YouSaid · the spoken record

Prendergast

lines on the record: 716
first: 1999-08-27
most recent: 2018-09-10
sittings or episodes: 36
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

“The International Committee of the Red Cross was given access to the prisoners and a few were released, but more than 200 remain in custody. Three weeks after the arrests, no charges have been brought, nor has evidence against the suspects been produced. UNAMA representatives met with the head of the Security Directorate to express their concerns. They were assured that the investigation would be completed soon, after which charges would be pressed or prisoners would be released. UNAMA will be following this issue very closely. The Interim Administration has at the same time made a determined effort to eradicate this year's poppy crop.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“Shah Sayed, an Afghan working for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). His death adds to a disturbing pattern of attacks on civilians, including humanitarian personnel, especially in the north of Afghanistan. The Interim Administration has taken some actions to respond to the deterioration of the security situation, though its capabilities are limited. In particular, the Administration sent a delegation to mediate the conflict in Wardak province, which occurred at Maidan Shahr, not far from Kabul. This delegation had some success, although tensions remain. The Interim Administration's National Security Directorate also carried out mass arrests in early April, the aim of which was described as being to pre-empt suspected terrorist attacks.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“Amid these signs of hope, a series of violent incidents has heightened security concerns. These incidents include a failed attempt in Jalalabad to assassinate the Minister of Defence that killed six bystanders and injured many more; a rocket attack on ISAF; several shooting attacks on ISAF patrols; a general increase in the presence of armed men on the streets of Kabul; demonstrations in Nangarhar and Helmand against the Interim Authority's poppy eradication policy, resulting in 16 deaths; skirmishes between Pashtun and Tajik troops in the west of the country; sporadic fighting in Nimroz between a commander backed by Ismail Khan and the provincial authorities; and fighting in Wardak province over the governorship of the province. In particular, I would like, in this context, to highlight the tragic killing on 10 April of Mr.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“At the same time, I would not wish to disguise the many problems and obstacles that lie ahead. The period ahead will be a busy and challenging one for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for the Interim Administration and for its international partners, but we remain hopeful and confident that the emergency Loya Jirga will take place on schedule and that it will lead to a smooth transition to the next phase of the Bonn process. Another significant political development is the return of the former King, Zahir Shah, who, as the Council knows, had been exiled since 1973. The former King has declared his support for Chairman Karzai and the Interim Administration. He has emphasized, too, that he returned not to try to revive the monarchy, but to unite and be close to his fellow Afghans.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“Forty teams of district organizers are currently being trained by United Nations staff and members of the Loya Jirga Commission. Operations centres are being set up in each regional centre and international monitors will conduct spot checks to ensure that the process is held in accordance with procedures established by the Loya Jirga Commission. However, there is already clear evidence that some commanders and low-level administrators are planning to try to force through the selection of their own people. Discussions on how to provide security for the second phase of the selection process, and the Loya Jirga itself, are ongoing with the Interim Administration and with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) within the limitations of its current mandate. At present, we can say that the emergency Loya Jirga process is on track.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“I refer in particular to the fact that Pashtuns have been chosen in areas where they are in a minority and that at least one woman has already been selected, a modest achievement in most societies other than Afghanistan. As the Council may recall, 160 women will be selected by the Independent Commission itself, but there is no limit to the number of women who might be elected. We hope to see this positive precedent repeated many times through both the first and second phases so that the incredible sacrifices and tremendous responsibilities that Afghan women have borne through these past decades of war are suitably reflected in the composition of the Loya Jirga. All possible steps are being taken, given the limited resources at hand, to promote a fair selection process.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“The first district assembly was held on 14 April in Mordian district, Jowzjan province. Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi attended that assembly and was greeted warmly by the 2,000 people who had travelled there. Mr. Brahimi has reported that enthusiasm for the Loya Jirga is growing across Afghanistan. People are looking forward to their first chance in many years to take part in the political process. Ten other district assemblies have since taken place and a total of 200 electoral college members have been selected. Some results are particularly heartening to those who hope to see a multi-ethnic, representative Government in Afghanistan.