YouSaid · the spoken record

Nteturuye

lines on the record: 134
first: 1999-11-12
most recent: 2004-12-08
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“Secondly, the countries of the region that sponsored the peace agreements signed at Arusha on 28 August 2000 must work as a united front to bring about an end to the war in Burundi. This is the most fervent wish of the Government and the people of Burundi. Peace will be regional or there will be no peace, as those who know the socio-political realities of this part of Africa are aware. Every passing day points to a certain duplicity on the part of some countries of the region - an agenda that is no longer concealed, since some have said to the Security Council mission that the negative forces are negative here but not negative there, and that, in fact, they are not negative at all.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In regard to the eighth report of the Secretary- General on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the report of the Security Council mission to the Great Lakes region, Burundi would like to recall the current threats to the security of our country and to the inter-Burundian peace process. First of all, the good prospects for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are, paradoxically but intentionally, at the root of the unfortunate evolution of the security situation in Burundi. The Secretary-General and the Security Council have understood this, and we are grateful to them for affirming that there will be no lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo if it must come at the expense of peace in Burundi.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Nteturuye (Burundi) (spoke in French): Allow me to congratulate you sincerely, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June. The delegation of Burundi does not have the slightest doubt that you will lead the work of the Council with your usual flair. I also wish to welcome to the Council the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This public meeting of the Security Council on the Democratic Republic of the Congo gives me an opportunity to pay tribute to the Council for its persistent efforts to restore peace to the Great Lakes region of Africa, as reflected, inter alia, in the Council's most recent visit to the region.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“For its part, the Government of Burundi has already demonstrated its willingness to encourage compromise solutions. It remains open to all attempts to implement the peace agreement insofar as is possible. Burundi pays tribute to the remarkable work carried out by Nelson Mandela, the regional initiative and the representatives of the Secretary-General on the ground, in particular Mr. Jean Arnault, and we hope that the momentum created by the recent Security Council visit to the Great Lakes region will not be lost.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“The Government of Burundi has always hoped that the process will be brought back home to Burundi. We hope that the group dealing with the follow-up and implementation of the peace agreement will shift its headquarters from Arusha to Bujumbura, and that the question of the neutrality of some of the members of the mediation team will be settled once and for all. In conclusion, the Security Council has now been to Burundi and to the other countries in the region. It is an encouraging initiative. Conclusions have already been drawn; action is now needed in order to prevent disaster in Burundi. We hope that the messages addressed to one and all will soon have a positive impact. If not, the Council will quickly have to reassess the situation and take further steps to ensure the well- being of the people of Burundi and the Great Lakes region.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“Specific proposals such as those I have just described deserve the support of the Council, as the many meetings between the Burundian and Tanzanian authorities have not yet yielded positive results on the ground. The intensification of the war since last February has dealt a severe blow to the peace process, in particular to the implementation of the peace agreement, which has become difficult simply because of the fact of the war. The establishment of transitional institutions has been delayed because there has been no ceasefire, and people are hoping for peace and security above all else. My delegation welcomes the Council's willingness to professionalize the mediation team. We especially welcome the proposal to strengthen the office of the Representative of the Secretary-General in Bujumbura and to broaden its mandate.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“In making this proposal, the Burundi Government intends to help maintain the civilian nature of the refugee camps, and to end their use as centres for recruiting fighters, as places for organizing infiltrations by the rebel groups and as fall-back points. The Government of Burundi has taken note of the intention of the Tanzanian authorities to repatriate the Burundian refugees. This is an interesting development, which the Government of Burundi welcomes. We invite all partners to work together to harmonize its realization. Certainly, such an operation will contribute to the progressive improvement of security within the borders of Burundi and enable those who are repatriated gradually to feel as safe as their brothers who remained in the country already do.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“My Government would like to repeat here that it is prepared to take in these refugees and calls on the Tanzanian Government to accept the immediate establishment of this joint commission so that together we can launch a campaign to mobilize for the return of those who wish to come back, who could then return to their homes or wait temporarily in reception centres. All questions relating to psychological and logistical preparations for repatriation, for receiving these people in Burundi, for the security aspects of repatriation and for reintegration - all of this has to be considered jointly by the three signatories to the Agreement mentioned earlier. The United Nations, through UNHCR, is invited to encourage this project and, for some time, to maintain the level of resources being used for the refugees currently in the camps in Tanzania.