YouSaid · the spoken record

Osvald

lines on the record: 151
first: 1992-07-15
most recent: 1997-07-31
sittings or episodes: 25
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

“The Foreign Ministers established a Committee to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the meeting in Conakry. Four countries were unanimously elected - namely, Nigeria, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. They are to be joined by the representatives of the OAU and ECOWAS secretariats to form a ministerial Committee. The Foreign Ministers decided that at the end of their meeting a report should be presented to President Lansana Conte and, subsequently, to His Excellency General Sani Abacha, Chairman of ECOWAS. A presentation was made to the President of Guinea at the conclusion of the meeting. The President endorsed the report in its entirety and was of the view that the illegal regime in Sierra Leone should be removed from office immediately.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“They have therefore suggested that the ECOWAS Chairman should initiate these consultations. Due note was taken of the fact that some of our countries have civilian and ECOMOG personnel on the ground in Sierra Leone. There was concern that some of these persons could be in danger as a result of the present circumstances in Sierra Leone. The Foreign Ministers deplored the bloodletting and other human losses that occurred during the 25 May 1997 coup d 'etat and that are reported to be still happening in Sierra Leone. They therefore decided to issue a strong warning to the illegal regime in Sierra Leone against all acts of atrocities against Sierra Leonean citizens, foreign nationals living in Sierra Leone and ECOMOG personnel. Last is the mechanism for implementing these decisions.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“In the course of the deliberations, concern was expressed by delegations about the use of force as a means of resolving the present crisis in Sierra Leone. However, it was recognized that the other two options, including negotiations and sanctions cum blockade, could not be achieved without the use of some military force. For example, if ECOWAS were to mount a credible sanctions regime against the illegal authorities in Sierra Leone, the air, land and sea borders of Sierra Leone would have to be militarily blocked while negotiations would be enhanced by a show of force and a sustained military build-up in the area. The Foreign Ministers therefore considered that all three measures would require consultations at the highest level among ECOWAS countries.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“In considering the means of achieving the ECOWAS objectives in Sierra Leone, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the decision made in Harare by the Heads of State and Government at the thirty-third summit meeting of the OAU on the situation in Sierra Leone and on the support of ECOWAS for the Abidjan Peace Agreement, signed on 30 November 1996. Furthermore, they stressed that no country should grant recognition to the regime that emerged following the 25 May 1997 coup d'etat. Accordingly, they pledged to work towards the reinstatement of the legitimate Government of Sierra Leone by a combination of three measures: first, dialogue; secondly, the imposition of sanctions and embargo; and, thirdly, the use of force.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“The sixteen member States of ECOWAS were invited to the meeting, which was also attended by the Secretary-General of the OAU, the Acting Executive Secretary of ECOWAS and the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Force Commander. At that meeting were taken far-reaching decisions which have since been conveyed to the Council and are now contained in Security Council document S/ 1997/499. The key elements of the communique are in three parts. The first consists of the objectives, which are the early reinstatement of the legitimate Government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, the return of peace and security to Sierra Leone and the resolution of the issues of refugees and displaced persons. The second consists of the means of achieving these objectives.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“This action by the leaders of Africa is indeed significant, as this is one issue on which the entire continent has been solid and unanimous at the highest level. Similarly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was himself at the summit, added his voice to the OAU condemnation and called for the restoration of legitimate authority in that country. The position of the Secretary-General was subsequently reinforced by a presidential statement of the Security Council. Meanwhile, since the coup in Sierra Leone, the Chairman of ECOWAS had undertaken consultations with his brother Heads of State in the subregion, as to how best to address the situation. Following these consultations, a one-day ministerial meeting of the ECOWAS Foreign Ministers was held in Conakry, Guinea on 26 June 1997.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“They are felt all over the subregion, in particular, in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and the Gambia, as well as in several others where sizable numbers of refugees now exist. For over seven years we have worked relentlessly hard to resolve the Liberian crisis. We have a responsibility to ensure that the situation in Sierra Leone, which could bring us to the path of another major engagement, as we witnessed in Liberia, is nipped in the bud. We are encouraged so far by the universal condemnation that has attended the tragic incident in Sierra Leone. The Organization of African Unity (OAU), at its thirty-third summit in Harare, strongly condemned the coup, endorsed the action taken by ECOWAS to reverse the situation and called upon the international community not to accord recognition to the regime.