YouSaid · the spoken record

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lines on the record: 384
first: 1995-11-22
most recent: 2023-09-20
sittings or episodes: 63
sources: un-security-council

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“Allow me first to congratulate you, Mr. President, on the outstanding leadership and efficiency with which you have directed the work of the Council during the month of June. My delegation would like to pay tribute to the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, Mr. ter Horst, and the Friends of Haiti for their enduring efforts to bring about lasting peace and security in Haiti. With the successful conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH), we would also like to take this opportunity to express our special thanks to the staff of UNMIH and the countries contributing troops to it for their outstanding achievement in helping consolidate Haiti's democracy.”
1996-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3676 (1996) · source
“My delegation truly hopes that this will serve as a strong message to the parties concerned that without the prompt restoration of an effective cease-fire, as well as due progress in political talks, the Council may have to respond accordingly. As the document before us seems appropriately to reflect all the aforementioned points, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“Indeed, the liaison between UNMOT and regional arrangements serve as compelling evidence of the mutual benefit of such cooperation. Lastly, the establishment of an additional liaison post at Taloqan should be expedited for the purpose of maintaining contact with the opposition leaders stationed there. In this regard, the speedy finalization of the necessary arrangements between the Afghan authorities and the United Tajik Opposition is required above all else. Before concluding, I also wish to note the Secretary- General's recommendation that the Council review the United Nations commitment in the theatre of Tajikistan if the prospects for progress have not improved by the end of the next six months.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“Secondly, the activities of the Joint Commission, which has not been functioning for security reasons, should begin again without delay. As the Joint Commission is the only institutional framework created by the Tehran Agreement of 1994 and as it is composed of the parties directly concerned, we believe that the early resumption of its work is of great importance for the effective implementation of the cease-fire agreement. Thirdly, UNMOT's regular contacts with the Russian border forces and the peace-keeping forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as the close cooperation between UNMOT and the Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which have to date been satisfactory, should continue to be further encouraged.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“Clearly, one of the major tasks of the Special Representative under the current circumstances is to help the Tajik parties take the necessary steps to translate their words into meaningful action. We pledge him our full support as he takes on these critical challenges. Keeping in mind that the proper functioning of institutional frameworks is also key for improving the situation in Tajikistan, I should like to make the following points. First and foremost, the safety and freedom of movement of the personnel of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) should be ensured. If the Tajik parties truly value the role played by UNMOT in stabilizing the situation in the country, this is the minimum that should be provided by the parties directly concerned.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“We take this opportunity to express welcome and support to Mr. Gerd Merrem, the Secretary-General's new Special Representative for Tajikistan, as he vigorously works to bridge the gap between the views of the two parties and forge a genuine bond of national reconciliation. In addition to facilitating the agreement on the resumption of the inter-Tajik talks, he also played an instrumental role in securing the temporary but critical extension of the cease-fire agreement in May. Although the Secretary-General requested that enough time be allowed to see the full outcome of the Special Representative's efforts, we are pleased that within a fairly short period of time, his mission has already had such positive results.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“As we are all aware, the military and the political dimensions of any conflict are closely intertwined. The situation in Tajikistan is no exception in this regard. In our view, the delay in the resumption of the inter-Tajik talks is just as disturbing as the situation on the ground. The very fact that the cease-fire has not been faithfully heeded by the Tajik parties confirms the vital importance of political will for the effective implementation of the commitment of a military nature. In this vein, my delegation is encouraged to know that the Government of Tajikistan and the Tajik opposition both believe that the conflict in their country can be resolved only through political dialogue. We furthermore are relieved by the news that the two sides have finally agreed on the resumption of the inter-Tajik talks in early July.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“At the outset, my delegation wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his detailed and objective report on the developments in Tajikistan, which also contains a timely recommendation for the Council's future course of action. It is with great concern and dismay that my delegation has been following the deteriorating situation in Tajikistan, which, according to the Secretary-General's report, is at its worst and most volatile stage since the end of the civil war of 1992. In particular, the intensification of fighting around Tavildara since early May is a source of alarm. We are worried that the fall of Tavildara to the opposition on 12 May and the launching of a counter-offensive by Government forces on 2 June may be an ominous sign of the potential spread of violence plaguing the country.”