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“As I am sure Council members will recall, the Loya Jirga is to comprise some 1,500 delegates, of whom approximately 1,000 will be elected indirectly by the people and 500 selected by the Independent Commission for the Emergency Loya Jirga. In the first phase, district assemblies will gather to select a slate of representatives, known as "electoral colleges". These electoral colleges will then travel to one of nine provincial centres. During the second phase, between 20 May and 3 June, the electoral colleges will elect a number of delegates from among themselves to represent each province at the Loya Jirga. Given the logistical difficulties, the security environment and the extremely short time frame, even indirect elections present a great challenge. Nonetheless, the first phase has begun on schedule and with success.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: It is a pleasure to be addressing this Council again in the presence of Ms. Sima, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Kabul during the Secretary-General's Visit there recently and who struck everyone by the vigour and forthrightness of her positions. It has been about a month since this Council last considered Afghanistan in an open meeting. One month is quite a long time in the eventful calendar of recent Afghan history, and this past month has been no exception. While I will, as usual, try to cover a range of issues, I would like to begin, if I may, with the emergency Loya Jirga, which is to take place this June and which is the single most significant political benchmark in the Bonn process since the establishment of the Interim Authority.”
2002-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4521 (2002) · source
“The United Nations system is putting the final touches on its plan for the new Mission, which will be called the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). These will be presented soon to the Council in the form of a report of the Secretary- General. Meanwhile, financial and administrative measures necessary to facilitate the establishment and support of an integrated United Nations mission in Afghanistan have been taken on the basis, Mr. President, of your letter of 8 February and subsequent decisions taken by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). For this, and for all the other forms - tangible and intangible - in which the Council has been supporting our efforts to assist Afghanistan's return to stability, I thank the Council very much.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Brahimi also has a police adviser, temporarily seconded from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, who will liaise with the Interior Ministry and give advice to security organizations in Afghanistan. Finally, a human rights adviser has arrived at the mission, on temporary loan from the Office of the High Commissioner. On 9 March there will be an Afghan human rights workshop, which is set to coincide with the visit to Kabul of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, and with the celebration of International Women's Day. It is hoped that this workshop will set the basis for the setting up of the Human Rights Commission to which I referred earlier in this briefing.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“This document, which has been prepared in close consultation with the Interim Administration, presents the immediate humanitarian needs in Afghanistan for 2002. I would like to echo the calls of the Secretary- General and Mr. Brahimi to the international community to continue to support the Interim Authority and the people of Afghanistan, whose dire needs, in many cases, are only now being revealed. Before concluding, I would like to touch briefly on the status of the United Nations mission in Afghanistan. First, I am pleased to report that the new Deputy Special Representative, Nigel Fisher, arrived in Kabul on 14 February. He will lead the United Nations programmes for relief, recovery and reconstruction. We hope to name shortly the Deputy for the political side. The Office of Mr.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Approximately 38 per cent of WFP aid this month has entered from Termez in Uzbekistan, which makes it the most significant food logistics entry route into Afghanistan at present. WFP's general urban distribution in Kandahar city will begin on 14 March and will target some 360,000 people with 3,000 metric tons of food, following similar one-off distributions in Kabul, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif. A rapid assessment of internally displaced persons has been taking place to establish accurate numbers, locations of origin, their needs and whether they are willing to return home. The plan is to shift the focus of assistance from the internally displaced person camps to the places where those people will return. Finally, tomorrow, the updated financial requirements for the International Transitional Assistance Programme will be presented in Kabul.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“The main refugee return programme is tentatively planned to start in early April. However, I need to add that a new wave of refugees from Afghanistan to Pakistan highlights a chronic lack of stability. Since the beginning of this month, nearly 20,000 Afghans have arrived at Pakistan's Chaman border after travelling for weeks in search of aid and protection. Hundreds continue to arrive every day. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), many of the new refugees are ethnic Pashtuns fleeing human rights abuses in various areas of the country. The World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered more than 325,000 metric tons of food aid into Afghanistan since October 2001.