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

“Already, 750,000 people across Somalia are highly vulnerable following three consecutive years of below-normal rainfall and dwindling household resource capacities. Crop failure and/or renewed conflict could place fragile livelihoods at risk and generate acute humanitarian crisis in some regions. The situation in the Gedo region is the most alarming. Water safety in Somalia has always been of paramount importance. Under what in Somalia are termed "normal" conditions, only 25 per cent of the population have access to safe, potable water, but recent rains are expected to ease the severity of the problem. Harvested water contributes some 60 per cent of drinking water, with river water and boreholes accounting for a further 25 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“The aim of the delegates, we understand, would be to come up by then with an interim charter and to select the delegates for a Transitional National Assembly, which will, in turn, select the members of a Transitional National Administration for Somalia. Turning to the humanitarian aspects of Somalia, during the long, dry jilaal season, Gedo, Bakool and northern Hiran regions were considered the worst drought-affected areas of southern Somalia. Three weeks of heavy rainfall from the end of April through the second week of May led to good crop potential, improved access to water and pasture regeneration in most areas. However, there has been little, if any, rainfall since then. Without more rain, drought conditions may again prevail. Crop development would falter, leading to poor harvest levels.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“Secondly, the major issues on the agenda of the Conference include security, arms control and disarmament, the future of Mogadishu as capital and the transitional arrangements. A special committee made up of representatives of each participating group has been tasked with drafting documents, including a transitional charter for Somalia. Delegates established another special committee that has discussed mechanisms for future economic and social development. It was agreed that all assets should be returned to their rightful owners through a procedure to be formulated by future authorities. Finally, on this score, we understand that the leadership of the Conference asked, and Djibouti agreed, that the deliberations be extended for a further two weeks, until 15 July.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“There remains, therefore, the possibility of further changes in the list of participants at the Conference. With regard to up-to-date information on the Conference and plans for the immediate future, I shall defer to the Permanent Representative of Djibouti, Ambassador Roble Olhaye, who, I understand, has travelled from the Conference site in Djibouti for this meeting. I therefore propose to limit myself to making a few key points about the Conference. The total number of delegates to the second phase of the Conference, which opened formally on 15 June, is 920, with each major clan, as well as the Alliance of Minorities and women allocated a certain number of seats, as was agreed in the elders' meeting.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“The picture regarding Puntland seems a bit more complex. There have been popular demonstrations against the Yusuf administration and in support of the Conference in some five towns in Puntland. Moreover, some members of the Puntland delegation refused to be summoned back to Puntland, and Mr. Hassan Abshir Farah, former mayor of Mogadishu and former Minister in the so-called Puntland administration, was unanimously elected co-Chairman of the Conference. On the other hand, Hassan Mohamed Noor of the Rahanwein Resistance Army, who initially said he would not participate, subsequently joined the Conference. Djibouti is continuing its efforts to persuade certain faction leaders, particularly the Hawiye clan in the Mogadishu area, to revise their hitherto hostile attitude towards the Conference.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“Most prominent among them were Mohamed Ibrahim Egal of Somaliland and Hussein Aidid, Osman Hassan Ali Atto and Muse Sudi "Yallahow" of the Hawiye clan. Some leaders who stayed out complained about what they saw as a lack of adequate consultation. Others appeared unhappy about the procedure by which delegates had been selected. In connection with those who remain outside the process, by far the most serious obstacles are presented by the absence of the two "building blocks" - the self- styled Somaliland and "Puntland". The latter's leader, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, recently announced the withdrawal of the support of Puntland from the Conference. As regards Somaliland, Mr. Egal has reiterated his position that all options remained open provided that he could negotiate as Somaliland with legitimate leaders from what he termed the "south".”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“The delegates to the Conference consisted of elders, traditional leaders and politically active Somalis. All elders, with the exception of about three quarters of the elders of the Issak clan from the self- styled "Somaliland", took part in that phase of the Conference. From May, until it ended on 13 June, the meeting of the elders focused on reconciliation among the clans and on working out an agenda and a list of delegates for phase II of the Conference. The final list of delegates includes a large number of political leaders, former government officials, Somalis from the diaspora and prominent members of civil society. In spite of efforts by Djibouti and other members of the international community, a number of political leaders refused to take part in the Conference or even to send observers.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: With your permission, Mr. President, I shall review briefly the political, security and humanitarian developments in Somalia since my most recent briefing to the Security Council, in informal consultations on 23 May. Members of the Council will recall that on 22 September last year, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti put forward his plan for peace in Somalia in a speech to the General Assembly here in New York. Consultations followed with a wide range of Somali leaders, and on 21 March, he convened a meeting of 50 Somali intellectuals, who were invited, in their personal capacity, to advise on the peace process. Following those discussions, the Somalia National Peace Conference was formally opened in Djibouti on 2 May.