YouSaid · the spoken record

President Guelleh

lines on the record: 47
first: 2008-10-23
most recent: 2011-12-05
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“It needs to live in peace with its neighbours, rejoin IGAD and stop the destabilization and interference in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries. That is all that we, the Djiboutian Government and friendly country of the region, demand of Eritrea.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“In conclusion, I call on all members of the Council to support the new draft resolution presented on behalf of the countries of IGAD (S/2011/744). The draft resolution seeks to remind Eritrea that the international community will never accept that the regime continues to destabilize and terrorize the countries of the subregion. Given that the weapons embargo and targeted sanctions of previous resolutions seem unable to contain the ongoing and acute aggression and hostility of the Eritrean regime, we hope that this latest draft resolution will help to better monitor it. Therefore, it is essential that members of the Security Council be vigilant and, in particular, aware of the threat that that regime poses to the stability of our subregion.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“Eritrea not only threatens the peace and stability of the countries of the Horn of Africa, but also continues to flout the international community by directly supporting the acts of terrorism of Al-Shabaab. After three years of silence, denials and lies, the authorities of Eritrea seem to be moving heaven and Earth in the face of economic sanctions by wanting to explain itself before the Council. The sole purpose of that is to avoid sanctions by, as always, trying to be seen as a victim. The conclusions on Eritrea's actions are clear and indisputable. We have given the Eritrean authorities more than ample opportunity to agree to dialogue and negotiation, but in vain. Their decision has been taken. As for their choice, it is very clear, as they continue to ignore the persistent calls of the Security Council and the regional organizations.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“They were then transferred to Djibouti by the friendly Sudanese Government, which we would like to thank here. To date, Djibouti remains without news of the other 17 Djiboutian prisoners of war. Such behaviour is unacceptable and reflects the complete refusal of Eritrea to abide by international norms and obligations. My Government therefore demands the immediate and unconditional freedom of the Djiboutian prisoners of war held by Eritrea. 11-62085 Furthermore, my Government demands that that regime immediately refrain from involving itself in the unrest in the north of our territory. The report of the Monitoring Group on the implementation of resolutions 1844 (2008) and 1907 (2009) is conclusive (see S/2011/433). Must I recall that the report was submitted to the Council in June?”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“Article 3 of the mediation agreement stipulates that the two parties make available to mediators all information on the disappeared soldiers, on the one hand, and the various appeals of the international community, on the other. My Government was prompt to do that by inviting, in particular, the International Committee of the Red Cross to come and meet the Eritrean prisoners and deserters. However, the dishonest and untrue remarks of the Eritrean regime, which had long stated, even sworn, not to have detained any of the 19 Djiboutian prisoners, were contradicted by the escape on 4 September of two Djiboutian soldiers, reported disappeared the night of 10 June 2008. They escaped from detention camps in Eritrea and reached the Sudan on foot.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“My country is convinced of the virtues of dialogue and mediation. However, we will not allow the Eritrean regime to violate our territorial integrity or to launch terrorist attacks on our territory with impunity. We have concrete information on Eritrean terrorist activities. In particular, we have arrested rebels trained and sent by the Eritrean regime to destabilize our country. Moreover, we also found weapons that that same regime tried to send into the northern part of the territory, again as part of its destabilization attempt. My Government immediately conveyed that information to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union and United Nations. The deafening, three-year silence on the fate of our prisoners is completely intolerable and unacceptable.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“Despite the irresponsible attitude of the Eritrean regime, the Djibouti Government and people, who are peace-loving and eager to have the best possible relations with all neighbouring countries, positively welcomed the mediation agreement proposed by our Qatari friend and signed it on 6 June 2010 under the auspices of the Emir of Qatar, His Highness the dear Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Unfortunately, the signing of that agreement and the efforts of our Qatari friend did not deflect the Eritrea regime from its hostilities towards my country. Worse, it flagrantly and systematically continued its destabilization activities by kidnapping and the forced military training of young Djiboutians, who then infiltrated northern Djibouti in order to carry out terrorist attacks on our land.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, and other Council members for having made this exchange today possible. I have twice come to brief the Council on the situation prevailing in our region, in particular in my country, since Eritrea's aggression against my country in June 2008. As is already known, that country has long denied the existence of any border conflict between our two countries, and has continued to give misleading and arrogant responses to our efforts to resolve our disputes diplomatically and peacefully.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674 (2011) · source
