YouSaid · the spoken record

Poukre-Kono

lines on the record: 111
first: 2002-05-22
most recent: 2010-12-14
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“I endorse the statements made earlier by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and by the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission's country- specific configuration for the Central African Republic. One year has passed since the holding of the inclusive political dialogue that launched the process to establish peace and stability in my country. Clearly, meaningful progress has been made, but there have also been delays.”
2009-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6240 (2009) · source
“Mr. Poukre-Kono (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): It is a pleasure for me to take the floor before this body under your presidency, Sir, to convey the viewpoint of the Government of the Central African Republic on the report of the Secretary- General on the situation in my country (S/2009/627). First, however, let me express my appreciation for the mediation role that Burkina Faso has been playing in the various crises in West Africa. We are all well aware of the results of those efforts. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report, which will help the Council to assess the role of the peacebuilding partners of the Central African Republic.”
2009-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6240 (2009) · source
“In its exit strategy, MINURCAT identified the criteria for stabilizing the situation in north-eastern Central African Republic with disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes that we will carry out in accordance with the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in the Central African Republic of the Peacebuilding Commission. In conclusion, I call once again for a serious examination of the situation in north-eastern Central African Republic on the basis of a regional approach. The stakes are high for all the actors on the ground. Another concern is the activities of the Ugandan rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army, who carried out incursions in 2008 and 2009 in Obo in the South-East, leaving behind victims, taking supplies and seed stock with them, taking men hostage as porters, kidnapping women and enlisting child soldiers.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“We reiterate our commitment to supporting MINURCAT in the fulfilment of its mandate. We would also like once again to express our gratitude to France, which is also helping us in terms of logistics in the northern part of the country. My Government believes that the activities of MINURCAT, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic, the Mission of the Economic Community of Central African States for the consolidation of peace, and the Peacebuilding Commission must complement each other in a country emerging from conflict.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Aware of the logistical difficulties in the Central African Republic, MINURCAT put its means of transportation at the disposal of the Central African Republic authorities in order to enable them to come occasionally to the area of operations. This occurred when ethnic groups clashed in the northern part of the country. Despite the meagre resources at their disposal and the difficult terrain, MINURCAT has been able to support the Government in times of crisis. We would request here a strengthening of assistance to MINURCAT to enable it to easily deploy in its area of operations. The difficulties on the ground are not negligible, which only highlights the commitment of MINURCAT to the refugees and displaced people of the Central African Republic. We remain grateful for its humanitarian efforts.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“The United Nations has shown great concern for my country from the time when crises gripped the country for an entire decade until we emerged from them, and we are therefore ready to cooperate fully with the Organization. The consultations between MINURCAT and the Government have proven fruitful, as most of our discussions have often led to agreements. Of course, MINURCAT is mandated to provide counsel and advice, as evidenced by the fact that the Government has been able to establish a purely humanitarian corridor, with no apparent armed escorts, to come to the aid of its population along the route from Ndele, in the Central African Republic, to Daha, in Chad.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“I have mentioned in one of my statements to this Council the strategic geography of the North-East of the Central African Republic, which forms a triangle with Chad and the Sudan. This area was vital to the country because of the former lively trade with Port Sudan and the seasonal cattle migration patterns from Chad, along with its mineral and animal resources. Since then, it has become too dangerous for economic activity due to the emergence of rebel groups and the impact on the area of the situation in southern Darfur. The activities of MINURCAT, which has replaced the European Union-led military force in the region, have increased, and with good reason.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Government mediation efforts were undertaken immediately, since the Government is the party with the primary responsibility for protecting its population from the woes of insecurity. It therefore launched talks with certain rebel groups that were hesitant to enter into the inclusive political dialogue. This approach has brought those groups into closer interaction with the Government, and certain groups have signed on to the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement of June 2008. This progress is welcome, as it will facilitate the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, which is very important for any country emerging from conflict. That process is necessary both to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs created by the conflicts and to support socio- economic development.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Following the inclusive political dialogue clashes broke out between certain rebel forces and the Central African armed forces; a new rebel movement formed, causing a rupture within the Union des forces de'mocratiques pour le rassemblement; ethnic clashes erupted; and alliances were established. These have been accompanied by mass displacement of the population and restrictions on humanitarian, economic, trade, agricultural activities and the proliferation of light weapons. In order to remedy these problems - in particular ethnic tensions - the Government has intervened to try to reconcile the feuding communities. The restoration of the rule of law is sorely needed.