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“My delegation proposes that the next meeting with the armed groups, the third Libreville meeting, should be scheduled as soon as possible, and that the date set should be taken as a deadline for determining the definitive approach to be taken concerning the armed groups and other actors in the Burundi conflict. To wait any longer would be to spoil any chance of achieving an end to the Burundi conflict. The Burundi Government is particularly pleased at the Security Council's proposal to establish a joint Tanzanian-Burundian commission to deal with the issue of refugees. Indeed, three weeks ago, a tri-partite agreement on repatriating Burundi refugees was signed in Dar es Salaam by the Government of Burundi, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“It must receive responses from those countries and those armed groups to the proposals made to them by the Council during the visit to the effect that they must truly cooperate with the Government in settling security issues along the common border. The Council can no longer delay, because the longer the delay, the less likely it is that full-scale war can be averted. The Government of Burundi supports the position of the mediator and of some leaders in the region who are calling for the imposition of immediate sanctions on armed groups and those that support them. These sanctions are envisaged in the Arusha process and in the Lusaka process.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“As for the role of the region in seeking a solution to the security problem in Burundi, the Council will have seen that some are really committed to helping right now, while others are still reluctant and keep repeating to whoever will listen that there is no infiltration or cross-over along their borders with Burundi. My delegation would like to reaffirm that the rebel groups and those that support them are nurturing the hope that there can be a military solution in Burundi, thus endangering the peace process. My delegation is equally convinced that some of Burundi's neighbouring countries have adopted an attitude that is contrary to the spirit of the peace agreement, despite the fact that they have co-sponsored it. The Security Council must therefore act without delay.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“On security issues, the Government of Burundi is pleased to note that finally the Council was able to hear from the mediator and other leaders in the Great Lakes region about the danger of total war in Burundi due to spillover from the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My delegation welcomes the very clear message given by the Council to all the protagonists in the Burundi conflict. In the course of its talks with the two rebel groups, the Council was also able to recognize that those groups regard the ceasefire as the lowest priority in their plans.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“Mr. Nteturuye (Burundi) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you sincerely, Mr. President, for having organized this important public meeting on the Great Lakes region. I would also like to pay tribute to Ambassador Jean-David Levitte for his brilliant statement introducing the report of the Security Council mission to the Great Lakes region and for his leadership of the Council mission. The delegation of Burundi welcomes the Council's mission to the Great Lakes region and, in particular, its visit to Burundi, which enabled the Council to examine and assess the conflict ravaging my own country and the region at large. The Council's report has tried to deal with the main issues of the Burundi conflict: the problem of security and the future of the peace process.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“Open debates such as this should be encouraged, as they enhance transparency and provide for mutual enrichment. Informal consultations must be organized in New York between the representatives of various interested parties. Africa should have permanent representation in the Security Council so that its voice can be heard more clearly, and so that African problems can be better understood. Finally, we hope that this great exercise of reflection on the part of the Security Council on the best way to contribute to conflict resolution and prevention in Africa will lead to concrete, concerted measures which strengthen both partnership and mutual respect.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Fourthly, we must pay more attention to economic and development issues in resolving conflicts in Africa. Here, the role played by the Bretton Woods institutions, the United Nations Development Programme and other United Nations agencies and funds is important. Often, regional or international solutions can make situations worse by freezing aid or imposing economic sanctions on a country that is already in difficulties, a country which is poor, land- locked and lacking resources. Imposing sanctions and freezing aid can have a disastrous impact on the population and not on the Government. Rather, durable solutions should be advocated, such as viable economic integration. Fifthly, the working methods of the Security Council must be adapted accordingly.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The region wants to play the primary role - and it is encouraged to do so - up until the point at which it decides for itself how other international actors can take part. That is the best approach to take if all the regional players are acting in good faith. However, the United Nations, acting through the Security Council, must remain vigilant. If we want to resort to the partnership between the United Nations, the OAU and the regions, we must do so from the ground upwards; otherwise we might find ourselves violating the Charter and international law. The Security Council must endorse all major interventions - only the Council has this mandate - such as sending a regional peacekeeping force or imposing economic sanctions. Otherwise, it will have to take later and more difficult corrective action.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Coercive action must be taken only when all efforts at consultation have been exhausted. We must avoid the tendency to teach lessons. Secondly, in the case of internal conflicts, we must take the time to help Africans to move beyond the psychological barriers and the burden of their past. For example, the Great Lakes region has been hit with recurrent Violence and genocide, and we must approach the situation with great care. The delicate nature of situations of internal conflict requires that great importance be accorded to discreet diplomacy, without overlooking the resident representatives of the United Nations, special envoys, mediators, investigative missions and good office missions. Thirdly, there must be cooperation with the recognized regional mechanisms. In this context, a somewhat contradictory situation is prevailing.