YouSaid · the spoken record

Pascoe

lines on the record: 957
first: 2007-03-14
most recent: 2012-04-23
sittings or episodes: 55
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

“It is our belief that the new United Nations mandate, matched by strong international support, provides the necessary framework to move towards building a more stable Iraq.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“However, the trust fund will be exhausted next month. Without immediate financial assistance, the ability of the United Nations to operate in Iraq could be severely compromised. In conclusion, strong international efforts to counter the unfolding crises in Iraq are critical. The international community not only has a vital security stake in the stability of Iraq; it also has a responsibility to encourage and enable the Government of Iraq to build inclusive and cumulative processes that can bring about stability. While the Government of Iraq acknowledges that it has the primary responsibility for this task, the magnitude and number of challenges confronting the Government entitle it to call upon the international community for necessary assistance.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“We are grateful to those Member States that have provided protection and logistical support to the United Nations presence in Iraq, including those providing air support and troops for the Distinct Entity to provide security for UNAMI. Given the new mandate in Iraq, I urge Member States to provide additional financial and logistical resources for the Mission. That includes funding for dedicated air assets, support for funding for the new integrated United Nations facility in Baghdad and additional required security arrangements, such as the provision of military advisers. Of immediate concern is the status of the trust fund established to support the Distinct Entity that provides protection for the United Nations in accordance with Security Council resolution 1546 (2004). This security arrangement will be required at least through 2008.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“The Mission continues to work to become increasingly self-sufficient in areas of logistical support and security, and plans for a new integrated headquarters in Baghdad have been developed. 3 In the light of the tasks and challenges before us, the United Nations will continue to rely on Member States for support. It is important that the United Nations be afforded the necessary political and humanitarian space to implement the new mandate, and the ability of the Organization to talk with all sides must be protected and respected. Security arrangements and financial and logistical backing are also essential for the success of the United Nations Mission in Iraq.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“UNAMI and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights are committed to working closely with the Government on how best to realize an early improvement in the human rights situation. Taking into account the current security situation, the United Nations is working to create the necessary preconditions to fulfil an enhanced role in Iraq. The Secretary-General has increased the staff ceilings in Baghdad from 65 to 85 and in Erbil from 29 to 35; an outreach programme that places national liaison officers in each of the Governors' offices has begun, and we are looking into re-establishing the United Nations presence in Basra. UNAMI and the country team have also adopted an area-based approach that expands activities where circumstances are more permissible.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“The international community also has a large assistance role to play, and I hope that all commitments are honoured in a timely manner. The ultimate solution to the humanitarian crisis, however, will only be realized when the political, economic and security situation inside Iraq permits the safe return of refugees and IDPs to their homes. The Secretary-General's latest report once again expresses serious concern about the current human rights situation in Iraq. The Government of Iraq has a particular responsibility to bring perpetrators of human rights abuses to justice, as well as to strengthen the institutions that promote the rule of law, particularly the security forces and the judiciary. The United Nations welcomes the commitment of the Iraqi Government to that goal.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“The Compact secretariat continues to oversee the work of thematic working groups and to make progress on a six-month work plan intended to move all aspects of the Compact forward. 07-55351 The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to be alarming and provides ample evidence of the impact violence in Iraq has on civilians on a daily basis. The estimated number of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) rose to 4.2 million, with monthly displacement rates climbing to over 60,000 persons. The Iraqi Cabinet decision to provide financial assistance to refugee host countries, in accordance with the commitment made in Geneva last April, is a welcome and much-needed development. Now it is time to finalize the delivery mechanism for that support so that vital assistance to the refugee population is immediately bolstered.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“As the report highlights, the dialogue among Iraq's neighbours and other key international actors initiated at Sharm el-Sheikh is encouraging. The three working groups have convened and have discussed concrete issues. The United Nations has offered to support a mechanism to ensure adequate follow-up on the expanded meetings of Iraq's neighbours and the working groups. It is our hope that the next expanded meeting of Iraq's neighbours, to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, in early November 2007, will address this matter in a constructive manner. The high-level meeting on 22 September also highlighted progress made in the implementation of the International Compact with Iraq and in other aspects of development and reconstruction assistance.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“Resolution 1770 (2007) envisions a strengthened United Nations role in assisting the Government of Iraq in promoting the constructive engagement of regional countries, and the high-level meeting on Iraq co-hosted by the Secretary-General and Prime Minister al-Maliki on 22 September reinforced support for the United Nations role in this area. Iraq's neighbouring countries, and others in the region, remain vital for the stability of Iraq. While competing views and national interests exist, all of Iraq's neighbours have an interest in limiting the deterioration of the situation in Iraq, and no one wishes to see instability engulf the region or spread to their country. There is a need for neighbouring countries to embrace a responsible and measured approach to Iraq's challenges.