YouSaid · the spoken record

Nesho

lines on the record: 178
first: 1998-03-31
most recent: 2005-05-27
sittings or episodes: 27
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

“Albania commends NATO's quick response in sending additional peacekeepers to Kosovo as a clear indication of its commitment to protect peace and stability in the region. We have praised, as a correct reaction, the critical analysis of the situation by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo, as well as the public commitment of the Government and Prime Minister Rexhepi to rebuild the houses and the Orthodox churches damaged during the violence. The Albanian Government has immediately offered its contribution to that endeavour. For Albanians, religious cults are part of our common civilization and our cultural identity, and not symbols of division and hatred.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“On the other hand, as clearly defined in Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), in the document on standards and other acts of the Security Council, Kosovo's future lies in the building of a free, multi- ethnic and democratic society in a country that aspires to its place within the European family. The presence and the efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR clearly reflect the determination of the international community in that direction. The Government of Albania reaffirms its appreciation for the work of UNMIK and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Holkeri, and reiterates its continuous support for their mission in Kosovo.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“Allow me, at the outset, to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council and to wish you every success. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Guehenno for his comprehensive briefing and substantive remarks. The violent events in Kosovo last month, already strongly condemned by broad international opinion as well as by the Kosovo people and their institutions, indicate that both its democratic process and its future cannot and should not be allowed to be taken hostage by extremists of any side, nor by old nationalistic ideas or by scenarios that may try to exploit and flourish in destabilized situations.”
2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source
“In conclusion, I would stress that the implementation of the policy of the international community, in particular the Security Council's recommendations for Kosovo, will succeed if the regional political actors support the spirit of cooperation, European integration and coexistence there. It should be clear to all that the path that Kosovo should follow cannot be the product of any imposed unilateral initiative. It should lie within the framework established by the international community, at the core of which are dialogue and understanding, not intolerance and violence.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“It was the product of a constant policy of keeping alive parallel administrative structures that continue to feed ethnic isolation and to drive new waves of ethnic separation, with the purpose of dividing Kosovo. These tragic events strongly evoke the imperative need to respect law and institutions. They give rise to serious concerns about the obstacles raised by parallel structures in Kosovo. The need to dismantle those structures grows increasingly urgent if we are to strengthen legitimate institutions, the rule of law and order, the continuity of democratic processes and the development of multi-ethnicity there. At the same time, we ask that more responsibility be devolved upon the Provisional Institutions.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“The Government of Albania takes this opportunity once again to reaffirm its support for the policy of the Security Council towards Kosovo and for its resolution 1244 (1999). We also reaffirm our full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Harri Holkeri, UNMIK and KFOR, and we extend that support to them. We continue to strongly believe that the standards policy is the fundamental basis of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Kosovo that will spread yet more stability and security in the western Balkans and that will be a part of the regional and European integration processes. What happened yesterday in Kosovo was not the result of coexistence. To the contrary, it was the result of a lack of engagement or action towards coexistence - or even the result of efforts to undermine such coexistence.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“UNMIK and its activities should not be judged through the prism of the interests of those who feel frustrated and who cannot function under its guidance. Nor should it be judged through the prism of the interests of those who cultivate parallel structures that seek to challenge its authority. We are fully confident that UNMIK will continue to play a central and crucial role in Kosovo and that it will successfully fulfil its mandate there. The recent sad events in Kosovo should not be considered as reflecting a failure of the process or of the positive engagement there; they do not. Only those who are not interested in the progress of the standards and who are not confident with respect to the international community in Kosovo can say that.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“The Albanian Government stresses that this situation of violence threatens the process of democratization and reconciliation in Kosovo and that it must end immediately. We call upon all the citizens of Kosovo to demonstrate maturity, maintain calm and cooperate in full confidence with the legitimate local and international authorities - the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR - in order to restore law and order; we express our confidence that they will do so. UNMIK and KFOR have accomplished an admirable task in Kosovo, building democratic institutions, increasing stability and, ultimately, laying the foundations of a multi-ethnic society. The implementation of the standards set by the Security Council has shown the determination of the international community to create the future society of Kosovo.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“The Albanian Government is following with great concern the latest developments in Kosovo. We deeply regret the recent escalation in the situation there and the loss of human lives. In response to the recent deplorable events, I should like to reiterate the firm position of the Albanian Government against violence and violent acts, regardless of the motives behind them. We strongly condemn the violence as unacceptable and damaging. Such events run against the general trend in Kosovo of progress towards a democratic and multi- ethnic society. They run against the general will of the people of Kosovo to build, and live in, a free and open society where the rule of law is not replaced by the violence of the past and by ethnic hatred.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4928 (2004) · source
