YouSaid · the spoken record

Ramos-Horta

lines on the record: 288
first: 2001-01-26
most recent: 2017-09-20
sittings or episodes: 16
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I trust that today's debate will mark a significant step on the road to the improvements that the High-level Panel has marked out.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, in the course of 40 years - when I first came to the Council, I was 25 years old, the youngest person in the Chamber - today, as I survey the Chamber, I seem to be the oldest - starting as an innocent and romantic believer in the promises and possibilities of the United Nations, I have seen the best - when it lived up to the expectations of the people it deployed to protect - but also shocking betrayals on other front lines. I have engaged with United Nations personnel in my own country and in remote outposts where dedicated field staff have to bear the indifference of Headquarters, whose envoys descended on us, when I was in the field, to evaluate the mission, yet things stay the same. The United Nations can do better. The Council can do better.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“From the HIPPO perspective, both the changes in management and policy and the operational support that is proposed to be provided to both Headquarters and the field by a single department must be rigorously assessed as to their impact in the field. We urge Member States to take whatever decisions are required to fully support such a delegation. HIPPO's advocacy of an essential shift towards more people-centred peace operations has been widely quoted, and should be taken to heart by the leadership of every peace operation. Critical for the moral credibility of a peace operation is effective action to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. The Secretary- General has given the leadership required and has gone far beyond the recommendations we made in 2015. We urge Member States to enter into the compacts he proposes.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“I emphasize too our belief in the importance of United Nations regional offices as forward platforms for conflict prevention in partnership with regional actors, of which the successful efforts early this year to resolve the crisis in the Gambia were an excellent example. In arguing for an essential shift to field-focused administration, HIPPO presented the distinct needs of the field. We know that the Secretary-General, coming to Headquarters from a field agency, fully intends his management-reform proposals to provide the delegation of authority that is absolutely essential to those who provide the services to the field and to expedite service delivery and recruitment.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“It is a pleasure to recall in the presence of Secretary-General Guterres and Chairperson Mahamat the emphasis our report placed on partnerships with regional organizations, in particular the African Union (AU), and to warmly welcome their signature in April of the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. I reiterate here today HIPPO's support for flexible, sustainable and predictable funding for the AU peace operations that the Council authorizes, and for the use of United Nations assessed contributions on a case-by- case basis.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“The Council's decisions in mandating peace operations on the basis of such planning and reviews should always reflect the primacy of politics, and I hope the Council will be stronger in its insistence upon and support for the political strategies that peace operations are deployed to pursue. While some reviews may properly lead to reduction of resources, I would remind the Council that both the Brahimi report (S/2000/809) and the HIPPO report emphasized that mandates, resources, expectations and capabilities must be in alignment if peace operations are not to be set up for failure.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“The Council has been concerned with seeing reviews of individual peace operations carried out, and our report itself recommended a review of long- standing missions to assess their effectiveness. We addressed the shortcomings of the Secretariat's policy, analysis and strategy-development processes, and stressed the need for a core capacity for strategic analysis and assessment, including in the planning and review of peace operations. We also recommended that independent evaluations of peace operations should be commissioned at key decision points. The Secretary- General's establishment of a strategic planning and monitoring unit in his Executive Office is precisely the reform that has been required to ensure better planning and reviews - with, I hope, an independent element.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“The management of both peacekeeping operations and large field-based special political missions by the same department will enable situation-specific responses tailored to context and smoother transitions as those contexts evolve. The single political-operational structure under regional Assistant Secretaries-General that would link the two reconfigured departments will not only overcome duplication and rivalry, but will ensure that peace operations are designed and managed within their regional context and in closer consultation with the relevant regional organizations. Our report said that the essential shifts we outlined would not be achieved without restructuring. This reform proposal is therefore to be warmly welcomed.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“Our intention was not to move away from the principles of peacekeeping, which we said remained valid, but maintaining sharp distinctions between peacekeeping operations and special political missions should give way to a continuum of responses and smoother transitions between different phases of missions. He accepted our critique of the dysfunction of the present departmental configuration, which has hampered the effective design and conduct of peace operations, but rightly left it to his successor to consider a restructuring. I believe that the proposals for restructuring the peace and security pillar, which Secretary-General Guterres has now outlined, meet the two greatest concerns of HIPPO.