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“The challenge now is to make progress on the constitutional review and major legislation which is central to the 07-55351 process of reconciliation, such as that relating to oil and the law to reform de-Baathification. To truly make a difference on the ground, however, these developments will need to form part of, and contribute to, a wider political reconciliation process in Iraq. This is primarily the responsibility of the Iraqi Government, and the United Nations stands ready to assist to that end. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also remains committed to supporting Iraqi preparations for future electoral events by working to build the capacity of the Independent High Electoral Commission and advising on key electoral legislation.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“With the adoption of resolution 1770 (2007), the Council recognizes the need for an enhanced effort to assist the people and the leadership of Iraq. In particular, the new mandate creates the basis for broader United Nations efforts in advancing national dialogue, and the Secretary-General's new Special Representative will immediately explore possibilities when he reaches Iraq in two weeks. While it has proven difficult to strike a mutually acceptable balance between the competing claims on the basic issues of Iraq's future amid ongoing violence, mistrust and bitter memories, Iraqi leaders must move beyond rhetoric and mere statements of intent.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“Increasing levels of displacement add to an already alarming humanitarian crisis. Current conditions, therefore, greatly impact the ability of the United Nations to perform its duties and provide assistance to those in need. However, as the Secretary-General noted in his report, there is an opportunity today that should not be missed. September witnessed the lowest number of Iraqi casualties for the year. The ceasefire declared by the Mahdi Army, the Sunni insurgent alliance against Al-Qaida, the pact reached by the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council and the Sadrists and the efforts by the Multinational Force in Iraq and the Iraqi security forces all appear to be contributing to this effect. These events represent a political opportunity to transform military-political development into a basis for achieving broad national reconciliation.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Before you, Mr. President, is the first report issued pursuant to resolution 1770 (2007), and it reflects the expanded nature of the new mandate and preparations made by the United Nations for that role. The report before you also illustrates the magnitude of the challenges facing Iraq and the efforts of the Government of Iraq, neighbouring countries, the United Nations and the wider international community to address them. Iraq is faced today with an exceptionally complex series of overlapping sectarian, political and ethnic conflicts that have proved beyond the capacity of any one actor or policy initiative to resolve. Violence aimed at civilian populations and members of the Government continues to impede efforts to establish stability in the country and makes national dialogue challenging.”
2007-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5763 (2007) · source
“The united effort of the international community will be vital to ensure that the renewed diplomatic effort produces something meaningful and durable. There will be difficult and unpopular choices ahead. Calculated risks are required for peace. The risks of inaction or timidity are incomparably greater than the risks of action. Now is the time for leaders to put their long-suffering people first, to think of the next generation and to do what needs to be done.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“The iftar is an opportunity for the Quartet to convey its determination to work closely with its Arab partners in an effort to realize the potential of the Arab Peace Initiative and to advance the cause of a comprehensive regional peace. The AHLC meeting is the occasion for Prime Minister Fayyad to present his Government's plan for Palestinian economic revival and for donors to signal their support in advance of a donor pledging conference before the end of the year. Those meetings will only be as useful as the agreements and steps of implementation they help bring about, and the changes on the ground they help to catalyse. Much is at stake in the coming months. The situation on the ground is volatile and there are many obstacles to progress.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“The United Nations will continue to assert in the clearest terms with both parties that one violation cannot justify another. As the Council is aware, the Quartet meets this Sunday, 23 September, followed by an iftar with a number of members of the League of Arab States. The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) meets the following day. The Secretary-General will host or co-host all of those events. 07-51121 The Quartet will hear from Mr. Blair on his plans for the period ahead, take stock of progress in the bilateral talks and discuss the way ahead in preparation for the international meeting called by President Bush. The Secretary-General will also impress upon his colleagues his concern for the welfare of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“In the monthly tripartite meetings, the parties agreed on the modalities for visibly marking an initial 6-kilometre section of the Blue Line. Cooperation between UNIFIL and the LAF is being further enhanced by the initiation of some coordinated patrolling activities, which it is hoped will increase in the weeks ahead. During the reporting period, the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces also visited UNIFIL, and a successful joint UNIFIL-LAF military exercise was held. Israeli air violations of the Blue Line have continued. UNIFIL observed a total of 99 violations since the last briefing to the Council. Israel continues to claim that the violations are necessary to counter breaches of the resolution 1701 (2006) arms embargo, which it says continue to occur.