YouSaid · the spoken record

Pierce

lines on the record: 1,742
first: 2006-06-20
most recent: 2020-03-12
sittings or episodes: 239
sources: un-security-council

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“We hope that recommendations from the technical assessment mission currently on the ground will be made available to the Security Council as soon as possible. I would like to turn briefly to northern Uganda. We are very grateful, again, to the Under-Secretary- General for his briefing and for the extraordinary efforts that he has made over the years to bring the humanitarian crisis there to world attention. The living conditions for the hundreds of thousands of people caught up in that humanitarian crisis remain dire. But the situation is improving, in large part because of the prospects for peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). It is all the more important therefore that those extra efforts to unblock the problems on the ground that the Under- Secretary-General described be pursued.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“The fact that the attacks apparently disrupted a meeting of non- signatory rebel commanders discussing the Darfur Peace Agreement only makes it even more incomprehensible. We call on all sides to abide by the ceasefire. Under-Secretary-General Egeland, you referred to the restrictions imposed by the Government of the Sudan on humanitarian agencies, which you experienced first-hand during your visit. We note the assurances that were obtained from the Government of the Sudan to extend the non-governmental organization visa moratorium to 2007. We urge the Government of the Sudan to deliver on those promises. We also share your concern, Mr. Egeland, about the impact that the conflict in Darfur has on the wider region, specifically on Chad and the Central African Republic.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“We look forward to the African Union leaders meeting later this month, and we hope that it will be able to endorse a concrete packet of measures that will contribute decisively to peace in Darfur. But as the Under-Secretary-General said today, unless they result in a change on the ground for the people who are suffering at the moment, those efforts will obviously be dissipated. As I said, the situation that Mr. Egeland described, and its deterioration, are deeply worrying. It is hard to comprehend, given that everybody around this table and in the African Union has a desire to see the conflict ended and to have the humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people addressed, why fighting should be continuing in North Darfur, reportedly involving Government of the Sudan troops and air force.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“We were ready to welcome the agreement reached with the Government of the Sudan at last week's meeting in Addis and congratulate the Secretary- General and African Union Commission Chairperson Konare for their efforts. But I would look forward this afternoon to hearing a little bit more about why, when the political process seems to be moving forward, events on the ground seem to be moving backwards. There is a linkage there that we have not fully got to the bottom of. What it shows, I think, is that Thursday's breakthrough is fragile and that we need more elaboration on certain aspects from the Government of the Sudan. For the British Government's part, we will play whatever role we can in turning the Addis Ababa agreement into action.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“I thank Mr. Egeland for his sobering briefing and for his tireless efforts to keep the problems of Darfur and the problems associated with our desire to promote responsibility to protect at the forefront of the Security Council's business. What he described was a very impressive amount of work on relief in the teeth of opposition on the ground. As he says, the crisis in Darfur has gone on far too long. Listening to him, I found myself horrified by the description of events in the camps and the attacks on civilians, but also mystified by the connection between the events he described on the ground and the political process that has been going on in Addis Ababa.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“We continue to believe that the Road Map offers the best chance for a lasting peace. I would like to say a few words about Lebanon. Despite today's tragic event, there has been good progress on implementation of many aspects of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), although it is clear that more needs to be done. The United Kingdom hopes that all Member States, and particularly those in the region, will meet the obligations under resolution 1701 (2006) and help the democratically elected Government of Lebanon to implement it. All parties in Lebanon need to work together in a spirit of conciliation and cooperation to create the conditions in which peace, stability and democracy can flourish. We hope that countries in the region will encourage them to do so.