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“365) The attention given to this issue, as others I have touched on this afternoon, by Member States in recent years presents us with an excellent opportunity to take up this challenge and to ensure that all sanctions imposed by the Security Council achieve their goals with a minimum of unintended consequences.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The resources to be made available should be weighed against the cost either of using military force or of doing nothing in the face of aggression and other threats to international peace and security. Security Council sanctions can be effective, but they will work only if the United Nations and its Member States are prepared to shoulder additional responsibilities and to develop the necessary capacity to ensure their monitoring and enforcement. Let me, in this context, recall the Secretary-General's appeal to the Millennium Summit, contained in the concluding chapter of his report for the Millennium Assembly, for us to resolve to adopt measures "to make economic sanctions adopted by the Security Council less harsh on innocent populations and more effective in penalizing delinquent rulers." (A/54/2000/para.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Suggestions for humanitarian exemptions and assistance programmes should be included in such assessment reports. The Security Council may also wish to consider including in its resolutions provisions to address the impact of sanctions on non-targeted States and mitigate Article 50 concerns. Practical assistance arising from Article 50 could be addressed through special arrangements with individual neighbouring States and through donors' conferences to identify possible forms of financial assistance and support for non-targeted States. In conclusion, may I say that the administration and effective implementation of sanctions regimes require the commitment of adequate resources.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“There is also a widespread recognition of the need to minimize economic and social problems for third States, especially neighbouring States and those States that have significant trade relations with the target. In our View it is essential that the United Nations system should develop a coordinated and integrated approach designed to minimize unintended consequences on civilian populations and third States. To this end, I would recommend that the Council consider authorizing the Secretariat to dispatch assessment missions to the targeted States and neighbouring countries either before sanctions are imposed or shortly thereafter. The aim would be to assess the likely unintended consequences of the sanctions and to propose measures that the Council and the United Nations system could take to minimize them.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The need for greater capacity within States is especially acute with regard to the enforcement of Security Council arms embargoes. The Secretary-General's reports of 1998 and 1999 on the situation in Africa, as well as Security Council resolution 1196 (1998), urged Member States to enact legislation making violations of United Nations arms embargoes a criminal offence. This would be an essential tool for rendering arms embargoes effective. That the Security Council has recently taken steps to address some of the needs of civilian populations in targeted countries is to be welcomed. The Council is now more inclined towards adopting "smart" sanctions which impose coercive measures on specific decision-making groups while avoiding direct impact on the vulnerable.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The Security Council would encourage State compliance by devoting greater attention to mitigating the negative effects of sanctions on civilian populations and third States. Providing support and inducements for neighbouring States would greatly enhance the potential effectiveness of sanctions. The Security Council may also wish to consider taking steps to assist Member States, upon request, in developing greater legal authority and administrative capacity for implementing sanctions. Model language that could enable interested Member States to make the necessary adjustments in their domestic laws and regulations to permit compliance with Security Council sanctions was developed as part of the Interlaken process.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The investigation of sanctions compliance could be aided by the creation of permanent databases and registries on past sanctions Violations. It could also be facilitated by direct relations with international financial institutions and regional banking agencies, competent regional inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations and also research centres. May I now turn to the role of Member States. It is important to recall that national authorities bear the responsibility for enforcing sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council. However, Member States do often require advice and assistance in carrying out this responsibility. With the necessary resources, such advice and assistance could be provided, upon request, by the United Nations and by competent regional organizations.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Such arrangements should be considered with other bodies, when appropriate, with a view to improving the effectiveness of sanctions. Developing more effective Security Council sanctions policies does require specialized staff to support the sanctions committees. This may seem a statement of the obvious. But I would nevertheless like to place on record that greater technical expertise and enhanced analytical capacity would enable the Secretariat to manage a credible monitoring system, in cooperation with Member States and regional organizations, and periodically to assess the impact of the sanctions measures. In our View, special attention should, be given to better and more reliable data collection and specific forms of expertise on international finance, arms transfers and commodities such as oil or diamonds.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Forgive me for stressing this point, but without the necessary resources it will not be possible to implement and administer such regimes effectively. Budgetary allocations should include provision for securing the technical expertise necessary to conduct investigations or assessment missions and to support the monitoring and enforcement efforts of regional and sub-regional organizations. Greater transparency and improved interaction with national authorities could further enhance the work of the sanctions committees. The committees have developed cooperative monitoring and enforcement arrangements with relevant regional organizations, such as the OSCE, the European Union and the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS).”