YouSaid · the spoken record

Rice

lines on the record: 1,272
first: 2005-10-31
most recent: 2013-06-19
sittings or episodes: 170
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

“Our drawdown and withdrawal, however, in no way diminish our long- term partnership with Iraq. During this transition period, the United States will continue our firm support for the Iraqi people as they assume full responsibility for their sovereign nation. We will continue to build a strong, lasting, strategic relationship with Iraq, one that respects the sovereignty and serves the interests of both our countries. As a friend and as a strategic partner, we will work with Iraq's Government to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and develop peaceful and cooperative relations with its neighbours. We will also continue to encourage the international community to deepen its engagement with the Government of Iraq to further secure and build upon Iraq's political, economic and security gains.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report and all the men and women of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for their tireless work to support a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq. Rooted in our shared strategic interests with the Government of Iraq, heartened by the heroic service of thousands of brave Americans and many others, and mindful of the future of millions of Iraqis, the United States remains deeply committed to Iraq. As this Council knows, the United States plans, in accordance with the United States-Iraq security agreement, to withdraw its combat troops from Iraq's cities, towns and villages no later than the end of this month. That in turn will pave the way for the withdrawal of all United States forces by the end of 2011.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“We are honoured by the Minister's presence here today at this important debate. I want to begin by joining my colleagues in thanking you, Mr. Special Representative, for your extraordinary leadership. I know how deeply my Government, up to and including President Obama, has been grateful for your service, your enormous contributions, your personal sacrifice and your success in this important endeavour. You will be missed. I just wish to underscore how deep our gratitude truly is. I also want to thank you for reminding us of the enormous contributions and sacrifices that so many have made on behalf of the United Nations, as well as many other countries, foremost the people of Iraq, towards the achievement of a sovereign, democratic and stable Iraq. Your mention of Sergio today is moving and timely, and we thank you again for that.”
2009-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6145 (2009) · source
“In conclusion, we found that the Security Council, having urged the Government of Liberia to step up its efforts to assume full security responsibilities, had a substantial distance yet to go. UNMIL's presence remains of critical importance at present, but the Government needs to be supported and encouraged to take accelerated steps to build the security capacity of its police and army so that UNMIL can complete its mandate in a timely fashion.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“The President noted that the past six years had brought continued progress towards national recovery and a consolidated peace, but that the country's security situation remained fragile and its challenges major. The President outlined the four elements of Liberia's poverty reduction strategy: peace and security; economic development; governance and the rule of law; and infrastructure and basic services. Her Ministers discussed the tenuous security situation and their efforts to establish viable national security forces and to establish the rule of law. Finally, the President also outlined the Government's efforts to reduce sexual violence against women and noted the economic potential of the country in the mineral, agricultural and forestry sectors.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“They warned of the potential for violence once their report is released, but affirmed that despite the risk of violence they would publicize their findings and recommendations unvarnished. They also argued against the easing of Security Council sanctions on named individuals under the Liberian sanctions regime, stressing that those individuals had been given the opportunity, and had been encouraged, to come before the Commission and share their experienced but had refused to do so, and that the maintenance of those sanctions was an important part of the effort to combat impunity. Of course, the highlight of our visit was our meeting with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and members of her Cabinet.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“But of the 500 officers planned for this contingent only about 200 had been trained and vetted. The United Nations commanders also noted that the Armed Forces of Liberia, which comprise 2,000 vetted personnel trained by the United States, are progressing but are not expected to be fully operational until 2012. Finally, towards the end of the day we met with Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, or at least three representatives of the Commission, who explained that they had identified up to 100,000 alleged perpetrators of crimes during the conflict. They had taken some 20,000 statements from witnesses and were planning a national conference on reconciliation.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“UNMIL noted several potentially destabilizing events on the horizon - including the anticipated release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in June, the trial against former President Charles Taylor and Liberia's presidential and legislative elections in 2011 - that could stoke tensions and potentially be exploited by spoilers. They also informed us that more than 14,000 former Liberian soldiers and police personnel had not found alternative livelihoods since the end of the war. At the Police Training Academy, we witnessed police recruits from the Emergency Response Unit engage in hostage rescue and law enforcement exercises. This Emergency Response Unit is meant to be a mobile armed force - an elite force within the police - to respond to large-scale internal security incidents.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“We met with UNMIL, of course, and its senior military and police commanders gave us a sober assessment of the security situation in Liberia. They characterized the overall situation as calm but unpredictable. They noted that demonstrations often turned violent. Crime, gangster activities, armed robberies and sexual violence remain widespread, and rape, as we heard repeatedly, is a particularly urgent challenge, with most reported victims under the age of 14 and some victims under the age of 2.