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The extremists are not dying for the people. It is the people who are dying for the extremists. It is also important that the abducted Israeli soldier, Corporal Shalit, be released. Equally, it is important that detained Palestinian ministers and legislators also be released. The United Kingdom remains troubled by the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories. We have given $57 million this year and the European Union has given more to the Palestinians this year than in previous years, some $820 million. I would like to take this opportunity to say that we align ourselves with the statement that will shortly be made by the presidency of the European Union. The current situation further underlines the necessity of finding a political solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“We wish to see a Palestinian Government with which we can work in partnership, which means that it is based on the three Quartet principles, namely, the renunciation of violence, the recognition of Israel, and the acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Road Map. When this Council last met in this sort of session on the Middle East, we had just witnessed the awful events at Beit Hanoun. What happened at Beit Hanoun is a tragedy that we cannot afford to see repeated. Equally, rocket attacks on Israel are unacceptable. More rockets were fired at the town of Sderot today, critically injuring one person, even while the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was visiting. All sides need to realize that violence simply begets more violence and does not and can never offer the solution.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The British Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is at the heart of the challenges faced by the region. Therefore, a solution to that conflict must be at the core of our response to those challenges. We all need to work towards a two State solution: on the one hand, an independent, viable Palestinian State, and on the other, a safe and secure Israel, living side by side in peace and security and as equals. My Foreign Secretary has been discussing the way forward with Foreign Minister Livni in London today. We hope that there will soon be a Palestinian Government with which we can have similar direct discussions. The United Kingdom welcomes President Abbas' continued efforts to form a new Palestinian Government. We will look at the programme of any Government closely.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General Gambari for his sobering briefing and for the commitment he displays with respect to this vital issue. I speak just after the shocking news of the assassination of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel in Lebanon. We condemn the assassination. It is evidently the act of those with no concern for Lebanon's interests or the interests of a wider Middle East peace. No one gains in the long term by deplorable and senseless actions of this sort. We call on all parties to refrain from acts of Violence and for all those with influence over the extremists, inside and outside Lebanon, to exercise it in the cause of peace. The United Kingdom remains fully committed to a Middle East peace process. It is one of the highest priorities we face.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The United Kingdom remains firmly of the view, however, that any statement from the Council must be balanced and must serve the interest of both parties, and that interest is peace. We regret that negotiations did not lead to a text that the United Kingdom could support. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the sponsors to meet some of our concerns. But, in the end, we were not able to conclude that the draft resolution was sufficiently balanced, or that it reflected the complexity of the current situation. For this reason, the United Kingdom abstained from voting on the proposed text.”
2006-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5565 (2006) · source
“And we call on the Palestinian leadership to bring an end to violence and to terrorist activities, including the firing of rockets into Israeli territory. In this context, we welcome the recent call by President Abbas for an end to Qassam rocket fire. Reciprocal violence is in the interest of neither Israelis nor Palestinians and serves only to undermine the prospects for peace in the region. What we have seen over the past few sad days further underlines the necessity of finding a comprehensive political solution to the current situation in Israel and the occupied territories. We continue to believe that the Road Map offers the best chance for a lasting peace. That should be one of our highest priorities. As I said yesterday, it is absolutely right that the Security Council should meet on this important issue.”
2006-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5565 (2006) · source
“The United Kingdom continues to be extremely concerned about the escalating crisis in Gaza and the toll it is taking on civilians. We are particularly disturbed about the consequences of Israeli military action, which tragically resulted in a large number of civilian Palestinian deaths in Beit Hanoun on 8 November. As the British Foreign Secretary said that day, it is hard to see what that action was meant to achieve and how it 06-61238 can be achieved. Once again, we extend our condolences to the families of those killed and injured. We call on Israel to respect its obligation to avoid harming civilians. We call on Syria to use its influence constructively on Syrian-based Hamas leaders.”
2006-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5565 (2006) · source
“Goldwasser and the Council that we are committed to the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), including the release of the Israeli soldiers. We commend the Secretary-General's efforts to implement that resolution in full. I return to the point of the Quartet and the Road Map. We are not asking for Hamas to make concessions on final status issues, but rather to accept that for negotiations to happen and be meaningful, there must be a common basis from which they start: namely that the goal is a two-State solution achieved through talks between two parties which mutually acknowledge each other. We hope every effort can be exerted now to finding that comprehensive settlement.”