“In that context, we support the resumption of the process of privatization as a key element with a great impact on economic development. We all agree that 2004 is going to be a challenging year for Kosovo. It is our conviction that the trend of change and constant progress will continue; that democratic institutions and the rule of law will function more effectively; and that the important process of returns, representation and participation, based on the current achievements and willingness of the Kosovo leadership, will continue and be successful. Given the progress achieved and the positive efforts of the international community, it is our conviction that Kosovo will increasingly share the common aspiration for integration into the region and into the European family, to which, geographically, historically and culturally, it belongs.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“They represent a serious impediment to the strengthening of legitimate local institutions and to the exercise of their full jurisdiction, and to the continuity of the democratic process in Kosovo. The arrest warrants issued by such institutions, as parallel courts, against Kosovar leaders are unacceptable acts which can only cause uncertainty among the people of Kosovo and do harm to the process of building a multi-ethnic society there. We consider well thought out and reasonable UNMIK's position, following the December elections in Serbia, of not allowing officials of Kosovo institutions simultaneously to hold a post in Kosovo and have a mandate in Serbia. We are of the opinion that the progress made in economic and structural reform in Kosovo is of great importance for fostering stability and development within that society.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Albania praises the first steps already taken in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade on technical matters. The Albanian Government will continue to bring its influence to bear on the political and institutional actors in Kosovo and to encourage them to continue their cooperation and to participate in discussions at the level of the technical working groups. We consider this a productive way of resolving the problems and practical issues faced by the people of both countries in their daily lives. On the other hand, we deem unacceptable and damaging any attempt that goes beyond the stabilizing framework of the dialogue. Albania believes that the continuing existence of parallel structures in Kosovo is a source of very serious concern.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“The Albanian Government reaffirms its support for the "Standards for Kosovo" document, which bolsters the efforts of the international community to build a democratic society and a stable Kosovo through the implementation of the standards. The standards implementation plan, which clearly defines the time frame for the progress to be achieved, is also a most welcome development. We are confident and optimistic that it will help Kosovo to make progress as soon as possible towards a final resolution of its status. In that context, we regret to emphasize the lack of participation and cooperation by Serb minorities in the various working groups for the preparation of the implementation plan. Their presence and participation are not only desirable and important, but also necessary in building a democratic, multi-ethnic society.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Holkeri's leadership will help to maintain the momentum and the positive trend of significant progress that Kosovo has made in the past four years. My Government welcomes the transfer of non- reserved competences to the Provisional Institutions, in conformity with Chapter 5 of the Constitutional Framework. That is a good step forward, which should be followed by further and closer cooperation between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the local institutions. Better participation by the institutions in the decision-making process and better policy coordination will be beneficial to both parties. In particular, those elements will improve the institutions' effectiveness and their capacity to respond to the needs of Kosovo's citizens.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“At the outset, on behalf of my delegation, I would like to express to the people and the Government of the Russian Federation our sympathy and our most sincere condolences with respect to the terrorist acts that took place earlier today in Moscow. We strongly condemn such brutal terrorist attacks. I would like to join other delegations in expressing our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report and in thanking Mr. Holkeri, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing. We are pleased to welcome him today and to commend him for his work. We will continue to support his efforts and those of the international community in this new and important phase of their mission in Kosovo. We are certain that Mr.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“The Albanian delegation has repeatedly urged that representatives of the legal institutions of Kosovo be present at discussions about the duties of the Security Council and relevant matters under its consideration, so that they may better take responsibility for their own future. We regret to inform the Council that not only the citizens of Kosovo, but also the ministers of its interim Government, learn about Security Council positions and directives only through articles and editorials of the free media. Their presence as part of the delegation of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General would reinforce their sense of responsibility and their commitment to the successful carrying out of the United Nations mission.