1996-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3673 (1996) · source
“We are confident that Iraq's full cooperation with the Special Commission, in accordance with the relevant resolutions, including resolutions 687 (1991) and 707 (1991), will point the relationship between Iraq and the community of nations in a more desirable and mutually beneficial direction by contributing to the restoration of Iraq's standing as a responsible member. In the circumstances, my delegation finds it necessary to vote in favour of the draft resolution. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our support for the Special Commission and to commend Ambassador Ekeus for his discretion and patience, which have been indispensable in carrying out the mandates entrusted to it by the Council.”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“Supporting the view of the Secretary-General in his introduction to the Blue Book on the Iraq-Kuwait conflict, we had also hoped that a positive outcome would emanate from the talks on resolution 986 (1995), thus opening a new and promising chapter in the relations between the international community and Iraq. Given our optimistic expectations, the incidents of 11 and 12 June near Baghdad, which prompted the Council to act through the draft resolution before us, have been a source of great disappointment and alarm. It was our strong hope that the pragmatism and realism that had prevailed throughout the talks on resolution 986 (1995) would be reflected in all aspects of Iraq's external relations, including its interactions with the Special Commission.”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“My delegation would like to begin by paying a tribute to Ambassador Qin Huasun of China and his delegation, who steered the Council so skilfully and smoothly in the presidency during the month of April. My delegation also takes this opportunity to assure Ambassador Elaraby of Egypt, whose eminent leadership and expertise in international affairs are highly admired, of our readiness fully to cooperate with him so that the Council can discharge its challenging tasks in the most efficient manner possible. Like many other members of the Council, my delegation has held a deep interest in and concern over the sanctions on Iraq, especially since they bear serious humanitarian consequences. For this reason, we welcomed the recent conclusion of the memorandum of understanding on the implementation of Security Council resolution 986 (1995).”
1996-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3672 (1996) · source
“We will therefore vote in favour of the draft resolution before us. Finally, given the fluid character of the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and throughout the Balkans, we welcome the intention of the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of the developments on the ground and look forward to his further recommendations regarding the composition, strength and mandate of UNPREDEP.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“Its relations with both the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Greece, albeit improved of late, still remain delicate, and much work needs to be done. In particular, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's border with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has yet to be demarcated. From this perspective, we concur with the Secretary- General's assessment that it would be too early to conclude that a durable peace has taken hold in the region. After weighing all these factors and taking note of the wishes of the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and of the troop-contributing countries to have the mandate of UNPREDEP extended, my delegation came to the conclusion that it is premature at this stage to consider either the down-sizing or the withdrawal of UNPREDEP.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“The forces of reconciliation and reintegration appear to be overshadowed by the forces of partition. Too few war criminals have been brought before the International Tribunal. Meanwhile, in Eastern Slavonia, the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) has just begun the crucial task of demilitarization. The internal situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and its relations with neighbouring countries are similarly volatile. Despite measurable improvements in its political stability, inter-ethnic tensions remain a source of great concern. Its economy, deeply affected by four devastating years of war in the region, acts as a further destabilizing factor.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“The situations in the different parts of the former Yugoslavia are inextricably linked. Peace and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and developments in the rest of the former Yugoslavia, including the effective implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, are mutually dependent and reinforcing. Therefore, in contemplating the future of UNPREDEP, we must consider the Balkans as a whole. Today, the structures of peace in the former Yugoslavia are flimsy at best. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, although direct hostilities have ceased and the inter-entity boundary line has been established, we have a long way to go before realizing a sustainable peace. The return of refugees and displaced persons and their resettlement remain formidable tasks. The holding of free and fair elections is also a daunting issue.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“UNPREDEP has played a very constructive role in promoting internal political stability by facilitating dialogue and compromise between various segments of society. It has also provided much-needed humanitarian aid to the local population and assisted considerably in national capacity-building. We wholeheartedly applaud all these outstanding achievements of UNPREDEP. My delegation wishes to express its gratitude to the personnel of UNPREDEP for these laudable contributions. We should also like to pay tribute to the commendable work of other United Nations organizations and international agencies operating in the region, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“The United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) represents the first preventive force deployed by the United Nations. Therefore, the Republic of Korea attaches particular importance to its work. Its presence has been crucial for the maintenance of peace and security in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as in the whole Balkan region. Its success is bound to have long-term implications for the future of United Nations peace- keeping operations. Since its deployment in 1992, UNPREDEP has been largely successful. It has effectively discharged its primary task of monitoring, and reporting on the situation along, the borders of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and with Albania.”
