YouSaid · the spoken record

Omoregie

lines on the record: 38
first: 2008-03-26
most recent: 2008-06-25
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“Failure to sustain ongoing efforts to address these difficulties and challenges would undermine national programmes for political stabilization, socio-economic development and sustainable peace.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“There is a need for improved international assistance to the Government in establishing an effective national human rights protection system as a bulwark against the existing culture of abuses and violations. It is hoped that the High Commissioner for Human Rights will seize the opportunity provided under the current initiatives to strengthen the human rights role of UNOGBIS. Finally, Guinea-Bissau faces key challenges and difficulties in the following areas: reduction of social and political tensions and overcoming difficulties in political cohabitation among not only the organs of State - the executive, the legislature, the judiciary and the presidency - but also within the ranks of some of the main political parties.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Failure to hold elections as scheduled on 16 November 2008 would create a legal and constitutional vacuum and unleash consequences that could unravel ongoing efforts at socio-economic recovery and political stabilization. However, this important milestone for consolidation of democracy is threatened by limited resources. According to the latest figures provided by the UNDP, there is a funding gap of $1.9 million out of the total election costs, which are estimated at $8.56 million. This includes pledged contributions; if the pledged contributions are removed, the gap will be about $4.5 million. The international community is strongly encouraged to assist in covering this dreadful funding gap.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Out of a total projected budget of $19.1 million, only $6.7 million was pledged. There is an urgent need to cover the shortfall of $12.4 million to ensure the complete implementation of the programme. Additionally, the anti-narcotics efforts could benefit from more stringent and practical preventive measures, such as the naming and shaming of individuals involved in drug trafficking and organized crime in Guinea-Bissau, as well as their collaborators in foreign countries. The Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau today submitted evidence relating to persons who are involved in drug trafficking to the Prosecutor General of Guinea-Bissau for action. I think that the Council can help the Government by taking action to support its efforts in this direction.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“5 Additionally, there is a perception that security sector reform is a defence-related reform, evidenced by lopsided donor support for the defence sector. That misperception should be addressed. A holistic approach to security sector reform that integrates judiciary, law enforcement and oversight mechanisms is advised, especially given the threats posed by international organized crime. The current security sector reform strategy should also integrate an anti-narcotics component linking diverse law enforcement agencies and inter-ministerial departments. Limited resources remain a challenge in the efforts to combat drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau. During the International Conference on Drug Trafficking in Guinea-Bissau, held in Lisbon in December 2007, the Government presented an anti- narcotics operational plan for 2007-2010.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“I have requested the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen the human rights component of UNOGBIS so that it can more effectively play its role in the areas of monitoring, capacity-building and technical cooperation. To conclude, I would like to highlight some key points. The second quarter of 2008 witnessed a surge in economic activities, accompanied by growing confidence by the Bretton Woods institutions in Guinea-Bissau's economic performance indicators. In order to support and consolidate this positive trend, the United Nations system should continue to support reforms in both administrative and economic governance. Although the implementation of the security sector reform programme has commenced, only about a third of the proposed total budget has been pledged.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Realizing the importance of regional cooperation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold a regional conference on drug trafficking in October 2008 in Cape Verde in order to share experiences and develop a common strategic approach. UNOGBIS, in close cooperation with the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and UNODC will facilitate this event. The human rights situation in Guinea-Bissau remains an issue of concern, especially in relation to the absence of and weak institutional mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights. Activities in the social, economic and political fields, including security sector reform, should be complemented by a strong commitment to the development of a human rights culture, which is imperative for the sustainability of the current international effort.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Drug trafficking cannot be combated without subregional and international cooperation. Efforts to address this scourge in Guinea-Bissau should be complemented by initiatives in neighbouring States. Otherwise, successful regulation in one State would lead to relocation of the criminals into another, less regulated, national territory in the region. Criminals are able to operate with impunity where States have little capacity, where judicial systems are flawed and where international cooperation mechanisms are weak, so that they cannot, for example, be extradited. If the anti- narcotics capacity of local law enforcement agencies is strengthened to detect and apprehend drug traffickers, they will still need improved international cooperation in order to speedily extradite those wanted in other countries and/or to prosecute them locally.