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The registry could be derived from existing databases that have been developed as part of the Wassenaar Arrangement controlling proliferation of conventional arms. Along with greater precision in technical terms, it would be helpful if Security Council resolutions could also specify criteria for the lifting or suspension of sanctions. By clearly spelling out in all cases the steps required for compliance, the Council would improve the prospects for inducing compliance and encouraging negotiations for the settlement of a dispute. May I also say that whenever the Security Council imposes sanctions and establishes new sanctions committees, it would be helpful if the necessary resources should be made available.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“When financial sanctions are imposed, for example, the relevant resolutions could employ technical terms that conform to standard definitions in the global financial sector. Specific suggestions for such terms were developed as part of the Interlaken process organized by the Swiss Government in cooperation with the United Nations Secretariat. Greater specificity of terms is equally important with regard to arms embargoes. To prevent loopholes that can be exploited by arms traffickers, it would be helpful if Security Council resolutions could specifically prohibit particular types of military equipment, military assistance programmes and military contract services. A registry of dual use technical products and services should be published for each arms embargo case.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“In addition to a range of other activities, it cooperated with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union in convening the Copenhagen Round Table, which took stock of lessons learned from the now- terminated sanctions regime in the case of the former Yugoslavia. The report of the Round Table, including its recommendations, was made available to members of the Security Council in document S/ 1996/776. A number of conclusions and recommendations can be drawn from the lessons learned by the Secretariat. First, the Security Council could facilitate the administration and implementation of sanctions regimes by developing greater clarity and uniformity of language and technical terminology in its resolutions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“This would make it possible to undertake necessary adjustments to the measures imposed in order to maximize their political impact and to minimize their collateral effects. As regards the need to minimize the negative effects of sanctions, the Council may wish to consider including provision for humanitarian exemptions in relevant resolutions. The establishment of an appropriate mechanism able to provide the Council with periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of sanctions as well as their humanitarian, socio-economic and political impact may also be considered useful. The issue of the impact of sanctions on third States should be looked at in keeping with Article 50 of the Charter. The Secretariat has provided substantive support to efforts by Member States to move in the direction of targeted or so-called "smart" santions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“This review confirms the need to take steps to protect, in humanitarian terms, the most vulnerable segments of populations from the effects of sanctions, while at the same time sharpening the targeting of sanctions so as to enhance their impact. The review also illustrates that the effectiveness of sanctions regimes can be improved if they are endowed with a credible monitoring arm, possibly in cooperation with regional or subregional organizations. Moreover, there is a need for the Secretariat to be equipped with the necessary resources and specialized expertise if it is to administer the sanctions regimes effectively. The Security Council and its sanctions committees should be in a position to have available to them, when required, a comprehensive impact assessment of any given sanctions regime.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The Secretary-General has encouraged steps to make sanctions a less blunt and more effective instrument and has supported efforts to design better targeted measures. If properly targeted, Security Council sanctions have the potential to play a major role in inducing compliance with resolutions of the Council. They may also be considered an instrument of prevention in those cases where they constitute a barrier to the spread of conflicts. They can restrict the inflow of weaponry and ammunition, as well as access to the hard currency necessary to fund continued fighting, and they can restrain the mobility of targeted individuals and decision-making elites. Seeking to make its own contribution to the concept of "smart" sanctions, the Secretariat has undertaken a review of lessons to be learned from recent sanctions regimes.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: In recent years, Security Council sanctions imposed under Article 41 of the United Nations Charter have become a primary tool of peace enforcement. In a small number of cases, comprehensive sanctions have involved far-reaching trade and other economic measures. In others, sanctions have taken the form of arms and/or air embargoes, targeted travel bans or financial sanctions. However, difficulties in the implementation of sanctions regimes, especially those including economic sanctions, have raised doubts as to their effectiveness. Apart from the fact that measures are not always applied with the necessary determination, their often negative effects on civilian populations and on neighbouring and other affected third States, have made it imperative to consider improvements in their design.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“So again, I very much thank those members of the Council who emphasized that this is an ongoing task and that we need to place more emphasis on post-conflict peace-building.