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“Political tensions remain high surrounding the upcoming presidential elections in Lebanon. It is paramount that the elections be held in accordance with the time frame and procedures stipulated in the Lebanese constitution. That requires an open and genuine dialogue among the parties with a view to electing a President who enjoys the broadest support of the Lebanese people. The Secretary-General has been in contact with Lebanese leaders to encourage them to spare no effort in reaching an agreement on a President. The Special Coordinator for Lebanon is also continuing to work closely with all parties on the ground towards that end. The situation in the area of operation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remains calm, with no serious incidents to report.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“I pay tribute to the LAF soldiers and stress the importance of the Lebanese Government exercising its full sovereignty and control over all Lebanese territory, and for securing a victory for all of Lebanon against a clear threat to its sovereignty and stability. In order to address the immediate and longer- term requirements of both the Palestinian and Lebanese communities affected by the fighting, the Government of Lebanon has appealed for approximately $382 million, which includes a new emergency flash appeal issued by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for $55 million. The UNRWA appeal remains underfunded, with only $17 million in pledges to date. I urge Member States to assist the Government of Lebanon to meet the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“I would also like to inform the Council that yesterday the Secretary- General received a letter from Prime Minister Siniora of Lebanon, requesting that the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission extend assistance in the investigation of this heinous crime. The Secretary-General will convey that letter to the Security Council immediately. In a positive development, on 2 September, after 15 weeks of fighting in and around the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) declared victory over Fatah al-Islam. The fighting, which started on 20 May, resulted in 166 Lebanese soldiers being killed. Approximately 222 militants were also killed and 202 were arrested. In recent days, the army has continued to arrest militants who had managed to escape and is also questioning those under arrest.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“The Israeli Government has not commented on those allegations, which have been the subject of extensive media speculation. In Lebanon, Member of Parliament Antoine Ghanem of the 14 March parliamentary group was assassinated yesterday. Seven other people were killed and many more were injured in the explosion. The Secretary-General strongly condemned that act of terrorism, which, like others before it, was aimed at undermining Lebanon's stability. The Secretary-General also urged the Lebanese to exercise utmost calm and restraint and encouraged continued dialogue among them.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“I call on all concerned to work with the United Nations to find a secure and satisfactory way to re-open the crossings. I now turn to the regional situation. During the reporting period, a number of Arab League member States, as well as the Arab League Secretary-General, have stressed that the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue must produce substantive results if it is to receive Arab support and be the basis for a successful international meeting. They have also called for the meeting to be comprehensive. On 9 September 2007, the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic wrote to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council, alleging a breach of the airspace of the Syrian Arab Republic by the Israeli air force on 6 September.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“Some $200-million-worth of United Nations and World Bank infrastructure programmes in the Gaza strip have been halted. A third of students have begun their school year without textbooks. Almost all exports from the Gaza Strip have ceased, though recently arrangements have been made to facilitate a limited amount of exports through Kerem Shalom. The inflow of foodstuffs into the Gaza Strip is slowly declining - approximately 27 fewer truckloads per day in August as compared to July. The World Food Programme reports that current levels of food imports only cover about 60 per cent of food import needs. The Acting Special Coordinator is developing, in close consultation with many interested parties, a proposal to increase access through the crossings, including re-opening Karni.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“3 The report goes on to recommend a series of measures capable of reversing those trends if implemented in parallel: full implementation of the November 2005 Agreement on Access and Movement; more work to consolidate the rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territories; and aid delivered predictably and through the Palestinian Authority. The Bank also stresses that the Gaza Strip represents 40 per cent of the population of the occupied Palestinian territory and must be incorporated into any recovery plan. In that context, the continued closure of Gaza is a source of deep concern. While humanitarian supplies are reaching the population, the Karni and Rafah crossings have been closed since the Hamas takeover in mid-June. That has caused severe personal and economic hardship.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“The scale of the challenge to rejuvenate the Palestinian economy is underlined by the World Bank in a report prepared for the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which documents a comprehensive drop in socioeconomic indicators throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. Per capita gross domestic product declined from $1,612 in 1999 to $1,129 in 2006. Chronic diseases have increased by 31 per cent since 2005. One in 10 Palestinian children under five years of age is now stunted as a result of malnutrition. Palestinian private sector capability and investment potential are declining. The economy is becoming increasingly reliant on short-term aid, mostly spent on recurring expenditure rather than development.