2006-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5564 (2006) · source
“If based on the Quartet requirements, it offers the possibility of re-engagement by the international community and the United Kingdom would look forward to being able to work with such a Government. As the Assistant Secretary-General and others said, this whole incident underlines the necessity of finding a political solution to the current situation in Israel and the occupied territories. We continue to believe that the Road Map offers the best chance for a lasting peace. I note the call around the Chamber today for early meetings of the Quartet, and we would be very happy to consider that idea. The situation in Lebanon was also raised. Again, there has been too much suffering on both sides. I can assure Mrs.”
2006-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5564 (2006) · source
“We continue to call for Palestinian militants to cease their rocket attacks on Israeli civilian targets. Israeli families, too, have the right not to be targeted. We call for the release of Corporal Shalit. In her briefing, the Assistant Secretary-General referred to the call from the Hamas leader in Syria. Such language is not acceptable and we hope that Syria can use its influence constructively to advance the cause of peace. There is no justification and no political cause that justifies terrorism and attacks against innocent civilians. So much effort is put into death and little by comparison into peace. Did those who fired the rockets on Israel want to disrupt President Abbas' efforts to bring about national unity? We support President Abbas in this endeavour.”
2006-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5564 (2006) · source
“We remain gravely concerned over the mounting casualties and the civilian suffering in the whole Gaza Strip. We recognize Israel's legitimate right to self-defence, but urge it to exercise the utmost restraint. We underline the importance that any action taken by Israel must be proportionate and in accordance with international humanitarian law. We welcome the news that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched an investigation into Beit Hanoun. We heard the Israeli representative's description of this tragic accident. We look to Israel to pursue vigourously the reasons for the attack and to offer confidence that measures are in place to ensure that such an event cannot recur, however difficult those measures might be. If it transpires that there has been culpability, we look to individuals to be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
2006-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5564 (2006) · source
“It is clear that the Council is gravely concerned by the deaths of Palestinian civilians in the strike on Beit Hanoun. It is absolutely right that the Council should meet on this issue, and we thank Qatar and you, Sir, for convening this meeting. On a personal level, nobody could remain unmoved by the suffering of families that the Palestinian representative movingly described. They are not in this Chamber, but I ask him to convey our condolences to the families of those killed and to the injured. Like others, we have difficulty understanding what the action was meant to achieve and how it can be justified. It is particularly worrying that it happened after the military operation was declared over. We have raised our concerns with the Government of Israel. Israel must respect its obligation to avoid harming civilians.”
2006-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5564 (2006) · source
“We therefore support the EU operational commander's conclusion that the time has come to reconsider the size of EUFOR and the nature of its presence. That is an important part of the gradual process towards normalization. I would like to conclude, if I may, by just picking up on the point of Kosovo, which a number of speakers have raised. We have noted that some in Bosnia are attempting to make a link between the future of Republika Srpska and the future of Kosovo. We would like to take this opportunity to state very clearly that Republika Srpska is part of the Dayton settlement and part of Bosnia. That settlement and that constitutional framework have to remain. There is no link between the future of Republika Srpska and the future of Kosovo.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“On that basis, it remains our preference that the closure go ahead next June, pending final review and confirmation by the Peace Implementation Council in February 2007. We also welcome the High Representative's efforts towards finding a solution regarding the issue of decertification. We look forward to seeing the matter resolved, but it is important that a review does not cut across the provisions of the presidential statement of June 2004. A number of speakers mentioned the European Union-led peacekeeping force (EUFOR). Many nations around this table today are kind enough to provide contingents to EUFOR, which has done an extremely good job in handling dramatic improvements in the situation in Bosnia on the security side. We have also seen very welcome evidence from the Bosnian authorities of their ability to handle public disorder.