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Following consultations held since last year with national authorities, UNOGBIS, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UNDP will be organizing a workshop for law enforcement institutions in August this year aimed at explaining jurisdictions, responsibilities and competencies and enhancing interdepartmental cooperation. The campaign against drug trafficking and organized crime received a boost with the signature on 16 June of the financial agreement between the European Community and the UNODC for a â‚¬2-million justice and security programme. The programme will, inter alia, support the creation of a special anti-narcotics unit within the judiciary police and the strengthening of its operational capacities in intelligence-gathering and information-sharing for the detection and prosecution of offenders.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The exercise recommended focused support for the adoption of a legal framework for the Ministries of the Interior and Justice, including training in criminal investigation for the various law- enforcement bodies, the provision of operational equipment to the police, the establishment of a financial intelligence unit, the creation and training of a specialized police force to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime, the ratification and domestication of relevant international conventions, and addressing relationship issues within the security sector reform process. In the follow-up to the security sector reform resource-mapping exercise, an assessment mission led by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is expected to visit Guinea-Bissau in the coming weeks.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The 08-39896 training of those senior officers will enable the start of security sector reform. When I last briefed members in March, I referred to arrangements between UNOGBIS, the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) to organize a security sector reform resource-mapping exercise with partners in order to identify gaps in donor support for security sector reform and make recommendations to address such gaps. I am pleased to report that the resource-mapping exercise took place in New York on 22 and 23 May.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Another important benchmark was the armed forces census, which was conducted in March and revealed a total of 4,493 military personnel - almost half earlier estimates of 9,000. That number is expected to be reduced to 3,440 under the armed forces rationalization and modernization plan within the security sector reform programme. The rationalization will be facilitated by information revealed by the census that more than 1,000 current military personnel would prefer voluntary demobilization. In the context of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration component within the larger security sector reform programme, UNOGBIS and its partners are finalizing arrangements for a pilot vocational training project in Brazil for 30 selected senior military officers.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The activities were aimed at mainstreaming gender issues and enhancing the participation of women in peace consolidation, as provided for in resolution 1325 (2000). Recommendations from the national workshop will be integrated into the strategic framework for peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau. The initiation of implementation of the security sector reform programme, with support from the European Union, marked an important milestone. The ongoing deployment in Guinea-Bissau of a team of 15 civilian and military personnel from the European Union, under the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy, in support of security sector reform is a major step towards the operationalization of the national programme for security sector reform.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The strategic framework, which is expected to be completed in July, will set the context for the announcement by the Secretary-General of a larger envelope of financial assistance for Guinea- Bissau. That will formalize the envisaged continuous engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission as an advocacy platform for resource mobilization and a coordinating mechanism for multi-partner efforts at peace consolidation and post-conflict reconstruction. To strengthen national stakeholder involvement, in particular by women's groups, in the engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission in Guinea-Bissau, UNOGBIS and its partners held a round of regional consultations throughout May, which were capped with a three-day national workshop held from 17 to 19 June.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The strategic framework will integrate the experiences and analyses derived from the four missions conducted in the country by Commission's country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau and the Peacebuilding Support Office, as well as consultations between the United Nations and various stakeholders. The consultations have been intense, and have included weekly and fortnightly thematic discussions by video link between New York Headquarters and stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau. The consultations have focused on priority areas identified by the Government as peacebuilding challenges, namely, the reform of the public administration, the consolidation of the rule of law and security sector reform, technical professional training and youth employment, and support for vulnerable social groups.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Through the short-term peace consolidation process under the Peacebuilding Fund, the Guinea-Bissau Peacebuilding Fund National Steering Committee recently approved four quick-win projects covering electoral support, youth employment, the rehabilitation of military barracks and the rehabilitation of prisons. With the approval of the four projects, steps are currently being taken to finalize the Guinea-Bissau Peacebuilding Fund priority plan. Consultations are also ongoing to finalize the strategic framework for peacebuilding in Guinea- Bissau, which will synthesize the medium- to long- term engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“At the request of the Government, UNOGBIS will coordinate international observation, while UNDP will continue to provide technical assistance. In that connection, UNDP has held working-level meetings with representatives of the National Electoral Commission, the National Institute of Statistics, the Technical Support Office for Elections and regional electoral commissions. The European Union is expected to deploy some electoral observers, as recommended by its mission that visited Guinea-Bissau in the first week of June. The engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission - covering short-term, medium-term and long-term activities - provides an important context for deepening international assistance to the Government.