“The escalating tensions and conflicts and the breakdown of law and order so widespread in the Horn of Africa could be merely a prelude to a much worse situation unless their many causes are adequately and seriously addressed.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“We have been very vigilant to this real, ongoing threat, which has already been carried out within my country. I am happy to report that, among the many infiltrators we have recently captured, is the leader of this band of saboteurs. It will be recalled that resolution 1907 (2009) underscored the many ways in which Eritrea is undermining its neighbours, including by harbouring, financing, supporting, organizing, training and inciting individuals or groups to perpetrate acts of violence or terrorist acts that seek to destabilize the region, and in particular to incite violence and civil strife in Djibouti. I urge members of the Council to come to grips with the wider implications of Eritrea's intransigence and increasing violence.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Not one iota of its obligations under the Council's resolutions has been fulfilled or is even being considered for implementation. Let us not rush to judgment, or we will simply be overstating a non-existent and contrived good will on the part of Eritrea. Eritrea has not changed and has no intention of doing so. What we see is all simply a Charade. While we are all focused, as we should be, on Eritrea's occupation of parts of my territory, I wish to share with the Council some other disturbing new developments. For almost a year, Eritrea has conducted a systematic campaign to destabilize my country by training infiltrators who sabotage infrastructure and target national events in rural and urban areas in order to cause fear and friction.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Clearly, its attitude towards the Council and its neighbours displays cynicism and contempt, always with the intent to distort known facts, distract attention, defer action and create confusion. None of this, I am sure, will convince a wary and well-informed Council, some of whose members are first-hand witnesses to the facts and actions relevant to this matter. I must seriously caution against any notion that Eritrea is changing or cooperating following the committee's Visit to Asmara. We believe that it would be truly premature, indeed unwarranted, to further confuse the goodwill that may have been displayed during the visit with Eritrea's unbending and unaltered positions on the entire range of outstanding issues.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“We had truly hoped that Eritrea, having finally accepted that Visit, would make the most of such an important encounter by opening sincere discussions with all parties concerned and beginning to engage positively with a genuine desire for a lasting settlement of all outstanding issues. To our great surprise, however, the latest position paper submitted by Eritrea to the Chairman of the sanctions Committee contains the usual litany of unsubstantiated charges, false allegations and denials. It would appear that, rather than take advantage of this long-awaited meeting to address key issues raised in resolutions 1844 (2008) and 1907 (2009), Eritrea chose instead to pursue a strategy of repackaging its familiar, obsolete demagoguery and to deliberately squander a golden opportunity.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“The resolution also demands, in paragraph 4, that Eritrea make available information pertaining to Djiboutian combatants missing in action since the clashes of 10 to 12 June 2008, so that those concerned may ascertain the presence and condition of Djiboutian prisoners of war. Let me state in the clearest terms before this body that my country's paramount interest is to live in peace with its neighbours while pursuing internal stability and economic growth. We have no territorial ambitions other than to live within secure borders and to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity. It was against this backdrop that we welcomed the long- awaited visit to Asmara by the Security Council sanctions Committee on Somalia and Eritrea.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“This demonstrates the fact that Eritrea's reckless incursion remains our greatest national security concern. Indeed, we have been vindicated by the Council's successive actions involving the fact-finding mission's report (S/2008/602), its statements and resolutions. Those include in particular resolution 1907 (2009) of 23 September 2009, which imposed sanctions on Eritrea for its misguided and contemptuous rejection of the Council's demands that it end its occupation and engage in serious dialogue and diplomatic efforts leading to a mutually acceptable settlement of the border conflict.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“My country heeded that call and withdrew its forces accordingly. To this day, Eritrea's response has been to deny the very existence of a military confrontation, to reject any withdrawal and to condemn the Security Council's swift action of 12 June 2008. As the Council may recall, in the ensuing two years we have been intensively involved with all subregional, regional and international organizations with the aim of redressing, Via an immediate withdrawal, the illegal and unprovoked occupation of my country. In this respect, my country has never wavered in its devotion to and faith in the Charter of the United Nations. This is the second time in two years that I have addressed the Council about the occupation of my territory. My Prime Minister has done likewise.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Paradoxically, piracy has brought increased attention to the country's dire conditions of lawlessness, joblessness and political paralysis. Two years ago, Eritrea decided one fine day that it was time to drag Djibouti into the conflict in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea's logic was that no country should remain immune to conflict; hence its blatant aggression against my country's territorial integrity. The military clashes in June 2008 and the ensuing bloodshed resulted in deaths, injuries and prisoners taken on both sides, as well as the occupation of Ras Doumeira and Doumeira Island. The unanimous condemnation of Eritrea by the international community, including the Security Council, insisted on the immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of forces to the status quo ante.