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“It is important, therefore, that the situation in Sierra Leone be carefully managed so that the progress so far achieved in Liberia is not reversed. The Republic of Guinea is now subject to the threat of destabilization from a number of sources. As a country bordering Liberia, it has received a considerable number of refugees from that country. At present, as the situation in Sierra Leone deteriorates, Guinea has also been burdened by a new wave of Sierra Leonean refugees. These circumstances have overstretched the economy of Guinea and posed great difficulties to the political and social stability of the nation. I might add that the effects of refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia go beyond the confines of neighbouring countries.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“Many have therefore felt that the conclusions were self-evident; the people involved in the coup never had the interests of their country at heart. The developments in Sierra Leone, not surprisingly, give cause for our immediate concern. Sierra Leone, as members of the Council are all aware, shares vast borders with Liberia and Guinea. Liberia, for no less than seven years, has engaged the attention of our subregion as a country torn apart by inter-factional conflict. Only recently, thanks to the sustained and collective efforts of the member States of ECOWAS, life has begun to return to normalcy in that country as we implement the final phase of the peace process - namely, the conduct of elections.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“The coup d'e'tat of 25 May 1997 in Sierra Leone was tragic in nature and in consequence. Upon seizing power, the people involved in the coup broke into the prisons and threw open the gates, letting out all sorts of criminals and convicts. Simultaneously, the rebellious Revolutionary United Front (RUF) members were invited into Freetown. The looting of property, murder and rape became the order of the day. Freetown and its environs were vandalized. The situation became even more disturbing as national institutions, including the Central Bank of that country, were looted and burnt down. One wondered what purpose was intended by people who wished to change a Government and yet undertook to destroy vital national assets and attack their own civil population.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“Just as we undertook an initiative in crisis management and conflict resolution in Liberia, the countries of the subregion have once again risen to the challenge of serving the cause of peace and security in the neighbouring country of Sierra Leone. The presence here in this esteemed Council of four Foreign Ministers - from Nigeria, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana - together with the representatives of the secretariats of ECOWAS and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) underscores the extent of the subregional concern over developments in Sierra Leone and the need for the international community to come to grips with the situation in that country and concert its efforts with those of the countries of the subregion in order to bring the crisis to a peaceful resolution.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“President, our congratulations and best wishes as you carry out the functions of President during the month of July. Let me also avail myself of the opportunity to extend our courtesies to Ambassador Lavrov of the Russian Federation for his stewardship during the month of June. The present crisis in Sierra Leone, which has been brought about by the seizure of power on 25 May 1997 by a section of the Sierra Leonean military, portends grave consequences for peace and stability in Sierra Leone and for the political process and constitutionality in governance in that country. The countries of the subregion are particularly horrified by the sheer venom of the operation, the mindless waste of human life, the disruption of civil society and the sustained destruction of infrastructure and property.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“I should like to draw attention to document S/ 1997/499, which contains the text of the letter dated 27 June 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, transmitting the text of the final communique issued at the end of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the situation in Sierra Leone, which was held at Conakry, Guinea, on 26 June 1997. The first speaker inscribed on my list is the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, on whom I now call. Chief Ikimi (Nigeria): On behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ministerial Committee of Four, I wish to convey to you, Mr.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“If I hear no objection, I shall take it that the Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 to Mr. Sy. There being no objection, it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in response to the request contained in a letter dated 9 July 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, document S/ 1997/531.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“Jonah (Sierra Leone) took seats at the Council table; Mr. Essy (Cote d'Ivoire), Mr. Camara (Guinea), Mr. Gbeho (Ghana) and Mr. Mapuranga (Zimbabwe), took the seats reserved for them at the side of the Council Chamber. The President: I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter dated 10 July 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations which reads as follows: "I have the honour to request that you invite the Permanent Observer for the Organization of African Unity to the United Nations at the formal meeting of the Security Council on 11 July 1997 to make a statement on the item 'The situation in Sierra Leone' under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure." That letter will be published as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/ 1997/536.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of C6te d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe, in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In accordance with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. The President: On behalf of the Council, I welcome the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, cote d'Ivoire and Guinea and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ghana. At the invitation ofthe President, Chieflkimi (Nigeria) and Mr.”