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“For example, further action is required to disarm militants Israel has agreed to remove from wanted lists. With the resumption of Israeli transfers of Palestinian tax revenue, public sector salaries are being paid in the West Bank and Gaza, though in the case of Gaza most public sector employees are not reporting to work due to the dispute over who they report to. The Government has embarked on an integrated budgeting and planning approach that will result in a Palestinian development and reform plan for 2008- 2010. The plan aims to improve resource allocation to national priorities, increase the predictability of funding for services, and provide the basis for strengthened public expenditure management.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“On 4 September, the Israeli High Court ordered a section of the barrier rerouted where it deviates from the 1967 armistice line to incorporate the settlement bloc of Modiin. The Israeli army was unable to make a security case for the planned route in front of a judge, and the route was altered as a result. The Palestinian Authority under Prime Minister Fayyad is working to impose law and order, institute reform and good governance, and improve living conditions. On security, more needs to be done to build confidence among Israelis and Palestinians alike that the Palestinian Authority security services will operate with professionalism and determination to prevail over militias. That is a key test for the Authority and meeting it is vital to the success of the political process.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“This level of restriction is contrary to the Agreement on Movement and Access and to the goal of rejuvenating the Palestinian economy. Action on this matter is now critical. Settlement construction is continuing on both sides of the barrier in the majority of settlements. No action has been taken against outposts. A new outpost is visible within 100 metres of an Israeli army post at the northern entrance to Ramallah. Continued settlement expansion is contrary to international law and the road map and discredits efforts to advance the peace process. 07-51121 Construction of the barrier deep within the West Bank continues, contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“In the West Bank, the IDF conducted 110 searches, detaining 175 Palestinians. The IDF claims that its security measures have prevented a number of planned suicide bombings and that earlier in the month it uncovered an explosives laboratory in Nablus. A raid into Nablus which began on 18 September and is continuing has left a 17-year old Palestinian and a disabled Palestinian man dead. An Israeli soldier has also been killed in the incursion. Earlier steps to build confidence and improve conditions on the ground in the West Bank have not been built upon in the reporting period. For example, a welcome Israeli initiative to release a further number of Palestinian prisoners appears to have been slowed down. No action has been taken to ease obstacles to freedom of movement in the West Bank, which have risen to 563.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“As noted yesterday, while we fully understand Israel's security concerns, the steps announced would, if implemented, violate Israel's obligations towards the civilian population under international humanitarian and human rights law. There are 1.4 million people in Gaza, including the old, the young and the sick. They should not be punished for the unacceptable actions of militants and extremists. We believe that Israel should rethink that decision. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) actions have also caused civilian casualties. On 22 August, Palestinian twins aged 10 and a 12-year old from the same family were killed by an IDF missile targeting northern Gaza. No satisfactory public investigation or action has been taken in similar incidents to give confidence that the IDF is making a maximum effort to prevent such casualties.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“A rocket fired by Islamic Jihad also struck an Israeli army base at Zikim on ll September, injuring 44 soldiers, including one critically, while 23 others were treated for shock. Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit remains in captivity in Gaza and efforts to renew talks for his release appear to have made no headway. Yesterday, the Israeli security cabinet declared Gaza an enemy entity and announced its intention to interrupt essential services, such as electricity and fuel, to the civilian population. Israel has also closed the 07-51121 Strip for the movement of Palestinians in and out and indicated that it will severely restrict the movement of internationals.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad insist that Hamas apologize for its violent takeover of Gaza in June, reverse the steps it has taken, and recognize the Palestinian Authority. However, Hamas continues to reject those demands and to call for dialogue, while solidifying its de facto rule in Gaza. Violence between Israelis and Palestinians has also continued. In the reporting period, 20 Palestinians were killed and 89 injured, while one Israeli was killed and 50 were injured. I condemn the continued indiscriminate rocket fire by Palestinian militants in Gaza against civilian population centres in southern Israel. Those attacks have caused casualties and damage, particularly in Sderot, at which 10 rockets were fired in the opening two days of the school year.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“The Palestinian Authority has closed over 100 charities and non-governmental organizations. In the absence of sessions of the Palestinian Legislative Council, President Abbas continues to rule by decree. A recent decree introduced major changes to the electoral law by adopting a full proportional system and requiring any party participating in future elections to be committed to the 1988 Declaration of Independence of the Palestine Liberation Organization as well as the Basic Law. Hamas has strongly attacked that decree. The continued division of the occupied Palestinian territory is a matter of deep political, security and socioeconomic concern. Obviously, the longer it continues the harder it will be to overcome.