YouSaid · the spoken record

Qwabe

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34

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2004-04-19

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2008-08-08

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8

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un-security-council

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1. “South Africa is deeply concerned by the developments over the past few days, which have seen the breakdown of negotiations and an escalation of violence between Georgia and South Ossetia. Those developments have a destabilizing impact on the region and have contributed to the deterioration of relations between Georgia and the Russian Federation. South Africa denounces the use of force and urges all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and commence negotiations without delay. It is necessary to find a solution to this long-standing dispute in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

   2008-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5952 (2008) · source

2. “As the Secretary- General has previously indicated, the United Nations not only enjoys good relations with all parties across the political spectrum in Iraq, but also brings to the table its considerable experience and best practices gained from operating in other conflict situations. However, an expanded role for the United Nations, as foreseen in resolution 1770 (2007), can be realized only as circumstances permit. The safety of United Nations personnel must be an overriding consideration. We conclude by reiterating the observation made by the Secretary-General in the present report that the gains made so far need to be sustained through meaningful political dialogue and national reconciliation. Time is of the essence, and Iraq can no longer afford continued delays in finding political solutions.”

   2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source

3. “We also support all of UNAMI's efforts to assist the Iraqi people and Government in strengthening institutions for a representative Government, in promoting political dialogue and national reconciliation and in engaging with neighbouring countries. Indeed, the work of the United Nations in Iraq is testament to the international community's determination to help the Iraqi people move beyond the current crisis. South Africa therefore continues to support the presence of UNAMI in Iraq under its present mandate, in line with our commitment to multilateralism and conflict resolution. We believe that the United Nations has a particularly important role to play with regard to national reconciliation in Iraq.”

   2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source

4. “The Secretary-General also reports that the human rights situation remains serious, particularly the violations of the human rights of civilians and detainees. Moreover, the dire humanitarian situation continues to have a negative impact on Iraqi and regional stability. A recent report from Refugees International indicates that more than 2 million Iraqi refugees live in neighbouring countries and that almost 3 million Iraqis are internally displaced. The continued delays regarding the finalization of the electoral and hydrocarbon laws, which are central to equitable representation and the equitable distribution of natural resources, are a further destabilizing factor. We welcome the initiatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to establish a process for addressing disputed internal boundaries in Iraq.”

   2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source

5. “We join others in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. We also thank the delegation of Viet Nam for the good work done last month. In addition, we thank Mr. Pascoe, the representative of the United States and the Permanent Representative of Iraq for their briefings. We note the relatively positive developments that have taken place over the past few weeks in Iraq. These include enhanced cooperation, both among political groups in Iraq and between Iraq and neighbouring countries. However, notwithstanding those positive developments, fundamental challenges remain. As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/495) indicates, high levels of violence continue and civilian casualties remain unacceptably high.”

   2008-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5949 (2008) · source

6. “South Africa reiterates its support for all the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the continuous process of moving towards a stable and vibrant democratic society in the Balkan region.”

   2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source

7. “South Africa continues to believe that addressing the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons can facilitate reconciliation and State-building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and can therefore contribute to the long-term stability of that country. As the High Representative mentioned in his report, Bosnia and Herzegovina is uniquely vulnerable to political instability in the region. We wish to emphasize our hope that the recent developments in the region will not have an adverse effect on the progress made and that all parties in the region will avoid inflammatory statements, which have the potential to undermine the progress made and agreements reached through dialogue and negotiation.”

   2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source

8. “We reiterate that dialogue and cooperation are vital to ensuring effective and broad-reaching government for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens through the establishment of a stable, democratic and prosperous society. On the issue of internally displaced persons, South Africa is encouraged by the work of the Office of the High Representative, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other stakeholders in drafting the new strategy that will be finalized and adopted later in the year. We note the focus not only on the return of those people to their homes but also on the need to sustain those who have returned.”

   2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source

9. “Despite the fact that the Stabilization and Association Agreement is not strictly a part of the workplan of the Office of the High Representative, my delegation considers that it is important to ensure progress and stability in the region. We are therefore encouraged to note that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress in that regard, resulting in the initialling of the agreement in December. My delegation would like to continue to encourage all parties to ensure that the necessary conditions are met for the finalization of that process. South Africa notes with concern the incidences in late 2007 of renewed tensions between political actors over the future constitutional makeup of the country and the role and competencies of the State.”