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“The ability of aid agencies to deliver non-food items has been bolstered by the arrival of a third Hercules aircraft. Tajikistan has confirmed that an additional five border crossings will be opened to speed the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Aid agencies, in collaboration with the Interim Administration, will start a programme to help those who are displaced within Afghanistan and refugees in neighbouring countries to return to their homes. A three-week pilot repatriation scheme is due to start on the first of March for refugees in Pakistan who want to go back to the eastern region of Afghanistan. Over this period, the return of some 200 families per day will be assisted by the provision of a lump sum payment. A similar exercise is planned for Kandahar.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“I can only reiterate what has been said before by the Secretary-General and by his Special Representative, as well as by Chairman Karzai, namely, that the question of security continues to be the foremost concern, and the manner in which it is addressed by the international community and the Afghans together may well determine in the very near future whether or not the Bonn process succeeds. I would like to now turn to an issue that is also deeply affected by the security situation, and that is the status of our humanitarian activities in Afghanistan. The United Nations and non-governmental organizations are continuing to solidify their presence throughout the country, thereby increasing our ability to reach the most vulnerable.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“The United Kingdom has already provided communications equipment and uniforms. A further meeting on policing is planned for March, when participants are expected to present more detailed plans. At the same time, I ought to point out that ISAF remains limited to Kabul, while the main threats to the Interim Authority emanate from the provinces. There is a continuing danger, therefore, that the existing security apparatus, both Afghan and international, does not adequately address the security threats that are currently discernible and that are likely to increase as the convening of the Emergency Loya Jirga approaches. We are, of course, well aware that there is a great deal of debate on this subject in the capitals of the countries represented here and of ISAF contributors.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“An assessment team from the United States recently spent several days in Kabul discussing the formation of a new Afghan Army and the United States contribution to training. The creation of an Afghan police force was advanced by a meeting on international support for the Afghan police force in Berlin on 13 February. The meeting was attended by 18 countries and by 11 international organizations, including the United Nations. The Government of Germany presented its report from a recent fact-finding mission to Kabul and generously pledged 10 million euros in 2002 to support the training of Afghan police and the renovation of police buildings. The German Government has also donated 50 vehicles, which are arriving in the capital. Other significant contributions were promised by Belgium, India, Norway, Pakistan and Russia.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“This improvement is in no small part due to the performance of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which reached its full operational capacity on the eighteenth of this month and has 4,500 troops who are conducting 30 daily patrols around the clock. Such patrolling is to increase during the coming weeks in order to tackle the lawless elements in Kabul. Special attention will be focused on District Five in west Kabul after two shooting incidents involving ISAF troops. Training of the first battalion of the new Afghan Army by ISAF has also begun. The new recruits have been arriving from around the country for incorporation into what is to be an ethnically and geographically balanced corps.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“In Kandahar, the disarmament programme is continuing, although some groups have actively resisted handing over their weapons to the local government. According to recent press reports, the Governor of Helmand said that he would defy the Interim Authority's ban on opium production, because Kabul did not have the power to enforce it. And, of course, in Kabul itself, as was widely reported, the Transport Minister was brutally killed for motives that might have been political. Despite recent breaches of security in Kabul that were reported by the international press, in general the crime rate has fallen and security has improved.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Nonetheless, fighting nearby between two garrison commanders resulted in two deaths and several wounded. There are also reports in the north of harassment of ethnic Pashtuns by Tajiks and Uzbeks. In Gardeyz, the threat of renewed fighting remains, although the situation has been so far stabilized following Chairman Karzai's appointment of a new governor there. In both situations, therefore, the authority of the Interim Administration has been sufficiently respected by political and military players outside Kabul to prevent a widespread return to war and to warlordism. At the same time, the Interim Authority is being increasingly challenged in other areas. Low-intensity fighting has been reported in Farah province between three rival leaders jostling for power.