1997-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3797 (1997) · source
“"The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the efforts of the United Nations in Afghanistan, in particular the activities of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan (UNSMA). It requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep it regularly informed of the situation and his efforts, as well as those of UNSMA. "The Security Council will remain seized of the matter." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/ 1997/35. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 12.35 pm.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“"The Security Council is deeply concerned at the continuing discrimination against girls and women and other violations of human rights, as well as at violations of international humanitarian law. "The Security Council reiterates that the continuation of the conflict in Afghanistan provides a fertile ground for terrorism and illegal drug production and trafficking which destabilize the region and beyond, and calls upon the leaders of the Afghan parties to halt such activities. "The Security Council is deeply concerned at the worsening of the humanitarian situation, including the displacement of the civilian population. In this regard, it calls upon Member States to respond generously to the 1997 United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for Afghanistan.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“"The Security Council, taking into account risks of regional destabilization, believes that peace and stability in Afghanistan can best be attained through intra-Afghan political negotiations under United Nations auspices with the active and coordinated assistance of all countries concerned. It urges the Afghan parties and countries concerned to abide by the provisions of relevant resolutions on Afghanistan adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly. "The Security Council stresses that all external interference in Afghan affairs must cease, and, in this context, it calls upon all States to end immediately the supply of arms and ammunition to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council has considered the report of the Secretary-General concerning the situation in Afghanistan of 16 June 1997 (S/1997/482). "The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the continued escalation of military confrontation in Afghanistan. It calls for an immediate end to the fighting. "The Security Council calls upon all Afghan parties to return to the negotiating table immediately and to work together towards the formation of a broad-based, fully representative government that will protect the rights of all Afghans and abide by Afghanistan's international obligations.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/1997/482. I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to the following other documents: S/1997/408, letter dated 27 May 1997 from the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General; and S/1997/424 and S/1997/463, identical letters dated 2 and 16 June 1997, respectively, from the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“The situation in Afghanistan The President: I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Afghanistan, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Farhadi (Afghanistan) took a seat at the Council table. The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of July, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Sergey V. Lavrov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of June 1997. I am sure I speak for all members of the Security Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Lavrov for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
1997-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3796 (1997) · source
“It is our firm belief that such a meeting could lead to further progress on the road towards national reconciliation. In conclusion, Sweden reiterates its gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Maitre Blondin Beye, the three observer States - Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States - as well as the personnel of UNAVEM. III for their efforts to assist the parties in Angola to advance the peace process.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“In its decision today, the Council underlines the need to make sure that developments on the ground and progress in the peace process are taken into account when the scheduled withdrawal of the United Nations formed military units is implemented. This will be important to the success of MONUA. We therefore welcome the review of the situation scheduled for August. The parties must guarantee the freedom of movement and safety of the personnel of the new mission, as well as of other United Nations staff. In particular, recent harassment of United Nations personnel by UNITA must end. Clearly, it is now time for President dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi to show their continued commitment to the peace process by meeting in person as soon as possible and on national territory. We urge them to do so.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Progress in the normalization of State administration will be key to progress in other areas of the peace process. Particular attention also needs to be given to the rapid completion of remaining military tasks. The resolution before us demands that UNITA provide the Joint Commission with full information about the armed personnel under its control, so that they can be disarmed and demobilized in accordance with the Lusaka Protocol. Despite significant progress in the peace process, we remain deeply concerned about the reports of clashes between the parties in the northeastern parts of Angola. The parties must refrain from any military or other action which could jeopardize lasting peace in the country. The security situation is still far from satisfactory in many parts of Angola.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Not least important is the fact that the mandate of MONUA complies with the parties' request for an enhanced presence of human rights observers in the country. Respect for human rights is essential to the process of national reconciliation. The international community will continue to assist the people of Angola, as it has in the past. For its part, Sweden has committed itself to continuing to provide assistance to Angola. However, the ultimate responsibility for restoring peace and stability in the country rests with the Angolans themselves. We urge the parties to seize the opportunity before them and implement fully their remaining obligations under the Lusaka Protocol, thereby enabling the true consolidation of the peace process. There are crucial challenges ahead.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Let me, first of all, say that my delegation stands fully behind the statement of the Netherlands made this morning on behalf of the European Union. The decision today to establish the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), marks the beginning of a new phase in the United Nations involvement in the support of the Angolan peace process. This is an important and challenging step, made possible by recent progress in the peace process. MONUA will play an important role in ensuring a more secure and stable political environment in Angola. Sweden welcomes the fact that the main focus of this new mission will be the civilian aspects of the peace process. The tasks given are appropriate to the circumstances now prevailing in Angola.”