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Lastly, let me say how much I welcome the emphasis on post-conflict peace-building. The figure that one has heard is that about 60 per cent conflicts slide back into violence after settlements. This rather melancholy figure illustrates the importance of not resting on our oars once there has been a formal peace agreement. A lot remains to be done, and there are always Cinderella areas. And one of those, which I think is also highly relevant to Guinea-Bissau, is the question of demobilization and, particularly, reintegration into civilian society. Resources are required for this process; often in the past this has been placed on a voluntary basis, and it tends to be something of a Cinderella.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: Maybe I could pick out five points from this very interesting discussion this morning. First of all, I detected a very widespread view that there are solid grounds for hope in Guinea-Bissau, notwithstanding current economic and other problems. Secondly, there was also very wide and strong support for the people of Guinea-Bissau in the ongoing process of democratization and good governance. Thirdly, I must say I very much welcome the emphasis that was placed by speakers on the importance of consolidating the democratic process and on its essentially civilian nature. It was right to emphasize that. Fourthly, I noted - and this was not in my own introductory remarks - comments that correctly emphasized the dangers that small arms pose to the region, and therefore the importance of the arms-recovery programme.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Secondly, it is crucial that all Guinea-Bissau's parties, including the former military junta, fully accept this new democratic reality and work with the Government to solve the problems that lie ahead in a spirit of patriotism and national reconciliation. Finally, I would like to re-state that without the combined efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the United Nations and Member States, the transition to democracy in Guinea-Bissau would never have got under way. It is gratifying that this joint effort has produced tangible results. This may perhaps serve as an example of what the international community, with the full cooperation of national actors, is able to do with minimal resources. However, the task has not yet been completed, and there is no room for complacency.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Before convening a new round-table conference on Guinea-Bissau, the Government is planning to hold consultations with development partners on its overall strategies and priority areas. This will take place on Tuesday, 11 April, in Bissau. At this forum, the Government intend to present their major concerns, their strategies and their priority actions for lasting development, the effects of which will benefit the majority of the population. To conclude, please allow me to highlight three points made in the observation section of the Secretary- General' s report. First, the successful outcome of the legislative and presidential elections has brought to an end the transitional institutions put in place under the Abuja Accord of 1 November 1998.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Following the meeting, the President announced that five posts of minister of state without portfolio had been offered to members of the former junta. The offer was accepted in principle, and its details are being finalized. General Mane was quoted as saying after the meeting that "there was not a single cloud between the new authorities and the military". Also on 22 March, the first session of the newly elected National Assembly was solemnly opened. The debates will continue until 22 April. In their opening addresses, the President of the Republic and the President of the Assembly sought to reaffirm their commitment to respect for the authority of the State and for human rights.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“This programme is critical for the credibility of the new Government as it faces mounting pressures from ordinary citizens who are demanding basic services in areas such as water and electricity. Allow me to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of the Secretary-General, those Member States which have contributed to the trust fund in support of activities of UNOGBIS. I also appeal for continued support to this trust fund. Since the report was completed, there appears to have been some positive movement on the issue of the role of the former military. Through the mediation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Gambia, Mr. Jobe, President Kumba Yala met on 22 March with members of the former military junta led by General Mane.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“The Government still does not have resources to pay long- overdue salaries to civil servants and soldiers. There are lingering concerns about the difficulties encountered in redefining the relationship between the new Government and the military establishment in the post-electoral period. However, it is encouraging to note that negotiations between the Government and the former military junta are continuing. They are led by the Bishop of Bissau and a group of mediators from civil society. The Representative of the Secretary-General is providing his good offices in this area, as required. In view of the situation described in his report, the Secretary-General has urged members of the international community to provide urgent assistance for the Government's lOO-day transitional programme.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“The report also describes the contributions of the United Nations Office, in collaboration with United Nations agencies on the ground, to promote peace and national reconciliation, human rights and the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau. As members of the Council will recall, the mandate of UNOGBIS was adjusted to respond better to the post-electoral realities and was approved by the Council on 10 March. If I might turn to highlights of the report, I am glad to report that the overall situation in Guinea-Bissau is peaceful and the humanitarian situation has noticeably improved. More political detainees have been provisionally released and the trials of some of them have already begun, despite the severe logistical and human constraints facing the judiciary. Regrettably, the economic situation remains worrying.