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Mr. Poukre-Kono (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): I welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) (S/2009/359) and the latest developments it brings to the attention of the Security Council and the international community. On behalf of my Government, I should like to thank MINURCAT and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Victor Angelo, for the outstanding manner in which they are carrying out their mandates. They can be assured of the full support of the Central African Government. The situation prevailing in the North-East, particularly in the prefectures of Vakaga and Haute Kotto, remains worrisome in several particulars.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“In that visit, we felt the United Nations presence even closer to the Central African Republic. We also thank all other bilateral and multilateral partners that are contributing effectively to the cause of stabilization and sustainable peace in the Central African Republic. They can rest assured of the full and good cooperation of our Government.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“That celebration takes place throughout the territory, without exception. The Republic's fiftieth anniversary, like those of previous years, was greatly appreciated, and we expect the same for the fifty-first anniversary in December 2009. Lastly, we would like to reiterate our full support for the activities of the United Nations in the Central African Republic, which, we hope, will continue in the future. The recent visits of Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe, head of the Department of Political Affairs, were well received by the authorities in the Central African Republic, which had not been visited by a United Nations high official since the country emerged from the crisis. Mr. Pascoe went to the 09-37565 Central African Republic without preconceptions and to listen to the authorities.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“That new structure will allow the activities of the United Nations system to be coordinated on the ground as it supports the political, socio-economic and sustainable development activities in the Central African Republic. The future BINUCA will have the advantage of being deeply involved in implementing the strategic framework. While we generally accept the contents of the report of the Secretary-General, we nevertheless have an objection to raise with regard to paragraph 74. The information contained in that paragraph, in our opinion, is not in line with the history of the Central African Republic. Contrary to what is written, the national day is celebrated solemnly and j oyously by the people each 1 December, except for one period only when there were repeated mutinies.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“The Government supports that programme and is ready to invest in its success. May we all support the configuration's Chair in his determination to meet the schedule for the best results. The fight against the poverty afflicting most of the Central African Republic's population requires respect for the established programmes. The political will of the authorities has already been confirmed by its simple resolve to hold elections in 2010 and to complete the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme as soon as possible. We welcome the decision to transform the United Nations the Peacebuilding Support Office into the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA).”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“The strategic framework adopted on 6 May 2009 resulted from intensive consultations among all stakeholders in the Central African Republic and the international community. That document, which will be revised every six months, was presented officially to the Central African Republic parties by Ambassador Grauls when he visited from 21 to 23 May 2009. That Visit was truly successful in that it brought together many members of the Government, civil society and other stakeholders, including the media, which duly disseminated the message of the Chairman of the configuration on the Central African Republic. National ownership remains the leitmotif of the strategic framework's success. However, the international community should also demonstrate its flexibility by lending its unconditional support to achieving the set objectives.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“Since our country has been on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, the authorities of the Central African Republic have cooperated fully with the country-specific configuration on the Central African Republic, chaired by Ambassador Jan Grauls, Permanent Representative of Belgium. In his determination and ardent desire for us to succeed, he has taken a series of measures that have moved the situation in the Central African Republic decidedly forward. His many missions to Bangui and throughout the world to plead the case of the Central African Republic plainly demonstrate that he is a staunch defender of those in need. The Central African Republic is very grateful for his commitment.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“A national human rights commission will be established to address all human rights issues in the Central African Republic, including the rights of women and children in armed conflict, as well as the rights of refugees. In the context of restructuring the army and raising the moral standards of the military, on 11 June the National Assembly enacted a military training law for FACA and the police for the period 2009-2013. The law is aimed at consolidating and conditioning the necessary personnel for FACA and the national police in the areas of recruitment, training, retirement and career management, and at identifying the budgetary contributions of the State and the international community that are necessary in order to achieve the objectives set for 2013.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“Thanks to the joint action of the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Food Programme and other humanitarian agencies, as well as the National Commission for Refugees and the local population, refugees and displaced persons are receiving assistance. Where there is violence, human rights violations are inevitable and we bitterly regret that. The Central African Republic is emerging painfully from a long period of crisis and the deployment of its defence and security forces is occurring gradually in areas where violence persists because of the actions of rebel groups and widespread banditry. Nevertheless, the authorities of the Central African Republic have taken measures to prevent all acts of violence in conformity with the law. Thus, new penal and military codes are being finalized.