YouSaid · the spoken record

Pfanzelter

lines on the record: 308
first: 2000-03-09
most recent: 2008-11-19
sittings or episodes: 39
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

“Accompanied by fair and equitable rules of transparency and access, those States that have opted for nuclear energy could have access to all the nuclear fuel they need under the control of the Agency, which would be responsible for ensuring safety and security. The creation of an IAEA fuel bank, currently under discussion, could be a first step in that direction. In conclusion, Austria wishes in particular to place on record its full support for multilateralism and the rule of law, existing international treaties and conventions, and initiatives for new global security treaties.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“From the very beginning, Austria has fully supported the process towards an arms trade treaty and hopes that the Open-ended Working Group will succeed in creating the basis for a robust and legally binding instrument in 2009. The multilateral regulation of the nuclear fuel cycle could be another way to increase confidence and mutual trust among States, thereby creating an environment more conducive to arms control and nuclear disarmament. Austria believes that it is time to design a framework suited to the nuclear realities of this century - a framework that places the most dangerous technologies, enrichment and reprocessing, under the multilateral control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“With more than 1,000 people dying daily from firearms, regulation of the trade in conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons, should be a matter of the highest priority for all United Nations Member States. Irresponsible arms transfers foment violent conflicts, perpetuate poverty and underdevelopment, and contribute to violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Thirteen years ago, Mr. Oscar Arias Sanchez, President of Costa Rica, called upon a group of fellow Nobel Peace laureates to promote an international campaign for the establishment of an agreement to control arms transfers, drafting the Nobel Peace Laureates' International Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Success stories at the intersection of disarmament, humanitarian law and the rule of law, such as the Ottawa Convention on Landmines, have been inspiring examples of the fact that legal arms control and disarmament not only are an aspiration, but also can become a reality with the necessary political will. A very recent example is the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which was agreed in May and will be opened for signature at the Signing Conference in Oslo on 3 December. As one of the States that have actively campaigned for the treaty, Austria hopes that many States will come to Oslo and be part of the process of banning a weapon that has proved to have terrible consequences for civilians. Such success stories give us hope.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Since 2007 we have witnessed growing momentum towards the universalization of the CTBT, as demonstrated by the recent ratifications by the Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Malaysia and Mozambique, as well as by the signatures of Iraq and Timor-Leste. The CTBT Ministerial Meeting of 24 September 2008 in New York demonstrated the widespread interest in bringing the Treaty into force. I would like to take this opportunity to call on all States that have not yet ratified the Treaty to do so as soon as possible. A second issue of concern to my Government is conventional arms and, in particular, an arms trade treaty.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The debate today and the concept paper presented by Costa Rica (S/2008/697) are part of such a fresh start. I would like to raise two issues of importance to the Austrian Government. The first concerns the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). By their very nature, nuclear tests are a deliberate threat to peace and security. Twenty years after the end of the cold war, the language of threats should no longer be used today. The entry into force of the CTBT is long overdue. As a co-Chair of the Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT - an honour we share with our partner Costa Rica - Austria is actively working for the early entry force of the CTBT by sponsoring CTBT conferences and workshops in different parts of the world.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Let me begin by thanking you, Sir, for this highly significant initiative. We have often said that arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation need more political attention. In view of rising arms expenditures worldwide, concerns about national nuclear programmes and little progress in the international disarmament forums, we must use every opportunity to discuss those pressing issues. Today's event demonstrates that the world's pre-eminent security forum, the Security Council, gives full attention to all aspects of disarmament, peace and development. Last month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon outlined five points for progress in the field of arms control and called for a fresh start not just for disarmament, but for strengthening our system of international peace and security.”
