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

“Above all, his ascendance to the presidency, for the second time in a decade, presents him with a unique opportunity to heal age-old wounds in order to reconcile the nation and rally Haitians behind him for the urgent task of national reconstruction. Unless the cycle of violence and political instability is overcome, democracy and meaningful development will continue to elude Haiti. It is our hope, therefore, that the Government that emerges finally will reflect a collective determination to evolve a new political culture of inclusiveness that transcends the sharp social and economic divisions that have been the bane of Haiti's progress over the years. We look forward to a peaceful second round of parliamentary elections that has been scheduled for 21 April 2006.”
2006-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5397 (2006) · source
“Mr. President, at the outset, let me express my delegation's gratitude to you for convening and presiding over this meeting. It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of solidarity that my delegation joins the other members of the Security Council in welcoming the President- elect of the Republic of Haiti, Mr. Rene Garcia Preval, whom I wish to congratulate on his victory in the 7 February presidential elections - a victory in which all Haitians have a stake. We commend him particularly for the statesmanship he demonstrated throughout the elections. This greatly helped to keep the process of democratization in Haiti on track.”
2006-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5397 (2006) · source
“Viewed from that perspective, the Secretary-General's report is opportune, coming a few months before the convening of the conference to review the progress made in the implementation of the Programme of Action. It is our fervent hope that the outcome of this debate will further galvanize momentum within Member States and illuminate the path towards the attainment of comprehensive measures to contain illicit small arms and light weapons. We look forward to working with other members of the Council to adopt a resolution on this issue.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“The demand for weapons will remain strong as long as conflicts fester and solutions to their fundamental causes are not addressed. It is therefore important that the efforts of developing countries towards sustainable development are supported by the international community, especially by our development partners, through redeeming the pledges and renewing the commitments made at the 2005 World Summit. One of the 12 core recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General pertains to the need for the Council and the General Assembly to work in tandem to promote long-term strategies to deal with the problem of illicit small arms and light weapons.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“Effective transfer controls will be illusory without addressing the issue of brokering, which is central to the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. The establishment of robust regulation would prevent unscrupulous brokers from acting with impunity. We therefore look forward to the establishment of a group of governmental experts to consider further steps to enhance international cooperation to prevent, combat and eradicate illicit brokering in small arms and light weapons. The inextricable nexus between development and security has been widely acknowledged. While supporting efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, we need to intensify our efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict, including the scourge of poverty.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“While it is the right of States to acquire weapons for self-defence and law enforcement, it is equally their responsibility to ensure that weapons legally acquired do not end up in the hands of non-State actors, only to be used to fuel violence and conflict. Although some progress has been made in that sphere, the lack of uniform regulation is detrimental to our common cause. What is required is a transparent, non-discriminatory and non-selective international standard on transfer control and end-user certificates. We also share the Secretary-General's sentiment regarding the future inclusion of international transfers in small arms and light weapons in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. We welcome Interpol's efforts to establish a system for tracing weapons and explosives.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“We should, however, avoid adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, and take into account the peculiarities of the countries concerned and the regional dimensions, as and when necessary. Unsecured stockpiles of collected weapons are attractive sources for the illicit trafficking in weapons into neighbouring countries and into potential zones of conflict. An integral part of a weapons-collection programme should be the destruction of surplus stockpiles in a transparent manner, taking into consideration the security needs of the country concerned. Control over arms transfers is a crucial area meriting an effective international instrument, especially with regard to transfers to armed rebel groups, organized criminals and terrorists.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“We endorse the suggestion that past reports of the Expert Panel on that matter, and similar bodies working in that field, could provide useful information on lessons learned. Effective DDR programmes are widely recognized as a key component of, and a precondition for, successful peacebuilding. Nonetheless, it must be emphasized that DDR, while a necessary first step, must be underpinned by the provision of employment opportunities for ex-combatants. We therefore welcome the decision on strengthening the financing of such programmes through the expansion of measures covered under the budget for peacekeeping operations, even if that is also partly dependent upon voluntary contributions.