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“Our report emphasized that the United Nations must invest in its own capacities to undertake prevention and mediation and in its capacity to assist others, particularly at the national and regional levels. These core United Nations functions must, we said, be funded under the regular budget, and not be dependent on voluntary funding. Member States should support the Secretary-General in these mediation efforts, both politically and financially. Secretary-General Ban wisely asked our Panel to review peace operations, not peacekeeping missions alone, and he accepted our recommendation that the United Nations should embrace the term "peace operations".”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“We see it reflected in his insistence on an integrated system-wide commitment to prevention, in the way in which he has organized his Executive Office, in his proposals for reform of the development system as well as of the peace and security architecture, and in his appointment ofa High- level Advisory Board on Mediation - half of whose members are women, consistent with his commitment to gender parity and HIPPO's emphasis on the role of women in all aspects of sustaining peace. It is national leaders and stakeholders who have the primary responsibility to prevent conflicts and engage in mediation, and the United Nations should seek to support local and regional prevention and mediation partners.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“The three peace and security reviews - on peace operations, the peacebuilding architecture and of the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda - as well as the World Humanitarian Summit, converged on the crucial need for more effective conflict prevention and for working to sustain peace before, during and after conflict. Last month, the Council was reminded of HIPPO's approach to sustaining peace when our colleague Youssef Mahmoud contributed to its discussion of the contribution of peacekeeping operations to this overarching goal (see S/PV.8033). The Council has embraced this priority, and no Secretary- General has made a stronger commitment to prevention and the necessary surge of diplomacy than has Secretary-General Guterres.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“After criss-crossing the globe in our consultations, our report reflected the collective experience and recommendations of hundreds of people from many walks of life - retired and serving military and police officers who saw wars up-close, and community leaders and activists who live in the midst of conflicts. We acknowledge the extent to which former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon embraced our recommendations, the consideration they have been given by the General Assembly and by the Security Council, and the work already undertaken by the Secretariat towards their implementation. But the essential shifts advocated by HIPPO remain to be achieved.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“Mr. Ramos-Horta: On behalfofmy colleagues who served with me on the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO), I commend you, Mr. Prime Minister, and the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia for this very timely initiative. I also thank you, Sir, for the invitation extended to me to participate today. Sitting behind me is my colleague Ian Martin, who will be very familiar to many members of the Security Council. It is very gratifying to us that our report (see S/2015/446) and recommendations were so well received by Member States. Indeed, our report was not written by Ivy League academics or doctoral students without field experience. I was privileged to work with eminent achievers with deep experience of peacekeeping and special political missions.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“The trust, freedom and guidance that I and my colleagues have received from the Secretariat were invaluable. I am deeply grateful to the Secretary-General and the Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs. To end my intervention, I would like to reiterate my deepest appreciation to our partners, notably the African Union, the CPLP, ECOWAS and the European Union, for their joint efforts in supporting the implementation of the critical tasks mandated by the Security Council and in helping Guinea-Bissau to return to constitutional order. The continued united effort of the international community will be essential to ensure the stability and development of Guinea-Bissau.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“Such a collapse of law and order in Guinea- Bissau, besides the loss of our efforts and investment thus far, could bring about more disastrous results than ever before seen in the country. Last but not least, I wish to register my sincere appreciation and commendation for the role played by the United Nations country team in Guinea- Bissau, in particular, the United Nations Development Programme, whose resource mobilization and coordination role during this critical period, as well as its professionalism and dedication, contributed to the holding of the elections. I have been a privileged witness to the exemplary performance, selfless professionalism and dedication of my colleagues within the United Nations country team and UNIOGBIS, who have been working in an integrated or coordinated manner.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“While the Mission should also continue to provide strategic and policy advice and contribute to human rights monitoring, promotion and protection, as well as gender-related matters, the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes should be supported in order to enhance their technical assistance to national stakeholders on issues relating to public administration reform, the provision of social services and the revitalization of the economy. For the latter, I call upon the international financial institutions to make every effort to enhance support for the socioeconomic revitalization of Guinea-Bissau. I believe that, if we fail to immediately provide the required support to the new Government, the restored constitutional order runs the risk of collapsing very soon.