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“The April package may not satisfy everyone, but it does provide an important first step in a more gradual process. As Mr. Schwarz- Schilling said, Dayton stopped a war; it has a constitution that brought an end to that conflict. But it is time for that to evolve and enable Bosnia to join other countries in the Balkans in getting closer to the European Union and to NATO. We therefore hope that as the political parties now work to build governing coalitions, they pay due attention to those priorities. A number of speakers drew attention to the preparations for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. We too see that as the only way to overcome the culture of political dependence that has developed in Bosnia.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“We were very pleased, under the United Kingdom presidency, to open stabilization and association negotiations with the European Union. It is disappointing that the political priorities have not been satisfied. The lack of progress on police reform remains a matter of particular concern for us, as it did for many members around this table. More also has to be done to demonstrate full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. A number of speakers drew attention to that very eloquently, and I would like to support what they have said. The stance of Republika Srpska is going to be absolutely critical in both contexts. We also heard from many speakers today about constitutional reform. It is not a condition for the stabilization and association agreement, but it is extremely important.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“We agree with him that local ownership must remain the overall objective of the international community. But we also believe that it is important to strike a balance. It is right that the international community should encourage Bosnian politicians to take responsibility. But in doing so we have to ensure that the key reform processes do not stagnate and that those leaders and sections of each community that want to spoil Bosnia's prospects have no opportunity to do so. Continued international support and engagement will be especially important as we try to develop momentum behind the reform processes. Geoff Hoon, the British Minister for Europe, visited Sarajevo yesterday. He said what many members of the Council have said today, that progress on the reform agenda this year has been disappointing.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“I think it is all the more disappointing, therefore, that we still see in some of Bosnia's leaders - in particular in Republika Srpska - a harking back to the days of division and discord. Their efforts to align themselves with certain leaders in Belgrade to spoil the prospects for Bosnia's future in Europe is extremely disappointing. We appeal to all those leaders to refrain from such actions and to take their responsibilities to build not just a stable and prosperous Bosnia but also to do everything possible to put Bosnia on an irreversible course towards Euro-Atlantic institutions. That is not to say that we must not recognize that everybody has a responsibility to build one nation in Bosnia based on the equality of all its people and on reconciliation with justice. We thank the High Representative for his report.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“Allow me to add the United Kingdom's voice to those of colleagues welcoming Mr. Schwarz-Schilling today and thanking him for everything he has done in Bosnia. The United Kingdom has long been a supporter of Bosnia and is very proud to count itself as a friend of that country. It is especially gratifying to welcome Prime Minister Terzie to the Council, and to hear his account of what has been achieved in Bosnia under his stewardship. I think there is much to be proud of in Bosnia in the years since Dayton. The Office of the High Representative, the Bosnian authorities and the international community provided the common identity of purpose since Dayton that has brought about success. There is a lot to be proud of there.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“MINURSO has continued to play a stabilizing role in the region. However, no United Nations peacekeeping mandate should be regarded as open- ended. After the renewal of MINURSO's mandate in April of this year, we had hoped that there would be steps forward on this issue and that we would not require a purely technical roll-over at this meeting. I would like to reiterate the United Kingdom's desire to see progress in the next six months, beyond the current impasse. I would like to underline again the United Kingdom's position that the only solution to this issue has to be mutually acceptable and provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara, in line with United Nations requirements as set out in previous Security Council resolutions.”
2006-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5560 (2006) · source
“The United Kingdom has voted in favour of the resolution adopted by the Council to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for a further six months. As the resolution was a technical roll-over of the mandate, I would like to set out aspects of the situation that the United Kingdom considers to be important. Firstly, the United Kingdom thanks the United Nations Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Mr. van Walsum, for their efforts to find a way forward in this dispute. The United Kingdom noted references in the report of the Secretary-General about the human rights 06-59410 situation. The United Kingdom believes we should continue to monitor the protection of human rights in the region, while working to move beyond the current impasse.”