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“The Second Continental Conference of African Governmental Experts on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, which was held in Windhoek, clearly enunciated Africa's position on the issue. The eradication of such weapons therefore remains a matter of utmost priority. My delegation believes more could be done to that end through financial and technical assistance to assist Member States, especially those contiguous to conflict zones, to strengthen their capacity to enforce the agreed measures, including prosecuting persons who violate embargoes. We also share the concern about the need for concrete measures to prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources to fund the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“Available reports indicate that, at the end of last year, there were 600 million small arms and light weapons in circulation worldwide, which were directly or indirectly linked to the loss of 50,000 lives. West Africa is a region that has, sadly, experienced widespread havoc and untold suffering from illicit small arms and light weapons as a result of the ease of their availability and handling and their indiscriminate use by rebel groups, including child soldiers and criminal gangs. For us those weapons are, in a profound sense, nothing short of weapons of mass destruction. That explains the determination of the Economic Community of West African States to convert its moratorium into a legally binding convention.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“The Council has contributed to that achievement through various proactive measures, including by imposing arms embargoes in conflict areas, stifling funds obtained from the illegal exploitation of natural resources by rebel groups and strengthening disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes. No less significant - despite my delegation's reservations regarding its purely political and voluntary nature - is the adoption of the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. Despite the progress achieved, the scale of the problem remains huge, and a lot needs to be done.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“First of all, I wish to join previous speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for holding this debate on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We also wish to acknowledge the presence of the Foreign Minister of Peru. The adverse impact of the trade in small arms and light weapons on socio-economic development and international peace and security has been universally emphasized, and the Security Council has been reminded repeatedly of its obligation to play a positive role in bringing the proliferation of such weapons under effective control. According to the Secretary-General's report (S/2006/109) - for which we thank Ms. Hoppe for introducing - some success, albeit mixed, has been achieved since 1999, when the Council became seized of the threat posed by the illicit small arms and light weapons.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“Suffice it to say that Ghana will continue to use its tenure of office in this organ as well as its membership of our two common institutions - the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union - to support the implementation and attainment of President Johnson-Sirleaf's laudable vision. Her success is our success, and we wish her well.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“It is also with humility that I deem it appropriate to remind President Johnson-Sirleaf that, because she is Africa's first female President, history has thrust upon her the additional burden of being a trailblazer for the numerous women and girls of Africa in their quest for empowerment through active and meaningful participation in national politics, including in leadership roles. We are confident that, given her sterling qualities and pedigree, she will live up to their expectations and set an example worthy of emulation. I need not dwell at length on the long history of excellent relations between our two countries.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“We expect the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to contribute greatly towards that end. Therefore its continued presence in the country - at least in the foreseeable future - is necessary. Let us learn from history and not betray the people of Liberia again in their hour of need. In the light of the goodwill that Liberia currently enjoys on the international plane, we hope that, sooner rather than later, the country will benefit from the assistance and support of the newly established Peacebuilding Commission.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“These constitute the foundation on which a strong economy can be built in order to tackle expeditiously the formidable humanitarian and socio-economic problems that President Johnson-Sirleaf's Government faces. We recognize that the Government and the people of Liberia bear primary responsibility for the reconstruction and development of their country. Nonetheless, the magnitude and complexity of the challenges facing Liberia call for the continued support and cooperation of the international community and of the United Nations system as a whole, especially during this critical period of transition from war to peace. That will enable the leaders to build on the gains made so far and will stimulate the rapid economic growth that is vital for sound nation- building.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“Naturally, in this new climate of hope, expectations are high, not least among the most vulnerable segments of the population, who continue to bear the brunt of the acute humanitarian and socio- economic crisis of a war-shattered economy. Undoubtedly, President Johnson-Sirleaf has an onerous responsibility to discharge, since her beloved country, Liberia, is, in many respects, starting from scratch on many fronts. In that regard, we wish to note that the country's security situation remains fragile, not to mention the other serious challenges - particularly the urgent need for the consolidation of State authority and the firm establishment of the rule of law and good governance throughout the country.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“It is with great pleasure that my delegation joins others in welcoming Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia. We equally appreciate her statement and share many of the aspirations and concerns that have been raised, especially with regard to the formidable challenges of national reconstruction and reconciliation. Indeed, Liberia has come a long way in the quest for peace, and its people deserve commendation for their resolve in recent years to stay the course. That was clearly demonstrated in the successful completion of the two-year transition process as set out under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement drawn up at Accra.