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“In that regard, I appeal to the Council to use its influence to contribute to the mobilization of resources for Guinea-Bissau's comprehensive road map for rebuilding the State, in line with resolution 2048 (2012). With regard to the United Nations integrated presence in Guinea-Bissau, UNIOGBIS should, through the facilitation of a multilayered and multisectoral national dialogue, including on defence- and security-related issues, continue to support national peacebuilding and State reconstruction efforts, with a focus on stability and sustainable development in Guinea-Bissau.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“The end of the transition is the beginning ofa new phase that will require our continued engagement and full commitment to assisting the people of Guinea-Bissau in addressing the country's deep-seated political, social and economic problems. In the immediate post-election period, the newly elected Government will need emergency budgetary support to allow it to cover, inter alia, outstanding salaries so that it can begin the necessary work of rebuilding the State in an atmosphere of calm and stability. Thereafter, the international community's long-term commitment to providing financial and technical support in order to ensure the rebuilding of the State and the relaunching of the economy will be critical.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“From my consultations with many international partners, such a programme is crucial for ensuring the success of the envisaged donor pledging conference. Bissau-Guinean partners also seem enthusiastic about the idea. In that regard, I would like to reiterate the call of the Secretary-General for the Council to lend support to the donor pledging conference, which would contribute to securing the necessary funds for the implementation of such an initiative. The new authorities in Guinea-Bissau need to be urgently assisted so as to move towards a successful conference. Meanwhile, consideration may be given to an immediate and specific resource mobilization effort in support of critical security and defence reforms, as agreed by national partners. As for the role of the international community, the message is clear.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“A series of workshops were also held to identify proposals for updating the national strategy document on SSR and the rule of law, which awaits review and approval by the new Government. I have also been promoting the notion that, in order to improve transparency and thereby confidence between Guinea- Bissau and its partners, the resources mobilized for stabilizing the country should be co-managed through a programme to improve governance efficacy. At the core of the idea is the deployment of international experts to key revenue-generating institutions or the strategic management of the key Government institutions with the assistance of international experts, if requested by the Government.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“The Government will have to mobilize all Bissau-Guineans to engage in a serious, inclusive and constructive dialogue in order to define a new direction for the country. A consensual national programme for the country's political stabilization and economic development will be the first step, alongside fast-tracking critical security sector reform (SSR), in line with resolution 2103 (2013). While the current political discourse of the main leaders reiterating their commitment to a focus on dialogue and rebuilding the State provides a reason for guarded optimism, the challenges are great and the risks are many. UNIOGBIS has been supporting the National Commission for Planning and Strategic Coordination, which has been consulting with and preparing programme documents to be presented to the incoming Government.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“Political factionalism, ethnic-based politics, mutual distrust and the lack of a culture of dialogue remain major challenges that should be tackled for the future stability of the country. The acrimonious civil-military relations, including civilian oversight issues, are yet to be addressed. Cases of gross human rights violations and impunity still await redress. The socioeconomic problems that continue to keep the country in poverty have been magnified over the past two years. Deforestation and depletion of the fisheries resources are endangering the future viability of the country. It is clear that the newly elected State institutions are inheriting a bleak political, social, economic and security situation.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“The holding of legislative and presidential elections constituted the most critical step towards the restoration of constitutional order, as the Council demanded. Within a few days, the new National People's Assembly should be inaugurated, followed by the installation of the newly elected President. The new Government should be fully sworn in by the middle of June. I have encouraged the political leadership to ensure that it is inclusive and based on merit to best deliver on the priorities of the country. I have impressed upon all to ensure that in the post-election phase, the winners and losers of the election contest enter into a new partnership aimed at rebuilding the State and relaunching the socioeconomic development of Guinea-Bissau, within an environment of enduring stability.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“In that regard, allow me to congratulate the transitional authorities, in particular Transitional President Serifo Nhamadjo and Transitional Prime Minister Rui Duarte de Barros, as well as the political parties, candidates, police, military, civil society organizations and the people of Guinea-Bissau as a whole, on that remarkable achievement. My sincere appreciation goes to all international partners, multilateral and bilateral, that contributed politically, financially and technically to the holding of the polls, including the historic success of the electoral registration. The ECOWAS leaders, in particular, deserve special gratitude and commendation for their steady engagement with all parties, including the military leadership.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“All those efforts contributed to an environment enabling all steps of the electoral process, including the recent conduct of a violence-free campaign by Mr. Nabiam and Mr. Vaz, supported by their political allies. Yesterday, Bissau-Guineans went in large numbers to cast their ballots to elect the President. This morning I met the heads of all international election observation missions, who unanimously assessed that the process took place in an orderly and peaceful manner - hence providing an opportunity for all Bissau-Guineans to freely make their choices. They all expressed their hope and confidence that the results expected soon would be accepted by all.