2006-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5560 (2006) · source
“Finally, I would like to make a short comment on the adoption by the General Assembly of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, to which I referred earlier. We believe that, to defeat terrorists, every part of the United Nations and of the international community as a whole has something concrete to contribute. We take note of the fact that some of the recommendations will require work in the three Committees that have reported to us today. The United Kingdom intends to play its part in the Security Council, at the national level, in the EU and through General Assembly to see that the Strategy is implemented. We look forward to working with Member States in the Council and in the General Assembly to the same end.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“Thirdly, with regard to the 1540 Committee, the United Kingdom attaches significant importance to active outreach by the Committee to explain the provisions of the resolution, to understand how States are implementing it and to ease the passage of assistance for those States that need it. Since the Council last considered the issue, the United Kingdom, together with other countries, supported the Beijing seminar on resolution 1540 (2004). We have heard from a number of speakers this morning about the follow-up meetings in Accra and Lima and their importance to this work. We hope that these outreach activities can be properly focused so as to meet the requirements of the regions concerned.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“We are particularly grateful for the Team's work in organizing valuable regional intelligence meetings, and we welcome its recommendation for hold similar meetings between the heads of financial organizations. We particularly welcome the Committee's efforts to improve the implementation of sanctions measures, and I would like to join other colleagues in welcoming continued cooperation with Interpol, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association. We also look forward to the introduction of practical tools, such as permanent reference numbers and a cover sheet for submissions for listing. We expect the Committee in the near future to finalize its revision of the guidelines on listing and de-listing.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“I would like to make four further points, if I may, on other issues on the counter-terrorism agenda. First, the United Kingdom will stress its commitment to promoting consistent and transparent analysis of the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and tailored dialogue with States. We believe that it is critical that the Committee show results in facilitating technical assistance, including of the sort that leads to better implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and better defences for everyone against the terrorist threat. Secondly, with regard to the 1267 Committee, the United Kingdom would like to thank the Monitoring Team for its fifth report, which expands on its previous ones. We look forward to the Committee's acting on some of the recommendations that the Team has made.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“In this respect, I found very interesting the statement by the representative of the Congo about how people in all of our countries are vulnerable to the messages of terrorism and of the terrorists themselves. I would like to recall what Kim Howells, the United Kingdom Minister of State at the Foreign Office, said at the 19 September ministerial-level meeting on the launch of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. He said that "Governments alone cannot defeat terrorism. We must help generate and support the united network of citizenry that loudly rejects the ideology of the terrorists. We must better articulate an alternative vision to that of the extremists, backed by action that will ensure that our citizens, particularly the young, benefit from open, tolerant, inclusive and prosperous societies".”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“The United Kingdom considers this report to the Council to be the beginning of a process, not an end. The next step is to share information on the outcomes of the measures in the report, on the lessons we have learned, on best practice, on ways to involve civil society in our efforts and on international capacity- building needs in this area. There is much work still to do. For instance, we hope that help can be found for those States in need of assistance in developing their legislation. I think the representative of Tanzania drew attention to that important requirement. We also need to give thought to providing a way to help us all to develop a partnership with civil society to support those efforts.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“It also calls for the development of best practices in this sensitive field and for guidance and assistance to be offered to those who seek it. On 14 September of this year, the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) reported to the Council on the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005) to date, based on reports from Member States. We welcome that report (S/2006/737). It is a comprehensive and clear snapshot of the measures taken by United Nations Member States to implement Security Council resolution 1624 (2005). A number of speakers today have drawn attention to the fact that this is not a complete report in the sense of all Member States reporting back. I would like to associate the United Kingdom with the comments by France, Japan, Tanzania and others to encourage States that have not yet reported to the CTC to do so.