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“We therefore support the Secretary-General's request for an extension of the mandate of UNAMA for a further period of 12 months to enable it continue to provide political and strategic guidance to the Afghan leadership and its international partners as they embark on the ambitious and vital next phase of State-building. Having come thus far, it is important for us to work together in ensuring that the fount of goodwill that has sustained Afghanistan since the Bonn process was launched continues to flow uninterrupted.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“Given the nature of the challenges that Afghanistan currently faces, Ghana supports the proposals made by the Secretary-General in his report aimed at consolidating and tightening up the activities of the United Nations agencies under the umbrella of UNAMA. In March 2002, when UNAMA was established by Security Council resolution 1401 (2002), its mandate focused mainly on the promotion of national reconciliation and reconstruction, as well as on humanitarian relief within the framework of the Bonn Agreement. While the objectives of the Bonn process have largely been achieved, the fact is that formidable challenges remain, particularly with the adoption of the Afghanistan Compact. It is obvious, therefore, that UNAMA has to be realigned in terms of its mandate and structure so as to enhance its ability to meet the new challenges.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“It is disheartening to note that women in Afghanistan continue to face serious restrictions in the exercise of their rights, including those that affect their freedom of movement and access to education, as well as widespread discrimination and pervasive violence, which also affect young girls. Worse still, justice is beyond the reach of most Afghan women. Unless impunity is checked, factional commanders, officials of the security agencies and former warlords will continue to make arbitrary arrests and engage in illegal detention and torture without being held accountable. That is why it is imperative that the adoption of the national Action Plan on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation be accorded the highest priority and that the Plan be vigorously implemented so as to minimize human rights abuses.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“Needless to say, the vision of the Afghan Compact can be realized only in a safe and secure environment. My delegation wishes, therefore, to salute those countries that have been at the forefront of the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, notably the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan and several others, as well as, of course, UNAMA, United Nations agencies and various non- governmental organizations. Another area of great concern is the human rights situation. As stated in the report, this is mainly attributable to the fragile security situation and weaknesses in governance.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“In the same vein, we wish to underscore the grave dangers posed to the reconstruction process by the opium trade, which reportedly accounts for over 50 per cent of Afghanistan's gross domestic revenues and appears to be the lifeblood of criminal gangs and illegal armed groups. We urge the Afghan Ministry of Counter-Narcotics to redouble its efforts to end the role of Afghanistan as the world's largest supplier of opium, to say nothing of the fate of the large number of Afghans who are habitual drug users. In this regard, we welcome the positive role of the coalition forces and the steady progress being made by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the United Nations Mission of Assistance in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan, to extend their control beyond Kabul.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“It is, indeed, worrisome to note that the operational tempo and tactical sophistication of the insurgents and other anti- Government elements have continued to develop, and that now the four principal threats are improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, kidnapping and attacks on the education system. Nonetheless, we are confident that the coalition forces and the Afghan security forces will succeed in suppressing the elements engaged in destabilizing the country. We take this opportunity to call on the Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to iron out whatever differences they have and to cooperate in improving security along their common border to their mutual benefit.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“The latest report submitted by the Secretary- General on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2006/145) highlights the tremendous progress that has been made in laying the foundation for a functioning democratic State based on tolerance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, all underpinned by a vibrant economy. We note, at the same time, that progress has been rather slow in tackling the huge and interrelated problems of governance and security. In particular, my delegation deplores the wanton killings resulting from reckless acts of terror by remnants of extremist groups such as the Taliban and Al-Qaida and other armed bandits bent on undermining progress towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing. Last month, my delegation joined other members of the Security Council in hailing the Afghanistan Compact, which built upon the Bonn Agreement as a model of peacebuilding for fragmented societies emerging from internecine conflict. We have noted that the Compact is an ambitious five-year programme built on four pillars - namely, governance, security, counter-narcotics efforts, reconstruction and development - which will need our support to be implemented. Clearly, when the international community is united in mind and purpose, there is hardly any challenge that we cannot meet, including working together to prevent the outbreak of such costly and energy-sapping conflicts.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“In conclusion, Ghana, as a major troop- contributing country, unreservedly supports measures to eradicate the grave violation of human rights through sexual exploitation and abuse, since the hard- won honour of troop-contributing countries should not be tarnished by the misconduct of a few.