YouSaid · the spoken record

Niehaus

lines on the record: 161
first: 1998-06-06
most recent: 2002-06-27
sittings or episodes: 21
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

“We the members of the Rio Group are aware that combating terrorism should lead us to build more open and tolerant societies. As clearly stated by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, combating terrorism requires that the root of the problems that cause insecurity be attacked. In this context, we know that the best protection against terrorism is respect for human rights and democracy in all spheres. Therefore, combating this scourge should lead to the establishment of a true culture of peace, tolerance and solidarity. These are the values that the Counter- Terrorism Committee must promote.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“At the same time, we believe it is necessary for States members of those bodies to consider the role that each of them can play within their respective spheres of competence. During the upcoming period the Committee will also have to meet the challenge of its growing practical and financial requirements. The work of that body is consuming significant quantities of the limited resources of the Organization. To date, its needs have been met with resources earmarked for other programmes and mandates. This is not a sustainable solution, given that other programmes are equally necessary for the international community. We therefore consider it essential to allocate resources to the Committee within the Organization's budget.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“We agree with Ambassador Greenstock's assessment that continuous efforts are required to achieve the objectives enshrined in the resolution and that therefore no State can consider its work complete. We trust that during the next phase the Committee will continue to work transparently and to be impartial in its results. In the next three months the Committee should also increase contacts with regional organizations in order to coordinate its counter-terrorism efforts. We note that those organizations can act only within their respective mandates and in accordance with their statutes. In this framework, cooperation between those organizations and the Committee must be in strict compliance with those mandates.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“The States members of the Rio Group hope that, in the coming months, in accordance with its programme of work, the Committee will consider the second round of reports and the clarifications requested of States. Similarly, we trust that in the coming months the Committee will pursue dialogue with all countries in order to ensure the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and to strengthen the capacity of States to combat terrorism. That is the Committee's mandate. We endorse the understanding within the Committee that it need not assume quasi-judicial functions or declare that some States have complied with resolution 1373 (2001) while others have not.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“We believe that the Committee's success depends on its capacity to generate and maintain ongoing communication among the Organization, its Member States and regional organizations, with a view to strengthening intergovernmental and inter-institutional assistance and cooperation to combat terrorism. In that context, we believe that the Committee must facilitate the provision of technical assistance and financial cooperation to those States requiring it to strengthen their justice systems and their legislative frameworks. Therefore, we welcome the Committee's intention to serve as a contact point between countries and bodies providing assistance and the States requesting assistance.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“We appreciate the vast work of the Committee, which has enabled it, with professionalism and transparency, to consider the vast majority of those reports. We hope that the Committee will soon be able to consider the reports it has not yet been able to examine. However, we note that a small number of States have still not submitted their first reports, in accordance with the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001), and we call on them to submit them as soon as possible. In that regard, we believe that the Committee experts on the provision of assistance could help them resolve any practical difficulties they may face. The Rio Group welcomes the opportunity for constructive dialogue between the Security Council and United Nations Member States provided through the submission and consideration of national reports.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“At the same time, we firmly support all cooperation and coordination measures adopted internationally and regionally and within a framework of strict observance of human rights, the rule of law, international humanitarian law and other norms and principles of international law, with a view to combating terrorism. In that context, as the representatives of Mexico and Colombia have stated, the 3 June 2002 adoption of the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism by the Organization of American States significantly bolsters regional mechanisms to combat this scourge. The Rio Group is particularly pleased to note the submission of more than 160 national reports, in compliance with the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001).”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“Mr. Niehaus (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I am pleased to address the Security Council, on behalf of the 19 States members of the Rio Group, during its consideration of the third quarterly report of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) established by resolution 1373 (2001). I wish to begin by thanking Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Chairman of the Committee, for his briefing and for his excellent work at the head of that body. I wish also to congratulate the Vice- Chairmen of the CTC. The States members of the Rio Group condemn and reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