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“There is a desire to generalize or resort to stereotypes instead of gaining an in-depth understanding of the specifics - the nature of the problem, the historical roots, the culture of Africa. Often, therefore, the focus is on the political dimension - or, since this is Africa, on the ethnic dimension - even though, in some situations, economic or social factors are dominant. What, then, can be done? The idea of partnership is an excellent one. It must be applied in a way that leads to coordinated and wise action. The partnership between the United Nations and Africa must be built on certain foundations. The first of these is collaboration with the States. First and foremost, States must be consulted, whether or not they are democratic, and whether or not they respect human rights.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“That attitude often springs from the existence of one or more actors that also wish to take action, as in the case of competition with another country or within a region. All of this leads to a vicious circle and a worsening of the situation, which makes conflict inevitable. The second cause of difficulties is the lack of interest among certain members of the Council about the situation in Africa. There has been a lot of talk about double standards, as if the goal of saving human lives, regardless of nationality or place of origin, is less noble than the objective of protecting one's own interests. We understand that some prefer to act only when their own interests are threatened. The third category relates to errors in assessing the situation in Africa.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Mr. Nteturuye (Burundi) (spoke in French): I welcome the British presidency's initiative of convening this open debate, which is clearly of interest to everyone and offers them the opportunity to speak about the situation in Africa and the best way of achieving cooperation among the various actors in Africa. Why does the United Nations find it difficult to act quickly and effectively in the area of conflict prevention and resolution in Africa? No doubt this is primarily because of procrastination, which itself results from ignorance about Africa or a lack of credible information about situations. Sometimes the reason is too much conflicting information, because there are so many different parties involved. A wait-and-see attitude can also hinder the prevention or resolution of an African conflict.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The solution will come from the people of Burundi themselves, but also from understanding and support on the part of neighbouring countries and the rest of the international community. We hope that our partners will accompany the process towards a definitive peace. Their contribution will be greatly appreciated and most effective if only they help the Burundians themselves to find the solutions that suit them.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“The Government has already presented a peace plan to the other parties, and it is a text which is a real compromise, arrived at by the broader-based Government and the National Assembly, itself broadened to include the various political parties and civil society. This political partnership for peace deserves to be supported, especially since through negotiations it is involved in negotiations specifically with the armed and unarmed outside opposition to arrive at an overall peace agreement on which future transition institutions will base themselves to prepare a state of law respectful of human rights and of democratic freedoms. In conclusion, it is true that the situation in Burundi remains a matter of concern.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“In fact, with the suspension of the regional embargo in January 1998, the Burundians had breathed a sigh of relief. But, unfortunately, this was not long-lived, because those who had helped us to bring pressure to bear on the region did not want to resume cooperation with Burundi until the peace agreement was signed, they said. This is an attitude which is startling, to say the least, because the problems afflicting us are even more painful today. The national economy is on the verge of collapse. The currency has depreciated more than 100 per cent, and inflation is striking terribly at those who are the most destitute. There is reason to fear social upheaval, which could destroy all hopes of the peace process. And this could cast the fate of the country into the hands of extremist groups.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“The Minister has written: "I believe that at the investigation stage it is vital to complete the report that was made by pursuing the investigation further to deepen the enquiry. It is urgent that the responsibility for these reprehensible murders be clearly established." The Minister continues by saying that in order to respond to this concern, he has decided to establish another ad hoc, strengthened commission to conduct this work. The Minister asks that the needed resources be made available to the commission, which is to be devoted exclusively to this work until the enquiry is completed, which should be by 30 November 1999. This is what I can tell you, Sir, in this respect. Fifthly, and lastly, I wish to touch upon the economic and social situation. It is deplorable.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“This is also an extremely important concern for the Government, and as I have just said, the Government held - and continues to hold, when there are new elements - discussions with all of those involved as to the best way of providing protection for the humanitarian staff. Regarding the enquiry into the circumstances of the death of the two United Nations staff members, I wish to inform the Security Council that a judicial commission has been established and that it is to submit the results of the enquiry to the Government by the end of the month of November. The Council will be promptly informed. In fact, I have before me a letter from the Minister of Justice to the Public Prosecutor to the Court of the Appeals, dated 4 November 1999, reporting that a commission has just been established.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“Nonetheless, certain non- governmental organizations are now organizing themselves to resume the delivery of assistance, with the improvement of security conditions precisely following the regroupernent of the populations, among other things. The Government has given the strongest security guarantees to all those who want to go to the field, either to provide assistance or to bear witness, such as human rights workers, journalists, and so forth. We ask the United Nations and the non- governmental organizations working in the humanitarian sphere not to become discouraged but to continue to come to the assistance of those who need it. The Government is doing everything within its power so that all these families can soon go back to their homes. Fourthly, I wish to address the question of the protection of humanitarian workers.