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“He will also brief the Quartet on Sunday. The United Nations continues to give Mr. Blair's efforts its full support. As these diplomatic efforts have proceeded, violence among Palestinians has killed 11 and injured 95, including 8 children. There have been several violent confrontations with heavy exchanges of fire, reflecting a deep and continuing political crisis. In Gaza, Hamas has replaced senior personnel in ministries, while adopting increasingly repressive measures to solidify its control. I am particularly concerned at reports of mounting human rights abuses at the hands of paramilitary Hamas forces, including the violent dispersal of demonstrations and the illegal detention of other Palestinians. In the West Bank, Palestinian Authority security forces have been arresting alleged Hamas members.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: We are at a very important juncture in the search for peace in the Middle East. A new push for peace is being made and holds genuine promise. However, the situation on the ground remains one of deep concern. Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas continue their bilateral dialogue. They recently agreed to set up negotiating teams to assist them in transforming their discussions into an agreed text. A lot of work remains to be done if these talks are to produce a substantive agreement. United States Secretary of State Rice is currently in the region to take stock of progress and encourage further effort. She will brief the Quartet when it meets here in New York on Sunday. Quartet representative Blair recently completed his second visit to the region to develop his agenda on economic revival and institutional reform.”
2007-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5746 (2007) · source
“A coherent and consistent United Nations approach to natural resource management therefore is essential and will have a critical role to play in the Organization's peace, security and development activities. We look forward to working closely with the Security Council on that issue in the months and years to come.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“I welcome the recent admission of Liberia to the Kimberley Process and hope to see the Process further strengthened through better monitoring, stronger verification and increased transparency. Finally, we must not overlook the potential for the natural resource challenge to provide opportunities for cooperation and the defusing of political tensions. The management of shared water resources can be a powerful force for peace. One example is the Nile Basin Initiative, which includes institutions for joint problem-solving amongst the 10 riparian countries. Equitable and accountable natural resource management is a key element of an effective State and must be a critical element of our efforts in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The Pact needs to be brought into force as quickly as possible. Another example is the Gulf of Guinea Commission, which brings together all oil-producing countries of the western African coast and will address specifically issues of natural resources and security. We must also continue to encourage efforts - working with regional organizations, Member States and non-governmental organizations - to regulate business practices and promote corporate social responsibility in conflict-prone environments, not just with respect to specific industries but across the board. The Global Compact seeks to do exactly that, and encouraging lessons have been learned from existing initiatives, such as the Kimberley Process and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“For instance, while the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must live up to its commitments under the governance contract, which promises improved stewardship of the country's resources, international support for its efforts will be critical to success. Translating those types of commitments into action requires a comprehensive approach that draws together the technical and financial resources of development agencies, regional diplomacy and international commodity-specific monitoring and certification schemes. Regional approaches are key, given the cross- border dimension of the trade in illicit resources. I welcome new regional initiatives, such as the December 2006 Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region, which includes a Protocol against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The fledgling mediation support capacity in our department is working to develop operational guidance for mediators on this question and will include this expertise in the planned standing team of mediation specialists. However, any agreements on the management of resources will remain on paper only if they are not accompanied by the necessary capacity. We need to build the national capacities of vulnerable countries to establish effective economic governance, as with Liberia's Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme (GEMAP). Good governance and transparency are required not only of Governments in whose territory the illegal exploitation is taking place, but also of Governments in a position to police the activity of those engaged in illegal exploitation and illicit trade.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“However, the scale of illegal exploitation of natural resources far surpasses MONUC's resources. Neither sanctions nor peacekeeping operations alone can produce sustainable solutions to this problem. What is required is a commitment on the part of all stakeholders to the equitable sharing of natural resources and to good governance, accountability and transparency. I have already alluded to the critical role that natural resources often play in creating crises inside and between countries. Our crisis-prevention strategies must be greatly enhanced to include the capacity to deal with natural resources issues early on. The issue of natural resources management should also be addressed during peace processes and in constitutions.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In Liberia, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) worked diligently to support Government compliance with the Kimberley Process, a prerequisite to removal of the embargo on rough diamonds, and supported the development of a national forestry reform law that allowed for the lifting of timber sanctions in September 2006. Moreover, while the diamond sanctions were lifted in April 2007, the most recent Security Council resolution - resolution 1760 (2007) - provided for a continuation of the mandate of the group of experts. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has been helping to restore stability to the resource-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo, working with the Panel of Experts.