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“With respect to humanitarian issues, it is regrettable to note that, in the northern part of the country, clashes between certain rebel groups - including the Front democratique du peuple centrafricain and the Convergence des patriotes centrafricains pour la justice et la paix - with the Forces armees centrafricaines (FACA), have displaced Central Africans inside and outside the country. We also note a new manifestation of Violence in the northern part of the country - inter-community violence. But the Central African Republic is also a welcoming country, and has received Sudanese refugees who have fled the violence in Darfur since 2007.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“Funds already collected by the Central African Economic and Monetary Community will be allocated exclusively to the peace process. We wish here to pay a well-deserved tribute here in memory of His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon, for his personal involvement in helping to resolve the crisis in the Central African Republic and for being a mobilizer of funds to contribute to peacebuilding and disarmament. The issue of elections in 2010 is not problematic, because the Government intends to respect the electoral timetable. Thus, the draft electoral code to launch that process remains under consideration by the National Assembly. The Government is counting on the support of the United Nations to successfully complete the process.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“Working documents have been created and lists of political and military groups drafted, and a team has been established to manage and mobilize contributions from the Peacebuilding Fund. However, that programme must be brought into line with security sector reform and the development hubs. If they are to be reintegrated into civilian life, ex-combatants must have training to allow them to make a living. It is therefore important for the development hubs to become a reality in due time. Security and defence forces must also be deployed in tandem with those programmes. At the same time, that deployment is of major concern of the Government of the Central African Republic, which is doing its best to find financing because it wants DDR to be implemented as quickly as possible.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“At the political level, there is a genuine resolve to move towards reconciliation, even if a few political and military actors seem to be choosing the path of force. My Government recognizes that the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement launched an irreversible peace process. The Government is striving to make its influence felt in everyday affairs, as it has informed the Council on several occasions. President Bozize met with the Libyan leader and current Chairperson of the African Union and asked him to support the cause of comprehensive and lasting peace in the Central African Republic. The return to the country of one of the political and military chiefs, Abakar Sabone, is a good sign that the country is progressing little by little along the path towards true reconciliation. The DDR programme is advancing slowly but surely.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“The implementation of the recommendations of the inclusive political dialogue, and in particular the establishment of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme, the organization of general elections in 2010 and the mobilization of resources, are the challenges to be taken up in the coming months. My delegation notes the progress achieved after the holding of the political dialogue, including the establishment of the Follow-up Committee for the implementation of the dialogue recommendations, the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Steering Committee and the High Court of Justice. Any apparent delay in the implementation of those programmes is due to a lack of financing, which has yet to be mobilized.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“Her experience is reassuring because she is already familiar with the problems of the Central African Republic, having worked on the subject within the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. My country offers her its full support during her term in office. Our hopes have been fulfilled and we thank the Secretary- General most sincerely. We must also pay well-deserved tribute to her predecessor, Mr. Francois Lonseny Fall, for his dedication and determination to move the Central African Republic issue forward. 2009 is a key year for the Central African Republic, which must now take courageous measures to determine its future.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“We commend Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for presenting the report and his informative briefing. We cannot fail to note the full role that Mr. Sammy Kum Buo, Director of the Africa II Division in the Department of Political Affairs and Officer-in-Charge of BONUCA, has played in recent months. His interim term was noteworthy because he was able to address all the thorny issues with the managing authorities and key actors of the Central African Republic. We also wish to congratulate Ms. Sahle-Work Zewde on her appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of BONUCA beginning 15 June 2009. We appreciate her appointment, which was completed after a rigorous selection process.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“Mr. Poukre-Kono (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): My delegation welcomes your presidency of the Security Council for June, Sir, and congratulates you thereon. Turkey's commitment to peace in the world and its unequivocal support for developing countries reflect its genuine desire to promote truly global multilateralism. My country, the Central African Republic, thanks the Turkish Government for the multifaceted assistance it has provided to the Central African Republic and will continue to provide in the future. The Central African Republic also thanks the Secretary-General for his recent report (S/2009/309) on the situation in the Central African Republic and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office (BONUCA) in that country.”
