YouSaid · the spoken record

Okio

lines on the record: 149
first: 2006-01-23
most recent: 2008-04-30
sittings or episodes: 19
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

“Although progress has been made in the quest for a comprehensive approach to security, governance and development in Afghanistan on the basis of the Afghanistan Compact, the Afghan Government continues to suffer from certain weaknesses, in particular in fighting corruption, which could be readily exploited by the Taliban and other extremist groups. The difficulties encountered by the Anti- Corruption Commission established by President Karzai reveal that this scourge has infected several levels of Afghan society. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, the impact of Government action in this field remains unclear. The patronage system undermines such efforts all too often.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“In that connection, my delegation supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General on the creation by Afghanistan of a pilot plan to combat drugs, with the support of the international community and in particular of UNODC. However, if it is to be effective, the campaign must fully address the imperative need for a substitution economy to allow those who depend on growing poppies and dealing in opium to find other sources of income and well-being. It is equally necessary to strengthen the institutions participating in the advancement of the rule of law.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“It is therefore necessary and urgent to strengthen the capacity of the Afghan armed forces and the police, within the framework of an anti-insurrection strategy, as underscored by the Secretary-General in paragraph 9 of his report (S/2007/555). My delegation notes with concern the continuation of poppy growing, as well as the production and trafficking in opium, both important sources of financing for the Taliban. Trafficking poses a significant danger, not only for the Afghan nation itself, but also for the entire international community, as indicated by the study of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Koenigs pointed out during his statement, more than 1200 civilians have died as a result of these attacks since January 2007. The revival of the Taliban rebellion and that of other extremist groups, the barbaric methods including suicide attacks against civilians and international and Afghan forces, the abductions of civilians and campaigns of intimidation have destabilizing affects on the general situation in Afghanistan. The capacity for inflicting harm by the Taliban and other extremist groups is therefore a genuine subject of concern, because it not only exacerbates the deteriorating security situation, but also increasingly affects the living conditions of the Afghan population.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“As was noted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his statement, significant progress has been made in certain areas, which he cited, but the security issue is an ever growing problem with the rebellions of the Taliban and other extremist groups. According to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/555), their attacks have increased by 20 per cent as compared to the year 2006. My delegation therefore has questions regarding the mobilization capacity of the Taliban, given the heavy losses that they have incurred. Most of the victims of this terror are, above all, the rebels themselves: but there are also, and we deeply regret this, numerous casualties in the ranks of the Afghan security forces and innocent civilians, as well as ISAF soldiers, as was shown by the recent attack in Kabul. As Mr.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Mr. Okio (Congo) (spoke in French): My delegation would like to thank the President for having organized this important meeting on the most recent events on the situation in Afghanistan. We also wish to thank Mr. Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for the complete and detailed presentation of the report of the Secretary- General (S/2007/555), which describes a complex and unstable situation which can only be a source of justified concern, even if there are reasons for hope. Congo would like to express its sincere gratitude to the personnel of UNAMA and of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for the efforts they are making in the field to complete their highly dangerous tasks.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“We agree that counter-terrorism is our common mission. However, let us not lose sight of the fact that small arms and light weapons are today the primary means used by terrorists to carry out their crimes. Let us be aware of that fact, despite the fact that, comparatively speaking, their potential for destruction is less than that of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. Having said that, Congo fully supports the strengthening of the work of the 1540 Committee and hopes that the donor conference to be held in New York in March 2007 on the implementation of resolution 1540 will be successful. Once again, Mr. President, we wish you every success in conducting your sensitive mission, and we endorse the draft presidential statement crafted by your delegation.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“However, recent meetings held in Africa, Asia and in other areas of the world have shown that much remains to be done. Not only are reports not being submitted on time by Member States; when they finally are submitted, they do not always meet the requirements of the Committee. The obstacles we have noted in connection by cooperation by States include not only shortcomings linked to States' performance, but also and, most importantly, the question of the priorities to be assigned in dealing with issues related to threats to international peace and security. While this may not be the most opportune moment to tackle the issue of small arms and light weapons, this meeting does provide an opportunity to recall this legitimate concern on the part of those whose very existence is daily threatened by such weapons.