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“I would like to add the voice of the United Kingdom to that of the several speakers who today have stressed the importance of the counter-terrorism strategy of the General Assembly and Security Council resolution 1624 (2005). In particular, we see resolution 1624 (2005) as part of a conscious strategy to take on those individuals and organizations in the world who encourage others to commit acts of terrorism, to promote terrorism as a course of action and to, in their speech and activities, encourage the hatred and murder of others. Resolution 1624 (2005) was a significant step forward in the international community's defence against and rejection of such individuals and organizations. It calls for Member States' own legislation against incitement, as well as the implementation and enforcement of that legislation.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“I would like to associate myself with comments that will be made later by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. I too would like to add my thanks to Ambassador Mayoral, Ambassador Loj and Ambassador Burian, not only for the briefings they gave the Council this morning, but also for their work and for the dedication and enthusiasm that they bring to it. There are a number of issues before the Council today, arising out of the work of the three Committees, but I would like to concentrate my remarks on just one of them. I think the sense of the Council today has been to stress the common threat we all face from terrorism. There are many sad examples of the pernicious work of terrorism in all our countries.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“The nature of the Kosovo situation makes this a unique and distinct political process. Its outcome will necessarily require unique and distinct solutions.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I would like to state that the United Kingdom remains firmly committed to the principles set out in the 31 January ministerial Contact Group statement, including the target of agreement by the end of 2006, and to the Contact Group guiding principles. Independence is an option for Kosovo - some would say that it is the only option that will bring lasting peace and security to the region. At the same time, it is for those who seek that outcome to give practical reassurance to the minority that the multi-ethnic Kosovo to which many speakers have referred today will become a reality and can take its proper place in Europe. We will spare no effort, as the United Kingdom, to work towards a settlement that provides long-term security and stability for the Balkans region as it moves along this path.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“It is hard to see how that is in the interests of those communities. It is certainly not in the interests of Kosovo's future. This meeting was supposed to be focused on standards, but a number of other speakers have touched on status. I would therefore like to do so. The standards process in Kosovo needs to be seen in the context of support for the status process, currently led by Martti Ahtisaari. I would like to reiterate the United Kingdom's fullest support the United Nations Special Envoy and for his approach to the status process. I think that it is disappointing again that in all of Ms. Raskovic-Ivic's statement today there was no mention of Mr. Ahtisaari, no mention of his work and no mention of the duty of all of us to cooperate with him to the best of our ability and the extent possible.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We call on all sides, including the Kosovo Serbs, to refrain from causing or exacerbating tensions. We are disappointed that events there were used as an excuse to break off dialogue. I would like to associate the United Kingdom very firmly with what Mr. Rucker said about integration, not isolation, being the way forward for the Kosovo Serb community. In that connection, I once again appeal to Belgrade to encourage cooperation between the Kosovo Serbs and the Pristina authorities. When the Council last met to address the issue of Kosovo, a number of us issued that appeal. It is disappointing that we have to reiterate it today. I am thinking, in particular, of the edict issued by the Serbian Coordination Centre to encourage Kosovo Serb communities to withdraw from health and educational institutions.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Raskovic-Ivic and from the Russian Permanent Representative about acts of violence against Kosovo Serbs. I would like to make it clear that the United Kingdom condemns such acts of violence. They are totally unacceptable, and we look to the Pristina authorities to find and try the perpetrators and to help create conditions that prevent such attacks from occurring. But I would also like to make it clear that the attacks, however deplorable, do not in themselves alter the direction of travel in which Kosovo is going. I note from what Mr. Rucker said that UNMIK and KFOR have expanded their presence north of the Ibar. That is important, and we welcome that contribution from both organizations. But it is disappointing that there is a need for them to do so.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The Contact Group sought to complement the effort by putting forward, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), 13 clear and achievable priority areas for early implementation. The United Kingdom is encouraged that the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government have fully completed six of these and that most of the others are on schedule. But partial implementation is not enough. We hope that no effort will be spared to implement the remaining priorities in the coming weeks. In particular, we look to the Kosovo Assembly to finalize the adoption of laws on languages and cultural heritage as soon as possible. A number of challenges lie ahead for the people of Kosovo. We heard today from Ms.