2002-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4561 (2002) · source
“We know that respect for human rights and democracy in all fields is the best protection against terrorism. The fight against terrorism must be a reason to reaffirm basic rights. True and sustainable peace is born of mutual respect, dialogue and the rejection of violence. For that reason, we believe that a comprehensive strategy to ensure the respect for human dignity, in all spheres, is required. We are convinced that fighting this crime must lead us to build more open and tolerant societies, where a true culture of peace, tolerance and solidarity reigns. We are confident that the work of the Security Council and its Counter-Terrorism Committee will enable us to make progress towards that goal.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“For its part, the Rio Group has held a series of consultations in compliance with resolution 1373 (2001) with a view to preventing and suppressing terrorist acts and to effectively implementing the Security Council's decisions on this matter. In that regard, I would like to highlight the document prepared by legal experts of the Rio Group on the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), which was been circulated as an annex to document S/2002/ 107. As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has aptly said, combating terrorism requires that we tackle the sources of insecurity at their root. The Rio Group is aware that extremism is fuelled by political oppression, extreme poverty, hunger, destitution, disease and the violation of fundamental human rights.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Similarly, it is indispensable to increase technology transfer bilateral cooperation in the area of police and judicial training, and financial assistance to all States that require them to prevent and suppress terrorism. In that context, constant dialogue and communication among the Counter-Terrorism Committee, Member States and regional and subregional organizations creates an ideal framework to coordinate and invigorate intergovernmental and inter-institutional cooperation and assistance to prevent terrorism and to strengthen national justice systems. In this regard, we are grateful for the Committee's establishment of a list of possible sources of expert advice and assistance.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We further note the Committee's intention to finalize the consideration of the first reports by 31 May, an enormous task considering the complexity and breadth of the 143 documents that have been submitted. The struggle against terrorism calls for the creation of institutional and police procedures that will effectively protect the population. We believe that special attention should be given to the dangerous relationship among drug trafficking networks, terrorist groups, illicit traffic in weapons and money- laundering. We must proscribe the transfer of weapons to all rebel and extremist groups as well as to the Governments that support them.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The fight against the scourge of terrorism requires true universal cooperation with the view to upholding the basic principles of peaceful coexistence among all peoples and nations as well as guaranteeing peace, security and development for all humanity. In that context, the Counter-Terrorism Committee plays a key role in the coordination of universal action against this crime. The Rio Group welcomes the excellent work of the Committee in its analysis of national reports submitted in conformity with resolution 1373 (2001). It acknowledges the leadership of its Chairman, Ambassador Sir Jeremy Greenstock, and of its Vice- Chairmen. In particular, we are grateful for the opportunity for constructive dialogue between the Security Council and Member States that has been provided by the submission of national reports.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We agree to promote the adoption of the Inter- American Convention against terrorism during the thirty-second session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, which will be held in Barbados." I have requested that declaration to be circulated as an official document of the Security Council. As Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has stressed, terrorism is a threat to the most fundamental human rights, the right to life. The formulation of a common approach to counter-terrorism serves human rights. With that spirit, the Rio Group fully supports the content of resolution 1373 (2001) adopted on 28 September 2001, as well as the work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Presidents declared: "We forcefully condemn and reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and we support all regional and international measures of cooperation and coordination to suppress it, within the framework of strict compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law and other principles and norms of international law, and in conformity with the resolutions and instruments of the United Nations and the inter-American system, as well as with other relevant initiatives on this subject, in particular through the creation of mechanisms for the exchange of information and judicial cooperation to facilitate the prevention and suppression of acts of terrorism. The fight against terrorism should also be based on the promotion of a culture of peace, tolerance and solidarity.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Niehaus (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I am deeply honoured to speak to the Security Council on behalf of the 19 States members of the Rio Group, in my capacity as the representative of Costa Rica, the Pro Tempore Secretariat. Last Friday, 12 April, the Presidents of the States members of the Rio Group, meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica, agreed on a declaration of principles in which they reiterated their firm condemnation of terrorism.”