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Along those same lines, the Security Council, in paragraph 5 of resolution 1673 (2006), calls upon the 1540 Committee to intensify its efforts to encourage States fully to implement resolution 1540 (2004) through a work programme which provides for, inter alia, outreach activities, dialogue, assistance and cooperation, particularly on aspects concerning border controls, law enforcement efforts and export and trans- shipment controls, including controls on providing funds and services such as financing to such export and trans-shipment. These are all areas for concrete action that will enable us to work in a coordinated manner and at all levels - national, regional and international - in order to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“14 In paragraph 8 of resolution 1540 (2004), the Security Council calls upon Member States "To promote the universal adoption and full implementation, and, where necessary, strengthening of multilateral treaties to which they are parties, whose aim is to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons". Those States are also asked to renew and fulfil their commitment to multilateral cooperation, in particular within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, as important means of pursuing and achieving their common objectives in the area of non-proliferation and of promoting international cooperation for peaceful purposes.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“This is clear from the regional seminars held recently on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) at Beijing, Accra and Lima, respectively; the Vienna workshop organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and, more recently, the workshop held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, from 12 to 15 February 2007, at San Francisco, to which the American delegation has just referred. Those meetings illustrate the Security Council's will and determination to enhance its cooperation with international organizations. We welcome also the Council's continued focus on civil society organizations through the 1540 Committee.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Those words give today's debate particular importance, as they stress the ongoing nature and persistence of the phenomenon and therefore the need to strengthen and coordinate our actions, in particular to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorists. In that context, my delegation fully appreciates the considerable amount of work that your delegation has been doing at the helm of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) since January 2006 with respect to Member States as well as to international, regional and subregional organizations.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“While noting that United Nations organs can play an important role in this area, he pointed out that the success of counter-terrorism activities depends first and foremost on the role played by Member States, which can be strengthened only through international cooperation. He also pointed out that collective and concerted action was necessary to prevent terrorism from threatening the very existence of humanity, because, in his View, a race is now on to overcome this destructive phenomenon, whose actors are fully prepared to use the most lethal means available.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Mr. Okio (Congo) (spoke in French): Congo welcomes your initiative, Mr. President, in organizing today's debate on a very important and topical theme. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction continues to pose a threat to humankind, and the risk of their falling into the hands of terrorists remains real. Indeed, as recently as 16 February the General Assembly followed up on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; at that meeting Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented the first version of the Counter-Terrorism Online Handbook created by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force.”
2007-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5635 (2007) · source
“Without their commitment, our action in the service of peace could not be carried out. My delegation reaffirms its firm support for peacekeeping operations, which - for Africa in 06-25109 particular - are a tool of international cooperation in situations of armed crisis.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“A mechanism must be found to ensure that the guilty are truly punished in their countries of origin. We must also plan a mechanism enabling victims to seekjustice, which is not always obvious in certain cases in which the individuals concerned might be illiterate. When individuals cannot act on their own because of ignorance or fear of reprisal, a specific mechanism should be set up. I cannot conclude without paying a well-deserved tribute to all those men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the service of peace. Fortunately, among the men and women who serve peace, there are honest people whose merit cannot be overshadowed by the guilty behaviour of undisciplined elements. These honest men and women, who constitute the great majority, deserve our recognition and respect.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The role of the Department itself with respect to the collection and management of data on the management of disciplinary procedures and the adjustment of policies could go as far as establishing an early warning system. Zero complacency means finding the guilty, identifying them and applying the appropriate punishment. All modern means must be used for that purpose. The so-called peacekeeping babies must not remain fatherless. It would also be highly desirable if all those involved in peacekeeping operations voluntarily agreed to submit to state-of-the-art identity testing. Thus, evidence of rape would be easily identifiable, and unaware fathers could be traced. In that connection, legal agreements with troop- contributing countries must be sufficiently explicit.