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“While piracy is yet to be completely eliminated, the focused and intense collaboration of the world's naval forces is helping to effectively combat the attractiveness and rewards of this scourge. The efforts to eliminate piracy have undoubtedly helped reduce it in the Gulf of Aden and have extended into the wider Indian Ocean. The impact of two recent developments is worth noting. The first was the Security Council's recent adoption of resolution 1851 (2008), authorizing anti- piracy measures on land with the aim of severely crippling the pirates' capacities. The other was the capture of a pirate base by one of the main rebel groups fighting for control of the country. Despite the rebel group's assertions, no one is sure at this stage whether it will fight piracy or join it, given that activity's lucrative returns.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“The unfolding tragedy in Somalia is not that of the Somalis and the countries of the region alone; rather, it is of concern to us all. That war-torn country's predicament can no longer be shunned, postponed or minimized. We cannot remain indifferent. Helping Somalia to defend and protect itself is our responsibility and an obligation we cannot shirk or postpone under any pretext. It is time for that lingering reticence to give way to proactive and pragmatic engagement in Somalia in order to achieve enduring peace, security and stability. As members of the Security Council are aware, my country has always actively facilitated and supported the many ongoing efforts against the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and beyond.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“All agree that reconciliation and political compromises must continue to be aggressively pursued in Somalia at all times. However, it is fair to say that the current explosive situation in the country is not, strictly speaking, due to lack of consensus, inclusiveness or peace initiatives. In fact, the Somalis have become allergic to the terms "peace process" and "reconciliation". They have heard them all too often. What, then, are the insurgents fighting for? Without a doubt, their goal is to topple the internationally recognized weak TFG because that will enable groups linked to Al-Qaida to impose their brand of governance throughout central and southern Somalia before spreading to other relatively stable parts of the country, threatening peace and security in the entire region.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Many will no doubt be sceptical, but let us face the reality that, without capturing or prevailing in Mogadishu, I cannot see how we can avert the possibility of Somalia plunging into an avoidable disintegration. Moreover, Mogadishu's liberation would give the Government a significant solid foothold for returning the entire country to its control. This would be the first but most important step in a series of efforts leading to the establishment of a sound Government able to expand its reach and authority across the country. What I call for will require a dynamic Change in the thinking and planning of the Security Council and the Secretariat. It will need a gigantic shift from the status quo to a resolute determination to resuscitate Somalia once and forever.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“3 The only way we can hope to bring a semblance of peace and security to Somalia is first and foremost to recognize and accept the inevitable. In order to end two decades of civil war, we need to start where it all began - in Mogadishu. To that end, I would ask Council members to put aside all the rhetoric, assumptions, analyses, conditionalities, reticence and indifference that long pervaded the Somali dossier. Let us decide once and for all, in the absence of other options, to clear Mogadishu and its surroundings of extremist militias in order to secure the capital, restore law and order, and ensure a functioning Government that will gradually restore all vital services, while United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations begin establishing their presence in the capital.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Pressure must be brought to bear now, without further delay, on the major divisive elements within the TFG. They must be warned in no uncertain terms that they cannot continue to undermine the Government. Secondly, we must also understand that the TFG's authority is fast shrinking with the advances being made every day by insurgents throughout the country. It is no secret that the TFG controls only a few blocks in Mogadishu, and that thanks largely to the African Union Mission in Somalia. This is no doubt a dangerous, senseless and an unsustainable situation. Let us imagine for a moment a city of over 2 million people under siege by several militias and marauding fanatical gangs, while the legitimate Government has been rendered politically and militarily irrelevant and inconsequential.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“The international community seems to be in no hurry to shift its thinking from the business-as-usual mode to one that would demonstrate a determination to save the people of Somalia from mayhem, destruction and slow death. It is against this backdrop of despair, hopelessness and the imminent demise of the TFG that I formulate the following scenario for consideration and action by the international community. First, we are deeply disturbed at the continuing internal political squabbles that threaten the very existence of the TFG. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, well-meaning Governments and organizations, and the wider international community must step in to intervene before matters get out of hand. That is both crucial and urgent.