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Nana-Sinkam's briefing the President of the Council issued a press statement, welcoming the return of constitutional and democratic rule to Guinea- Bissau and encouraging all parties in that country to work closely together in a spirit of tolerance, to strengthen democratic values, to protect the rule of law and to guarantee the protection of human rights. The statement also encouraged the new institutions to develop and implement programmes designed to consolidate peace, national reconciliation and economic development. The present report covers developments in Guinea- Bissau since Mr. Nana-Sinkam's briefing. It provides further details of the Government's strategy for dealing with the post-electoral challenges that confront it.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: The report before you, Sir, is the fourth report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau and the activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). As members of the Council will recall, the Representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Samuel Nana-Sinkam, briefed the Council on 23 February 2000 on the results of the second round of the presidential elections and on the progress of the democratic process in that country. He also outlined the daunting post-electoral challenges facing the new Government of President Kumba Yala. Members of the Council will also recall that following Mr.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“To give added impetus to the search for a political solution to the conflict in Angola, the Secretary-General recently appointed Mr. Ibrahim Gambari as his Special Adviser on African issues and asked him to pay particular attention to Angola. He also intends to appoint the Head of the new United Nations Office in Angola soon. The Secretary-General looks forward to an early opportunity to exchange views with the Government on the future role of the United Nations in Angola - a role that would make it possible for the Organization to make a meaningful contribution to the search for lasting peace in the country and to the security and stability of the region.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“However, it is incumbent on the Government to ensure that all those living in areas recently under UNITA control are treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to do everything possible to improve the human rights situation in the country. As mandated by the Security Council, the new United Nations Office in Angola will continue to assist the Government and civic organizations in the areas of capacity-building, humanitarian assistance and the promotion of human rights. The Secretary-General is encouraged by the decision of the Council of Ministers to approve the Status-of-Mission Agreement that has now been forwarded to the National Assembly for endorsement. He hopes that the Government will soon conclude action on that issue.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Angolan Government forces appear to be pursuing a successful military offensive, and State authority is gradually being re-established. However, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that for an enduring peace to become a reality in Angola, a political solution to the conflict will also have to be pursued. That is why the Secretary General was encouraged by the Angolan Government's recent indication that the Lusaka Protocol remained a valid basis for a resumed peace process. There is no question that UNITA bears the primary responsibility for the continued humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in Angola.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The Secretary-General has reiterated that the United Nations will not abandon the people of Angola, and the Organization has continued to provide humanitarian, human rights and development assistance to the country. The Secretary-General has also reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to support efforts to seek a peaceful settlement of the conflict. As the Council knows, consultations are continuing with the Angolan Government regarding the future United Nations presence and role in Angola. Meanwhile, Ambassador Fowler and the panel of experts have been consulting with Angola and other countries in and outside the region on ways of improving the implementation of measures imposed against UNITA and the additional measures needed to strengthen them. I see that Ambassador Fowler will brief the Council today.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“It is tragic that the unprecedented commitment by the international community, and the unique opportunity it provided Angola to achieve peace and reconciliation, was repeatedly squandered. Last November, President dos Santos stated that the Lusaka accord was still valid and laid out a programme of action to culminate in the holding of legislative and presidential elections. UNITA, which appears to have suffered major military setbacks, has expressed readiness to resume the peace process. Smaller political parties and church groups have called for the resumption of a national dialogue, including an all-inclusive multiparty conference.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The signing of the Protocol was viewed as a very important stage in the Angolan peace process, and the United Nations was asked to undertake an enlarged and reinforced role through UNAVEM. III. After more than two years of vigorous efforts by the United Nations, UNITA failed to demobilize its forces and to allow State administration to be extended to areas under its control. The resumption of fighting and the worsening security situation in the country led the Secretary-General to conclude that the conditions for an effective United Nations peacekeeping role had ceased to exist, and the Security Council terminated the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) last February. The United Nations has contributed to four years of relative peace in Angola, the longest period of peace enjoyed by the Angolan people.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The United Nations was first called upon in late 1988 to carry out a relatively straightforward assignment: namely, to monitor the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola. This was the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM. I). Then, the international community saw an opportunity to help end the longstanding conflict in the country, and the United Nations was tasked with the responsibility of, among other things, observing and verifying the country's first democratic elections. This was done by UNAVEM. II. As is well known, UNITA rejected the outcome of the 1992 elections, and the country reverted to war. Despite the setbacks, efforts to facilitate a political solution continued, and a comprehensive peace agreement, the Lusaka Protocol, was signed in November 1994.