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“That is why we insist on the following. The concerned populations, who must be aware of their rights - including the right to file complaints regarding abuse that they have experienced - must be trained and educated. In that regard, peacekeeping missions must implement the Department's directives and must be accountable. The civilian and military hierarchies of the various contingents must be trained and educated to ensure that sexual exploitation and abuse are not covered up or tolerated. These hierarchies - which themselves are not above suspicion - must be able to implement and ensure compliance with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy. Oversight mechanisms must be instituted, including within these hierarchies, to break the silence at all levels.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“In that regard, we see as positive the incorporation of provisions contained in the Secretary-General's bulletin (ST/SGB/2003/13) into legal agreements related to experts on mission and into past agreements with troop-contributing countries. However, adopting measures is one thing; implementing them is another. The role of training becomes readily apparent here. And we are pleased to note that the Secretary-General's report (A/60/640/Add.1) indicates that provisions are in the process of being implemented or formulated to compensate for certain shortcomings. We also note with interest the circulation to Member States since October 2005 of the generic training module, whose first part is devoted to sexual exploitation and abuse. In his recommendations, Prince Zeid says, quite rightly, that the guilty silence must be broken.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The recommendations set out in Prince Zeid's report - whose implementation by DPKO is well under way - give us an effective framework, as they provide a comprehensive solution to a problem that is a challenge. We therefore urge the continuation of these efforts, including the implementation of a zero- tolerance policy and a zero-complacency policy, referred to by the Secretary-General's Chef de Cabinet yesterday. Such a commitment would honour our institution. In my delegation's view, the zero-tolerance policy requires practical measures involving Member States, troop-contributing countries and the populations concerned. We support the regulatory provisions already adopted or now being elaborated on codes of conduct and behaviour.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Exploitation and sexual abuse, the subject of our debate today, are contrary to the ideal of peacekeeping operations, as many delegations have indicated. That ideal is to save human lives and attenuate the suffering of people in countries undergoing conflict. We must, therefore, be firmer in our approach to extract peacekeeping operations from this difficult and shameful situation, because silence exposes them to public opprobrium and their essential goal is to save lives, not to destroy them. I would, therefore, like to salute the efforts undertaken by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with the troop-contributing countries in implementation of the Brahimi report to remedy these situations.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Moreover, the Organization should not in any way increase the suffering of vulnerable sectors of the population, which has often been devastated by war or civil conflict". (A/59/710, para. 6) The example of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the most often cited one today, shows to what extent these actions sometimes begin to look like really villainous crimes. Young girls have been raped and then put in a dependency situation for a handful of cash or a little bit of food, and then they are pushed further back into prostitution and degradation. My delegation believes that deviant behaviour in peacekeeping operations, which, by the way, is not something recent and the current scope of which can only cause more shock and indignation, is unjustifiable.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“That latter point, which is the subject of today's debate, is sufficiently important that the duty to become more aware of such deviant behaviours and to provide assistance to those who are vulnerable has led us to greater cohesiveness in the various United Nations bodies. If any good can come from this, it will come from determining, not which organ has done the bestjob, but rather how we, together, can contribute to curbing this evil. How can we not act collectively, given these arguably ignominious actions? In his report, Prince Zeid said, "prostitution and other sexual exploitation in a peacekeeping context is profoundly disturbing to many because the United Nations has been mandated to enter into a broken society to help it, not to breach the trust placed in it by the local population.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“We can say, without fear of error, that through peacekeeping operations - the success of which until now has been undeniable, given the growing number of countries that have managed to extricate themselves from conflict situations - that the Security Council presents a positive image of its action in terms of peacekeeping. Well aware of the importance of this fact, leaders from around the world emphasized, during the September summit, that peacekeeping is at the heart of United Nations activities and that the Organization needs to be up to the task of meeting the challenges in this area. They also expressed their concern with regard to sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Mr. Okio (Congo) (spoke in French): Mr. President, my delegation would like to thank you for having convened this meeting that allows us to continue thinking about a vital question that has to do with the United Nations image. I would also like to thank Mr. Guehenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, whose briefing this morning has shown the importance of the activities undertaken by his Department to combat sexual exploitation and abuse. I would, of course, also like to thank Prince Zeid Al-Hussein, the Special Adviser of the Secretary- General, for his briefing, which gives us an update and presents positive developments in the implementation of his report.