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Neither the international community nor the Provisional Institutions can be complacent or take continued implementation of standards for granted. Progress must continue, and sustained outreach to Kosovo's communities is required to explain the importance of, and obtain support for, the meaningful implementation of standards in Kosovo. That, above all, is something that must fall to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government themselves; it is not something that the international community can do for them. As the Secretary-General's report makes clear, systematic attention is required across the board if the momentum reported today is to be maintained. Part of the role of the Council is to encourage all the parties to work towards that goal.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The United Kingdom is pleased to see from the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2006/707) that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ceku, standards implementation in Kosovo continues across the board. I have listened very carefully to what people have said in the Council today, and I think we all agree that substantial progress has been made on a number of key issues important to Kosovo's minority communities. In that connection, I would like to commend to colleagues the note circulated to the Council today by Prime Minister Ceku, which gives some more detail about what has been achieved. I think we are also all agreed that the progress that has been achieved needs to continue and to be accelerated.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I should like to add my voice to those of others in the Chamber today welcoming the recently appointed United Nations Special Representative, Mr. Rficker. We are very lucky to have someone of his experience and knowledge in Kosovo appointed by the Secretary-General. We look forward to working very closely with him, as we did with his predecessor. I would like to associate the United Kingdom with all the tributes that have been paid today to Mr. Jessen-Petersen. I would also like to welcome back to the Council Prime Minister Agim Ceku and Ms. Sanda Raskovic-Ivic. The United Kingdom also associates itself with the statement to be made later by the representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The Government of the Sudan has nothing to lose from a United Nations operation in Darfur, and everything to gain. We hope to assist it in that endeavour.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“The United Kingdom was at the forefront of efforts to secure this. We are very pleased that this is the first Security Council resolution mandating a United Nations peacekeeping operation to make an explicit reference to this responsibility. It has always been, and it remains, the primary responsibility of the Government of the Sudan to ensure the security of its own citizens. Over the past few years, it manifestly has not done so. By adopting resolution 1706 (2006) today, the Council is appealing to the Government of the Sudan, in the strongest possible terms, to allow the United Nations to help it to do so. Such a decision would be in the interests of the Sudanese Government, the continent of Africa and the people of Darfur. The Council is here to help the Sudan, not to threaten it; to assist the Sudan, not to undermine it.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“In doing this, we believe that we have sought to meet the Sudanese Government's concerns to the extent that we can reasonably do so. The United Kingdom will play its part in seeking to secure the Sudan's consent from now on. We sent a special envoy last week, and I know that others did the same. A British minister was standing by, ready to see President Bashir today to discuss the resolution, but unfortunately had to turn back after Bashir refused to meet with him. Almost one year ago, the heads of State of the countries members of the Council signed the World Summit Outcome document, noting the responsibility of each United Nations Member State to protect its citizens and the international community's responsibility to assist in this if the State could not provide for such protection alone.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“We very much regret the fact that the Government of the Sudan chose not to attend. The United Kingdom drafted the resolution in such a way as to make it as acceptable as possible to the Sudan. We listened to the concerns that President Bashir expressed to the Council in Khartoum, and we sought to respond to them accordingly. There is, for example, no reference - although we would have liked one - to the International Criminal Court in the text. And while the resolution contains Chapter VII elements on the protection of civilians and on the United Nations force itself, it is not under Chapter VII in its entirety. The text also states clearly and categorically that the Council remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Sudan, which will be unaffected by transition to a United Nations operation.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“It will no more infringe on the Sudan's sovereignty than has the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) in southern Sudan - and UNMIS is a force that the Government of the Sudan has welcomed and has accepted. We attach great importance to the continuation of dialogue with the Sudan. The adoption of Security Council resolution 1706 (2006) does not change this. We want to do all we can to bring the Government in Khartoum on board. The United Kingdom led a Council mission to the Sudan in June for exactly that purpose. The Council sought to consult again with the Government before adopting today's resolution. Unfortunately, it chose not to accept our invitation to meet with us last Monday. We thank you, Mr. President, for your efforts to bring that meeting about.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source