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Although the manual voter registration exercise is scheduled to start on 3Ju1y 2008, it was only on 23 June that UNDP concluded a memorandum of understanding with the National Institute of Statistics and Census to start the recruitment and training of electoral officials and the 3 procurement of material and equipment. It is therefore uncertain whether voter registration will take place as scheduled or whether all logistical and civic education activities will be conducted in a timely manner and as efficiently as desirable for elections to be held as scheduled and without compromising the credibility of the whole process. I continue to encourage all concerned to accelerate their efforts in order to avoid delays in the electoral calendar.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Although the Government was able to pay two out of four months of salary arrears on 18 June, social discontent is likely to continue and be exploited in the electoral process. Preparations for the legislative elections scheduled for 16 November 2008 have been undermined by, among other things, bureaucratic lapses and limited human and financial resources. On SJune, Prime-Minister N'Dafa Cabi announced the Government's intention to conduct manual voter registration for the elections. Subsequently, the Secretary of State for Territorial Administration announced that voter registration would take place between 3 and 24 July 2008.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Carlos Gomes Jr., has already indicated his intention to seek a review of the Political Stability Pact. He has also expressed some mistrust and questioned the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, particularly with regard to the role of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). Opposition political parties have also stepped up their criticism of the Government's performance, with accusations ranging from corruption to apathy towards the general deterioration of the living conditions of the citizens. Those condemnations were intensified by a wave of strikes in the public sector in the past four weeks due to the inability of the Government to pay salary arrears and spikes in the prices of food and other consumer items.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The holding of the legislative elections is vital to consolidating the democratic process. However, jockeying for power threatens to exacerbate latent political tensions among the three political parties signatories to the Political and Government Stability Pact of March 2007. The Pact, which underpins the current Government, is itself undermined by splits within the three major signatory parties. While disagreements between party leaders and the Prime Minister have abated, tensions between the political factions are likely to increase in the run-up to the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) congress and leadership contest to be held on 26 and 28 June. The leader of the PAIGC and former Prime Minister, Mr.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The report makes a number of recommendations, such as the deferment of payment of 2007 arrears; the routing of State expenditure payments exclusively through the treasury; the centralization of State revenue collection through the Central Bank of West African States; further restrictions on extra-budgetary spending; and finally, computerized treasury operations, including payroll management, by the end of 2008. If implemented, those recommendations could improve the State's revenue collection system and reduce its financial deficits. UNDP plans to initiate a second-phase audit of State expenditure by the end of June. In addition, the limited progress on the economic front could be jeopardized by deepening institutional 08-39896 tension between Government institutions and the main political parties.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“However, the aforementioned positive prognosis is threatened by structural limitations in internal revenue generation and fiscal management. An accounts audit of the General Directorate of Customs, Taxes and the Treasury, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and covering the period 2004 to 2007, concluded that a substantial amount of duties and taxes had not been collected and that very few companies had declared their commercial activities.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The country has seen a slight improvement in its economic performance indicators, evidenced by an increase in agricultural production, including cashew nut exports, and the setting-up of mechanisms for improved revenue collection and the maintenance of fiscal stability. In that connection, if economic performance indicators continue to improve, Guinea-Bissau could, by the end of the year, become eligible for the International Monetary Fund's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative and for debt relief under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. Those facilities, in combination with similar debt-relief initiatives of the World Bank and the African Development Bank, will reduce the volume of the country's regular debt-service payments, allowing improved investment in the social sectors and in economic revitalization.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“Mr. Omoregie: The report before the Council, contained in document S/2008/395, is the latest report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea- Bissau and the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). The report focuses in particular on constraints at the socio-political level and, among other things, highlights progress in the implementation of security sector reform, the engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission, preparations for legislative elections 08-39896 scheduled for November this year, and economic recovery efforts. I should like to say just a few words to update the Council on developments since the report was published. Although the political and economic situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fragile, some recent developments bring much promise.”