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“We have routinely been subject over the years to mind- numbing statistics about the plight of Somalia's civilian population. Indiscriminate mortar attacks, the use of civilians as human shields, the millions living in makeshift camps on the outskirts of the city, public beheadings, the amputation of limbs, women being stoned to death, and so on are but a few examples of daily human outrages occurring in Somalia. Previously, it was the warlords who perpetrated such heinous crimes; now it is the militants, extremists, opportunists and religious zealots who are running this tragic show. Daily developments in Somalia do not, of course, bode well for the survival of the TFG.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“A number of Governments, including my own, have trained and equipped troops with the aim of gradually retaking the Somali capital from militants backed by Al-Qaida. However, the real number of troops has always been small and fallen far short of the strength necessary to withstand ongoing assaults, let alone contain them. Given the very low morale of troops due to poor conditions of service and lack of pay, most have failed to perform their duties as expected. Any Government offensive to uproot the insurgents from Mogadishu will therefore require a series of serious prior corrective measures in the security sector. 10-36796 The sooner we understand that Somalia is in a tragic situation that deserves our full sympathy and unwavering and undivided attention, the better.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Everyone now agrees that, despite all the enforcement efforts, piracy can be eliminated only by addressing its root causes, such as insecurity, extreme poverty and State failure on land. Given the harsh measures and tactics adopted by the extremist elements, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) remains under considerable pressure in its quest to govern and administer the country. The ruthless practices and methods adopted by the extremists have only alienated most people, who have been ravaged by famine and civil war over the past two decades. They have been compelled constantly to flee violence, live in abject poverty and precarious conditions in their own country, and cross into neighbouring countries, adding to the misery of already overcrowded camps that lack security and resources.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Prospects for the Horn as a whole will greatly depend on the outcome of the referendum. The commitment and involvement of the international community is sine qua non to securing an outcome that enjoys the support of all parties and the entire country. At the end of the day, what matters most is that the people be able to enjoy peaceful and productive lives. I wish to emphasize that everyone - not only those of us in the Horn of Africa, but the entire the international community - has a job to do. In the Horn of Africa, it remains imperative that we address the deteriorating and increasingly chaotic situation in Somalia as it affects neighbouring countries and, through international piracy, the rest of the world.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Conflict remains at the forefront of the adversities confronting Africa. In this regard, again, against the backdrop of the persistent and violent civil and regional wars that have taken place over the past three decades, my statement in 2008 is just as relevant today. Afflicted as it is by extreme human suffering, abject poverty and grief, the Horn of Africa has known more than its share of misfortune, tragedy, dislocation and destruction, all of which are no longer humanly, socially, economically and politically sustainable. The region is bracing for the outcome of the coming 10-36796 Sudanese referendum in January to determine the future of its people. The result of the referendum will determine the decisions to be taken concerning the sharing of resources and the demarcation of the border.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Against a backdrop of unparalleled economic growth, the projected damage resulting from the growing global financial crisis is expected to be minimal. However, although the global economy has not fully collapsed, given the spread, persistence and depth of the crisis, inhabitants of the Horn, and indeed of Africa more generally, have experienced a decline in their quality of life over the past year. Several factors have contributed to this, afflicting the poorer countries. These factors include chronic drought, the still relatively high food and fuel prices, the increasingly dangerous effects of climate change, stagnant if not declining official development assistance that is well below the levels promised, and declining foreign direct investment in non-fuel sectors in Africa.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“Certain current trends, along with worrisome potential developments, offer the prospect of heightened crises and a severe decline in the quality of life for the overwhelming majority of inhabitants in the Horn. This has seriously jeopardized the region's short-term prospects and requires immediate and sustained action by the international community. My most recent statement to the Council, delivered on 23 October 2008 (see S/PV.6000), remains valid today, given the paralysed nature of the situation and the persistence of the problems facing the region both then and now. However, thanks to improvements in microeconomic management and growing international investor confidence in the continent, the future appears promising.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I wish to express my sincerest congratulations to Lebanon on its return to the world stage and on assuming its rightful place among other nations with pride and dignity. Lebanon has a rich and ancient cultural heritage. It has been plunged into internal strife many times in its long history, but has always been able to overcome adversity with grace and to emerge stronger and more united. I pay tribute to and 2 commend the courage, creativity and tenacity of your people, Mr. President. I wish to thank you and the members of the Council for this opportunity to present my views on the situation in the Horn of Africa. Unfortunately, I must say that conditions in that part of the world remain, at best, unchanged.”