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“The most basic function of a State, after all, is to assure the security of its citizens from outside aggression or internal injustice. Despite the generally positive progress on the political front, the Interim Authority has recently faced two major security threats, which Mr. Brahimi mentioned during his briefing here on 6 February. Those were a mobilization of rival factions in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif and a battle between rival Governors in the southern city of Gardeyz. In the north, following mediation by the Interim Authority and the United Nations, the situation has grown calmer. A 600-strong multi-ethnic police force and a security commission with representation from all the political parties was created, and armed units have been withdrawn to barracks.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Karzai during his recent visits to Herat and Jalalabad, through the eager participation in the work of the Loya Jirga Commission of people in the provinces, and through the number of Afghan refugees voluntarily returning to their country. Chairman Karzai has said that his greatest asset is the Afghan people. It is all too easy to forget that this is the first time in many that ordinary people have had a chance to express themselves; previously their voice had been stifled by war or by oppression or by both. They are signalling a strong and clear desire for the Bonn process to work, and for those who are resisting it, or undermining it, to cease doing so. That brings me to the issue of security in Afghanistan. It is becoming increasingly difficult to separate issues relating to security from those relating to political developments.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Another encouraging political development has been the diplomacy of Chairman Karzai and his Administration. In visits to neighbouring countries whose support and non-interference are critical for the success of the Bonn process, the Interim Administration has mended fences and forged good relations. Mr. Karzai himself has been an ambassador not only for Afghanistan's dire needs, which require international assistance, but also for Afghanistan's aspirations, which are built on the principles of international responsibility and cooperation. Most heartening, however, has been the positive reaction to the Bonn process by Afghans, who have been victimized by war for so long. Their overwhelming support has manifested itself in various ways: through the enthusiastic reaction of the population to Mr.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Brahimi's urgings to the Group of 21, and to the Council during his recent visit, for the delivery of the millions of additional dollars that are needed immediately. Without those millions being available today, the billions pledged at Tokyo may be of much less use. As we have previously said, the Interim Authority needs bread today more than the promise of cake tomorrow. The Interim Authority and Mr. Brahimi's Office have now turned their attention to the establishment of the judicial commission and the human rights commission. Those two bodies will work to provide the foundations for not only the rule of law in Afghanistan, but also for the fair rule of just law. The recent history of Afghanistan has been such that its population has not only experienced the absence of law, but also the tyranny of so-called law.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Most importantly, the Interim Administration was able to pay the salaries of public servants in January and February. This not only allowed civil servants to return to work and to begin performing the functions of government, but it also sent an important signal about the reliability and constancy of the Interim Authority. Salary payments were made out of the Interim Administration fund administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Here, I would like to thank all countries that have contributed to that fund for their generosity and to note again the excellent job done by UNDP in delivering that money to the Government in as timely a manner as possible despite the absence of a modern banking infrastructure. Perhaps the Council will also allow me to remind it, however, of Mr.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Reports have already been received of widespread lobbying and the distribution of money by powerful figures who are trying to get large numbers of their supporters into the Loya Jirga. The Commission is working to develop mechanisms to minimize those risks and temptations, and Mr. Brahimi's Office is monitoring the process closely. I would like here to note with gratitude that the Loya Jirga Commission was provided with $500,000 by the United Kingdom Government to cover its logistic and administrative costs. That timely grant allowed the Commission to begin its crucial work immediately, which was an important consideration given the pressure to adhere to the Bonn timetable. The second priority, namely, the re-establishment of the civil service, has also seen significant progress.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Very successful public meetings have been held in Ghowr, Bamian, Paktia, Nangahar and Laghman provinces, where Afghans have demonstrated overwhelming support for the Emergency Loya Jirga, including support for the participation of women. At the same time, Afghans have expressed the fear that armed groups could affect the selection or election - because the Bonn Agreement provides for both a of delegates to the Loya Jirga. The Commission has so far been able to operate without interference from outside parties, but there are legitimate fears that political pressure on the Commission will increase substantially as the date for the formation of the Loya Jirga approaches.