1997-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3795 (1997) · source
“Humanitarian action must always be based on need and on the principle of impartiality. Its integrity must be respected. However, we cannot expect humanitarian action to be a substitute for political resolve to deal with the conflicts themselves and their root causes. It is increasingly recognized that complex man-made crises require an international response combining political, military, humanitarian and other civilian action that will create the conditions for peace while protecting victims of armed conflict. The Security Council must shoulder its responsibilities in this regard.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“But protection mechanisms must also, as their primary objective, deal with shielding civilians from threats to life and livelihood. Assault on defenceless women and children has been used as a weapon to demonstrate power and control and to disintegrate social structures and communities. Protection of refugees must include special measures to ensure the safety of women and children. Humanitarian corridors, safe areas, protected zones or any other form of humanitarian space can in some situations provide protection. The United Nations should assess experiences of such mechanisms so far and the means to protect them. The role of United Nations troops, civilian police or guards in the protection of refugees and displaced persons should also be further explored.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“The complex conditions in refugee-hosting as well as returnee- receiving areas call for a comprehensive, situation-specific protection strategy. Sweden welcomes the close cooperation between the UNHCR and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and hopes that useful lessons will be drawn by the two agencies from their experiences in the Great Lakes region. The High Commissioner for Refugees has called for a rapid deployment force to assist, inter alia, in separating military groups from bona fide refugees in mass- displacement situations. There is good reason to reflect upon this and other ways of achieving such a separation. Protection of humanitarian action cannot be isolated from protection of people in need. Protecting humanitarian assets and relief workers may be essential for humanitarian operations to continue.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“International civilian police could be deployed in crises to monitor the situation, to help investigate crimes and to assist in the building of national structures of justice. Crises are invariably different in nature. The protection of refugees and displaced persons may require different kinds of arrangements. For example, a clear distinction should be made between protection measures in an enforcement situation, under Chapter VII of the Charter, and measures in the context of other United Nations operations. Early consultations between the Security Council and relief agencies could help define the proper response. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has a unique international mandate to protect refugees and others in refugee-like situations.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“From the outset of a crisis, the Council should use its moral authority and political leverage to impress on leaders of parties in conflict their personal accountability for crimes against refugees and displaced persons as well as humanitarian personnel, in areas under their control. The need for humanitarian access should be equally underlined. Impunity should not be accepted. The Council should consider ways and means to follow up on such crimes. Preferably, political actors should know from the outset what kind of consequences they will have to face if they take part in crimes against international humanitarian law, or refrain from bringing the perpetrators to justice. An international criminal court could be a helpful instrument in this regard.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Protection of humanitarian assistance is, and should be, a task specifically mandated in connection with many peacekeeping operations. But even in the absence of United Nations peacekeeping, the Security Council must ensure that it is fully apprised of the humanitarian and human-rights situation at hand and of the requirements of the humanitarian organizations. Therefore, the Council should consult closely on a regular basis with humanitarian organizations and seek their advice on how to improve the security of refugees, displaced persons and the humanitarian relief workers themselves.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“But individual perpetrators must always be held accountable for violations of humanitarian law, also in areas where government authority has broken down. The role of the Security Council is first and foremost to promote political solutions to crises, preferably even before a conflict has turned violent. Peaceful conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy are certainly the best methods of addressing the fundamental problems of refugees and displaced persons. Action to be considered by the Security Council in this field is, however, manifold in nature. The Council has an essential role in ensuring respect for international humanitarian law and human rights. Actions of the Council, in each individual case, also contribute to the development of norms for the behaviour of States, and even non-State entities.