delicate process of balancing the imperatives of accountability with those of positive engagement and fruitful cooperation between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. We welcome in this regard the determination of Indonesia and Timor-Leste to place friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence above the bitterness of the past, and we urge them to resolve expeditiously all outstanding issues relating to the demarcation of their common border. In the meantime, steps must also be taken to alleviate the suffering of the refugees and displaced persons along the border.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“At the heart of the residual problems of instability facing the Timor-Leste Government is the unfinished business of creating viable institutions that will enable the State to meet the needs of its people. It is indeed disheartening that the recent demonstrations involving nearly 600 dismissed military personnel degenerated into violence, leading to the loss of lives. We are informed that the protests were driven by deeply felt grievances resulting from perceived acts of discrimination against segments of the population. We can only hope that the governance structures being put in place will lead to greater transparency and inclusiveness. The role of the United Nations in this crucial endeavour remains indispensable, and my delegation supports the proposal by the Secretary-General to establish a follow-on integrated United Nations office.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Mainly as a result of the tireless efforts of the United Nations, together with the active support of donor countries, Timor-Leste is poised for the next phase of the democratic transformation that is under way. My delegation considers it appropriate to congratulate all those who have worked assiduously and sacrificed time, energy and resources to make Timor-Leste an outstanding success story in nation-building for the international community. In saying this, I must also emphasize that there are invaluable lessons for us all in the Timor-Leste experience. No price is too high to pay for peace and stability, which, in turn, can be guaranteed most effectively by good governance, the rule of law and improved living conditions.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Mr. President, at the outset, I wish to join previous speakers in welcoming the presence in our midst of Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste. We also thank the Special Representative, Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa, for introducing the Secretary-General's report. We commend both of them for their frank presentations and especially for the clarity and objectivity with which the current situation in Timor-Leste has been assessed. There is no doubt that the efforts of the United Nations have helped greatly in defusing the volatile situation that prevailed in Timor-Leste on 5 May 1999, when it launched its national independence process.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“In so doing, it would earn the goodwill of all Governments and people eager for peace in the Middle East and would negate the need for economic sanctions that its people have painfully begun to bear. We wish to conclude by prevailing upon the Governments of Israel and Hamas to endeavour to work towards a just, lasting and comprehensive final solution to the Middle East conflict. The Security Council, as well as the Quartet, should play a supportive role in assisting the two parties to work assiduously towards this goal.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“While Hamas is being encouraged to rethink its position on Israel and to commit its Government to respect all existing agreements, including maintenance of the ceasefire between Palestine and Israel, we note with concern reports of the stoppage of aid to the Palestinian Authority, which is led by President Mahmoud Abbas. Those who suffer from this cut-off are the Palestinian workers who are denied salaries to take care of their families. We urge that greater care be taken not to cause undue economic hardships to Palestinians, many of whom, through no fault of their own, are already being deprived of some of the basic necessities of life. The Hamas Administration would also do a great service to itself and the Palestinian people if it would pursue policies that would advance the peace process.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Recently, my delegation had the occasion to state before the Security Council that this organ should be informed by its own decisions on this conflict, which, over the years, have consistently affirmed the rights and interests of both Palestine and Israel. We wish to reiterate that the Palestinians have a right to their own independent State, one that guarantees the freedom of movement of its citizens, with real prospects for sustainable development, while the Israelis equally have the right to their own State within well-defined and secure borders.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“We recognize the urgent need for Palestine and Israel to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from violence, which means that both sides should not resort to unilateral measures that exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts to achieve peace in the region. The great human suffering resulting directly from this cycle of violence is intolerable, and we think it is now more imperative than ever that the international community, particularly the Quartet, assist in bringing the two sides back to the negotiation table. We would continue to encourage the Quartet to remain actively engaged in the search for peace in the region and to assist Palestine and Israel to pursue the path that would lead them to seek a just and lasting solution to their conflict.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Mr. President, my delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting. We appreciate the excellent work you are doing in steering the affairs of this body. This meeting has become necessary because of the continuation of violence in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular the recent rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza and the escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The appalling suicide bombing that occurred in Tel Aviv today, claiming innocent lives, clearly demonstrates the futility of the recourse to violence by both sides in place of a negotiated settlement of the Palestinian question. My delegation deplores the mounting death toll on both sides and takes this opportunity to reiterate its condemnation of all acts of violence and destruction.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“In that endeavour, we must be united around the principles of international law and our shared objectives, as any polarization on the part of the Council would not help the cause of peace in the Middle East.