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“In some cases, certain Belgrade officials put pressure on independent United Nations institutions of justice to judge the leaders of political parties in Kosovo who were members of the international coalition against Milosevic's criminal regime, while there has never been a public apology for the monstrous crimes committed against the Albanian people of Kosovo - the mass graves, the genocide of the last century. Albanians in Kosovo can forgive, but they cannot forget. New messages of trust and confidence should bond the two countries. Albania believes that the international community's request for implementation of the standards before status policy is a priority for Kosovo. Achieving it will show the seriousness of the Government of Kosovo about meeting its commitments for the future.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“In his report the Secretary-General repeatedly and rightfully expresses concern over the existence of parallel structures in Kosovo and various pressures that have been hindering the creation of a multi-ethnic society. It will be difficult to consolidate a multi-ethnic society if one party cannot fully guarantee the freedoms and rights of minorities, and if the other will think and act under pressure as if it were not part of the society.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The lack of full executive competences, which have not yet been transferred; the inability to accelerate the pace of privatization in order to ensure a free market economy; and the absence of a complete judicial framework for the economy and administration: these have psychologically influenced, and thus slowed down, a constructive dialogue. The political situation and the forthcoming elections in both countries have resulted in the dialogue process being used for political and electoral rhetoric; in many cases it has been used for propaganda, declaring victory by one party over the other, in an attempt to reassert control and dominance.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Kosovo's democratic institutions should set something new in motion by getting rid of the hatred and national division nourished by past totalitarian regimes. Dialogue means progress, not submission. It is a process that does not deny the legitimate and universal rights of peoples to self- determination and independence; rather, the power of reason and uncontested reality legitimizes it as irreversible. The international community would probably have raised awareness of the need for dialogue better if the representatives of Kosovo's institutions had felt legitimate and entitled to represent their country and exercise their free will.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“We emphasize Albania's consistent and comprehensive commitment to implementing resolution 1244 (1999) and to working together with all the countries of the region in order to achieve full democratic integration into the European Union and foster sustainable peace and stability in the Balkans. Albania welcomes the beginning of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade in Vienna, and encourages continued dialogue between the parties on technical cooperation issues in the priority fields defined by the United Nations. Kosovo's political institutions must understand that the process of cooperation between the two parties is the only way to establish a democratic and multi-ethnic society. Starting the dialogue demonstrates a great sense of responsibility.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Allow me, Sir, to express our sincere congratulations on your excellent work and the results achieved by the Security Council during the month of your presidency. The Albanian delegation welcomes the presence of Mr. Harri Holkeri, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and wishes him success in his important work, following the successful efforts of all his predecessors: the late Mr. Vieira de Mello, Mr. Kouchner, Mr. Haekkerup and Mr. Steiner. The Albanian delegation commends the Secretary-General for his report and Special Representative Holkeri for today's comprehensive briefing.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Albania has encouraged the political leaders in Kosovo and Belgrade to give concrete expression to their commitment to initiate a dialogue on technical issues. My Government considers unacceptable and unhelpful every effort that goes beyond the stabilizing framework of the dialogue and increases the spirit of conflict in the region. The dialogue between the two parties and the collaboration of mutual interests towards economic development and regional integration will bring an understanding of new realities. People can be ruled not by the mentality of territories, but by that of respect for their right to self-determination, freedom and democracy - ideas that shape modern Europe today.”
2003-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4823 (2003) · source
“The improvement of stability and progress suggests the need for the Kosovar leadership to take part in the discussions of this body on Kosovo so that it may share responsibilities and be fully committed to the implementation of Security Council decisions. The Albanian Government has always appreciated the important work of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and is thankful for the extraordinary results achieved in a relatively short period of time. The Albanian Government commends the appointment of Mr. Harri Holkeri as Special Representative and will support his activity. My Government strongly believes that his mission will be carried out successfully and contribute to the further development of Kosovo and the implementation of the necessary standards before status.”
2003-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4823 (2003) · source
“That would impede the beginning of the necessary dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, to the accomplishment of which the whole international community is committed. Today, Kosovo needs confidence-building measures and not a conflict-feeding process. Finding itself between opportunities and difficulties, problems and solutions, Kosovo requires all of us to become part of the solution and the progress. The far-sighted policy of the European Union to include Kosovo as an inseparable part of the regional reality, drawn up at the Thessaloniki summit, creates real grounds for its rapid integration, first, into the regional community, and then into the European family.”