1996-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3670 (1996) · source
“III for their sacrifice and indispensable contribution to the consolidation of peace and stability in Angola under extremely difficult conditions.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“In the expectation that the Government of Angola and UNITA will honour their commitments under the Lusaka Protocol and the Libreville agreement without delay, my Government supports the extension of the UNAVEM. III mandate until 11 July 1996. We therefore will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council. The international community can be helpful only when the parties concerned try to help themselves by searching for mutual reconciliation. It must be borne in mind that lasting peace will remain elusive unless it is firmly rooted in the political will and the good faith of the parties to come to terms and make peace with each other. Finally, my delegation pays tribute to the men and women of UNAVEM.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“III deserves our commendation and encouragement for the excellent job it has done in this area, as referred to in paragraph 16 of the Secretary General's report. We agree about the urgent need to accelerate the demining efforts, and call for active cooperation from the Angolan parties to this end. The Angolan peace process stands at a critical juncture now. In the coming days and weeks the political will and commitment of the Angolan parties to carry forward the peace process will be rigorously tested. UNAVEM. III is currently the largest United Nations peace-keeping operation in the world, with 7,200 troops, drawn from 36 Member States, including Korea. Given the commitment of the United Nations, as symbolized by the level of resources it has devoted to Angola, the Council cannot afford to let the Angolan peace process stall.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“Alioune Blondin Beye, to bring the Angolan Government and UNITA to terms for the formation of the unified armed forces. The establishment of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation will come as the culmination of the peace process. This involves a constitutional reform providing for power-sharing arrangements, including the description of the post to be assumed by Mr. Savimbi in the new Government. Progress in this area will be meaningful only when it is based on mutual confidence between the Angolan parties. In this respect, we urge President Dos Santos and Mr. Savimbi to meet at the earliest opportunity in Angola to resolve all outstanding issues. We also attach great importance to road rehabilitation and demining as a prerequisite for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Angola. UNAVEM.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“Progress is also long overdue in the negotiations on the integration of UNITA troops into the FAA. Inasmuch as the conclusion of these negotiations is crucial in making the peace process irreversible, it is a testing ground for the political will and commitment of the Angolan parties to the peace process. Progress in this area is essential to the establishment of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation. It will also provide strong incentives to the quartering process. In this respect, we call on both sides to rise above their narrow parochial interests and work out necessary arrangements for the formation of unified armed forces by 15 May, as agreed in the Joint Commission's calendar of actions for May. We look forward to the success of the good offices undertaken by the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Mr.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“Savimbi on 1 March in Libreville, the first two tasks are to be completed by June and the third by mid-July. On the crucial front of quartering, progress has been slow and uneven. Although the accelerated quartering of UNITA troops in the past several days is a welcome development, we regret UNIT A's failure to complete the quartering of all its troops by today in compliance with resolution 1045 (1996). The new deadline for the completion of quartering is less than two months away, and yet we are barely half way through. We share the Secretary General's concern, expressed in paragraph 33 of his report, that any further procrastination in the quartering of UNITA troops could bring about the collapse of the whole peace process. We call on Mr. Savimbi to fulfil his commitment to complete the quartering by June.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“III mandate on 8 February, including the near completion of the quartering of the rapid reaction police, progress in the withdrawal of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) from the quartering areas and a relative calm in the military situation, with diminishing cease-fire violations. However, the overall progress to date in the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol falls far short of our expectations. There are three vital tasks to be accomplished if the peace process is to be assured of success: the timely completion of the quartering of UNITA troops, the integration of UNITA troops into the Angolan Armed Forces and the national police, and the establishment of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation. According to the new timetables agreed upon between President Dos Santos and Mr.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“My delegation wishes to join others in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I am convinced that under your leadership the work of the Security Council will be most productive. You have our full confidence and support in carrying out the responsibilities of the presidency for the month of May. I should like to thank your predecessor, Ambassador Somavia of Chile, for the wisdom and efficiency with which he conducted the Council's business during the month of April. My delegation also expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/l996/328) on the situation in Angola. We note some positive developments since the last extension of the UNAVEM.”