2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Austria will continue to work closely with the United Nations and all our other partners to improve the situation of children, especially those affected by armed conflict. In concluding, I would like to commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict for her activities, dedication, engagement and for the many endeavours she has undertaken to improve the plight of children in armed conflict.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“As a first step, the crime of rape and grave sexual Violence should be introduced as an additional element to trigger the monitoring and reporting mechanism. Together with many other speakers, we have laid out the reasons for that approach. Those reasons have gained even more weight in the meantime with the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) on sexual violence during and after armed conflict. Austria believes that the Security Council should therefore carry forward its intention to further strengthen the framework for the protection of children by reviewing the relevant provisions of its resolutions and initiating work on a new resolution to increase the efficiency of its actions. The future of our children depends on our response to the challenges before us today.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We also call on the Security Council and on Member States to fully use accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court, to bring to justice perpetrators of Violations against children. In this context, I would like to draw attention to the final report of the Austrian Initiative on the Security Council and the rule of law, which contains 17 concrete recommendations on how the Security Council could strengthen the rule of law in its various fields of activity. The report was recently issued as a document of the United Nations (S/2008/270) and is available in all official languages. Austria also supports the Secretary-General's recommendation that equal weight be given to all categories of grave violations against children.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Therefore, we hope that the Working Group can now return to a greater focus on effective measures to protect children. More resources are needed for all actors concerned. Austria would like to encourage the Council to ensure respect for its resolution 1612 (2005) and for all its previous resolutions on this issue. The fact that there is a long list of persistent violators is of increasing concern. We raised that concern at the last open debate on this subject, held in February, and we feel that we must do so again today. This situation demands further action by the Security Council to strengthen the rule of law and to end impunity. We support the Secretary-General's call to make full use of the range of measures and tools available to the Council.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The protection of children must therefore be systematically considered in peace agreements and in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations and political missions. Austria welcomes the increasing deployment of child protection advisers over the past few years. We also actively support ongoing efforts within the United Nations system to further develop good practices and guidance for their work. Indeed, the Security Council has an important role to play in providing effective protection to children in conflict situations. We wish to congratulate the Working Group, under French chairmanship, on its outstanding work, which is documented in the annual report now before the Council. Over the past six months, much time and energy has been spent on procedural issues.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Our interventions, I think we all agree, must be comprehensive and effective. We also agree that there is an imperative need to improve support for and protection of children. The effective reintegration of children associated with armed groups is of particular concern. Therefore, the situation of children must be systematically included in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. The specific needs and capacities of girls have to be given special attention. The Austrian Government is committed to further contributing to efforts in support of affected children and is, as members are aware, supporting a number of projects implemented by United Nations partners and at the bilateral level. The protection of children in armed conflict is not only a humanitarian concern, but also a significant peace and security issue.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We are very grateful to you, Sir, and to the Vietnamese presidency for convening today's open debate. We share with other speakers the desire to make our views known to the Council, because the issue of children in armed conflict has been a priority area of our foreign policy and especially of our commitment within the United Nations. We understand your advice and will follow it as we present a shortened version of the text that is currently being circulated. You have invited us, Sir, to express our views on how the Security Council, the United Nations as a whole and the international community can better deliver on the protection of children affected by armed conflict. Austria fully agrees that we need to look at the root causes of conflict in order to find sustainable solutions.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Recommendations 8 and 9 specifically address the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations. The report was recently issued as a United Nations document (S/2008/270, annex) and is available in all official languages.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Unfortunately, some of the existing mechanisms and tools of the Council have been underutilized. We therefore call on the Council to make full use of the range of measures and tools available, including the imposition of targeted measures and referrals to the International Criminal Court. We also call on Member States to strengthen the rule of law and fully utilize accountability mechanisms to bring to justice perpetrators of violations against women and girls. In this context, I would like to draw the Council's attention to our initiative on the Security Council and the rule of law, which contains 17 concrete recommendations on how the Security Council could strengthen the rule of law.