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Every effort is being made by the United Nations to send food and medicines to refugees, who comprise mostly women, children and elderly people. There has also been a new influx of some 10,000 Angolan refugees into Namibia since the escalation of fighting in September in the border region between the two countries. Reports of human rights abuses both by UNITA and by Government forces have continued to be received from all parts of the country. The same sources have also reported that both sides have carried out the forced recruitment of civilians, including minors. The post-independence history of Angola has been characterized by a brutal civil war and by lost opportunities for peace and reconciliation as well as for the development of the country.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Current conditions of insecurity and open conflict require costly logistical operations to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance. In addition, increased access to vulnerable populations requires that the donor community remain as responsive to the Consolidated Appeal as it has been in the past. The Secretary-General has appealed to donors for an effective response to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-agency Appeal for Angola, the funding requirement for which is $258 million. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that more than 20,000 Angolan refugees have entered Zambia since October last year and has predicted that the figure could rise to more than 30,000 in the next few weeks. This is in addition to some 160,000 Angolan refugees already in Zambia.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Some donors have suspended their assistance to mine-clearance activities due to remining, and the lack of support for such activities is hurting innocent people and freezing access to arable land. Despite the best efforts of United Nations and other humanitarian and development agencies, the lack of security, as well as ambushes and attacks by armed elements, have constrained severely international relief efforts. The remining of roads and of the countryside has added to the perils faced by civilians and aid workers alike. Humanitarian workers have not been immune to the conflict. Indeed, they have been targeted and killed in violent attacks. Since April 1999, seven humanitarian workers have been killed and two wounded in direct attacks on well-marked vehicles.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“The task of ameliorating conditions in those areas will present a challenge both to the Government of Angola and to the international community. Malnutrition rates have escalated sharply in conflict areas. Forty-two per cent of children under the age of 5 are either severely or moderately underweight. Even if they survive, these children are likely to develop health problems later on in life. Experience shows that malnutrition rates will rise as the rainy season compounds the effects of already low food stocks. Mine clearance is of critical importance for any safe resumption of agricultural and commercial activities, for temporary resettlement of internally displaced persons and for return to rural areas. The mounting risk of mine accidents and ambushes is a major constraint on humanitarian operations.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Nearly 2 million people are internally displaced, and resident populations and internally displaced persons both show high levels of malnutrition. In addition, the humanitarian situation of another third of the Angolan population living in inaccessible areas is unknown but is thought to be critical. The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the human suffering as well as by the destruction of property and infrastructure in Angola, a country so richly endowed with natural resources and with immense potential for development. The extension of State administration in the provinces will make it possible for humanitarian assistance to reach populations whose exact conditions are unknown at present but are predicted to be dire.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Mr. Prendergast: I have the pleasure to introduce to the Council the report of the Secretary-General on Angola contained in document 8/2000/23. In his report, the Secretary-General assesses the political, military and humanitarian situations in the country and stresses that the absence of political dialogue and the resumption of heavy fighting have exacerbated the already alarming humanitarian situation. The Secretary-General also notes that the situation has been further aggravated by the spillover of the fighting into neighbouring areas of Zambia and Namibia, which has been accompanied by an influx of large numbers of Angolan refugees on both sides of the border areas. The humanitarian situation is particularly critical. The war-affected population in Angola is estimated at almost 4 million, about one third of the country's population.”
2000-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4090 (2000) · source
“Hopefully, today's debate will facilitate the return of a sense of international urgency with respect to the twenty-year-old Afghan tragedy so that finally a peaceful solution can be more realistically envisaged. We owe it to the heroic Afghan people who are the real victims of this unprecedented catastrophe inflicted upon them. May I end by saying that the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi, would very much have liked to be present today and had he been he would have delivered these remarks, but unfortunately he is in hospital, and I am sure the Council will want to send him their best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“It should be recalled in this connection that the "six plus two" were originally assembled almost two years ago with a View to adopting a joint strategy vis-a-vis a peaceful solution to the Afghan conflict. As we all know, this has not happened. A new formula of Member States' support for the peace-making efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy may be required. It is therefore the sincere hope of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy that today's debate in the Security Council will generate new ideas and approaches for the United Nations and the international community as a whole with regard to the senseless fighting in Afghanistan.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source