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“This is therefore not a deliberate policy on the part of the Government; it is a provisional measure which has proven itself in other provinces, which are today in a state of security. Like childbirth for a mother, whose delivery always follows a painful time, the regroupement of populations is a painful operation, but it is one that also bears hope. Concerns of a humanitarian nature are thus legitimate. The Government is aware of this. It is prepared to organize assistance, but since its means are limited, it has requested international assistance. Unfortunately, that assistance is today jeopardized by the application of phase IV, which limits the movement and actions of humanitarian workers in the country, following the dreadful murder of two United Nations personnel on a humanitarian mission in the south of the country.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“To avoid having these populations caught in a crossfire, the Government, faced with a military operation of broad scope, was obliged to regroup the people in 10 different areas. The regroupement was not forced, as has been said; it responded to a real concern of the population, and the duty to respond was the Government's - and only the Government's. If it had not responded, those who today accuse it of displacing populations would condemn it for not having protected those populations. It was also necessary to protect the capital, where not only Burundians but many foreigners live, and where the inhabitants were extremely tense and might have yielded to the temptation of selective violence, such as that experienced in 1995- 1996.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“In the light of the implementation of the Lusaka Accords, they have begun to move back towards Burundi, either directly or through Tanzania, in order to sow death and devastation, now that they have acquired a larger arsenal. If the international community is not careful, the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could further complicate an already tense situation in the entire subregion. Thirdly, I would like to say something about regroupement of the population. The Government of Burundi, after much hesitation, decided to regroup the population of the region of rural Bujumbura in what are today called "protection areas". This followed the worsening of violence against the populations in the hills, on the roads and in the suburbs of the capital.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“Generally, the situation is more or less normal, with the exception of rural Bujumbura, where ambushes are still seen on the routes to and from the capital, and with the exception of the provinces of the south-east, where fighting is once again causing a flow of refugees towards Tanzania. Since the beginning of the crisis we have been drawing attention to the contribution of the neighbouring countries to the return of security and peace to Burundi. The rebels have bases within the country and outside it. More seriously, they are now in collusion with genocidal Rwandan elements, the Interahamwe and the former Rwandan armed forces.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“We hope that the new facilitator will then tackle the priority problem, bringing about the cessation of hostilities, which is the major concern of the Burundi Government, as it is of the international community. In meeting the challenge, the people of Burundi must be, as they are, those principally involved. The armed factions that consider themselves to have been excluded from the Arusha negotiations, and to be the real combatants on the ground, must also be involved. The Government of Burundi has always advocated inclusive negotiations, excluding no one, especially not those who have an immediate impact on the ground. Therefore, the hostilities must be ended, in order to create a climate conducive to the pursuit of negotiations, for the lasting solution to the Burundi conflict is political. Secondly, what is the state of security?”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“The Government has addressed a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations asking him to contribute to finding a new facilitator as soon as possible. It has outlined the profile of the new facilitator needed in Burundi, and has even specified the criteria for choosing such a key figure. We hope that the consultations to be held among the heads of State of the region, in which the Government of Burundi very much hopes to be involved, as well as the tour of the region now being made by the Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs, Mr. Kieran Prendergast, will promptly provide us with the name of a facilitator. The various Burundi parties, the region, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations are all asked to act promptly.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“Rather, my aim is to explain to the Council and others present in this Chamber the main current concerns in Burundi. First, regarding the peace process, it can be said that from an internal and external standpoint real progress has been made, even though the time limits set by both the Government and the facilitation process have not been respected. The Burundi conflict is so complex and the resentments are so deep that it is best to advance slowly but surely. In any event, peace in Burundi will be the result of a process, and it is important to properly define the causes of the ills and to prescribe well-considered solutions. The death of His Excellency Mwalimu Nyerere, the Facilitator of the inter-Burundi talks, has slowed the momentum of the peace negotiations.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“Mr. Nteturuye (Burundi) (spoke in French): It is a great honour for me to address the Security Council. Since I am doing so for the first time, please allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of this very prestigious Council, which is so important in watching over peace throughout the world. I also express my best wishes to all the members of the Council and wish them every success in their heavy but noble responsibilities. The Government of Burundi highly appreciates the commitment of the United Nations, through the Security Council, to peace in our country, which has been afflicted by recurring violence since independence, particularly since 1993, when the country experienced the most serious crisis in its history. I do not wish today to go into the history of what has been called the Burundi disease.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source