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Conferences in Vienna last year, bringing together women leaders from the Middle East, as well as from Serbia and Kosovo, were important opportunities to establish networks which allow for the multiplication of women's voices and for enhancing influence. We are encouraged by the Secretary-General's recent appointments of women as special representatives and envoys and to leading positions in the Secretariat. We hope to see more such appointments in the future and reiterate our call for Member States to support, encourage and nominate women for such positions. Despite clear rules under international law outlawing sexual violence, perpetrators still largely go unpunished. This situation demands further action by the Security Council to strengthen the rule of law in order to end impunity.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We also strongly support the system-wide campaign to end violence against women and hope to see significant progress leading up to 2015. Recent measures strengthening the enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeepers and related personnel constitute a major contribution. The United Nations must lead by example. Sexual violence is unacceptable under all circumstances. Women must have a seat and a voice at negotiation tables. Regrettably, women's representation in peace processes is still the exception. In its national action plan on implementing Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), Austria has made a clear commitment to lobby worldwide for women's participation in all peace efforts.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Nevertheless, as has been pointed out in today's debate, the prevalence and brutality of acts of sexual violence against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations around the world have reached a level requiring urgent attention and action by the international community. We all agree that sexual violence is often not only a mere manifestation of war but, rather, a deliberate tactic of warfare. That practice and the adverse effects it has on peace processes, reconciliation and post- conflict reconstruction make it clear that sexual violence against women is indeed a security threat. We highly appreciate the important efforts already under way within the framework of the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Austria warmly welcomes and highly appreciates the initiative of the United States presidency and fully supports the measures contained in the draft resolution to be adopted later today. We are, as the Council is aware, very pleased to be a sponsor of this important draft resolution. The issue of women and peace and security is a foreign policy priority for Austria. In the past eight years, visible progress has been made in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We now have a set of clear rules under international law to prevent Violence against women, including sexual violence in armed conflict.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It should also establish a framework for cooperation and assistance that ensures adequate provision of care and rehabilitation to survivors and their communities, clearance of contaminated areas, risk education and destruction of stockpiles of prohibited cluster munitions. A successful outcome of the Dublin conference will mark a crucial step in better protecting thousands of civilian lives during armed conflict. On the national level, Austria has enacted a law totally banning cluster munitions. As a consequence, we will destroy all stocks of this heinous weapon within the next three years. Austria views its national ban on cluster munitions as a concrete contribution to the protection of civilians and calls on other countries to follow suit.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Austria is also committed to the protection of civilians in armed conflict by striving for a ban on cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians, the destruction of cluster munitions stocks and a prohibition of their transfer, swift and efficient clearance of contaminated areas and comprehensive assistance to victims of these weapons. Currently, as has been pointed out, more than 100 States are gathered in Dublin to conclude a legally binding instrument on the basis of the Vienna Document on cluster munitions of December 2007. Austria believes that such an instrument should prohibit the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For this reason, Austria has increased its support to campaigns against sexual Violence and assistance programmes for victims of sexual violence, especially in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We call on the Security Council to mainstream the fight against gender-based violence throughout its work and to make full use of the range of measures and tools available, including the imposition of targeted measures and referral of situations of serious Violations against women and children to the International Criminal Court. We also call on Member States to strengthen the rule of law and fully utilize accountability mechanisms to bring to justice the perpetrators of these violations.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“On the basis of our national action plan, Austria is working with its partners to put the commitments of resolution 1325 (2000) into practice not only in the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, but, of course, especially also in the United Nations. We are deeply shocked by the appalling level of sexual and gender-based Violence in conflict situations throughout the world. We read reports on this almost on a daily basis. These acts are horrendous crimes for which those responsible must be brought to justice. They also have far-reaching implications for the development of affected societies in general.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We firmly believe that today's Security Council debate can make a significant contribution to the development of a culture of protection within and outside the United Nations. Austria is fully committed to furthering the cause of the protection of civilians in armed conflict and therefore highly appreciates the Secretary-General's proposal on a specific working group. Too often, the principal victims of armed conflict are women and children, on whose shoulders lies the future of society. We fully support Security Council resolution 1612 (2005) and its monitoring and reporting mechanism, which is an important instrument for protecting children in armed conflict. Regarding the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, I think everyone agrees that we have to intensify our efforts.