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“It is imperative that the incoming Hamas Administration earn the goodwill of all Governments and peoples eager for peace in the Middle East. We therefore urge Hamas to seriously rethink its position and to commit its Government to respect all existing agreements, including the ceasefire between the two parties. The newly elected Israeli authorities and the Hamas Government must be encouraged to re-examine their positions in order to advance the peace process. This is the time for the international community, including the Quartet, to reflect seriously on the prevailing situation and to decide what needs to be done to achieve the long-sought two-State solution.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“Therefore, while we support the efforts of the international community to press Hamas to reconsider its position, care must be taken not to cause the economic and financial strangulation of the Palestinians. My delegation wishes to stress that the provision of funds for the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, emergency assistance and basic services, as well as for other purposes, must continue if economic, institutional and political collapse is to be avoided. In that regard, it is regrettable that Israel has withheld taxes and customs duties levied on goods destined for the occupied Palestinian territory. That action is tantamount to financially strangling the Palestinian National Authority and must be reversed through the timely disbursement of all such monies.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“As much as the election of Hamas may seem to be an aberration, the reality is that the resounding victory was achieved through free and fair elections, on which the Palestinian people deserve to be congratulated. It may be more productive for the international community to listen more carefully to the Palestinians and do more to address their rights and legitimate concerns, even as Hamas is pressed to abandon violence and extremism and enter into negotiations. We are concerned about reports of basic food shortages increasingly making life unbearable for ordinary Palestinians. The irony is that some of those suffering may not even have voted for Hamas.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“Israelis equally have a right to their own State within well-defined and secure boundaries. The means to achieve these ends is through a negotiated settlement between the two parties. Neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis must be allowed to impose unilateral solutions on the other party. Suicide bombings, indiscriminate shelling of civilians, wanton destruction of property, barricades, targeted assassinations and all the other acts of violence that have been used by both sides have not moved them any closer to peace. There has been no shortage of initiatives to bring about a peaceful negotiated settlement to the question of Palestine. The record is clear that neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis have faithfully adhered to their obligations and commitments.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“First of all, Mr. President, let me thank you for having convened this meeting. My delegation also wishes to thank Mr. Tuliameni Kalomoh, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing on developments in the Middle East. The grave situation in the occupied Palestinian territory continues to threaten international peace and security, and the Security Council cannot but address it with serious concern. The Council should be guided by its own decisions on the issue, which, over the years, have consistently affirmed the rights and interests of both Palestinians and Israelis. The Palestinians have a right to their own independent State. It must be a viable one that guarantees the freedom of movement of its citizens, one that has real prospects for sustainable development.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“But given the endemic poverty in that country and its monumental economic and social problems, in the post-election period the international community, in partnership with the Government and people of Haiti, should embark upon a massive programme of national reconstruction. By drawing on the accumulated wisdom of our collective experience, we can help transform Haiti. We hope that at the appropriate time MINUSTAH's mandate will be refashioned to enable it to play a leading role in such an undertaking. We thank the Argentine delegation for the draft presidential statement, which we fully support.”
2006-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5397 (2006) · source
“Among the various pressing demands, the restructuring of the Haitian national police and judicial system must be accorded utmost priority so as to enhance law and order and overall stability. Time and again, the international community has been confronted with the grim underlying reality of most of the conflicts in which we have had to intervene at such great cost. We have learned that peace and stability invariably can be guaranteed most effectively by a system of governance that takes care of the basic needs of the people. Haiti is no different. Haitians are the architects of their own future.”
2006-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5397 (2006) · source
“The huge turnout at the elections has shown clearly that such a consensus does indeed exist within Haitian society. Giving this consensus for democratic governance practical meaning for the ordinary citizen is a major challenge. It is our hope that the outcome of the June local and municipal elections will bring government to the doorstep of the people. No system of governance can retain its credibility before the people unless it enables them, at the very least, to meet their basic needs for survival. The newly elected Government of Haiti must therefore be assisted in building a credible democracy capable of delivering to the population greater security of life and property, as well as sustainable access to potable water, electricity, education, health services and, above all, jobs.”
2006-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5397 (2006) · source
“This should bring the elections to a successful conclusion, for which the Provisional Electoral Council, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the donors who provided resources deserve our highest commendation. At this juncture, I would like to thank my old friend and former colleague, Ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdes, for his untiring efforts in the cause of peace in Haiti. By the end of April, the President and Parliament will have been inaugurated into office to begin the arduous task of transforming Haiti into a more united, stable and prosperous country. We know from our modest experience in Ghana as a young democracy that the momentum for turning away from the turbulent politics of the past derives from a strong national consensus in favour of democratic governance.”
2006-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5397 (2006) · source