2002-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4512Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Under the present circumstances, it is indispensable that the parties to the conflict immediately and unconditionally comply with the recent Security Council resolutions, that they take the first steps to stop the spiral of Violence and destruction, that they take concrete measures to re-establish confidence and that they cooperate fully with the efforts of the Secretary-General and the four special envoys responsible for reactivating the peace process. As the Secretary-General wisely said: Today it is indispensable that the parties forgo the logic of war and destruction and embrace the logic of peace and progress.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Thirdly, it has called vehemently upon the States involved in the process for a lasting peace in the Middle East to make the greatest political efforts possible to implement the Security Council proposal. Fourthly, it has appealed to the parties in conflict to cease immediately all acts of violence and harassment, whatever their origin, including all terrorist acts and all types of provocation, incitement to violence and destruction.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In this regard, the Group that I represent, firmly convinced that peace between the Palestinian and the Israeli peoples can be attained only through the peaceful means for the settlement of disputes enshrined in international law, has declared, first, that it welcomes the adoption by the Security Council of resolutions 1397 (2002) and 1402 (2002), in which, recalling all previous relevant resolutions, the Council reaffirms its vision of the Middle East as a region where two States, Israel and Palestine, will live peacefully side by side within safe and recognized borders. Secondly, the Rio Group has expressed its satisfaction with the peace initiative of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, which provides fresh hopes for peace and signals the advisability of all the countries in the region normalizing relations.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Niehaus (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin my statement by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council at such an important time for international peace and security. I have the honour of addressing the Council on behalf of the 19 member States of the Rio Group in my capacity as pro tempore Secretary. The member States of the Rio Group note with deep concern the recent developments in the Middle East.”
2002-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4506Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I should like to conclude by expressing the Rio Group's gratitude to the Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock, and to his Vice- Chairmen for their excellent work and leadership, and for their ongoing work of engaging in dialogue with and providing information to the other Member States of this Organization.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“At the same time, within the framework of the OAS, the Inter-American Committee on Terrorism seeks to bolster regional cooperation with the View to prevent, combat and eradicate terrorist acts and activities through the direct exchange of information among the competent national authorities. Resolution 1373 (2001) has opened new lines of communication between the Security Council and the Member States of the Organization. The unprecedented response to the request for national reports included in that resolution should be noted. The member States of the Rio Group have endeavoured to fulfil that request, as is evidenced by the various reports presented. We believe that the consideration of these reports should become an opportunity for constructive dialogue in which areas for possible improvement are suggested.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“They indicated that it is necessary to strengthen the mechanisms of judicial cooperation and extradition, to make progress in the legal definition of terrorist conduct and in assigning penalties commensurate to the seriousness of those acts, and to develop mechanisms to prevent and suppress terrorist financing activities. The experts recommended expediting the work on the new inter-American convention on terrorism that is being drafted within the framework of the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as creating an information system to compile laws and administrative regulations on this matter.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“At that meeting, a fruitful exchange of opinions on the legislation existing in each member State was held, and it was seen that the members of the Rio Group have created adequate mechanisms to implement the provisions of resolution 1373 (2001). The document of conclusions reflects the firm intention of Rio Group members to ratify those international treaties on terrorism adopted within the United Nations system that they have not yet ratified. The Rio Group experts noted that it is necessary to make greater efforts in the struggle against terrorism.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“In particular, it is necessary to increase the transfer of technology, bilateral cooperation in the area of training, and financial assistance to all those countries that require it. Last November, pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), the Rio Group convened a meeting of legal experts in Santiago, Chile, to consider the prevention and suppression of terrorist acts, as well as the implementation of the Security Council's decisions in this matter. The document of conclusions, which I have requested be distributed as an official document of the Council, condemns the acts of terrorism, warns of the challenge that terrorism poses to existing juridical structures, and emphasizes that the combat against terrorism should be carried out within the framework of the rule of law, international law and human rights.