2003-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4823 (2003) · source
“There is an improved inter-ethnic environment as well, as has been demonstrated, for instance, by the appeal of the Kosovar leaders to all displaced persons to return to Kosovo and to participate in the democratic processes and in the responsibility to rebuild together a new, multi-ethnic, free and democratic society. The latest incidents in Kosovo are tragic and intolerable. They should be explicitly condemned and considered to be acts of an agonizing violent past that cannot halt the democratic processes and the irreversible new realities. However, these incidents cannot be condemned either by denying the substantial progress in Kosovo or by using it for political, electoral and nationalist interests.”
2003-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4823 (2003) · source
“While evaluating the current situation in Kosovo, as a result of considerable transformations due to the commendable work of the United Nations and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, we are confident in saying that substantial progress has been achieved. This conclusion has been realistically highlighted by the members of the Security Council and reflected in the reports of the Secretary-General as well. It is important to put special emphasis on the establishment and functioning of the new Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, which are a clear indication of growing political maturity and responsibility.”
2003-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4823 (2003) · source
“At the outset, Sir, allow me to express our delegation's appreciation for your commitment to the problems of our region and to commend your work as the President of the Security Council for the month of September. Let me also thank Assistant Secretary-General Annabi for his comprehensive briefing today. The issue of Kosovo has been broadly discussed in the Security Council. This reflects the commitment and the seriousness of the international community in implementing Security Council resolution 1244 ( 1999) and ensuring a sustainable democratic future for Kosovo. The attention that the Kosovo issue has attracted constitutes a positive factor that has accelerated the rhythm of significant transformations towards a multi- ethnic, democratic society.”
2003-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4823 (2003) · source
“In the meantime, members of minorities should resist the influence of outside politics and interference and should consider themselves to be an integral part of the multi-ethnic political and social society of Kosovo. The fulfilment of standards and the definition of the final status of Kosovo, in respect for the will of the people for self-determination, are interdependent and interrelated processes. The involvement of the international community should guarantee those processes, with the aim of promoting sustainable stability, the spirit of peace and security in the Western Balkans and its integration into Europe.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“The initiation of a dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is an important and necessary element in meeting the standards set out by the international community for Kosovo's European integration. We believe that both representatives of Kosovo's Institutions and Belgrade officials will demonstrate the appropriate understanding, good will and maturity to discuss and encourage solutions on various practical issues of mutual interest. We are of the opinion that the mediation and assistance of international institutions is still necessary to ensure the success of this crucial process. It is important that this process should advance, as the improvement of the inter-ethnic dialogue will facilitate the speedy return of displaced persons to Kosovo.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“Our Government has supported the initiative of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to institutionalize the inclusion and active participation of Kosovo in democratic and integration processes. We take this opportunity to commend in particular the participation of representatives of Kosovo's Institutions at the European Union Summit held in Thessaloniki, Greece. We believe that this inclusive and integrated policy should continue and that it should represent a trend with regard to international institutions and organizations, in order to prevent marginalized and isolated zones in the Balkans. Similarly, the same willingness should be demonstrated in encouraging Kosovo's full and speedy integration into common regional, European and international structures.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“The progress and achievements in Kosovo reflect the great contribution made by UNMIK's administrator, Mr. Steiner, during his tenure. Thanks to his vision, his abilities as an experienced politician and his determination to raise the necessary issues at the right time, he has succeeded in implementing the policy of the international community and in accomplishing his important mission in Kosovo. We thank him for his leadership. The Albanian Government commends the considerable achievements of UNMIK and its administrator, Mr. Steiner, for, among other things, their efforts to establish and enforce Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, to hold successful local democratic elections, and to initiate and carry out the process of transferring powers to Kosovo's provisional institutions.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“It is of great importance that we all recognize the undeniable reality that there have recently been encouraging developments in Kosovo despite the fact that the progress achieved is not yet at the same level in every aspect of life. In evaluating the progress, we share the opinion and concerns of both UNMIK and local representatives that there are still problems and areas that require serious commitment. Enhancing democratic institutions and respect for the norms of a multi-ethnic society, the promotion of a stable and developed market economy, the return of displaced persons, and the strengthening of regional cooperation and the processes of European integration remain the main challenges requiring the attention of Kosovo's governing authorities.