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“The joint command structure trained and established with the support of UNIOGBIS to help ensure lawful, coordinated security of the electoral process nationwide delivered on its tasks as planned, with the national police assuming the leading role and the military remaining in reserve. The ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau rendered a most useful service to the activities of the joint command. I also visited all the regions of Guinea- Bissau, which are being assisted by the four United Nations field offices. I went to the most remote areas and met with local authorities and the population on matters related to stability, development and the return to constitutional order through elections.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo, which resulted in his hosting of a meeting on 30 April with the candidates in the run-off election - Mr. Jose Mario Vaz from the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and Nuno Gores Nabiam, an independent. Other senior leaders of the PAIGC and the Social Renewal Party, which is backing Mr. Nabiam, as well as all international partners, also attended the meeting. The aim ofthe meeting was to provide a formal platform for dialogue. Both presidential candidates and other leaders pledged to continue to work towards a peaceful electoral campaign and to accept the outcome of the election.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“It is once again my honour to introduce the Secretary-General's reports on the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau (S/2014/332) and on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) (S/2014/333). Since the two reports were issued, the political and security environment in Guinea-Bissau has remained largely peaceful and calm. Nevertheless, following the conduct of the first round of the legislative and presidential elections on 13 April, national and international partners enhanced their collective efforts to create an atmosphere free from intimidation, coercion and fear, so as to contribute to the restoration of constitutional order. It was in that context that I held consultations with the Transitional President, Mr.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“Mr. Ramos-Horta: I should like to inform the Security Council about who is in the room here with me, at a very symbolic moment. To my left is Mr. Gana Fofang, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, and to my right is the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea- Bissau. I have also invited representatives of our international partners, including the African Union (AU), the Economic Community ofWest African States (ECOWAS), the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) and the European Union (EU), as well as Ambassadors resident in Guinea-Bissau and my colleagues who make up the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office.”
2014-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7177 (2014) · source
“I would propose that a presidential statement reinforcing those key considerations would help our work in the field throughout the ongoing electoral process and beyond. Finally, I would like to offer some words of gratitude to the staff of the United Nations, both at Headquarters and in the field, and the other international partners working with us in Guinea-Bissau, such as the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union, the European Union and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, who have always shown great professionalism and dedication. Madam President, you and all other Council members, as well as the Secretary-General, are always in my prayers. I beg the Almighty and Merciful to continue to bestow on them all endless wisdom as they try to bring peace to our troubled world. May our God bless us all.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“While the reform and modernization of the armed forces and security institutions should remain a key priority for the democratically elected authorities following the general elections, it will also be important to rebuild the other State institutions, notably the judiciary and public administration in general. I hope that multilateral and regional bodies, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank, the European Union, United Nations agencies and regional and bilateral partners, will seriously consider the draft strategy now being made available, and promptly begin consultations so as to agree on how best to assist Guinea-Bissau and its legitimate authorities in moving forward with no further ado.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“A programmatic response is the Government's efficacy amelioration programme. My staff and I have provided our national and international partners with an executive summary of what I believe the international community role should be in assisting Guinea-Bissau on the path of reform, modernization and sustainable development, following the elections. The temporary co-location of qualified international advisers with co-executive powers in the critical structures of decision-making within the civil service is essential for enduring stability, democratic governance and the development of the country, as it will allow for the confidence of international partners to be gained.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“Fast-tracking reforms in the defence and security sectors, including the urgent modernization of the armed forces, thus fostering civilian oversight, is paramount for stability and democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau. The demobilization and reintegration strategies need to be supported immediately after the elections, along with community-oriented internal security reforms and support to the independence of the judiciary in order to fight impunity, as well as combating all forms of transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. Decades of neglect and instability in Guinea- Bissau have made its institutions ineffective, corroded by corruption and porous to military might. In the post-election period there is a need to start rebuilding the State institutions.