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Having charged this responsibility to troop-contributing countries, it behoves the Secretariat to ensure prompt reimbursement to those participating in peacekeeping operations so as to enable them to pay for the construction of such facilities. Closely related to sexual exploitation and abuse is the wider issue of women, peace and development and the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). In this regard, the effective utilization of available gender expertise would assist tremendously in gaining a better understanding of the societies and people to whom the peace processes are extending needed help. The total implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is, therefore, imperative.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Our optimism is premised on the fact that even an increase in reported cases could be positively reviewed and attributed to the creation of awareness, which has contributed to the lifting of the veil of silence that has existed up to now. Again, while welcoming the initial stationing of the teams in eight missions, it is also pertinent to ascertain the factors that informed that decision. We hope that efforts will be made to cover the remaining 10 missions, since undue delay in that regard will be misconstrued and lead to criticism of selectivity. It is the candid view of my delegation that the quest for a comprehensive solution to the abuses could be enhanced by the provision of welfare and recreational facilities for troops.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“These measures and others are a true reflection of the Organization's avowed determination to ensure the realization of this oft-repeated slogan of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. The relentless efforts by troop-contributing countries towards the attainment of this goal cannot be ignored. Although we may assume that some progress has been made, an objective assessment of these measures can only be made if data is provided on reported cases prior to their implementation and during the period thereafter. We, therefore, call on the Secretariat to apprise Member States of the requisite statistics to facilitate a thorough review. In any case, it is the expectation of my delegation that any such report will indicate a decrease in such malfeasance.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The overwhelming condemnation of such grave human rights abuses by the international community and the prompt remedial action initiated by the Secretary-General, supported by Member States, has helped to redeem the credibility of the Organization. My delegation is encouraged by the continuing seriousness with which the United Nations is trying to stem this menace completely, especially the role of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, which between 1 January 2004 and 9 December 2005 has investigated 278 alleged sexual exploitation and abuse cases. The creation of the conduct and discipline teams to, among other things, monitor cases of sexual exploitation and abuse and their resolution is another worthwhile initiative. So far, the teams are operating in eight missions.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Let me first express appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Jean- Marie Guehenno and His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Al-Hussein, Permanent Representative of Jordan and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, for their eloquent and comprehensive briefings. Peacekeeping operations are, undoubtedly, the most tangible testimony of United Nations actions in fulfilling one of its important responsibilities in the maintenance of international peace and security. Having brought succour and hope to the deprived victims of conflict, the distinguished service of the blue helmets over the years has been widely acclaimed. Regrettably, this enviable pedigree has been sullied, albeit partially, by recent dishonourable conduct, in particular, sexual exploitation and abuse, perpetrated by a few misguided and undisciplined individuals.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The United Nations is unreformable only if we Member States choose not to reform it. If we make reform, especially management reform, a collective undertaking and not a matter of interest to only a few countries, we are bound to succeed. We sink or swim together. Let us therefore, in tranquility and with unity of purpose, seek to reform this institution, which is indispensable. Our success will redound to the benefit of all Member States, big and small, weak and powerful.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“We welcome measures aimed at dealing with officials found to be guilty of fraud, waste or abuse of authority, but we should also bear in mind that it is public knowledge that the United Nations has of late been vocal on the need for democracy in all Member States. Democracy is based on the rule of law. The United Nations should therefore be seen to be practising what it preaches. There should be due process of law and, by extension, the right of accused persons to be heard. Viewed from this perspective, even though the audit report is still in draft form, staff members under investigation are entitled to due process of law and should be deemed innocent until proven guilty. Finally, let me emphasize that scandal, abuse, fraud and mismanagement eat away at confidence in the United Nations.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“My delegation recognizes the important contribution of that activity to the development of the economies of host and neighbouring countries that are greatly burdened by prevailing conflict situations. However, it is our candid view that greater diversity in that area is needed. We would also appreciate information on whether procurement officers are ensuring equitable geographical representation among vendors, and on the extent to which the United Nations has taken steps to ensure procurement from vendors from developing countries and countries in transition. We have learned from elsewhere that some officials have been put on leave.