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Large-scale attacks on human security and gross violations of human rights within States are the harbinger of threats to regional and international security. Thus, the Security Council is frequently called upon to address important questions of how to protect refugees and humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations. Sweden welcomes this debate. It should be a step towards concrete proposals and decisions by the Council in this field. Governments bear the primary responsibility for the security of all individuals under their jurisdiction. This responsibility also entails that Governments should seek international support if they lack the ability to provide such protection and assistance.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Your presence here today, Sir, at the head of the Korean delegation is most welcome. Later in the debate the representative of the Netherlands will speak on behalf of the European Union. We fully support the statement he will make. In conflicts all over the world we are repeatedly faced with double tragedies. Men, women and children, driven from their homes, are also targets of inhuman treatment, brutal attacks and sometimes even massacres. Recent internal conflicts pose new challenges to the international community. Victims of conflict are denied urgently needed emergency relief, forced to walk hundreds of miles in search of safety and left to die in remote wilderness. And those who are there to help are refused access to the refugees and are even themselves increasingly made targets of such violence.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“The international community must sustain its commitment to peace-building in Somalia and not scale down the assistance in a situation which might be less dramatic, but remains extremely fragile. Peace-building and the resolution of humanitarian crises should be seen in a long-term perspective. They must not be reduced to ad hoc interventions. In the present Somali situation of semi-peace, semi- war, international assistance needs to be closely coordinated within the framework of a shared approach on central issues. In the recent United Nations Consolidated Inter- Agency Appeal, important steps were taken towards developing such a joint strategy. My Government intends to contribute to this Appeal and encourages others to do the same.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“The leading roles played by the regional States and organizations in the resolution of the Somali conflict are commendable. At the same time, Sweden welcomes the preparedness of the United Nations Secretary-General - should he consider it helpful - to designate a Special Envoy for Somalia. The control of the warlords over the Somali people is based not least on the possession of arms. The United Nations and its Member States must ensure that the arms embargo is adhered to. Violations should be reported and acted upon. Also, international assistance should facilitate demilitarization of Somali society. Demobilization of militias requires that alternative means of subsistence be created.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“The ongoing peace efforts, such as the Sodere and Nairobi initiatives, by regional and other interested States and organizations, have the full support of my Government. There is, however, a need for further coordination of the initiatives, leading in the end to an integrated process with the participation of all Somali leaders. The Somali peace and reconciliation process must ultimately involve all layers of society. While we welcome the latest progress made to achieve a negotiated settlement among Somali factions, we must not forget that the results will not be sustainable unless reconciliation efforts are also focused on rebuilding the civil society on regional and local levels. The European Union and non-governmental organizations such as the Life and Peace Institute make important contributions in this field.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“Later in the debate, the Netherlands will speak on behalf of the European Union. Sweden fully supports that statement. The armed conflict cannot continue in Somalia. National reconciliation is now necessary and is a prerequisite for sustainable peace and development. Without reconciliation the humanitarian suffering will continue, and Somalia will remain a destabilizing factor in the region. The United Nations and the international community as a whole must help Somalia on its way from chaos and suffering to normalization and development. The ultimate responsibility for national reconciliation, however, rests with the Somalis themselves. The Somalis need and deserve leaders who do not act like warlords but like leaders who are prepared to overlook narrow individual ambitions and focus on the national interest.”