2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source
“The recent case in January, in which two Mauritanian nationals were arrested in Bissau in connection with the murder of four French tourists in Mauritania and the subsequent threats of reprisals against Guinea-Bissau have led to concern by authorities that there is a terrorist threat in the country. The Government has requested international assistance to strengthen its capacity to control its borders in order to combat this emerging threat. The arrest of the Mauritanians was an example of coordinated criminal intelligence exchange between the authorities of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau and also demonstrates the risk posed by porous borders. Subregional cooperation should be encouraged and supported in addressing the threats of terrorism especially in a region with porous borders.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“The legislative elections are a key benchmark on the level of democratic maturity in the country. It is disappointing that preparations for the elections have been impeded because of resource problems, particularly with regard to arrears from previous elections. President Vieira wants to be sure that all conditions are met in order that elections are financially, technically and politically feasible. Now that President Vieira has announced the date of the elections, it is important that the country's partners provide resources to enable elections to be held in November and to prevent the national stakeholders from using the lack of funds as a pretext not to move forward. Finally, the Government of Guinea-Bissau is very concerned about the emerging threat of terrorism in the country.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“I have already informed partners that I intend to submit proposals to enhance our coordination efforts in the country. I have also sought the cooperation of other departments and donors to map out the various security sector activities in Guinea-Bissau, with a View to articulating possible value-added roles for the United Nations and non-United Nations entities involved in supporting the police and other law enforcement agencies of the country. Depending on the outcome of a mapping resource meeting at headquarters here in April, I envision the possibility of a multicomponent assessment mission to Guinea-Bissau in the near future to evaluate the situation on the ground and identify the nature of any assistance that could be rendered. The Council would be informed of the outcome of the assessment mission.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“While we are all aware that security sector reform is a key structural requirement, Guinea-Bissau continues to face massive social problems that need urgent solutions. It is important that the international community also earmark assistance so that the Government may implement its poverty reduction strategy. We must acknowledge the need for better donor coordination in all sectors receiving overseas development assistance. The need to strengthen the existing coordination structure is particularly evident in the security sector in view of the arrival of various technical assistance teams to assist with the reform of that sector. As a follow-up, it may be necessary for the donors to consider creating a multi-donor security sector reform trust fund in order to ensure a strategic coherence, identify gaps and develop a common donor vision.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“In particular, the arrival of missions from the Peacebuilding Commission and of teams of technical assistants from the European Union, particularly in connection with the security sector reform, is creating expectations among the population of tangible peace dividends. Change management is a long and delicate process in which expectations must be managed. A failure to manage these expectations would result in disillusionment that might ultimately jeopardize the long-term commitment necessary for implementing these reforms. There is also a danger that the upsurge in donor activity may mask the reality that Government poverty reduction and security sector reform strategies are still massively underfunded. The international community therefore needs to remain engaged.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“First, there is a weak parliamentary oversight and control system. Second, there is a need for better aid coordination. Third, national capacity-building is required in key sectors. Fourth, there is a lack of support for civil society organizations. Fifth, a coherent communication and sensitization policy on security sector reform is lacking. And, finally, there is a need to link security sector reform more coherently with the national anti-narcotics and poverty reduction strategy frameworks. To conclude, I would like to highlight some key points. First, the first quarter of 2008 has seen strong activity that illustrates the tangible progress by the Government in engaging the international community.