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“As the Council knows, the members of the Loya Jirga Commission were named on 25 January, in compliance with the Bonn Agreement, in the presence of the Secretary-General, and the Commission was inaugurated on 7 February. The Commission has been making progress towards formulating the rules and procedures for the convening and the conduct of the Loya Jirga. Those are expected to be announced on 21 March, the Afghan new year. The Commissioners, accompanied by United Nations staff, have begun to undertake visits to Afghanistan's provinces, with a view to increasing awareness of the Commission's role and to solicit advice from the people about how to make the Loya Jirga as representative and as fair as possible.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Whether or not the Loya Jirga is held in a climate free from fear or intimidation will depend on whether or not Afghanistan's nascent institutions are able to impose themselves now against the threats of disorder. While the Interim Authority carries the prime responsibility for that, the international community, and the Security Council in particular, also have an important role to play. If I may, I will outline the rudiments of the political order emerging in Afghanistan. The two most urgent tasks for the Interim Administration were the setting up of the Special Independent Commission for the Convening of the Emergency Loya Jirga and re-establishing the civil service.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: In previous briefings to the Council we described the emergence of "embryo" political institutions from a chaotic political context stamped by long years of war. The resilience of those fragile institutions has been tested and continues to be tested, and the nature of the challenges against them is coming into sharper focus. Political progress has occurred at a rate that, I believe, was faster than most people expected. Those elements who have the most to lose from a stable and democratic order in Afghanistan have begun to react. The next landmark on the road to stability mapped out in the Bonn process is the convening of an emergency loya jirga, due on 22 June, which in turn will lead to the formation of a transitional authority.”
2002-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4479 (2002) · source
“The challenges in creating a viable entity in the international community are great, particularly as the movement towards independence looms larger. We recognize the complexities, but we encourage the relevant actors to continue their efforts to ensure that the transition process is as smooth as possible. Effective collaboration between UNTAET, the World Bank, UNDP, IMF, civil society and the people of East Timor will ensure that the consultative process is as broad as possible and takes into account differing perspectives. We wish, in closing, to commend the work of UNTAET, and we support the extension ofits mandate.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We note the range of programmes under the auspices of the Bank, beginning with the short-term focus on the basics, through to assistance in preparing for independence. Of significance again to my delegation is the focus on building local capacity and ownership of the development process at all levels through joint project planning and broad consultation with the East Timorese leadership and civil society, in order to empower the indigenous East Timorese institutions to carry out the functions effectively on their own. We wish to underscore the importance of these particular elements as political transition takes place, in order to develop the administrative, human and social capital needed to manage a State.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Malloch Brown said, in building a critical bridge between emergency work and long-term development. UNDP's work in governance, poverty alleviation and reconstruction has undoubtedly contributed to advances in East Timor. We are supportive of its work there, and we are particularly interested in its efforts at reconstruction, supporting employment generation, vocational training and in the Joint Poverty Assessment Initiative, which is being done in collaboration with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The involvement of the UNDP in East Timor demonstrates the importance of the flexibility of UNDP's mandate in addressing the particular needs of developing countries at different stages of development. Similarly, the role of the World Bank in East Timor has been of fundamental importance.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The return of refugees to their homes in safety will contribute to reconciliation and rebuilding efforts and will ensure that they are reintegrated into East Timorese society. It would be remiss of my delegation not to mention the work of organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in contributing to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of East Timor. We value the involvement of these organizations in East Timor over the past year and wish to emphasize that their presence points to the importance of a broad-based and collaborative approach to the development of East Timor. We note their collaboration with UNTAET in contributing to local capacity-building and employment creation and, as Mr.