1996-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3662 (1996) · source
“Noting that the draft resolution adequately reflects the views of my Government and the international community in addressing the issue of the assassination attempt on the life of President Mubarak and the issue of international terrorism, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council. We sincerely hope that the Government of Sudan will heed the decision of the Security Council by promptly extraditing the three suspects, in full compliance with resolution 1044 (1996). Sudan has been suffering from a longstanding civil war and already has more than its fair share of economic difficulties. Any further aggravation of the plight of the Sudanese people and any further deepening of the isolation of Sudan are the last things my Government wishes to see.”
1996-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3660 (1996) · source
“Although the draft resolution before us invokes Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the sanctions contemplated in operative paragraph 3 are of a symbolic rather than a substantive nature. It should be noted that they carefully exclude any measure that could have a direct impact on the Sudanese population. None the less, operative paragraph 8 of the draft resolution demonstrates the Council's determination to consider further measures, in the event that the Council's demands specified in operative paragraph 1 are not complied with within 60 days of 10 May. This is a clear message that must be taken seriously.”
1996-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3660 (1996) · source
“In the case at hand, however, we see no alternative but to resort to Chapter VII as the ultimate means of ensuring the implementation of resolution 1044 (1996). Sudan has been under the legal obligation to extradite to Ethiopia for prosecution the three suspects wanted in connection with the assassination attempt on the life of President Mubarak, as called for in paragraph 4 (a) of resolution 1044 (1996). There has been no lack of diplomatic efforts to seek Sudan's compliance on the part of either the United Nations Secretary-General or the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity. Unfortunately, to date all these efforts have been to no avail. Nor have we heard of any progress in the implementation of paragraph 4 (b) of the resolution.”
1996-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3660 (1996) · source
“My Government is on record as to the clarity of its position with respect to international terrorism. We view international terrorism as a major threat to international peace and security in today's world. We remain committed to its eradication from the face of the globe through concerted international action, and welcome the attention and the seriousness with which the Security Council is facing up to the issue. My delegation deeply regrets that the Security Council has come to where it stands in the implementation of its resolution 1044 (1996) of 31 January 1996. My Government is one of those that advocate the utmost caution and prudence in taking action under Chapter VII of the Charter.”
1996-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3660 (1996) · source
“The return of these people to their homes is essential, not only for the normalization of the situation in Rwanda but also for the stabilization of the region. In this regard, my delegation commends all States, United Nations agencies, international organizations and non-governmental organizations that have provided humanitarian assistance and encourages them to continue their much-appreciated work. To this end, we attach special importance to the effective implementation of the Cairo Declaration of Heads of States of the Great Lakes Region of 29 November 1995, which reaffirms the need to terminate radio broadcasts that spread hate and fear among the people, especially among the refugees in the region. On the basis of these views of my Government, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“In this regard, the Commission should be given, among other things, full access to all relevant locations and witnesses requested by it, in private and without the presence of officials or representatives of any Government. It is also important to note that States in the Great Lakes region should not allow their territory to be used as a base for armed groups to launch incursions or raids against any other State, in violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Lastly, my delegation would like to stress that there is an urgent need to find a long-term solution to the plight of the millions of refugees and displaced persons in Rwanda and neighbouring States.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“Against this backdrop, we welcome and support the retention of the Commission of Inquiry with a view to following up its earlier investigations and to ensuring the full implementation of the arms embargo, as reflected in operative paragraph 2 of the draft resolution. In order to ensure the full and effective implementation of the arms embargo, my delegation believes that all States, particularly those in the region, should intensify their efforts to prevent illegal flows of weapons and military equipment to militia groups or former Rwandan government forces and create such national mechanisms as deemed necessary in this regard. My delegation urges all States, in particular those whose nationals have been implicated in the report of the Commission, to render every possible assistance to the Commission.