YouSaid · the spoken record

Outlule

lines on the record
6
first
2007-06-25
most recent
2007-06-25
sittings or episodes
1
sources
un-security-council

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  1. “If natural resources are demonized, the result will be that only natural resources from Africa would be excluded from international trade. Mechanisms that can have an adverse impact on the ability of African countries to profitably exploit their natural resources should be avoided. Underdevelopment in Africa deserves urgent attention. Strong partnership, assured support and mutually beneficial cooperation in tackling this problem are needed; they are key to resolving the issue of natural resources and conflict.”

    2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source

  2. “There is no single way to address the issue of conflict over resources. We call for equal accountability for those who manufacture and export arms and those who do not use the proceeds of the sale of natural resources to produce food and provide education, health care, clean water and communications infrastructure, but rather subvert and divert such proceeds to purchase and import arms in order to perpetrate or fuel war on their populations. We need a wise combination of measures to assist Africa to urgently and effectively tackle the challenges of underdevelopment. The phenomenon of natural resources and conflict is common in Africa because of the problem of underdevelopment. In the highly industrialized countries, it no longer exists because the economies are primarily dependent on science and technology and on highly skilled services.”

    2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source

  3. “The Kimberley Process continues to be a major success in curbing production and trade in conflict diamonds. There is agreement on the urgent need to effectively prevent conflict over natural resources. In doing so, we should not establish mechanisms that create conditionalities for trade in natural resources and place a heavy burden on exporting countries. That would be unfortunate, as it would set new trade barriers. We must not demonize or stigmatize natural resources. Natural resources do not cause conflict. They simply do not. It is illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, human greed, mismanagement, corruption and exploitation that generate conflict. The seedlings of conflict, I repeat, are planted when the vast majority of citizens are excluded from enjoying the wealth of their national heritage.”

    2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source

  4. “There can be no doubt however that, left alone, diamonds cannot do anything. Positive and innovative actions, policies and practices by people, combined with good leadership, are critical to putting a resource to good use. Botswana fully supports the Kimberley Process. It is a practical mechanism underpinned by General Assembly and Security Council resolutions calling for accountable and transparent internal controls and systems at the national level, as well as international measures to monitor and track the trade in rough diamonds. Today, almost all international trade in diamonds is processed through the Kimberley Process, and diamonds have become a major source of funding for social progress and economic development in many countries, particularly in Africa.”

    2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source

  5. “Throughout history, there have been many examples of conflict over land, wildlife and water resources. The link between natural resources and conflict probably began when humankind started hunting and gathering. The scramble for Africa by colonial Powers, for instance, entailed conflict with Africans over their natural resources. The challenge we face is how to eliminate this age-old evil of grabbing and fighting over natural resources. The seeds of conflict are sown when a group of people either grab what does not belong to them or try to exclude others from benefiting from their national heritage. For most developing countries, natural resources should really be a source of hope and opportunity for a better future rather than a threat or a curse. Botswana can indeed attest to the good that diamonds can do, for instance.”

    2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source

  6. “Let me begin by stating that the delegation of Botswana aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Tunisia on behalf of the African Group. I also wish to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important debate. It is a welcome initiative, and we commend your leadership. The debate should contribute to the promotion of awareness and greater understanding of how a combination of factors and individuals can conspire to exploit natural resources in a manner that causes conflict. There are several questions that demand answers. The delegation of Botswana wishes to submit that, in our view, the debate is really about natural resources and development. How can we ensure that natural resources are exploited for the common good? The conflict over natural resources is neither new nor unique to Africa.”

    2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source