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“The Rio Group acknowledges that in order to prevent terrorism, it is necessary to create institutional and police procedures that protect the public effectively, without prejudice, to the full respect for the international commitments in the area of human rights. Special attention should be given to the dangerous relationship between the international drug trafficking networks and the terrorist groups, as well as to the illicit trafficking in arms. We believe that an integral strategy against this scourge should include the eradication of drug trafficking and money-laundering. Such a strategy should also prevent the transfer of weapons to all extremist and rebel groups and to the Governments that support them. The fight against terrorism requires strengthening and broadening international cooperation in all fields.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“We are confident that the current emphasis on the fight against terrorism will neither stop the programmes for the eradication of poverty nor consume the meagre resources devoted to the promotion of human rights and economic and social development. It is necessary to conceptualize the struggle against this scourge within the broader context of the entire international agenda. We believe that the fight against international terrorism should not lend itself to fuelling ethnic hatreds or promoting discord among the different religions and civilizations. We are convinced that the fight against this crime should guide us to build more open and tolerant societies, based on a true culture of peace and life.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“The struggle against this scourge should not become an excuse to disregard fundamental rights. On the contrary, it should be a reason to reaffirm them. True and sustainable peace springs from mutual respect, dialogue and the rejection of violence. The members of the Rio Group are well aware that political repression, extreme poverty and the violation of human rights feed extremism and terrorism. The multilateral strategy against terrorism must tackle the problems of extreme poverty, hunger, destitution, illness and the lack of housing and education. A holistic strategy, that ensures respect for human dignity in all fields and in conformity with the commitments enshrined in the Millennium Declaration, is required.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“For this reason, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to continue combating terrorism in conformity with that resolution. Our efforts to eradicate this scourge require an authentic exercise of universal cooperation in order to defend the basic principles of human coexistence and to ensure peace, security and development for all mankind. As this crime is a transnational phenomenon, only multilateral action can counter it successfully. The Rio Group is ready to participate in all multilateral forums supporting all initiatives necessary to combat terrorism, reaffirming in this way the basic values of peaceful coexistence of all nations, peoples and persons. Respect for human rights and democracy in all spheres constitutes the best line of defence against terrorism.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“The Rio Group most categorically condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed. We acknowledge that terrorism victimizes the innocent civilian population as a whole and that it threatens the entire international society. We believe that there is no political, philosophical, racial, ethnic or religious justification for this crime. Therefore, we condemn the perpetration and financing of all terrorist acts, and we express our deepest censure of the despicable acts of 11 September. The Rio Group endorses the content of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). It constitutes a firm, necessary and innovative response to the extremely grave criminal acts of 11 September, aimed at re establishing international security in accordance with the Council's own sphere of competence.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Mr. Niehaus (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the member States of the Rio Group in my capacity in the pro tempore secretariat. First, Mr. President, allow me to congratulate you, and through you, the Republic of Mauritius, on your accession to the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. I would also like to congratulate the representatives of Bulgaria, Cameroon, Guinea, Mexico and Syria for their recent accession to this organ. Together with the other members of the Council, they now have the responsibility to represent the interests and will of the rest of the Members of the Organization in order to make the Council a more effective, transparent and democratic organ.”
2002-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4453 (2002) · source
“Genuine peace is the fruit of harmony among the various sectors of society, respectful relationships among peoples and individuals and the rejection of violence and hatred. Peace demands active brotherhood among all people. For this reason, peace can only exist when we recognize that as human beings we are members of the same family. The elimination of small arms is just a first step in that direction.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Would it perhaps not be better for the $191 billion that the developing countries currently squander on their armed forces to be devoted to health? Would it not be preferable to devote to education the $22 billion spent on arms transfers to the Third World? Would this perhaps not be the best way of guaranteeing peace for future generations? For more than 50 years now, Costa Rica has had no arms expenditure. We are a disarmed country without an army, which devotes its public budget to education, preventive health and infrastructure investment. In our land, you will find schools, not barracks. Our children have never seen a helicopter gunship, an armoured car or a warship. Our experience has taught us that peace is not simply the absence of armed conflict.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As part of their mandate, missions should, moreover, be capable of collecting, confiscating and destroying surplus small arms and of promoting the reconversion of the arms industry. In the medium and long term, the quest for international peace and security requires a substantial reduction in the number of small arms available. Combating the use, misuse and spread of these weapons demands demilitarization in our societies and the creation of a genuine culture of peace and life grounded in greater economic and social equity, the rule of law, democracy, representative government and human rights. In this context, the Security Council should support disarmament efforts while at the same promoting reduction in military expenditure.