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“We are further disturbed by the finding of the Commission that certain Rwandan elements are receiving military training to conduct destabilizing raids into Rwanda. In view of the fact that illegal flows of arms and related materiel in the Great Lakes region would seriously threaten the peace and stability of the area, my delegation stresses the importance it attaches to the continued, full and effective implementation of the arms embargo under the relevant Council resolutions. This is all the more so in the post-United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) period, in which the presence of the United Nations is considerably reduced.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“First of all, my delegation wishes to commend the members of the International Commission of Inquiry for the tireless efforts they have made in fulfilling the Commission's mandate under difficult conditions. We are also grateful for the two reports that the Commission has submitted, following its comprehensive and in-depth investigation of the allegations of the illegal sales and supply of arms in the Great Lakes region. In reference to the Commission's reports, my delegation expresses its grave concern about the Commission's conclusion that it is highly probable that a violation of the arms embargo occurred involving two shipments of arms to Goma, Zaire, from Seychelles in June 1994, destined for former Rwandan government forces.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“It was in this context that we strongly encouraged France and others to promote a consensus text fully taking into account the urgent need for the Security Council to take action today. In our view, there was a window of opportunity which members could have utilized to promote a consensus text. However, it seems to us that that opportunity was not fully explored. It was for that reason that we decided to abstain in the vote on draft resolution S/ 1996/292.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“My delegation wishes to take this opportunity to commend the delegation of France for having so successfully promoted consensus among the members of the Council, enabling us to act now in unity and in a timely manner. My delegation would like to add a word of appreciation for the intensive diplomatic efforts being conducted by France, Italy, the United States and others to bring to an immediate end the senseless killing that has been taking place for the past seven days. We are convinced that the resolution we have adopted today will shore up these efforts. Although the major thrust of draft resolution S/1996/292 was acceptable to the Korean delegation, we were well aware that some elements were contentious enough to be opposed by some members of the Council.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“My delegation is satisfied to note that all the members of the Council, including my delegation, were able to accept that draft resolution. We take great pride in seeing that the Council has been able to act in unison in dealing with the extremely complicated issue at hand, which has significant bearing upon the peace and stability of the entire Middle East region. My delegation strongly believes that united action by the Council will carry a clear and credible message to the parties in particular and to the international community as a whole. It was for these reasons that my delegation voted in favor of draft resolution S/ 1996/304.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“As the organ with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Council should react to the situation in a resolute and timely manner so that the hostilities can be brought to an end immediately and so that the Middle East peace process is not derailed. The draft resolution contained in document S/1996/304 is a clear expression of the collective will of the members of the Security Council. It also reflects the common wish and firm resolve of the international community, in that it calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities as well as for strict respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon as reaffirmed by resolution 425 (1978), and in that it calls upon Member States to respect the safety and security of civilians.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“As my delegation has already stated, in the formal meeting of the Security Council on Monday, we are gravely concerned at the continuing hostilities and the further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, which has resulted in an increasing number of civilian casualties and the destruction of property. We were shocked at the news this morning of the death of more than 60 innocent civilians and of the serious injuries inflicted upon several United Nations personnel in a compound of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Given the gravity and urgency of the situation and its possible negative impact on the overall Middle East peace process, the Security Council must act promptly and resolutely. It has already been seven days since the tragic and senseless killing started.”