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The Department of Political Affairs continues to play a fundamental role in assisting Member States to improve the effectiveness of targeted sanctions. As Council members are aware, my department provides substantive servicing to sanctions committees and supports the work of the various expert groups and panels. Targeted measures imposed by the Security Council are playing a crucial role in sustaining peace processes, especially in the post-conflict peacebuilding phase, as in the case of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Although peacekeeping operations are of limited duration with explicit mandates, if they have adequate resources they can play a vital role in monitoring developments on the ground, enforcing sanctions and embargoes and supporting State capacity in that area.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Thanks in part to the efforts of the Security Council, we have gained important practical 3 experience in the context of sanctions regimes and peacekeeping, on which we must build. The imposition of targeted sanctions in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d'lvoire, the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, backed in many cases by the appointment of expert groups to monitor compliance, has yielded a wealth of knowledge about conflicts themselves and about the broader phenomenon of how they are fuelled by the illicit extraction of natural resources. As the Secretary- General noted in his 2006 report on the prevention of armed conflict, we must make better use of the knowledge gleaned from sanctions experiences. That knowledge can be invaluable in enhancing the quality of our crisis-prevention work.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Likewise, the African Union and the United Nations are embarking on a new effort to assist the parties in Darfur to conclude a political settlement and, as a recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme pointed out, it would be remiss of us to ignore the environmental underpinnings of that crisis. In Afghanistan, the drug economy represents a fundamental threat to the still-fragile political, economic and social institutions established according to the 2001 Bonn Agreement. While progress is required on all fronts - political, military and regional- no solution will be possible without making fundamental progress on eliminating the drug economy. As the international community faces those challenges, we can draw on many lessons from the past decade.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“With good governance and effective measures to ensure accountability and transparency, natural resources can be a great boon to a country and contribute to peace and development. We need to work actively to ensure that those factors are in place. A wide range of actors will have to be involved. As the Council is aware, I have just returned from Somalia, where food and water insecurity, combined with intra- and inter-clan rivalries and a legacy of poor governance, have left the country mired in violence. The proposed National Reconciliation Congress may be the best chance Somalia has had in the last 15 years to start moving forward. But we must not neglect the crucial issue of natural resources as we seek to assist Somalis in this important process.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Mr. Pascoe: Mr. President, thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before the Security 07-39337 Council today. This is an important topic and an important issue for debate. As the Council recognized in resolution 1625 (2005), there can be no question that there often exists a close link between illegal exploitation of natural resources and conflict. The question before us is: What can we do about it? In too many cases, the illegal exploitation of natural resources has triggered, exacerbated and prolonged armed conflict. The connection can be quite complex, and it is not limited to one region or one economic commodity. Nor is it limited to one phase of conflict. Solutions must take all of these issues into consideration.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Michael Williams as the new Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and his Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. I had hoped that the new Special Coordinator could be with us today, but the Secretary- General has dispatched him urgently to the region. He begins consultations today with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials, and will then travel to Cairo for meetings with the League of Arab States and the Government of Egypt. He will brief the Secretary- General before the Quartet meeting to be held in Berlin on 30 May.”
2007-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5683 (2007) · source
“In addition, Israeli aerial violations of the Blue Line have continued on a regular basis, in direct violation of 07-3567] resolution 1701 (2006). The United Nations reiterates its call on Israel to cease its violations of Lebanese airspace. Finally, pursuant to the presidential statement issued on 17 April 2007 (S/PRST/2007/12), the Secretary-General informed the Security Council, in a letter dated 23 May 2007, that arrangements for dispatching an independent mission to Lebanon to assess the monitoring of Lebanese-Syrian border security have concluded. Security circumstances permitting, the mission will be dispatched to Lebanon early next week. In conclusion, as the Council is aware, the Secretary-General has appointed Mr.”
2007-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5683 (2007) · source
“Political and religious leaders from across the spectrum in Lebanon condemned the killings, called for calm and asked their supporters to exercise restraint and allow the competent authorities to deal with the perpetrators. In southern Lebanon, the strength of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stands at just over 13,000. During the reporting period the overall situation along the Blue Line remained calm, although there have been a number of tense stand-offs between IDF and LAF soldiers at various points along the Line. In all cases, swift intervention from UNIFIL has helped to de-escalate the situation. Ongoing tensions have also been reflected in a number of provocative billboards erected by Hizbullah.”
2007-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5683 (2007) · source