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“We hope that, when the time comes for us to consider the review of the financial rules and regulations in the wider context of management reform, we will bear in mind that, in some cases, the fault lies not with the rules and regulations but with those entrusted with the responsibility to implement them. Despite the fact that the document under consideration is preliminary, we note with much concern that a perennial problem found in United Nations procurement activities is yet to be adequately addressed. This relates to the increases in procurement from developing countries, which are still largely limited to host countries of United Nations peacekeeping operations and their neighbours.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“The interim audit report reveals several shortcomings in the procurement of items for United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as a lack of proper care and attention by officials responsible for designing and implementing internal controls. The interim audit also documented substantial evidence of abuse in the area of procurement for peacekeeping operations, leading to financial losses and inaccuracies in planning assumptions. Also of concern is the fact that the United Nations management has not enforced accountability for non-adherence to internal control procedures, financial rules and procedures and procurement procedures. It is imperative that immediate steps be taken to rectify those anomalies.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“Those efforts include initiatives such as the development of the United Nations Global Marketplace, the establishment of lead-agency procurement and direct agreements with manufacturers and a harmonized system-wide training and certification programme. We also cannot fail to take into account the programme of reforms introduced by the Secretary-General in 2005, which included five main categories: ensuring ethical conduct, strengthening oversight and accountability, updating the Organization, improving senior management performance and increasing transparency. Despite those laudable efforts, much remains to be done.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“Therefore, at the appropriate time and in the proper forum, we will articulate our views in extenso on some of the issues and recommendations contained in the audit report. In the meantime, we wish to make a few remarks and observations on what is, after all, an interim report. Procurement has been one of the major areas of focus in the reform of the United Nations over the past 10 years. In that regard, we wish to acknowledge that efforts have been made, and are still under way, in the Secretariat, peacekeeping missions and offices away from Headquarters to improve excellence and accountability in the provision of services.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“Therefore, today's public meeting affords the Council the opportunity to raise its concerns before the public, including the General Assembly, which exercises management oversight over the Secretariat, so that together we can find a way forward. While recognizing the right of the Security Council to consider some aspects of peacekeeping operations by virtue of the fact that it is the organ entrusted under the Charter with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security - and therefore authorizes peacekeeping missions - we also believe that procurement is essentially a management issue that falls within the remit of the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly and, by extrapolation, is under the oversight responsibility of the General Assembly.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“While we endorse the need for a whistleblower policy to enhance transparency and accountability in our Organization, in this case the leakage of the interim audit report to the press was hasty and unwarranted, and also unethical on the part of those who were responsible. On the substance of the interim report, the need for efficient and effective use of the resources of the United Nations, especially those earmarked for critical peacekeeping operations, cannot be overstated. Such operations are invariably costly, and it is in the interest of all to ensure that waste through fraud and embezzlement is avoided. As the body that authorizes such critical peacekeeping operations, the Security Council must be especially concerned to ensure that funds are always available for that purpose.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“In that connection, my delegation regrets the speed with which what is only an interim report has found its way to the media, even before its having been considered by the Assembly, which commissioned it on its own initiative in the first place. Some Member States, including mine, were naturally dismayed to read the details of the report, which had been embargoed to the media, as far back as 23 January 2006, when Member States had not yet seen, or been provided with copies of, the report. Obviously, such deliberate leaks are aimed at misleading the public and bringing the United Nations into disrepute.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“The General Assembly deserves to be commended for initiating, at the urging of the Group of 77 and China, of which my country is proud to be a member, the management audit that led to the disclosure of very disturbing incidents of fraud, abuse of authority and highly unethical conduct involving staff of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). We associate ourselves with the statement to be made later by the representative of South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We welcome the interim audit report and expect the General Assembly to vigorously follow up with the required measures to ensure that the various loopholes are closed immediately.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“First, I wish to join other delegations in thanking Mr. Malloch Brown, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General, for his remarks and his briefing. Ghana considers the issue of procurement reform in the United Nations to be of cardinal importance, as transparency and accountability are critical to the integrity of the Organization as a whole. For the record, and in order that there be no doubt, I wish to state categorically that Ghana does not condone, or belong to any group or association of States that condones, fraud, waste or abuse of authority in the United Nations system.”