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For that reason, Austria has increased its support for campaigns against sexual violence and assistance programmes for victims of such violence, in particular in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Children and armed conflict has been an issue of critical importance and great concern for Austria for many years. We have made the protection of children in armed conflict a priority in our foreign and development policy and will continue to do so in the future.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“As a first step, the crime of rape and grave sexual violence against children could be added as an alternative gateway to trigger the monitoring and reporting mechanism. Like the recruitment of child soldiers, these crimes are intentional acts. Parties to armed conflict can reasonably be expected to take action against perpetrators. Progress in the implementation of action plans can be measured. We are deeply shocked by the appalling level of sexual and gender-based violence against children, as documented in the Secretary-General's report. As has been pointed out by all previous speakers, these acts are horrendous crimes, and those responsible for committing them must be brought to justice.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Unfortunately, some of the existing mechanisms and tools of the Council and of the Working Group have been underutilized. We support the Secretary-General's call for making full use of the available range of measures in these cases, including the imposition of targeted measures and the referral of violations against children in armed conflict to the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution. We also call on Member States to strengthen the rule of law and to fully utilize judicial mechanisms to bring to justice perpetrators of violations against children. We support the Secretary-General's recommendation that equal weight be given to all categories of grave violations against children. A phased approach could be taken to make that recommendation a reality.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We now have a comprehensive set of instruments, including Security Council resolutions, prohibiting and criminalizing the recruitment and use of child soldiers as well as other abuses of children in armed conflict. The Security Council has been actively engaged in addressing violations against children, in particular through the establishment of the monitoring and reporting mechanism pursuant to resolution 1612 (2005) and the creation of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflicts, which, under France's leadership, has greatly enhanced the Council's efforts. However, despite all our efforts, there still is a long list of perpetrators who for years have continued to systematically commit serious violations against children and have gone unpunished. That situation demands further action by the Security Council.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We must therefore put an end to the acts of those groups and individuals who systematically and deliberately target and abuse children in situations of armed conflict. We highly appreciate the outstanding work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy. Her efforts have made a real difference for children on the ground. We also support the important UNICEF initiatives to, inter alia, follow up on the Paris Principles and Commitments. The crucial role of non-governmental organizations must also be highlighted. They are on the front lines in supporting children and make a very special contribution to the success of the monitoring and reporting mechanism.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Austria fully aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. We would like to make some additional comments. We highly commend the Panamanian presidency for holding this open debate on children and armed conflict. We are also grateful to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2007/757) and welcome his recommendations. As all speakers have stated, children are among the most vulnerable groups in our societies. They are the easiest prey for ruthless perpetrators; they are also the key to the future of our societies. The way in which children are treated in conflicts has fundamental implications for society and for our self-conception as human beings.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Mine Ban Convention - the Ottawa Convention - serves as an opportunity to look at what we have achieved so far. It should even more reignite our fervour to contribute to the full implementation and universalization of that Convention. In this spirit Austria will continue its work for the mine-ban process, particularly in the field of victim assistance, mine-risk education and support for the clearance of mine-affected areas in order to help and protect civilians from the tragic consequences of armed conflict.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We have been disappointed by the outcome of the recent Meeting of States Parties to the CCW Convention, which did not contain a clear and comprehensive mandate for the creation of such a legal instrument. That is why, as has already been mentioned, the upcoming Vienna conference on cluster munitions, from 5 to 7 December, will be vital in bringing us a step closer to our common goal of such a legal instrument by 2008. The Vienna conference will focus on the fundamental humanitarian objectives of a legally binding instrument. It will also provide for the participation of parliamentarians and civil society representatives. My second point concerns anti-personnel mines. This is another issue where the protection of civilians during and after armed conflicts needs sustained support from the international community.