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The same ban should apply to the transfer of arms to non-State actors, rebel groups and extremist movements. Thirdly, the Security Council, with the assistance of the Secretary-General, should investigate and find illicit supply routes for small arms and light weapons to various areas in conflict and impose appropriate sanctions on the nations, entities or individuals involved in such activities. We believe that setting up panels of experts similar to those investigating the diamond trade would be a use model to follow. At the same time, when circumstances in the field so warrant, it would be appropriate to include in the mandate of peacekeeping operations the task of monitoring implementation of arms embargoes and investigating breaches thereof.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First of all, with respect to all the disputes under its jurisdiction, the Council should adopt or strengthen embargoes designed to prevent, combat and eliminate the inflow of weapons. Such measures need to go hand in hand with effective verification machinery and with the full cooperation both of neighbouring countries and arms producers. Secondly, the Council must condemn and prohibit the transfer of military material and personnel or financial and logistic support to those countries whose military units or security forces take part in human rights violations. We believe that that ban should also be extended to those States that do not respect democratic principles or that have not ratified the main human rights instruments and instruments of international humanitarian law.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We are alarmed that no strong measures have been adopted to regulate the possession of light weapons among civilians. We deplore the fact that there has been no agreement on the immediate preparation of a legally binding code of conduct on the transfer of arms. We are concerned that the Programme of Action does not include any explicit reference to human rights, which should constantly guide our struggle to combat this kind of weaponry. Moreover, we regret that these very grave shortcomings have been the result of inflexibility on the part of just a few delegations that around this table profess to defend peace and security. The Security Council, fully and faithfully discharging its primary responsibility for international peace and security, must today take the lead in combating the spread of small arms.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In the hands of private individuals, such weapons lead to social breakdown and erode the security of our citizens. The Security Council cannot continue to ignore the suffering caused by the 500 million existing small arms. This body cannot turn a deaf ear to the cries of millions of innocent victims. Just two weeks ago, we saw in this city the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. Quite candidly, I must say, that as far as my delegation was concerned, the result of the Conference was discouraging. We are dismayed that the Programme of Action adopted there does not explicitly prohibit the transfer of arms to rebel groups. We are indignant that the document does not condemn the dispatch of arms to governments that commit mass or systematic violations of human rights.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The spread of small arms stokes the fires of violence, heightens hatred and struggle, exacerbates crime and terrorism and favours political and social instability. The presence of light weapons facilitates and encourages violations of fundamental human rights. Arsenals of small weapons prolong armed conflicts and impede the peace processes. Their availability fuels common crime and feeds organized crime. Their indiscriminate sale enriches a few while ignoring the interests and needs of the majority. Military budgets voraciously consume meagre national resources, while our peoples suffer from the most abject poverty. In the hands of national armies, small arms are a threat to international peace and security. In the hands of extremist groups or despotic regimes, light weapons become a threat to internal peace and security.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Niehaus (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me first of all to congratulate you, Mr. Minister, and, through you, the sister Republic of Colombia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. Costa Rica appreciates the leadership that your delegation has shown under the skilful guidance of Ambassador Valdivieso in this body, while at the same time recognizing your great endeavours in promoting the interests and positions of Latin American countries. The presence of small arms is a catalyst in armed conflict. It is quite evident from every standpoint that such conflicts would be impossible without weapons. For this reason, it is not only right for the Security Council to consider this matter; it is indispensable for this body to take strong measures to prevent the threat posed by this kind of weaponry.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“For this reason, if we really want the United Nations to be capable of preventing conflicts, it is essential that we provide it with financial, operational and logistical resources that are commensurate with the magnitude of the task. If the Member States are not truly prepared to support the Organization, then they should not take on this new challenge.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“For this reason my delegation would tend to favour in-depth investigative missions composed of real experts. Furthermore, my delegation has serious doubts about the appropriateness of creating a new subsidiary body of the Security Council to study the subject of the prevention of armed conflicts. Our experience shows that the proliferation of Council committees reduces the Council's transparency, does not increase its effectiveness and limits its legitimacy. In order to effectively prevent armed conflict the United Nations needs the firm and sustained support of all Member States. We must not forget the accusations levelled against us just a few months ago in the Brahimi report, which said that the failures of the Organization are the result of a lack of commitment on the part of Member States.