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“While I commend international partners for their generous contributions, which have made the prospect of elections and the return to constitutional order possible, I would urge them to look beyond the horizon to the post-electoral transition. The newly elected Government will face enormous challenges, and it is paramount that international partners stand ready to resume engagement with the country from day one following the installation of the new, democratically elected authorities. That specifically means providing emergency assistance and support to critical reforms, prior to a pledging conference, which will comprehensively address the overall State-building and development needs of the country.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“I recommend that the Security Council consider a robust and prompt response, including targeted sanctions, to any attempt to undermine the electoral process and post-electoral stability. It is with regret that I note the inability of the authorities to follow up the investigations into human rights abuses and serious crimes, such as the beating of the Minister of Transport and Communication on 5 November 2013. It is also a matter of concern that no conclusive judicial action has been taken on either the violation of the integrity of the Nigerian Embassy, on 8 October, or with regard to the case of the abusive onboarding of alleged Syrian citizens who ended up traveling on fake Turkish service passports to Portugal, despite an inquiry that has been completed.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“While mindful of the record of rule of might in the country and the series of incidents reported, I have no concrete reason thus far to state that the defence forces and security institutions will interfere with the process as the elections approach. We will continue to be vigilant, while seeking the Council's express support in that regard. Similarly, I believe that the political parties and candidates, as well as their supporters, will show the utmost discipline and fully respect the verdict of the people and the elections' results to be announced by the Supreme Court which, as the Council knows is the final arbiter in the event of electoral complaints and also declares the final results.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“Citizens must be able to fully exercise all their rights, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly. At the same time, all political parties and their supporters must play their part in ensuring a climate of peace and security. The media must engage in fair, equitable and unbiased reporting. The defence forces and security institutions must act within the limits of their roles, as defined in the Constitution and specific laws, and refrain from any interference and intimidation. They should also ensure the security of State institutions, including the ones involved in the electoral process, as well as the security of all candidates.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“The Council's express support in that regard would be highly appreciated. Each day that passes affects the economy and the livelihoods of the people. The mission of the International Monetary Fund to Bissau earlier this month noted that the economy was still strongly affected by the economic and political consequences of the April 2012 coup and had not recovered. The economy is likely to have grown by only 0.3 per cent in 2013. Civil servants are currently owed at least three months' salary, and in many families they are the single source of income. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated, despite direct support to the population by international partners through United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. I urge all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring a meaningful election in a climate of peace and security.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“The military are to assume a reserved role. In that framework, a successful training of 60 national and international senior police and military officers was conducted on 14 February, at the National Defence Institute, supported by UNIOGBIS. Furthermore, about 1,500 national police and military are expected to be trained in the next few weeks, in a partnership between UNIOGBIS and Brazil. UNIOGBIS will also gradually strengthen its presence in the regions during the elections. While we are mindful that intra-party issues are still being worked out, which is to be expected in such kind of scenarios, the technical conditions for elections are in place and no further delays should be considered. Elections are to finally be held no later than 13 April and no further excuses should be accepted at all.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“Timor-Leste, Nigeria and ECOWAS must be commended for their support and provision of critical equipment for that essential step, enabling the electoral process and the restoration of constitutional order. Timor-Leste allocated $6 million and deployed more than 20 Timorese election advisers and information technology specialists, all working round the clock in a very challenging environment. So far, ECOWAS has disbursed $5.6 million. Nigeria has provided well over $2 million in support of the activities and needs of the technical electoral support office. A national plan for electoral security is being implemented, operationally supported by UNIOGBIS and the Economic Community of West African States Mission in Bissau, with the establishment of national joint command structures to be led by the police.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“The National Electoral Commission, with technical support from an international expert team hired through UNDP, has been gearing up to ensure that all logistics are in place to conduct elections operations. The first batch of election materials was delivered on 12 February. A civic education outreach campaign will also be conducted. I would like to commend all donors to the electoral process, especially Timor-Leste, the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria, and those who have contributed to the UNDP-managed basket fund in support of the activities run by the National Electoral Commission, notably the European Union, for their generosity. The voter registration has been an undeniable success.