2010-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6316 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, given the seriousness and urgency of the situation, I call on the Council to require both countries, within a period of approximately three weeks at the latest, to devote themselves fundamentally to resolving the crisis. Any failure to implement such a decision should give rise to the implementation of sanctions by the Council. The aggression against my country must not be ignored, remain unpunished or, even worse, be taken lightly by this Council. Continued inaction in whatever form will not only encourage but reward Eritrea's attitude. That would leave my country with but one option: the option of war. We would like the Council to take urgent and effective action on this issue. The conflict represents a financial black hole, an enormous burden on our limited resources and a distraction from our development objectives.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“First, Eritrea, as a State Member of the United Nations, must be called upon in earnest to honour its international obligations and to cooperate with this Organization with a view to accepting its good offices to resolve the crisis. Secondly, the immediate priority for my country is the demilitarization of the conflict area and the withdrawal of the forces of the two countries to their pre-February 2008 positions. Thirdly, the two countries must show themselves fully willing to re-establish mutual trust, particularly by activating the existing bilateral mechanisms and submitting to a legal process or arbitration leading to an agreed demarcation of the border. We invite the Council to implement those ideas in order to convince Eritrea to withdraw from the zones that it has occupied since March 2008.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“I would also alert them to the danger posed by drawing comparisons between the current conflict and that between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Indeed, if there is any similarity between those two conflicts, it is only because they share the same destabilizing and destructive element: Eritrea, which is directly or indirectly mixed up in every conflict in the Horn of Africa. It is therefore not only imprudent but dangerous to suggest such a link, which would only encourage Eritrea to indefinitely occupy our territory, lead its people into other useless, fratricidal conflicts, and continue its unbridled adventurism in the region. I would invite the Council to consider in its discussion, and with a view to taking a decision, the following key points, which are broadly illustrated in the mission's report (S/2008/602).”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“Given the never-ending wars that have dominated and devastated the region for too long, the consequences of another war are obvious and dangerous. We know that the Eritrean people in no way wish to have an armed conflict with the Republic of Djibouti. They are aware of our long-standing friendship and of the fact that the Djiboutian nation has been a peace-loving nation ever since its independence. The Eritrean people are the victims of bad governance and of the irresponsible, pernicious and unreasonable behaviour of their leaders. To put those people, who have suffered far too much from the belligerent attitudes of their leaders, on the warpath with a neighbouring and brotherly country once again is a deplorable and morally reprehensible act. I would ask the members of the Security Council to remain very vigilant.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“It is imperative that the Council address the conflict between Eritrea and my country in a timely and comprehensive manner. We have waited long enough and have given the Eritrean authorities more opportunities than they deserve to accept dialogue and negotiation instead of confrontation. However, their decision has been taken. Their choice is very clear, because they continue to ignore the urgent appeals of the Security Council and regional bodies, which are simply trying to solve the conflict - which will have a much broader effect on the region and even on the international community - in a peaceful manner. Without a doubt, the last thing that the Horn of Africa needs today is another conflict in the heart of the region.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“It is therefore utopian to believe that we can make even a modicum of progress towards dialogue or the normalization of relations in the face of a silent and unreasonable aggressor. It takes two parties to hold a discussion. I would like to reiterate here the determination of my country to recover all its territory now illegally occupied by Eritrea - Ras Doumeira and the Doumeira islands. Our forces have withdrawn a few kilometres from the contested area, in conformity with the presidential statement of 12 June 2008 (S/PRST/2008/20), which stipulated that the two parties must show the greatest restraint possible and 3 Withdraw their forces in order to return to the status quo ante. The impasse imposed on us by Eritrea is intolerable and unacceptable. The provocation and inexplicable invasion of our territory are totally unacceptable.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“The various calls of the international community have been met with deafening silence and a blatant denial that any crisis or conflict exists in the region. When they have deigned to reply, the Eritrean authorities have made mind-boggling and baseless allegations of foreign interference. Allow me to remind the Council that the high point of the United Nations fact-finding mission was a visit to the Doumeira region, where its members were able to observe the deployment of the two forces. Given that Eritrea remains blind to the seriousness of the situation and continues to reject all attempts by regional and international organizations to convene talks, including the efforts of the United Nations to defuse tensions, it is becoming increasingly clear that Eritrea does not want to respect international norms and obligations.