   2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source

10. “We also welcome the High Representative to the Security Council, and we appreciate his comprehensive report updating the Council on the current environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also thank Mr. Spiric' for his statement. We wish to reconfirm our support for the High Representative and the policy of progressively handing over responsibilities to the Bosnian leadership. South Africa encourages the Bosnian Government and the relevant parties to remain focused on the fulfilment and implementation of the five specific objectives and the two general conditions set out at the Peace Implementation Steering Board meeting in February 2008.”

    2008-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5894 (2008) · source

11. “It is clear that the greatest threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and related technologies, materials, financing and delivery systems falling into the hands of non-State actors originates from the States that possess or are capable of possessing such weapons, and from countries with an advanced industrial base. With its mandate extended through resolution 1810 (2008), the immediate challenge for the 1540 Committee will be to develop a balanced programme of work that will address the real challenges at the heart of the proliferation risks posed by non-State actors, such as how the international community should respond to illicit proliferation networks.”

    2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

12. “South Africa shares the international community's concerns regarding the existence of networks dealing in the illicit transfer of nuclear- related technology and believes that closer international cooperation is necessary to root out the phenomenon of the illicit trade in technology that could be used in the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction. Our experience with illicit networks, in which South Africa is the only country amongst many affected countries to successfully prosecute suspects thus far, suggests that there is considerable room for improvement, also in the most developed countries, with regard to international cooperation and enforcement machineries. That experience has prompted us to insist on the inclusion of language on networks in the current resolution.”

    2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

13. “It is therefore important that the three subsidiary bodies complement the implementation of the Global Strategy, and we have noted significant progress in that regard since the Strategy's adoption. I would now like to make some specific comments with regard to the 1540 Committee. I would like to begin by reiterating South Africa's firm conviction that weapons of mass destruction do not guarantee security, but rather detract from it. As long as those weapons exist, the world will always face the threat of nuclear catastrophe. Non-proliferation and disarmament are mutually reinforcing processes. We therefore welcome the fact that the recently adopted resolution 1810 (2008) includes language on disarmament, arms control and the right to the peaceful uses of nuclear, chemical and biological technology, within appropriate safeguards.”

    2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

14. “Improving transparency in the work of the three subsidiary bodies is very important. If Members continue to be in the dark on important processes that directly affect them, it will merely perpetuate distrust of the Council. Open briefings and direct meetings between the subsidiary bodies and Member States, such as those that have already been held, are important measures to clarify issues and to improve transparency. The Chairmen also briefed the Council on their work in the promotion of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Global Strategy is an attempt by the United Nations membership as a whole to address the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as to identify the conditions conducive to its spread.”

    2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

15. “I, too, would like to thank the Chairpersons of the three Committees for their informative briefings. I will make a few general remarks that are applicable to all three committees and some specific comments on the resolution that was recently adopted renewing the mandate of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). The Chairmen of the three committees are making noteworthy efforts to ensure that there is better coordination between the Committees, as well as between their experts. Joint visits by the Counter- Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Monitoring Team of the Al-Qaida/Taliban Committee help to prevent duplication. However, the issue of duplication can be adequately addressed only by the adoption of decisions by the Security Council that would further consolidate the work of the Committees.”

    2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

16. “In addressing violations of international humanitarian law, South Africa supports the work of the International Criminal Court and the various international tribunals, and believes that all perpetrators, regardless of nationality and geopolitical status, should be properly and fairly tried. It is therefore hoped that the challenges of protecting civilians in armed conflict will be addressed in a way that will increase respect for the principles of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, human dignity and the legitimacy of the United Nations.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

17. “In conclusion, the four resolutions the Security Council has adopted on the protection of civilians in armed conflict have established a good framework for the international community to actively and collectively address the challenges of protecting civilians in armed conflict. Those resolutions reaffirmed the importance of preventing armed conflict and its recurrence, while stressing the need for a comprehensive approach through the promotion of economic growth, poverty eradication, sustainable development, national reconciliation, good governance, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for and protection of human rights.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

18. “As stipulated in Security Council resolution 1265 (1999) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the Council has expressed its willingness to consider how peacekeeping mandates might better address the negative impact of conflict on civilians. We are therefore pleased to note that United Nations peacekeeping mandates now include the specific protection needs of women and children, including those of humanitarian personnel, due to the Council's adoption of landmark resolutions 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security; 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict; and 1502 (2003) on the protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