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The security situation and the refugee situation remain of primary concern to us. With regard to the former, we remain concerned at the incidents of militia activity, although they have decreased somewhat. We noted Mr. Vieira de Mello's point that there have been some developments on this front. The refugee situation is also a continuing concern to us. We recognize that many continue to live in difficult conditions. We recognize the commitment of the Government of Indonesia to dealing with this and other problems, and we encourage them to continue to take steps to deal effectively with the difficult and challenging situation in the camps in West Timor. We note that the registration of refugees will now take place in March, and we hope that this will contribute to addressing the situation.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We wish to underscore the importance of promoting sustainability in the electoral process, to come. We therefore support the establishment in the future of an electoral commission, comprised of eminent Timorese and others, to oversee the elections. My delegation, like others here, believes that even after independence East Timor will still require substantial assistance from the international community, as it will no doubt be subject to the teething pains that many of our countries experienced. We agree that the international support required will go beyond the kind of assistance normally provided to a developing country. There will be a range of areas that will need to be addressed beyond independence, such as the judicial system and defence, as Mr. De Mello pointed out.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We attach importance to the steps outlined in the report of the Secretary-General, which include nationwide consultations, decisions regarding the Constituent Assembly, drafting a constitution and eventually the establishment of a Government. We agree that a phased approach is the most practical route in this situation. As a corollary to this, we believe that in order to move ahead with the timetable, the security situation must be dealt with, as must other logistical challenges such as the organization of elections and the decision- making process. Taken together, these factors are complementary and can either advance or hamper the agenda for independence. We are of the view that these issues must be dealt with in the most comprehensive manner possible in order to lay a solid foundation for success.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is of fundamental importance, as it fully meets the objective of preparing the East Timorese for self-government. As Mr. Ramos- Horta rightly said, the delegation of responsibility is not sufficient. The East Timorese need to be provided with the necessary tools to build capacity and develop human resources. The task of strengthening capacity must remain a priority. My delegation is particularly interested in the assertion in the Secretary-General's report that there is a growing consensus among the East Timorese to seek independence by the end of 2001 and possibly to hold elections by 30 August. We agree that there needs to be a timetable which elaborates a time-frame for movement towards independence and, ultimately, independence.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The involvement of the East Timorese in administration has been of critical importance to my delegation. Capacity-building and training will ensure a sustainable future for East Timor. Mr. Vieira de Mello stated that the capacity-building mandate was just beginning to be fulfilled. This is critical; and we encourage UNTAET to continue to forge ahead in this regard. We also note that in the past six months there have been concerted efforts to accelerate the transfer of authority to the East Timorese people, and we welcome these efforts. We are supportive of the further progressive delegation of authority until it is finally transferred to the government ofthe independent State. We agree that this is an innovative approach which requires a great deal of understanding and flexibility from all involved.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This meeting today, with such broad-based participation, is indicative of the importance the Council attaches to the development of East Timor in the broadest sense, including through economic and social development and reconstruction. My delegation continues to attach importance to the work of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) as it seeks, inter alia, to provide security and maintain law and order; to establish an effective administration; to assist in the development of the civil and social services; and to support capacity-building for self-government. We have observed the work of UNTAET, in collaboration with the East Timorese people, in fulfilling the provisions of resolution 1272 (1999), and we express our unequivocal support for UNTAET as it seeks to prepare East Timor for independence.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“At the outset, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, my delegation wishes to express its condolences to the Governments and the peoples of India and Pakistan on the recent earthquakes that have occurred. The Jamaican delegation joins in welcoming the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, to the Security Council today. We wish to thank him for his comprehensive update of the developments in East Timor. We are also pleased to welcome the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta of the Transitional Cabinet in East Timor, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This is placing an intolerable burden on a small State. Again, we would suggest that it is time for the international community to consider seriously how best to assist Djibouti in its peace initiative for Somalia, especially in material ways. No doubt, the Permanent Representative of Djibouti will elaborate on this aspect during his statement. Given the worrying humanitarian situation in Somalia, the less than enthusiastic response to the 2000 United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia is a cause for serious concern. I hope that this open debate will contribute to the sensitization of the donor community to Somalia's acute needs and will encourage a more generous response in the near future.