2006-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5376 (2006) · source
“We are therefore encouraged by the determination of the Committee to use outreach activities to assess States' implementation and to facilitate assistance to those facing various constraints in that regard. I would be remiss if I failed to pronounce a positive assessment of the introduction of the legislative database to be used as a supplementary source of information and of the Committee's decision to make the information available to Member States. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to urge all Member States to cooperate fully with the Committee in the execution of its mandate, which is crucial to our common determination to contain a grave challenge to international peace and security in the twenty-first century.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“In this regard, I wish to inform the Council that my Government is seriously considering a request to host one such programme for Africa. Those programmes are an imperative, as they offer forums for in-depth discussion on substantive and procedural issues, as well as for exchanges of views among Member States on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). They also create opportunities for members of the Committee to appreciate the practical challenges inhibiting the submission of reports by Member States that have yet to do so, thereby enabling the Committee to take effective measures to surmount those problems. The submission of reports is not an end in itself; it is a means towards the attainment of the ultimate goal. The crucial aspect lies in the implementation efforts.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“Thus, while acknowledging the positive efforts of the Committee, my delegation cannot but admit that much remains to be done, given that 67 countries have yet to submit their reports. In my delegation's view, this is not a reflection of inertia on the part of those countries, many of which are African, but an indication of their well-known lack of capacity to meet the reporting requirements of the resolution. It is for that reason that my delegation welcomes the decision by the Committee to prioritize outreach activities in various regions, since the Committee has to receive the national reports of all countries before it can provide a comprehensive omnibus report to the Security Council so as to ensure that the Council can assess the progress of implementation of the resolution by Member States.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“In this regard, we note with concern a number of lawsuits by listed individuals raising issues of due process, a development which could undermine the credibility of the Committee if the causes of the lawsuits are not addressed. That calls for an in-depth review of the listing and delisting procedures. The Committee will have to put listing requests under more rigorous scrutiny in the future. In that task, the cooperation and understanding of all Member States is essential. Finally, on the 1540 Committee, my delegation wishes to refer to the underlying reason for the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), which was the grave concern of Member States about the menace of terrorist groups acquiring weapons of mass destruction. It therefore behoves us all to ensure the achievement of the ultimate objective of the resolution.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“It is important that the Committee engage with Member States on this point so as to ensure that the discretion or judgement of national courts is not substituted for a decision of the Committee. Differing procedures in different countries on listing and delisting introduce a discriminatory element in the enforcement measures under resolution 1267 (1999), thus weakening the effectiveness of the resolution. Linked to this is the issue of confidentiality. Can the Committee raise the issue of confidentiality to deny a listed individual the right to know the basis of his designation? It is clear that the Committee will have to find a way to balance carefully the need for confidentiality and the requirements of due process.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“The issue of the listing and delisting of individuals and entities with regard to the consolidated list, which is at the core of the mandate of the 1267 Committee, raises certain pertinent questions which will have to be tackled boldly if we are to avoid the perception of lack of transparency, which could damage the credibility of the Committee. There is no doubt that, under Chapter VII of the Charter, Member States are under an obligation to comply with sanctions imposed by the Security Council. However, the methodology of the Committee's listing process has led to serious problems, with some Member States being under the mistaken impression that criminal proceedings in national courts are necessary before action can be taken against listed individuals.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source