19. “It will be recalled that, during its presidency of the Council in March 2007, South Africa convened an open debate on greater cooperation and coordination between regional organizations and the Security Council, in particular the African Union. We believe that the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance would be better addressed in partnership with regional mechanisms and that strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations would contribute to tackling common security challenges. Furthermore, the role of regional organizations should be strengthened to allow them to act more effectively when future conflicts may arise, as they are closer to the area of concern and can thus, in principle, act more speedily.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

20. “We should therefore avoid the politicization of humanitarian assistance and, in that context, we urge the international community not to ignore the occupied Palestinian territory in Gaza. Just yesterday, Mr. David Shearer, the head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian territory, told reporters at the United Nations that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip could worsen unless Israel eases the restrictions and closures at its border crossings with the area. South Africa supports the call by OCHA for the reopening of Karni crossing, the main commercial crossing point into Gaza.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

21. “We are therefore of the view that finding a common solution for the protection of civilians would need the cooperation of each Member State and all parties involved in a conflict. We recognize the need for a coherent, comprehensive and coordinated approach by the principal organs of the United Nations, cooperating with one another and within their respective mandates when dealing with the issue of the protection of civilians. General Assembly resolution 46/ 182, amongst others, highlights the important value that humanitarian assistance should be assigned in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality and, consequently, that assistance should not be given on the basis of geopolitical considerations.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

22. “South Africa joins others in thanking you, Mr. President, for having convened this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and we would like to commend the Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. John Holmes, for his briefing. Despite positive political developments in achieving peace in many conflict areas, our world continues to be ravaged by violent armed conflicts that claim the lives of thousands of civilians and leave even more permanently displaced. The deliberate targeting of civilians in armed conflicts, together with the indiscriminate use of force, gender-based violence, forced displacement and the lack of safety and access of humanitarian personnel all have a detrimental effect on civilians.”

    2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source

23. “We reiterate that, notwithstanding the events that led to the current situation, the Security Council has a responsibility for ensuring that the powers it granted to the Multinational Force are exercised in a manner consistent with the Council's decision and that international law and human rights are upheld and respected by all parties. We note that the Secretary-General reports that the security situation in Iraq remains complex and unpredictable and is a major limiting factor for the United Nations presence and activities in Iraq. The United Nations has a particularly important role to play, but the full potential of the Organization to assist the Iraqi people can be realized only when its personnel can operate freely in a secure environment.”

    2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source

24. “The audit also notes that basic administrative procedures in ministries are outdated and ineffective, and the system of overall financial governance needs to be strengthened. The Security Council has the responsibility to ensure that the natural resources of Iraq are used in a transparent manner to meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people, for the economic reconstruction and repair of Iraq's infrastructure and for other purposes benefiting the people of Iraq. It is therefore essential that the Security Council discusses and acts on the findings of the Board without delay.”

    2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source

25. “A key finding was that, while the current situation in Iraq is challenging, it is worrisome that insufficient progress has been made in addressing the weaknesses revealed in the area of this report. The latest audit report of the Development Fund for Iraq submitted to the Board by Ernst and Young indicates that while many efforts are being made, sometimes at great personal sacrifice, the overall financial system of control is deficient and financial management reform needs to be pursued further. The audit also notes large unreconciled differences regarding oil extraction, production and reported export sales because there is no overall comprehensive system of controls over oil revenues. A system of metering, as recommended by the Board, would go a long way in improving overall control.”

    2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source

26. “Initiatives such as the expanded ministerial conference of neighbouring countries of Iraq, held in Sharm el-Sheikh on 4 May, and the meeting of the United States and Iran in Baghdad on 28 May are also welcome. A report issued this month by Global Policy Forum indicates that as of April 2007, an estimated 1.9 million Iraqis were displaced within the country and over 2.2 million were refugees abroad. The Iraqi Government estimates that 50,000 people are leaving their homes each month. The scale of the problem and the difficulty of reaching the displaced put the crisis practically beyond the capacity of the international relief system. The International Advisory and Monitoring Board for the Development Fund for Iraq met in Amman on 2 and 3 June 2007.”