2009-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6147 (2009) · source
“In my view, if we genuinely wish to see stability in the political and security spheres, it is only proper that the Security Council should consider the matter, and should in particular take into account the human aspect, with civilians caught between rebel forces and loyalist forces defending the territory. I believe that today's briefing and the report of the Secretary-General call on us all to find a concrete solution.”
2009-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6111 (2009) · source
“Mr. Poukre-Kono (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): Let me begin by thanking Mr. Edmond Mulet for his briefing and for his introduction of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/199), which describes developments in the region, both in Chad and in the Central African Republic. My gratitude goes to the troops of the European Union-led military force (EUFOR) in Chad and the Central African Republic for their contribution to easing the tension in the subregion between certain rebel groups and the civilian population. I wish to thank Mr. Mulet also for having sent a very strong signal to the Security Council: that the lack of military equipment now be taken seriously and that a solution be found quickly.”
2009-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6111 (2009) · source
“The Government of the Central African Republic will be happy to work closely with the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who will lead this integrated office, as well as with all the agencies of the United Nations system. I cannot conclude without sympathizing with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who is leaving his post at a very crucial time in the peace process in the Central African Republic. I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6091 (2009) · source
“The cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Government is one of the most exemplary. Once the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding has been finalized by common agreement, we cherish the hope that efforts towards stabilization and genuine national reconciliation will be achieved. The Integrated Office should play a major role in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, 6 which remains the cornerstone on which true political momentum rests. With this new body, the United Nations will be able to speak with a single voice. We reiterate how pleased we shall be to see the Integrated Office becoming operational as soon as possible in accordance with the recommendation.”
2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6091 (2009) · source
“The Government of the Central African Republic welcomes the recommendation for the establishment of a United Nations integrated Peacebuilding Office to succeed the current United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic until 31 December 2009. We endorse the establishment of that Integrated Office, which is innovative in its integration of the Peacebuilding Support Office into the strategic planning and coordination unit. The placing of the Central African Republic on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission has greatly raised the profile of issues related to our country within international bodies: the United Nations, the African Union, the World Bank, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community and others.”
2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6091 (2009) · source
“In these past six months, he has not ceased to step up contacts with the highest Central African authorities. His commitment to the full restoration of peace in the Central African Republic is clear to all. Less than four months after the appearance of his report contained in document S/2008/733 of 26 November 2008, where the idea of an integrated office was born, the Council is called on to carry forward that recommendation, which is now before it. The complexity of the solutions needed to resolve the problem of the Central African Republic following the convening of the inclusive political dialogue can only be organized within the context of an integrated 5 process, as proposed by the Secretary-General in his letter of 3 March (S/2009/ 128).”
2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6091 (2009) · source
“Mr. Poukre-Kono (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): As this is the first time that the Central African Republic has taken the floor before the Security Council in this month of March, allow me, Sir, to convey to you the most heartfelt brotherly congratulations of the delegation of the Central African Republic. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya is an integral part of the peace process in the Central African Republic. We welcome that country's enlightened mediation in that process. This meeting, held under your stewardship, will, I am sure, be successful. We would like to pay well-deserved tribute to the Secretary-General for his efforts with regard to the Central African Republic. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following very closely the developing situation in our country.”