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“I assure them of our constant support as they go about their tasks, which remain urgent and vital for the entire international community.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“We understand and support the concern for clarity that underpins them, particularly with regard to establishing consolidated lists of individuals and entities suspected of having violated the relevant United Nations resolutions, including with respect to the Al-Qaida/ Taliban Sanctions Committee. Nonetheless, we express our concern over the time involved in addressing certain sensitive cases regarding the delisting of certain individuals covered by resolution 1267 (1999). We welcome the strengthening of the cooperation between Interpol and the 1267 Committee to expedite the procedures in that regard. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm my delegation's support for the efforts of the Chairpersons of the three Committees in carrying out their respective mandates.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“In that regard, and without wishing to influence the work of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) or to change the criteria determining which countries are to be visited, my delegation would like all regions to benefit from the same attention, in view of the need to build the capacities of every Member State to deal with an unpredictable actor. There must be an active dialogue with Member States - for example, regarding the needs perceived by the CTED - in order to establish priorities and to aim for concrete results. The work programmes of the three Committees are quite ambitious, and we endorse them.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“They are the best way to observe the progress made by States concerning their counter-terrorism obligations and to become familiar with needs that must be taken into account. However, there must be better coordination among the expert groups of the various Committees to reduce duplication and to promote the optimal use of resources. These visits can enable the three Committees to better assess areas for assistance and to facilitate and rationalize the needed technical assistance, as stressed by the Chairperson of the CTC in her statement today. In addition, the results of these visits should be utilized with a view to the improvements we seek at various levels.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“Here, my delegation appeals once again for the strengthening of international cooperation at all levels. Cooperation between the counter-terrorism Committees and the international financial institutions and functional organizations - such as the World Customs Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization - to discuss areas of interest, including money-laundering, the transfer of sensitive materials, et cetera, and also to finance and provide assistance for capacity-building in the area of counter-terrorism, is not just a necessity; it is one of the essential elements of the counter-terrorism system. My third comment concerns the strengthening of visiting missions. I would like to highlight the importance of field visits.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“We encourage any other initiative to enhance States' awareness - including through their permanent missions in New York - regarding the need to implement the resolutions on terrorism. My second comment concerns interaction among the three Committees and strengthening international cooperation. Better interaction among the counter- terrorism Committees and their expert groups, as envisaged in resolution 1566 (2004) and emphasized in presidential statement S/PRST/2005/64 of 21 December 2005, would promote optimal results. Likewise, increased cooperation with regional and subregional organizations would help to improve the procedures for the implementation of the various resolutions on terrorism. We therefore encourage the development of those kinds of contact.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“Here, my delegation urges better coordination of efforts to make available the best practices of codes and norms permitting compliance with the obligations arising from the counter-terrorism resolutions. The 1540 Committee's establishment of a legislative database containing links to public sources of information on legislative and other measures taken by States at the national level is a commendable initiative. We hope that it will very soon become a valuable source of information for States that need it, with a view to improving their internal procedures concerning the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We know, for example, that many developing countries have not yet acceded to the 13 international conventions and protocols on terrorism. The legislative database could be very useful in improving performance in that regard.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“The actions of the counter-terrorism Committees are directed principally at State actors and, from what we have heard and know about the genuine threats that terrorism poses for the whole of the international community, it is clear that such actions need to be further strengthened. The statements made by the Chairpersons of the three Committees made it clear that there are still many delays in the submission of reports. The reasons for such delays should be carefully studied so that appropriate solutions can be found. I would like to stress the necessity of providing assistance to States that request it so as to help them to develop their national capacities.