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“If all runs smoothly, the electoral process could therefore be concluded before discussions on the renewal of the mandate of UNIOGBIS are held by the Security Council in May. The Government declared the end of the voter registration process on 10 February. The 15-day period for the exhibition and correction of the provisional voter lists started on 18 February and is ongoing. It is expected that the final voters list will be ready by the end of next week. The provisional figures indicate that more than 770,000 voters have been registered. That is at least 95 per cent of the estimated potential of the voting population of 810,961. That is indeed a surprising, impressive record.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“However, on the basis of the existing electronic data system, donated and set up by Timorese electoral and information technology specialists, the Supreme Court may be able to scrutinize the list of candidates in about five days. As I have mentioned, following a consultation process with stakeholders, in particular the national political actors, as well as international partners, Transitional President Nhamadjo formally announced, on 21 February, that the legislative and presidential elections would finally be held on 13 April. That adjustment was justified in order to enable the conclusion of the pioneering information technology- based voters' registration process throughout the country, while political will was also being secured.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“The mushrooming of independent candidates is symptomatic of the fragmented nature of politics in the country, further compounded by the crisis since the coup on 12 April 2012. So far, there are 12 candidates, eight independent and four from the political parties, still excluding PAIGC, all running for the presidency. A presidential decree, issued yesterday, shortens the legal timelines to allow for the election on 13 April and provides the date of 5 March as the deadline for candidates to submit applications to the Supreme Court to run in the presidential and parliamentary elections. The Supreme Court says that it needs about 12 days to properly scrutinize the list of candidates. Some 40 political parties are expected to contest the parliamentary elections.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“The divisions in the second largest party, the Party for Social Renewal (PRS), have continued and led to the emergence of four presidential candidates among the senior members of the party. While the historic PRS leader and founder, former President Koumba Yala, publicly declared that he would abandon active politics and decided to endorse Mr. Nuno Na Bian, Director of Civil Aviation in the country, for the presidential elections, the party itself nominated Mr. Abel Incada, a known businessman and Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce, as its official presidential candidate. Opposing the party's decision, two senior members declared themselves independent candidates as well.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“He faces a challenge to unite the party. Nevertheless, there are still pending issues between Mr. Pereira, supported by his constituencies in the party, and the candidate with the second highest number of votes, Mr. Camara, including on the composition of the Central Committee and the Political Bureau. Negotiations between Mr. Pereira and Mr. Camara are ongoing. I continue to engage all in active dialogue, providing ideas and advice when asked. I am confident that they will reach the necessary compromises to enable stability and governance. While Mr. Pereira is expected to lead PAIGC in the legislative elections, now scheduled for 13 April through a recently issued presidential decree, discussions are still ongoing within the party on whom to support for the presidential elections.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“Domingos Simoes Pereira, former Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure under former President Koumba Yala and former Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, was elected leader with a majority of over 60 per cent of the votes. The candidate with the second highest number of votes, Braima Camara, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Guinea-Bissau, obtained 37 per cent of the votes. Although the contest was bitterly fought, the defeated candidates graciously conceded. For his part, Mr. Simoes Pereira called on his rivals to join him in promoting reconciliation and unity in the party. Mr. Simoes Pereira's election offers real hope for a new generation of leaders to emerge and foster the required changes for the country. His election has generated a very positive mood across the nation.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“We wish to express our utmost satisfaction with and appreciation for the presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/l9) issued by the Council as a result of our interaction in November 2013. The report of the Secretary-General before the Council (S/2014/105) covers developments in Guinea-Bissau since my last briefing, on 26 November 2013 (see S/PV.7070). Now I would like to highlight some developments since the report was drafted. On the political front, after much delay the largest party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), held its national congress, from 2 to 11 February. Mr.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source
“Gana Fofang, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative; to my left is my chief of staff; and, following the order from the left, are our head of administration, Guadalupe Sousa, head of the Human Rights Section, Antero Lopes, head of security sector reform and rule-of-law assistance, Martinho Chachiua, head of the Political Affairs Section, Linda de Souza, also from Political Affairs, Ruddy Flores, from Political Affairs, Musafiri Prosper, from the Strategic Planning Unit, and Raluca Eddon, from the Peacebuilding Support Office. Other staff who do not fit at the table are sitting behind us in the room. We all extend our warmest greetings to you, Madam President, and to members of the Security Council.”
2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source