2009-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6091 (2009) · source
“Out of a desire for continuity and because we do not want to leave any legal vacuum, and, given the fragility of the institutions in the country, the Government of the Central African Republic is therefore requesting that an operational military unit of about 500 troops be kept in the consolidated Birao area for humanitarian, political and economic reasons.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“The persistent instability that we would like to eradicate for good in the subregion also hampers good- neighbourly relations. It is time for concerted action with support from the United Nations to lead to the re-establishment of law and order. We welcome the MINURCAT exit strategy proposed in the report, which is perfectly in keeping with the reform process for the security sector. As has been said by an eminent diplomat, a close link should be created between security sector reform and MINURCAT. We want to continue cooperating closely with the United Nations system, its humanitarian personnel and associated humanitarian personnel.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“What used to be a haven of peace is in total upheaval today. Consequently, human rights have been affected and the environment has been devastated. Humanitarian workers - whom we praise for their bravery and willingness to work in difficult and dangerous conditions - are always welcome. At this point, we believe that stabilization in that part of the Central African Republic has not yet really begun. The State is still trying to begin reforming the security sector. That very long and complex process requires the political will of the Government, which is now evidence, and adequate resources, in addition to the $4 million received from the Peacebuilding Fund. This apparent stability is the result of the presence of EUFOR, since the Central African State has not really re-established its authority in the area.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“My delegation has another question about the numbers in the three options proposed for military presence in the north-eastern region of the Central African Republic. We have the impression that those conclusions are not the strongest. The region being discussed today is it must be noted, a sensitive area, which is part of a triangle that includes borders of Chad, the Sudan and the Central African Republic. It is the trade route, via Port Sudan, to reach the Red Sea. It is also a zone rich in mineral resources with abundant fauna, but this animal life has been decimated by poachers over the past two decades of crisis because there has not been a powerfully equipped army in place. With the Darfur crisis, refugees are pouring in because of rebellions and the reception of internally displaced persons.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“But the Central African Republic is still too fragile for it to attempt to resolve all of its sovereign responsibilities. It needs the support of the international community, and we appreciate the efforts that have been made. The United Nations technical assessment mission completed its report and has offered its assessment. We welcome the excellent report. But we are left wondering, because there is no reference to the exchanges with the authorities of the Central African Republic except for a reference to the confirmed desire to have a United Nations presence in the north-eastern part of the country. Council members should read 08-6445] between the lines with regard to discussions with the country.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“Are those signs that people are tired of the Central African problem? The security issue in the Central African Republic is relevant and topical today. There is a very complex crisis in the subregion, in particular in Darfur. There are people who are forced to flee because of violence; there is poverty and trafficking of illicit weapons. The armed forces are unable to control bandits or to impose order. Those are all issues that must be addressed over time. As Council members are aware, the Central African Republic is trying to emerge from two decades of political and military upheaval that thwarted any attempts at development. The inclusive political dialogue began on 8 December and demonstrates that the people and Government want to turn the page of history. That is a significant step forward and cannot be ignored.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“We wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINURCAT, Mr. Victor Angelo, for his useful and helpful presentation of the report. However, the report has prompted my delegation to ask a few questions, which, if permitted, we would like to voice now. Are the defense and security forces of the Central African Republic sufficiently battle-tested to be able to ensure safety and security in the north-eastern part of the country? The situation in that region is unclear, so should the civilians and refugees from other countries who are there just be abandoned? The recent withdrawal of humanitarian workers because of a lack of security was heartbreaking. However, can bad weather conditions prevent troops from continuing to move around in a time of war?”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“Mr. Poukre-Kono (Central African Republic) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to take the floor and explain the position of the Government of the Central African Republic on the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/760), which we believe is of major and decisive importance to the future of our country. But first of all, I wish to congratulate the Republic of Croatia and you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December 2008. We welcome the report before us, which deals with the extension of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT), its military component and the transfer of authority from the European Union-led military force (EUFOR), whose mandate will end soon, to a United Nations military component.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region has significant advantages for all countries concerned, with regard to the projects to be implemented at the end of this process. For this reason, the Central African Republic appeals for additional resources for the United Nations Office for the Great Lakes Region. We would also like to thank the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region for its major ongoing contribution to the Conference process, with the support of the United Nations and the African Union.