1996-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3654 (1996) · source
“It is in this context that my delegation joins the appeals of the international community to the parties concerned to cease the fighting immediately and to enter into negotiations for a peaceful settlement on the basis of the Council resolution 425 (1978).”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“From a historical perspective, the current situation serves as a sobering reminder of the significant obstacles which exist in overcoming the deep-rooted suspicions and hatred among the parties in the region. It has been the Republic of Korea's consistent view that only through open-minded and serious dialogue can the parties concerned overcome these formidable impediments to peace and security in the Middle East. At this critical juncture, my delegation firmly believes that only restraint by the parties directly concerned can keep the peace process alive. The continuation of the present hostilities will merely provide the extremists with further pretexts to hamper the peace process and dim the prospect for achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“My delegation reaffirms its support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries, as reiterated by the Council on various occasions. We are particularly disturbed by the growing number of civilian casualties which have resulted from the targeting of cities and villages by the two sides. It is alarming that the 1993 understanding between the parties to restrict fighting to military targets in the l9-mile buffer zone seems to have been scrapped. We call upon both parties immediately to cease targeting civilian populated areas and to respect fully the non-combatant status of civilians. My delegation is equally concerned at the growing number of refugees who are fleeing their homes, and the worsening humanitarian situation in the area of conflict.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“It is, however, all the more reason for the members of this Council to deliberate cautiously and patiently on this issue, as peace in the Middle East cannot be complete without reconciliation between Israel and Lebanon, as well as between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and between Israel and Syria. The Middle East peace process can be rounded out only by making progress on each track, in keeping with the approach envisioned at the Madrid Peace Conference. In this regard, we would like to join the previous speakers in expressing deep concern about the recent escalation of the hostilities and the sharp deterioration of the situation in Lebanon and along the Israel-Lebanon border.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“The graphic scene of the destruction of the white ambulance, which reportedly killed two women and four children the other day in southern Lebanon, is a shattering reminder of a tragedy which must be brought to an end at once. My delegation is of the view that the current situation in Lebanon and along the Israel-Lebanon border deserves serious consideration by all the members in this Chamber, particularly given its possible impact upon the overall Middle East peace process. The fact that the Council must meet twice in a single day on the question of the Middle East is a distressful reflection of the grave situation which exists at multiple levels in that region.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3653 (1996) · source
“Given that both Israel and the PLO have a crucial stake in the continuation of the peace process, the spirit of compromise and cooperation must be revived by accommodating in a most balanced manner the economic well-being of the Palestine people and the security interests of Israel. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to appeal once again to both Israelis and Palestinians to move beyond the bloodshed and suffering of the past by implementing faithfully and promptly the international commitments they freely entered into.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Fortunately, there is an array of legal frameworks to support this end, particularly the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements of 1993 and all subsequent agreements, including the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1995. But ultimately, it is the wisdom, courage and patience of the Israelis and Palestinians alike which will enable them to surmount the daunting challenges before them. As the problems facing the two peoples are man-made, so too can the solution be forged among these two parties.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“After all, it is the obvious goal of the extremists to fan the flames of hatred among Palestinians against Israel and the peace process. Therefore, the current situation of the region demands a most cautious and balanced approach. While terrorism should be prevented, the economic well-being of the Palestinians should be duly considered as well. Although the international community should encourage the pursuit of such a solution, primarily to preserve the peace process, the task itself is in the hands of the parties directly concerned.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Participants in the Summit expressed their firm support for the peace process and issued a strong condemnation of terrorism. Despite the international community's hope that the Middle East peace process would continue intact, we note that the Israeli policy adopted in response to the terrorist attacks has adversely impacted the lives of Palestinians. In particular, Israeli measures such as the closure of its borders with the West Bank and Gaza have caused enormous hardship for the Palestinian people and have stirred international concern. The socio-economic problems resulting from Israeli countermeasures should be resolved as soon as possible, not only from a humanitarian perspective, but also for the sake of the peace process itself.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“It is due to these very encouraging signs that the international community has been filled with hope that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region is within reach. Regrettably, a series of terrorist attacks in Israel on 25 and 26 February and on 3 and 4 March sent a dark cloud over the region. Fully recognizing that these acts of cowardice were intended to derail the peace process, all the members in this Chamber echoed their support for peace and called on the parties to consolidate their efforts and increase their cooperation in curbing violence and combating terrorism. Outside the Council, the international community advocated a similar position by holding the Summit of Peacemakers on 13 March in Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai peninsula.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source
“Although the Middle East peace process suffered a devastating blow last year with the tragic loss of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the year 1996 has begun on a note of optimism, most notably in the successful conclusion of the conference on assistance to the Palestinians, held on 9 January in Paris, where the Republic of Korea announced its decision to provide additional grant aid of $3 million beyond the $12 million already offered for rehabilitation projects of the Palestinian people. Within the region itself, the Palestinians achieved another milestone in the quest for the expansion of self-rule and peaceful coexistence with the Israelis by holding elections of the Palestinian Council and President of the Palestinian Authority on 20 January in a peaceful and democratic manner.”
1996-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3652 (1996) · source