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“There have been many false dawns in relation to Somalia over the years, but the international community - and, I would suggest, the Security Council in particular - must not fall prey to cynicism or despair, or give up on Somalia. On the contrary, it will be important to encourage as wide a participation in the Conference as possible by giving renewed support to the Djibouti initiative and to the Conference at this stage and by calling on all Somalis to take part in the Conference. We believe that the support of the Council would offer the best deterrence against obstruction that may come from some circles whose privileges and capacity to profit from disorder are threatened by a move towards peace. We understand that, so far, the Conference has been almost entirely financed by Djibouti.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“This is the first time that Somali elders from all parts of Somalia have met; it is the first time that representatives of the grass-roots of almost all clans have discussed ways and means of rebuilding their country in a process based on consensus-building from the bottom up; and it is the first time that Somali women have been actively involved. Although Djibouti is acting as host and facilitator, it is clear that the process is Somali-owned. That, it seems to me, is very important. The Djibouti initiative, which has relied on Somalia's traditional system of clans in organizing the Conference, appears to be very much on the right track.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“On 11 June, the United Nations announced the suspension of all United Nations common air- service flights to Merka and transferred the common air-service refuelling and transit operations to Baidoa. I should like to end by making a number of observations. While some personalities and so-called warlords have stayed away from the Somalia National Peace Conference, Djibouti has made commendable efforts to assist the people of Somalia to resolve their conflict by peaceful means. What is taking place in Djibouti is a unique political experience for Somalis.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“Dieter Krasemann, a German national who was working for a German non-governmental organization called Deutsche Gesellschaft fiir Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), was killed in Burao, Somaliland. Mr. Krasemann, who was the GTZ project manager for a demobilization project, was reportedly stabbed in the neck by someone who was called a madman. The Egal administration promised to investigate the killing and requested assistance in having an international psychologist examine the individual, who is under arrest. On 8 June, a European Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO) flight was fired upon and struck in a wing as it landed in Merka. The elders in the area claim that this was the act of a disturbed young man with an AK-47. ECHO flights to Merka were immediately suspended.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“In order to provide a safer operational environment, the United Nations agencies are enhancing efforts to monitor and prevent future incidents through increased field coordination and community liaison and the implementation of a humanitarian principles programme to structure relationships with de facto authorities. Personal safety and security remain part of the risk of humanitarian assistance delivery in Somalia and continue to affect all aspects of those activities. I regret to say that the lives of humanitarian staff continue to be lost or put at risk and that, given conditions in Somalia, this is often with impunity. In the most recent fatal incident, on 6 June this year, Mr.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“So the foundations for future acute crises are being laid. In order to reduce malnutrition in the worst hit areas, the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the World Health Organization need more resources so as to enhance field assessment capacity and integrate interventions to address the multiple needs of the population at risk. The 2000 United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia, which requested $50.5 million, has received less than 30 per cent of that figure to date. That is a stark figure. If I may turn for a moment to security, United Nations agencies continue to monitor the security situation in Somalia as part of early warning and emergency preparedness efforts.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“However, in drought-affected areas such as northern Gedo and Bakool, boreholes will remain an important source of water. At the moment, it is estimated that only 35 per cent of Somalia's boreholes are functioning, due to lack of maintenance, poor construction or conflict-related destruction. Nine nutritional surveys conducted over the past year have reported malnutrition rates of over 20 per cent. I would just like to mention to the Council that a level of 15 per cent is generally accepted as the emergency threshold. Most recently, a survey by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in the Gedo region identified 21.5 per cent of children as moderately to severely malnourished. High malnutrition rates indicate poor prospects for livelihood sustainability in the face of crop failure or renewed conflict.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source