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The National Preparatory Committee of the Central African Republic has taken a very active part in all the work of the Great Lakes Conference process. Twenty-eight projects inspired by or proposed by the Central African Republic were among the 63 adopted at the last Regional Preparatory Committee meeting, held in Mombasa. The Central African Republic will host in Bangui, from 20 to 23 February 2006, the third Regional Inter- Ministerial Committee meeting. This important meeting will focus on adopting projects and protocols considered by the regional preparatory committees. The preparations have begun with the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee under the chairmanship of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“In 1994, the Bangui-Mpoko airport provided an airbase for the French Operation Turquoise, which was mandated to restore peace to Rwanda. The intervention in the Central African Republic from 2001 to 2003 by troops from the former rebellion of Jean-Pierre Bemba's Movement for the Liberation of the Congo is illustrative in many ways of how conflicts in the Great Lakes region can spread to the Central African Republic. This brief analysis suffices to show that the Central African Republic is affected by the crisis in the Great Lakes region. Co-opted in 2004, the Central African Republic will, like two other countries in the region - Angola and the Congo - become a full member of the process, with the same decision-making power as the others.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The reasons for engagement of the Central African Republic in this geographic space relate to security, geo-strategic, economic and humanitarian criteria. We have a more than 1,400-kilometre border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have welcomed more than 20,000 Rwandan, Burundian and Congolese refugees during the crisis in the Great Lakes region. We have commercial relations across the Congo-Ubangui river with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and with the Congo. These trade relations were severely upset by the 1997 war, the second in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which affected export products such as coffee and palm oil. The Central African Republic's fuel shortages in 1999 contributed to the breakdown of our economy, much of which had been stricken by the destruction of industrial infrastructure since 1996.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Now that the Dar es-Salaam Summit has declared the Great Lakes region a reconstruction and development zone to be accompanied by a specific fund, the countries concerned are aware of their primary responsibility to cooperate in assembling those funds. However, we must not forget that most of these countries emerging from sometimes latent conflicts, which harmed their economic structures, are experiencing great difficulties in recovering. At the world summit held during the sixtieth session of the General Assembly last autumn, His Excellency General Francois Bozize, President of the Central African Republic, therefore launched an appeal for solidarity. He said that "in the face of the difficulties of every kind that may be encountered by Member States, large or small, solidarity must remain the key word" (A/60/PV.5, p. 7).”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes between States and good-neighbourly relations should prevail during the ongoing consultations on adopting an integrated comprehensive strategy for these policies. To do this, the Central African Republic supports the proposal to adopt two protocols to strengthen security cooperation among the States in the region: a regional non-aggression pact and a regional protocol on good-neighbourliness, This option of dialogue between States could lead to reliable regional reconstruction projects. When we talk about reconstruction, we are talking about funding.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“As we can see in some countries, political stability and good governance can ensure sustainable development and prosperity, which can end the suffering of thousands of people wandering through the countryside, seeking security. With determination, the Great Lakes countries must overcome their inertia and give hope to their suffering peoples by acting on the sacred principle of human dignity. Furthermore, the issue of humanitarian assistance should not be the subject of lengthy debate, because what is needed is to rapidly provide assistance to human beings. The consolidated appeal for refugees and displaced persons should not be held up in any way.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“To varying degrees, these countries are benefiting from post-conflict programmes, but the economic and strategic stakes in the Great Lakes region, which is rich and bursting with natural resources that are illicitly exploited and plundered, have placed the region at the centre of the interest of the United Nations. The serious human and social consequences of these crises and armed conflicts are shown by the large number of refugees and displaced persons throughout the Great Lakes region, and by the endemic poverty. Peace, security and development are closely linked. No crisis is limited to a single country, because of the direct or indirect effects on neighbouring countries.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“I should like here to pay tribute to the commitment of the Government of Tanzania, within the Security Council, to seeing that the major decisions of the Council are translated into reality - the goal of the draft resolution that is before us for adoption. The Central African delegation also welcomes the dialogue initiated by the United Nations, which placed the issue of the Great Lakes region under a specialized Office headed by Mr. Ibrahima Fall, whose commitment is beyond doubt. At least 7 of the 11 countries in the area have gone through the horrors of armed conflicts that had their origins in diverse factors including recurrent fratricidal wars, endemic poverty, chronic underdevelopment, power struggles, and others.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source