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“The purpose of the consultation was to raise security sector knowledge capacity and assess the need for updating of the Government's security sector reform strategy. Its conclusions focused on the need to update the strategy in order to enhance efforts to combat narcotics and organized crime, strengthen national capacity, increase the role of non-State actors and devise an effective communication and awareness strategy. The OECD followed that consultation with two days of consultations with the Technical Coordinating Committee on 18 and 20 March. These consultations focused on raising capacity and applying best practices to security sector reform in the Guinea-Bissau context. The consultation exercises identified the following challenges to security sector reform implementation.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“The census of active personnel in the armed forces, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ended on 19 March. The data, which are being processed and are expected to be ready by the end of this month, will inform decisions on the scope of future demobilization and retirement programmes. The census is a precondition for the full support of donors for the security sector reform. A census of veterans and security bodies will also need to be conducted. On 17 March, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) organized, with financing by the Government of the United Kingdom, a consultation on security sector reform for the Security Sector Reform Steering Committee, which includes the United Nations and key multilateral and bilateral donors as members.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“In this initial phase, the projects implemented help build the confidence of national partners, yield immediate and visible dividends in the process of peace consolidation, and serve as a catalyst or impetus for the medium- to long-term assistance that will be provided by the Peacebuilding Commission under the wider umbrella 08-28372 of the strategic framework for peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau. The National Assembly passed the amnesty bill after a second reading on 4 March. It will now be submitted to President Vieira for ratification. This law is seen by its proponents as facilitating reconciliation and paving the way for security sector reform, and President Vieira and the military worked very hard for its passage.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“The Central Committee's decision and support by the two other members of the Stability Pact alleviated disquiet among national and international actors that uncertainty over Mr. Cabi's position might have an impact on the positive momentum of the cooperation activities with the international community currently under way. The PAIGC will be electing a new leader at its Congress which will take place from 3 to 6 April. The outcome of this contest will determine whether this current momentum will be sustained or seriously undermined. The Peacebuilding Commission and the Government, with support from UNOGBIS and the United Nations country team, are working closely to prepare short-term projects for early funding from the Peacebuilding Fund, within the framework of a peacebuilding priority plan for Guinea-Bissau.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“A voter registration exercise involving the issuing of biometric cards would take five to six months. The voter registration exercise, which should have been carried out in January and February, is still behind schedule, mainly because of the impasse over arrears from previous elections estimated at $1.7 million which should have been paid to the national and regional electoral commissions. On 9 March, the Central Committee of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) declared null and void the decision taken by its leader, Carlos Gomes Jr., on 29 February, to withdraw political confidence in Prime Minister N'Dafa Cabi, who is the Third Vice-President of the PAIGC.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“In this regard, I would like to start on a happy note. Last night, President Joao Bernardo Vieira, who had heretofore been evasive on the subject of the date of the country's next legislative elections, announced that the elections will be held on 16 November 2008. This announcement, on the eve of this meeting of the 08-28372 Security Council, will no doubt significantly reduce the tensions that have been building in the country in the past few days. Meanwhile, preparations for the forthcoming legislative elections are moving forward very slowly. It was only recently that the Government opted for the biometric voter identity card registration process. Its decision was backed on 16 March by the parties signatory to the Political and Government Stability Pact on which the Government is based.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source
“Mr. Omoregie: Mr. President, the report before the Council, contained in document S/2008/181, is the thirtieth report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in that country (UNOGBIS). The report focuses in particular on developments linked to the mobilization of resources and the increased engagement of international partners with Guinea-Bissau. Of particular note are the signing of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January for Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance and the launch, also in January, of the Peacebuilding Commission's engagement in Guinea-Bissau. I would like to say just a few words now to update the Council on developments that have taken place since the report was published.”
2008-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5860 (2008) · source