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“Immediately following the armed conflict of 10 June 2008, which resulted in dozens of victims and the taking of prisoners on both sides, the Security Council condemned the Eritrean authorities. That condemnation was supported by many countries and regional organizations. Thereafter, the Security Council deployed a fact-finding mission to Djibouti to assess the situation in the region of Doumeira and the growing tensions between the two countries. The results of the mission are before the Council today. The conclusions are serious, clear and unquestionable. They reflect the erratic and irresponsible behaviour of the Eritrean regime, as well as its deliberate and dishonest misrepresentation of the facts.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“Despite the military confrontation imposed on us, we have also sought out the good offices of the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the United Nations and friendly States. While we have been tireless in the search for a peaceful and diplomatic solution, Eritrea has continued to reinforce its troops and has carried out further incursions into our territory. Intensive and sustained regional and international efforts to find a solution to the crisis have been met only with disdain 08-56550 and outright rejection by the Eritrean authorities. Eritrea's response, which continues to be misguided, arrogant and fallacious, illustrates its contempt for our efforts and those of regional organizations and the United Nations.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“Following the abrupt, inexplicable and ill- considered forceful occupation of part of Djibouti's territory by Eritrean forces earlier this year, my country has adopted a policy of calm and caution that has provided sufficient time for bilateral contacts at all levels to resolve our differences amicably and peacefully. All of our efforts have been in vain, however, for Eritrea's military construction on the ground continues. Given that brazen and illegal situation, the lack of cooperation on the part of the Eritrean authorities and their failure to respond to our initiatives, we have been left with no choice but to mass our troops along the border to protect our territorial integrity.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“We have a collective moral and legal responsibility to pay much more attention to that forgotten conflict and the crisis in Somalia. In the context of international peace and security, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for saving that country from its unavoidable descent into a nightmare of national destruction. The Council bears the weighty responsibility of resolutely deciding that it is time to protect the people living in that chaotic situation. Our failure to act will have serious consequences. I therefore call on the Council to act now and to act responsibly.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“It is a symptom of the power vacuum in that country, Whose current political structure is too fragile, weak and coming apart; it does not enjoy the respect, interest 08-56550 or trust of the Somali people. In addition, it appears to be its own worst enemy. Unfortunately, Somalia is a country that continues to be hostage to divergent political, strategic and economic interests. Half of its population requires emergency humanitarian assistance. The people of Somalia suffer from one of the highest levels of displacement, drought, unemployment and inflation. The region, the United Nations, the African Union and other regional organizations are deeply committed to the re-establishment of peace and stability in Somalia. To that end, a crucial meeting is planned for the end of this month at Nairobi.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“In that regard, as it did in the past in connection with the Economic Community of West African States, the Council may wish to take an in-depth look at that hotbed of regional tension. Somalia in particular is in ruins. It has been involved in a bloody conflict that is distinct from the long self-destructive war that has been waged by warlords. It is no longer an exclusively a Somali affair - not that it ever was. It therefore requires full, transparent, honest and neutral regional and international involvement to determine once and for all the destiny of a people whose future as a nation is at stake. The increased international attention to the piracy along the Somali coast is understandable and legitimate, but let us not lose sight of the crucial fact that the piracy is part of the growing chaos in Somalia.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“In that regard, I should very much like to acknowledge and thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his efforts and leadership in raising international awareness of the harmful and devastating effects of high food and energy prices, especially on the most vulnerable in the developing world. Over the past three decades, my country, which is a small, peace-loving and progressive, has been able to survive and preserve its stability in the face of several ongoing regional wars and violent civil conflicts. These continue to be tumultuous times characterized by pain, human sadness and great poverty. Unfortunately, the Horn of Africa continues to experience more than its fair share of unhappiness, tragedy, dislocation and destruction. That is untenable in human, social, economic and political terms.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and the other 2 members of the Security Council for making it possible to hold this exchange with the Council today. We are at a crossroads in Africa. Against all predictions, many of our countries are booming and making gradual progress and now have genuine prospects. That is thanks to better macroeconomic management and growing confidence on the part of international investors in the potential of the continent. We are now in a period of unprecedented economic growth. Although its effects cannot be denied, the current financial crisis may have a relatively minimal impact. Nevertheless, as in other parts of the world, increased food and energy prices are making the situation on the continent more complicated.”
2008-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6000 (2008) · source