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Our resolve to ban this category of heinous weapons is reflected in Austria's national and international initiatives. Austria has already adopted a moratorium regarding cluster munitions, in February. Austria is a firm supporter of the Oslo process and is committed to concluding a legally binding instrument by 2008. Such an instrument would, as I have already mentioned, prohibit the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. It would also establish a framework for cooperation and assistance that ensures adequate provision of care and rehabilitation to survivors and their communities, as well as clearance of contaminated areas, risk education and destruction of stockpiles of prohibited cluster munitions.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We also strive for the destruction of the stocks and for a prohibition of the transfer of such munitions. Our goal is to enable the swift and efficient clearance of affected areas and to assist the victims of these weapons. We are also convinced that any new instrument on cluster munitions needs to contain clear and robust provisions on assistance to victims of this weapon. Last week we all heard the clear and unambiguous appeal of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the Meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) to conclude a legally binding instrument. This instrument would prohibit the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. Austria welcomes the appeal of the Secretary-General.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Austria fully associates itself with the statement made by the Ambassador of Portugal on behalf of the European Union and would like to focus on two points. My first point concerns cluster munitions. The humanitarian needs of civilians in armed conflict, as we all know, are manifold - shelter, food and medical supplies, just to name the most urgent ones. As if this immediate plight of conflict-stricken civilians were not enough, their suffering is too often prolonged by the horrendous effects of cluster munitions, which kill and maim civilians, particularly children, deprive communities of their livelihoods and prevent the return of refugees. Austria is committed to the protection of civilians by striving for a ban on cluster munitions that cause such unacceptable harm to civilians.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The Austrian action plan is designed as a living document and will be reviewed annually. We are, therefore, very interested to share experiences and good practices with all countries. I am confident that the national action plan will be an effective tool for reinforcing our efforts to fully integrate gender aspects into our activities in the field of peace and security.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“It foresees actions to be taken at the national, regional and international levels, including the following actions: the percentage of women among Austrian personnel in peace missions shall be raised, including by offering specific incentives to women; training programmes for Austrian personnel in peace missions shall be reviewed in order to systematically address gender aspects and the rights of women, including a firm zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse and exploitation. Austria will continue to lobby for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) in the European Union and other regional and international organizations. Austrian development cooperation in post-conflict situations will continue to focus on gender-specific programmes.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Effectively mainstreaming a gender perspective into all peace and security issues is a prerequisite for addressing the reality of women in conflict and post- conflict situations. That requires an intricate understanding of the gender dimension and comprehensive information and data on the particular situation of women. To that end, the Security Council should consider - as previous speakers have already indicated - the establishment of a permanent monitoring mechanism on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In August this year, the Government of Austria adopted a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The plan was developed in close consultation with all stakeholders, including non- governmental organizations and academics.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Those acts are horrendous crimes, for which those responsible must be brought to justice. They also have far-reaching implications for the development of affected societies in general. For that reason, Austria is increasing its support for campaigns against sexual violence and assistance programmes for victims of sexual violence in the Eastern Congo. Austria strongly supports the zero-tolerance policy concerning sexual abuse and exploitation by United Nations personnel. It is simply unacceptable that peacekeepers and field personnel are still involved in cases of sexual exploitation and abuse. We therefore lend our full support to the ongoing work on a draft policy statement and comprehensive strategy on assistance and support to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations staff and related personnel.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“One of its key demands is a fair share of international mediation and peacebuilding positions for women. The recommendations were brought to the attention of the Secretary-General (A/61/ 1036). We are encouraged by his strong support and the recent appointment of Ellen Margrethe Loj as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia and of three women as Deputy Special Representatives. We hope to see more appointments of women to such leadership positions in the near future. Of course, we the Member States, have to make sure to nominate more female candidates for such positions. We are deeply shocked by the recent reports of an unprecedented wave of mass rapes of women in the Eastern Congo. Widespread sexual and gender-based violence is ongoing in other conflict and post-conflict situations as well.