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“But it is a kind of Hydra of Lerna: the seven-headed serpent of mythology whose heads grew back if cut off. It is a very real threat that demands the constant vigilance of all of us and requires concerted solutions at the international level. I therefore welcome the relevance of the provisions of resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), as well as all other resolutions whose implementation by Member States would considerably reduce the scope of the terrorist activities. With regard to the briefings provided by the three Chairpersons, I would like to make just a few brief comments reflecting my delegation's concerns. My first comment relates to the strengthening of national capacity. One of the most important functions of the counter-terrorism Committees is to help States to build their capacity to combat terrorism.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“Mr. Okio (Congo) (spoke in French): I am very grateful to you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting on the sensitive issue of counter-terrorism to consider the activities of three subsidiary bodies of the Council. We listened very attentively to the statements made by the Chairpersons of the Committees - Ambassador Loj, Ambassador Mayoral and Ambassador Burian - to whom we pay tribute for the professionalism they have demonstrated in carrying out their respective mandates. We know that they have the assistance of eminent experts, and we would also like to express our appreciation to them. There is no threat today that is as present, as pressing and as elusive as terrorism, because it can strike anywhere, without discrimination. We often speak of it as being blind.”
2006-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5375 (2006) · source
“We would like to know where we stand with regard to the "Convention Plus" initiative, which has been the subject of many discussions in recent years, in Geneva in particular. He also raised the issue of the sustainable settlement of refugees within the host countries and the possibility of their participating in development activities. My delegation would like to know something more about his expectations are in that regard.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Guterres also highlighted security problems, including those affecting humanitarian workers, and we would like to express our concern in that regard. We know - and this has been mentioned by previous speakers - that the problem of refugees and displaced persons often originates in the recurrent conflicts in Africa. Resolution 1625 (2005) is quite eloquent on that subject. My delegation would therefore like to stress that, while we need to deal with the problem of displaced persons and refugees, special attention should be given to the causes of conflict in Africa. We would like to ask Mr. Guterres a few questions for the purpose of clarification. The first is simply a request for information.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“We welcome the efforts made by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with regard to refugee return in certain countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, and we encourage the consolidation of processes under way in those countries - in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the situation is very unstable. We also know that particular attention needs to given to the situation of persons returning to their countries so as to facilitate their integration into everyday life. We must provide the optimal conditions for such returns, and in that respect we call for donor support for the important activities being carried out by UNHCR. In his briefing, Mr.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Despite some progress that has been made here and there, the overall situation for refugees remains troubling and is not improving in any significant way, which can only be a cause for concern for my delegation. That is why my delegation would like to ask that particular attention be focused on what Mr. Guterres described as emergency situations - the Sudan and the Great Lakes region, where every day violence coexists with impunity. In that context, we support his appeal with respect to bringing international pressure to bear on the various actors involved, which could help us to reverse the current negative trends.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Mr. Okio (Congo) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this open briefing on a topic that particularly affects Africa, our continent. I would also like to thank Mr. Guterres, the High Commissioner for Refugees, for his briefing, which made very clear the importance that he attaches to the issue of refugees and displaced persons in Africa - an issue that he highlighted when he took up his duties. We are aware of the magnitude of the task and the difficulties involved in such a delicate and complex area, which includes humanitarian assistance and the return of refugees and displaced persons. His efforts thus far are commendable; his first working visit to the Great Lakes region is a case in point.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“The problem that arises today, in light of what we have heard, is not whether the international community is doing enough, but how to continue to act to greater effect. Congo therefore hopes that the Council will consider the best way to respond to the expectations of the Timorese people and that it will continue to be attentive to their requests, including for a continued United Nations presence after the expiry of UNOTIL's mandate at the end of May 2006 through the presence of a special political office, as has been noted here today.