    2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source

27. “We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Qazi and Ambassador Khalilzad for their briefings, and we welcome Foreign Minister Zebari and thank him for his briefing as well. My delegation remains concerned that the security situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate. We maintain that a new resolution to the conflict in Iraq has to include an all-inclusive political process and national reconciliation, as well as constructive dialogue with all neighbouring States. We welcome the launch of the International Compact with Iraq, and we note the commitment of the participants to work in partnership with the Government of Iraq to ensure stability, security and economic reconstruction.”

    2007-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5693 (2007) · source

28. “In addition to the subject of funding, my delegation wishes to call on all States to cooperate, support and rally behind the appeal by Justice King for concluding agreements for the enforcement of sentences, the relocation of witnesses and the identification of assets of convicted offenders. In conclusion, South Africa believes that the holding of free and fair elections on 11 August 2007 will contribute to a peaceful and stable Sierra Leone and that the Special Court's functions are also integral in the creation of a stable political and security environment. South Africa will continue to support the Government of Sierra Leone, both bilaterally and through the Peacebuilding Commission, in strengthening its institutions during the post-conflict reconstruction phase.”

    2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source

29. “In that regard, my delegation is particularly encouraged by the large number of Sierra Leoneans employed by the Special Court, by its work in the area of public information and dissemination of information, and by the legacy project to ensure that the role of the Court in upholding the supremacy of the rule of law resonates in Sierra Leone long after the completion of its work. Those initiatives are noteworthy and innovative, and we congratulate the Special Court on those remarkable achievements. Whereas significant progress has been made in fulfilling the mandate of the Special Court, the continued assistance of the international community remains critical. The projected budget for the next three years totals $90 million, and international donors are urged to continue their support for the work of the Special Court.”

    2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source

30. “This bodes well for the implementation of the completion strategy in 2009, as set out by the Special Court. South Africa believes that the prosecution of those responsible for the violation of international humanitarian law, as well as the law of Sierra Leone, will serve to discourage others from committing human rights violations in the future. A hallmark of the Special Court has been its contribution to precedent-setting in international humanitarian law, as well as the aspect of national ownership of the Court.”

    2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source

31. “My delegation wishes to thank The Honourable Justice George Gelaga King and the Prosecutor for the Special Court, Mr. Stephen Rapp, for their briefings to the Council. We also thank the Deputy Secretary-General for her comments. My delegation is pleased with the progress made since the adoption of Security Council resolution 1315 (2000) and the subsequent agreement signed between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone establishing the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The operational and logistical challenges that faced the Court have since largely been addressed, and the Court is effectively and judiciously executing its mandate. Significant progress has been made in the three trials before the Special Court, and we look forward to the conclusion of the Revolutionary United Front trial later this year.”

    2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source

32. “We do not believe that the vision of a two-State solution can be achieved through violence or that the aspirations of an occupied people to freedom can be suppressed through coercive measures and intimidation. We therefore call on the United Nations, members of the Quartet and the international community to ensure that Israel complies with international law and that it ceases all activities that are not conducive to creating a climate where negotiations for a lasting peace can occur.”

    2004-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4945 (2004) · source

33. “Otherwise, the Security Council may be seen to be sending a disturbing message that it may tolerate extrajudicial killings and other violent actions that are in direct contravention of international law and relevant United Nations conventions. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's recently announced unilateral disengagement plan would also weaken any possibility of a negotiated settlement of the conflict because it would fundamentally compromise the inherent rights of the Palestinian people. The withdrawal from Gaza, welcome as it may be, cannot be linked to issues such as the right of Palestinian refugees to return home and the status of settlements in the West Bank. The South African Government reiterates its condemnation of suicide bombings, extrajudicial executions, collective punishment and all other forms of violence in the Middle East.”

    2004-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4945 (2004) · source

34. “The South African Government has joined the international community in expressing its outrage at and condemnation of the assassination of Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi, the leader of Hamas, in Gaza on Saturday, 17 April 2004. This extrajudicial execution, which stands in direct contravention of international law and relevant United Nations conventions, is only the latest in the series of provocations committed by the occupying Power against the Palestinian people. As such, it serves to further fuel the cycle of violence and counter-violence in the Middle East. Less than a month ago, the Security Council convened to discuss the assassination of Sheikh Yassin, the spiritual leader of Hamas. We meet again today with peace more elusive than ever and call once again on the Security Council to intervene in the Middle East.”

    2004-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4945 (2004) · source