1997-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3770 (1997) · source
“Having come so far, the former adversaries should continue on the road to peace and fulfil their remaining commitments under the peace accords. The ultimate responsibility for restoring peace remains with the Angolans themselves. The international community must, however, continue to lend its support to what remains to be accomplished. Sweden stands firm in its long-standing commitment to the peace process in Angola. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate our gratitude to the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, Maitre Blondin Beye, and the three observer States - Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United States - for their efforts to assist the peace process in Angola.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“We must also bear in mind the continued need for the security of all United Nations personnel to be assured. For its part, Sweden has contributed military observers, civilian police and demining experts to UNAVEM. III. Angola also remains one of the major recipients of Swedish assistance in the development, demining and humanitarian fields. Sweden will give a positive response to the consolidated appeal for Angola launched recently by the Secretary-General. We urge other States to do the same. Contributions to the appeal are needed for the successful implementation of the demobilization and reintegration plan. We must take this opportunity to build on the progress already made and move ahead to create the foundation for durable peace in Angola.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“United Nations involvement is needed to see the peace process through to its conclusion and to help consolidate the progress which has been achieved. Sweden will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Security Council today, extending the mandate of UNAVEM. III to 30 June 1997. We also support the proposal of the Secretary-General that UNAVEM. Ill be succeeded by an Observer Mission. The transition between UNAVEM. III and its successor should be a smooth one, and we therefore fully support the intention of the Secretary-General to begin preparations for the change in the composition and focus of the United Nations presence in Angola. As we move into this period of transition, the phasing down of UNAVEM. III's military units must continue to be adapted to developments on the ground.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“An exchange between the Swedish and Angolan Parliaments has been initiated to support this process. Important political and military elements of the peace accords remain to be fulfilled. In particular, it is imperative that the incorporation of selected UNITA soldiers into the Angolan Armed Forces and the implementation of the demobilization plan be completed without further delay. The normalization of the State administration throughout the country is another important issue. It will require cooperation on a national, regional and local level. All efforts should be made to complete this process while the formed military units of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. III) remain in Angola. The role of the United Nations in promoting and facilitating the Angolan peace process will continue to be vital.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“The Netherlands will speak later in the debate on behalf of the European Union. Sweden, of course, stands fully behind that statement. In recent weeks, a breakthrough has taken place in the Angolan peace process. The formation of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation, as well as the installation of the UNITA deputies in the National Assembly, are Vital steps towards the fulfilment of the Lusaka Protocol. Sweden also welcomes the agreement reached on the special status of the leader of UNITA as the Leader of the Largest Opposition Party. A stable political environment is essential for social and economic rehabilitation and long-term reconciliation. Further strengthening the democratic process in Angola is therefore of great significance.”
1997-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3769 (1997) · source
“Fourthly, continued humanitarian assistance by the international community could contribute positively to the peace process, as well as to national reconciliation and rehabilitation in Afghanistan. Sweden has for many years been one of the major donors of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. We have worked hard to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Afghanistan and to assist in the reconstruction of that tormented nation. Afghanistan is a country in desperate need of peace and a chance to rebuild and start anew. It is ultimately for Afghanistan itself - all its people, all its leaders - to make that decision. If it makes the right choice, I am convinced that the international community will not be found wanting in supporting Afghanistan on the road to a better future.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Thirdly, the continuing violations of human rights and in particular the increasing discrimination against women and girls, are a cause of great concern. The international community must give voice to this concern and demand that these rights be respected. Human rights standards are universal and must not be dishonoured or subject to negotiation. Another source of grave concern is drug trafficking, with its far-reaching negative effects both inside and outside Afghanistan. Again, concerted international efforts are necessary to confront this dangerous threat not only to the health and well-being of individuals but also to the peaceful development of Afghanistan. Sweden is also concerned by reports of the continued use of Afghanistan as a training base for terrorist activities.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“All possible support must be given to the United Nations Special Mission and the Secretary-General' s special representative, Mr. Norbert Holl, in his efforts to bring about the restoration of peace, normalcy and national reconciliation in Afghanistan. It should be in the interest of all States, in the region and elsewhere, for contributions to the peace efforts to be channelled through or closely coordinated with the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan. Only in this way can the international community provide concerted and increased pressure on the Afghan parties to resolve the conflict peacefully, and thus promote regional stability in the long term. Competing international efforts to bring about a negotiated settlement risk being exploited by the parties.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Although the Afghan conflict can, in the end, be resolved only by the Afghans themselves, the international community must, in good faith, contribute to such a solution. Such a contribution should consist of the following elements. First, outside involvement and interference in the conflict, including the continued supply of arms to the warring parties, must cease. Sweden calls on all States to strictly observe the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and we encourage all States to commit themselves, as the members of the European Union have done, not to deliver arms to Afghanistan. Secondly, the United Nations is the most appropriate and credible facilitator for a political settlement between the Afghan parties.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source