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“Timor-Leste still faces some challenges, including the holding in 2007 of presidential and parliamentary elections, for the first time in the country since independence. My delegation thus calls for the United Nations and various bilateral and multilateral partners with proven experience in the preparation and conduct of elections to provide support to help the country build on its achievements, some of which still remain somewhat fragile. Another challenge is strengthening capacity in all areas aimed at sustainable development, which will enable the country to lay a firm basis for political, economic and social stability, not forgetting the establishment of a genuine democracy concerned with human rights. We believe that great progress has been made in Timor-Leste, but there is still a need to build on those achievements.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“Those programmes involve support for the establishment of essential State institutions, for the development of the police force and strengthening the Border Patrol Unit, and for respect for the rules of democratic governance and human rights. My delegation believes that much has been achieved in the country, thanks to the support of the international community. But we must not flag in those efforts because, like a child taking its first steps, Timor-Leste still needs the support of the international community. It is thus the responsibility of the United Nations and other bilateral and multilateral partners to continue to support Timor-Leste in all areas so that it may commit itself with determination to the path towards progress.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“We understand the difficulties on the ground involving control in a young nation, but we encourage the Timorese Government to see that the investigation is rapidly concluded. My delegation also welcomes the signing on 12 January 2006 of an agreement between Timor-Leste and Australia on the sharing of revenues derived from the exploitation of natural resources in the Timor Sea. All of the progress has been made possible through the resolve of the local authorities, thanks to the determined support of the United Nations and the effective work of the United Nations Office in Timor- Leste (UNOTIL) in carrying out the three programmes mandated by the Security Council.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“However, my delegation would urge the two parties to complete negotiations on the demarcation on the one per cent of the border that is unresolved so that a final agreement can be reached. We note the commencement in August 2005 of the Commission for Truth and Friendship set up by those two countries, and we expect that Commission to resolve the outstanding disputes of the past in order to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation. To that end, a basis for trust must be established between the two countries. For that reason, we stress that the incident of 6 January 2006 - on a border that can rightly be considered sensitive - which caused the deaths of three persons, should be investigated promptly.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“Moreover, the preparation of legislation concerning veterans - which would, among other things, determine who could claim the status of former combatant and what rights and benefits would be given to veterans - together with its current consideration by a special national parliamentary commission, also reflects the resolve to settle the accounts of the past. My delegation therefore is anxious to see the final adoption of that legislation. My delegation also notes with satisfaction the improvement in the good neighbourly relations between Timor-Leste and its neighbours Indonesia and Australia. The settlement of the border dispute with Indonesia is most welcome.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“That was attested to by the presentation to President Xanana Gusmao on 31 October 2005 - after only five years of work - of the final report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, which was responsible for considering violations of human rights in Timor-Leste between 1974 and 1999. That report, a copy of which was transmitted to the Secretary- General last Friday, will, we hope, make it possible to establish the truth of that grim chapter of the history of Timor-Leste in order to assist with national reconciliation while ensuring that the perpetrators of atrocities are punished and that reparation is granted to the victims.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“Sukehiro Hasegawa, concerning the progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste for the period 16 August 2005 to 13 January 2006 (S/2006/24). The report struck my delegation in the following respects. My delegation notes with satisfaction that despite some residual insecurity, the overall situation in Timor- Leste has improved, thanks to the progress made in establishing effective democracy in the country. That progress is marked by the successful holding of local elections, together with the strengthening of the juridical framework through the adoption of key provisions and greater respect for human rights on the part of the police. My delegation believes that what is occurring in Timor-Leste is a hopeful and encouraging sign.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“Mr. Okio (Congo) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by welcoming His Excellency Mr. Xanana Gusmao, hero of the independence of Timor-Leste, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. I remind him that my country, through its permanent representation in New York, took part in the celebrations of the first hours of dearly bought independence, sharing the joy of the Timorese nation. We still cherish the memory of that jubilant crowd. Thus, we have listened with great attention to President Gusmao's briefing to the Council, and we appreciate all that has been achieved in slightly less than four years. My delegation also listened with interest to the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source