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“Our delegation welcomes the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Steiner, at today's very special meeting. At the very outset, allow me to express the support of the Albanian delegation for the report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/675) on the democratic and integration processes in Kosovo. Our delegation commends the significant achievements that have been made and takes note of the remaining problems in Kosovo, both of which are well defined in the report. The problems are related to, among other things, the functioning of a multi-ethnic society, the strengthening of the rule of law and the return of the displaced persons.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“By assuming that responsibility and by fighting for a free world that is not threatened by weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, we will remain faithful to the vision of the founders of the Organization and accomplish its goals. As Winston Churchill once stressed, "Make sure that the force of right will, in the ultimate issue, be protected by the right of force."”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“The adoption without delay of the resolution on humanitarian assistance to Iraq by this body will serve to restore the efficiency and unity of the Security Council, which is imperative, in view of the most recent events. Now is the time for our nations and the Security Council to focus on the challenges of the future with the will and the necessary pragmatism that make possible our cooperation. Albania, as part of the coalition of the willing led by the United States and United Kingdom, together with many countries all over the world, will strive to advance liberty and peace in Iraq. The new Iraq will be democratic and will live in peace; it will no longer be a threat to its neighbours or to the world.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Any attempt to protect the lost cause of a regime that is responsible for the destitution and death of millions of Iraqis and other people in the region, in the name of state sovereignty and fear of change, is an attempt that not only frustrates the hopes of a people who long for freedom, but also delays our common action to assist the people of Iraq in overcoming their fragile humanitarian situation. Albania welcomes the initiative of Secretary- General Kofi Annan to take the necessary measures to reactivate the oil for food programme. We call upon the members of the Security Council to fully support the Secretary-General by providing him with the necessary authority and flexibility to meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Iraq.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“We are very concerned about the difficult humanitarian situation in Iraq, which has resulted from the dictatorial policies of a regime that acts against its own people and that, even in its final days, has shown a willingness to sacrifice everything, its own people and country, in order to maintain power. As a member of the coalition of the free countries for the liberation of Iraq, Albania requests that this regime step aside now to spare the people of Iraq from being exposed to further danger and suffering.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Extending the process of the disarmament of Iraq will give its regime an opportunity once again to defy the international community and the United Nations, and, moreover, would seriously call into question the very credibility of this Organization. The United Nations should shoulder its responsibilities and act accordingly. Therefore, we must stand united and determined. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate before this body that peace is not the mere absence of war.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“Ilir Meta, emphasized, in his most recent statement: "For many years now, this regime has continuously ignored the efforts of the international community, and of the Security Council in particular, for a diplomatic and peaceful solution, and has not collaborated in the elimination of the weapons of mass destruction. On this basis, we believe that intervention is inevitable in order to avoid the worst scenario of legitimizing a regime that would hold hostage regional and global security and that would challenge the authority of the Security Council as well as that of the United Nations, of which our country is a Member." Peace and security cannot be achieved through endless meetings and unproductive discussions motivated by fear and uncertainty about the future, or by standing by and not taking action.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“The new draft resolution to be presented by the United States of America, Great Britain and Spain clearly and firmly redefines the determination of the international community to preserve peace and security in the world. It ensures and maintains the authority of the international community and of the Security Council in their joint actions against such regimes, which present a threat to our common future and values. Therefore, Albania supports the determined position of the United States of America and is in favour of this draft resolution. Albania has been part of the international coalition for disarming Iraq, and today we reaffirm our participation in the future coalition of the willing. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“For quite a long time now, the Security Council has been fully committed to disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. Resolution 1441 (2002), unanimously adopted, demonstrated not only the determination of the international community to fully disarm the Iraqi regime, but also its resolve to penalize a regime that possesses weapons of mass destruction and thus endangers peace and security in the region and even beyond. In spite of the considerable efforts and the commendable work of the United Nations inspectors, we are of the opinion that they cannot achieve the required disarmament, because of the Baghdad regime's lack of willingness to cooperate by disarming immediately, actively and unconditionally. The time for disarming Iraq is running out.