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Austria has also invited women leaders from Serbia and Kosovo to meet in Vienna in November at a symposium entitled "Shaping our European future" in order to contribute to peaceful coexistence and cooperation in the region and to a common European future with Serbia and Kosovo. The role of women within the United Nations system needs further improvement. Until very recently there was not a single woman among the more than 50 United Nations Special Representatives and Envoys for conflict and post-conflict situations. The Women Leaders' Network, co-chaired by Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, adopted at its recent meeting in Vienna a set of recommendations on the empowerment of women in the area of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Allow me to give you an example: women in the Arab world and throughout the Middle East have become a driving force for political, social, economic and cultural development. The international conference on "Women leaders - networking for peace and security in the Middle East" held in Vienna in May 2007 proved that women are ready to reach out for dialogue to establish networks for overcoming barriers and finding sustainable solutions. The Austrian Foreign Minister, Ursula Plassnik, has therefore raised the need for sustained involvement of women with the new Envoy of the Middle East Quartet.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Austria commends you, Mr. President, and the Ghanaian presidency, for holding this open debate on women and peace and security, because we all agree that women are affected severely by conflict. All too often, however, they have no say in peace negotiations, peacebuilding and reconstruction. The adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) seven years ago was a milestone in acknowledging the crucial role that women should have in all efforts to promote peace. Despite certain developments, the full potential of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding has not been harnessed so far. There is no question that we need to address that gap as a matter of urgency. Women across the world are ready to bear a key responsibility in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The European Union, through the European Commission, will continue urgently to establish the mechanism, in conjunction with Quartet members, other key international partners and the Palestinian Authority President's Office. We agree that, in order to have an immediate impact, the mechanism will focus on essential supplies and running costs for social services and health case, supply of utilities, including fuel, and social allowances. Other donors, including Arab States, are invited to provide funding and to consider early and substantial contributions. The European Union will contribute a substantial amount to the international mechanism.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“We reaffirm our conviction that only a negotiated two State solution can bring peace and security to the Israeli and Palestinian people. A return to the peace process and to the implementation of the road map is therefore imperative. We ask that both parties meet their responsibilities and demonstrate urgently an active commitment to the search for a negotiated solution. On 15 June, our heads of State or Government endorsed a proposed temporary international mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people, which has been drawn up by the European Commission following consultations within the EU, as well as with Quartet members, major donors, international financial institutions and partners in the region.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“Those detained should be accorded their full legal rights. The European Union reminds all parties of their responsibility to protect civilian lives. Notwithstanding Israel's legitimate right of self-defence, ongoing military operations should be in accordance with international law. We call on Israel to exercise the utmost restraint and to avoid disproportionate action. We regret the destruction of essential infrastructure, which is contributing to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Restoring electricity and water supplies and access for humanitarian organizations must be a priority now in order to avoid a humanitarian crisis. The European Union emphasizes the primacy of diplomatic means and calls upon all parties in the region to make every effort possible to resolve the current situation by peaceful means.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and the countries aligning themselves with this statement. The European Union is extremely concerned about the situation which has evolved in recent days between Israel and the Palestinians, and it calls on all parties to abstain from any actions that are in violation of international law. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier. The European Union strongly condemns the murder of the Israeli victim of a kidnapping in the West Bank. We call on the Palestinian leadership to put an end to violence and terrorist activities, including the firing of rockets at Israeli territory. We express our particular concern about the detention of elected members of the Palestinian Government and legislature.”
2006-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5481 (2006) · source
“We recognize the intentions of the Government of South Sudan to persuade the LRA to enter into serious peace negotiations with the Government of Uganda. We hope that this can lead to a dissolution of the LRA, while scrupulously respecting the arrest mandates and injuctions from the ICC. In conclusion, the European Union would like to stress that it is our collective duty to make sure that all players involved understand that accepting the help of the United Nations in Darfur is in their own best interest.”
2006-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5478 (2006) · source
“At the same time, the situation in Southern Sudan remains fragile. The implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is behind schedule. Difficult issues remain to be resolved. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the implementation of the Agreement. It offers the only way to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Sudan. In this context, we welcome the agreement on a ceasefire and a framework for peace talks between the Sudanese Government and the Eastern Front. We call on both sides to start substantive negotiations in good faith immediately and to invite international observers to this process. The problem of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) needs specific attention.”
2006-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5478 (2006) · source