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this respect, we believe that a careful, reserved and quiet exercise of preventive diplomacy may be preferable to public action by the Council. We must above all avoid allowing parties to a conflict from using the United Nations or the Security Council as a means to legitimize their claims or aspirations. We are gratified to note the sending of fact- finding missions composed of permanent representatives of members of the Security Council. We recognize that on some occasions these can serve to convey important political messages. Nonetheless, we do believe that the scope of these missions must not be exaggerated. We wonder about the usefulness of a quick and superficial mission whose members are not experts in the region or experts regarding a specific conflict.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“My delegation believes that the principal means of preventing armed conflict over the long term is to support and demand practices of good government, the rule of law, democracy, representative government and respect for human rights. We welcome the initiative of the Secretary-General to present to the Security Council periodic reports on potential threats to the peace. There is no doubt that this type of information will make it possible both for the Secretariat and for members of the Council to tackle the sources of conflict. Nonetheless, we would recommend utmost prudence in this endeavour. Experience shows us that on some occasions, when international opinion is suddenly focused on a situation that is already tense, the situation can become further destabilized, and it may be more difficult to find a peaceful way out of the crisis.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Both in the Great Lakes region and in the Balkans, it was the political leaders, in the governments and in the opposition, who fuelled and made negative use of ethnic differences in order to consolidate their respective power bases. The political leaders intentionally ignited ethnic violence as an instrument for promoting their corrupt objectives. The armed conflicts and the genocide that we witnessed were the premeditated creation of precisely those who had the responsibility to defend the population. In Zaire and in Haiti, the armed conflicts resulted from the actions of hardened, corrupt, dictatorial governments that turned their backs on the civilian population and established violence as the norm of political discourse and squandered national resources. The governments themselves created the conditions for conflagration.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The harmful circumstances of poverty, underdevelopment, ethnic differences, health problems, gender differences, or lack of educational opportunities in and of themselves do not produce armed conflicts. These structural factors can cause violence only if there are political leaders that are prepared to incite to Violence those groups that are voicing their claims. In this respect, the presence of political leaders who are prepared to handle social complaints and demands by violent means with a view to satisfying selfish political and economic ambitions is the real cause of, and an inevitable catalyst of, social violence and armed conflicts. Allow me to offer a few concrete examples.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Nonetheless, it is impossible to establish an iron- clad distinction among which activities must be carried out by which organ. For this reason, my delegation advocates the utmost coordination and cooperation between the Security Council, on the one hand, and the Economic and Social Council and General Assembly, on the other. The Secretary-General has indicated to us that the fundamental responsibility for conflict prevention rests with governments and local authorities. This principle is correct to the extent that the government and authorities are effective, responsible and democratic. Unfortunately, historical experience has taught us that in many cases it is the governments and political leaders themselves who fuel social tension and promote armed conflict.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The effective prevention of conflicts thus requires that we adopt preventive measures aimed at meeting the many needs in relation to food, health, housing, drinking water, education, job training, employment, fair wages, productivity, competitiveness and access to opportunities. It also means that we must establish and strengthen democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. We believe that in accordance with the wise distribution of competence established by the Charter, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council are the appropriate bodies to implement and coordinate efforts to tackle the structural causes of armed conflicts. The Security Council, for its part, has the task of what has been termed operational prevention, which is aimed at adopting measures with regard to an imminent crisis.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The promotion of peace requires a continued and sustained effort to create an environment of mutual respect and of rejection of violence. A genuine and sustainable peace can be achieved only when proper living conditions are insured for all our inhabitants and when there is a sufficient level of economic development for everyone to meet his basic needs, when fundamental human rights are respected and when social and political differences are resolved through democratic channels. For this reason, early prevention of armed conflict means that we must confront the profound structural causes of crises.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Therefore on this occasion I will emphasize only those aspects that relate to the activities of the Security Council itself, while in the months to come we hope to discuss the relevant sections in the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. My delegation agrees completely with the Secretary-General that the United Nations and the international community have the essential moral obligation to prevent armed conflict and other threats to international peace and security. This obligation stems not only from the fundamental provisions of the United Nations Charter, but also from the basic principles of solidarity and fraternity among all human beings. This means that we cannot continue to be passive witnesses to innumerable acts of genocide, to massacres and to wars.”
2001-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4334Resumption1 (2001) · source