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“We appeal to the Security Council to undertake the necessary action in response to the continuous threat that Iraq poses to international peace and security. The Albanian Government understands and supports the commitment of the United States of America and of other nations to avoid the threats of weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism. The determination to prevent terror is a great achievement of the present world civilization. By acting in time and with a long-term vision we will avoid the consequences that might stem from a lack of determination.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The international community must be determined to act without wasting time and to send the necessary message of responsibility and determination for the preservation of the international order. Vain promises and empty rhetoric about peace do not prevent crime or secure peace. Recently, we in the Balkans suffered the fatal consequences resulting from the international community's delay in taking the necessary decisions. The mass graves in Srebrenica and Kosovo attest to that sad truth. In its statement of 5 February 2003, the Vilnius Group of countries, in which Albania participates, stated its concern about the threat of terrorism and of dictatorial regimes that possess weapons of mass destruction, as well as its views regarding democratic values in the world.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“That resolution, unanimously adopted, clearly states that Iraq should bring to full and verified completion the disarmament process by ceasing to produce and possess weapons of mass destruction and ending the development of related programmes We see that Iraq has to date failed to comply with resolution 1441 (2002), as it has not immediately, actively and unconditionally cooperated with United Nations inspectors. As has often been reiterated in this body, the issue is not whether Iraq has weapons of mass destruction but whether it is cooperating to get rid of them. The task of inspections in Iraq cannot go on endlessly, because it would weaken the importance of resolution 1441 (2002) and the credibility of the Organization.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The debate about Iraq is taking on broad dimensions. All nations have a historic responsibility to reflect on the position of the international community and to act in the interests of peace and stability in the world. The possession and production of weapons of mass destruction and the danger posed by their potential use in terrorist acts constitute a real threat to the entire international community. The Albanian Government has attentively followed the latest developments on Iraq and commends the work done by the United Nations inspectors. But to our understanding, their reports clearly show that Iraq is still in breach of the obligations deriving from the Security Council resolution 1441 (2002).”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The humanitarian intervention of the civilized world in Kosovo not only justified itself, but also introduced an important precedent in international relations. Today, we are facing a situation in which the pre- emptive action of the international community is necessary in order to avert a possible world catastrophe precipitated by the use of weapons of mass destruction by an uncontrolled regime. The strength of our actions depends on the Security Council's decision and our common responsibility towards the people of the world.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“Many States were undecided with regard to intervention against a sovereign State. Moreover, the propaganda of the Milosevic regime presented the conflict as a clash of civilizations and a threat to Christianity from the Albanian Muslims of Kosovo. In the name of peace, security and the protection of human rights, the action of the international community proved to be right, vital and far-sighted in preventing a human tragedy. That intervention was meant not to demonstrate prepotency, dominance or a unilateral stand, but to defend the right of the people to live in freedom. It was conceived not to protect Muslim Albanians against the Christian Orthodox Serbs, but to save both from a criminal regime that had kidnapped their rights. The intervention was intended to preserve and guarantee the future of the international system.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“The results of elections under that regime were 99.99 per cent in favour of Big Brother. In reality, it was a prison for the entire country and State sovereignty was represented by the will of a single dictator. Such dictatorial regimes generate continuous crises to prolong their own existence. In averting such crises in the future, the action of the international community to secure peace and stability in the region is as important as the establishment of freedom and the legal rights of the people who suffer under such totalitarian regimes. Three years ago, we recognized the difficult position of the Security Council in deciding on the intervention of the international community against the genocide committed by the criminal regime of Milosevic against the Kosovar Albanians.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“We believe that the position of the United States, as stated on 12 September before the General Assembly - "We cannot stand by and do nothing while dangers gather. We must stand up for our security and for the permanent rights and hopes of mankind" (A/57/PV.2, p. 9) - is the most realistic position. Albania restates its full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and of the Security Council to find a fair solution to the Iraqi question. No dictatorial regime that has demonstrated an aggressive nature in international relations, suppresses human rights and commits crimes against its own citizens has the moral right to represent the sovereignty of the people of its country, whose will and ideas are kept bound by the chains of a criminal authority. Not long ago, Albania was under a dictatorial regime.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source