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“About 375 predominantly female former combatants have benefited from this programme, which includes vocational training, adult literacy classes, business values training, computer literacy and health and HIV education. The Security Council mission also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the international business community in Liberia. Those individuals noted that a strong, stabilizing United Nations presence had helped sway their decision to invest in Liberia. We cautioned them not to grow too dependant on UNMIL, since eventually, obviously, it will have to be withdrawn. But it was interesting to witness representatives of the business community engaged in renewable energy technologies as well as in traditional sectors such as rubber and mining.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“We then visited the Monrovia Central Prison and I think it is fair to say that we were shocked and concerned by the state of the older male wards there, which are remarkably congested, with limited sanitary facilities, far too many inmates crammed into too few spaces and not enough corrections officials. Several of the prisoners told us about the extraordinary length of their pre-trial detainment. And, according to Liberia's Minister of Justice, the prison does not always hold its captives. Indeed, a few days before we arrived, there was yet another jail break from that facility, involving more than 100 prisoners. We then visited a training centre for former combatants, part of a United Nations-supported reintegration programme.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“On that next day, 20 May, we met with, in the first instance, an inspiring group of women: the Indian formed police unit, which is an all-female force that consists of women who are simultaneously samurai - who can use their bare hands to break bricks that are burning - and beautiful dancers and artists. That was quite impressive. This all-female police unit protects key installations in Monrovia, conducts joint patrols and mentors the unarmed Liberian National Police. The high visibility of this Indian formed police unit, we have learned, has helped motivate more Liberian women to apply for law enforcement jobs. In sum, we applauded that unique unit, and we hope that others will be inspired by it, as we were.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“We met with the United Nations country team on the night of our arrival and the International Contact Group on Liberia, a group of ambassadors and representatives of international organizations who are empowered to support the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Liberia. The group warned that peace and security in Liberia remain extremely fragile, largely because of the country's weak national security institutions, and that the justice and corrections systems are inadequate, all of which we had the opportunity to witness for ourselves on the following day.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“It was indeed an honour to lead the leg of the trip that went to Liberia. I want to begin by expressing publicly our gratitude to and admiration of Ellen Loj, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who, despite the most adverse circumstances - including our whole programme having to be scrapped at the last minute due to thunderstorms - had in her pocket a very well crafted plan B that enabled the Council mission nonetheless to have a successful visit to Liberia. The purpose of our visit was to help reaffirm the Council's support for the Government and people of Liberia and for the efforts of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to promote peace and security. We also sought to assess the capacity of Liberia's national security sector and to learn more about efforts to combat gender-based violence.”
2009-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6131 (2009) · source
“Our actions will help determine what kind of future the children of the Middle East will inherit - whether they will be able to look ahead to a hopeful, prosperous future, or whether they will be forced to endure round after dismal round of bloodshed, crisis, instability and terror. In the past, visionary leaders such as Anwar al-Sadat, Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan bravely and selflessly devoted themselves to the cause of peace. The question for our generation is simple and stark: whether history will consign us to the ranks of those who let hatred and grievance linger, or whether history will honour us with a place in the camp of the peacemakers. The United States has made its choice. We ask you all to stand with us. Together, let us stand for lasting peace.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“Separately, we also look forward to the upcoming elections in Lebanon, which must be free, fair and unmarred by Violence, intimidation and outside influence. We need to continue to support the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006) in order to protect Lebanon's hard-won sovereignty and independence. We must continue to insist on an end to weapons-smuggling and on the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah. It should be the role of all of us to help the parties move forward in pursuit of peace and to do nothing to hinder their efforts. We must look beyond the smoke of war and avoid the easy temptations of recrimination and rancour. Together we must focus on a shared vision of peace and security. The stakes are high.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“Palestinian reconciliation on terms that do not uphold the Quartet principles would serve only to delay the day when the Palestinians' legitimate aspirations for statehood become real. My Government also values Egypt's leadership in the region and its support for peace. All United Nations Member States, including those in the region, must work together to ensure the end of the illicit smuggling of arms and ammunition into Gaza, lest Hamas restock its arsenal and spark further conflict. We strongly support reopening Gaza's border crossings in a controlled, sustained and continuous manner with an appropriate monitoring regime involving international and Palestinian Authority participation. That can be achieved through dialogue focused on meeting pressing humanitarian needs. It will not happen through terrorist intimidation and violence.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“The international community must continue to support the legitimate Palestinian leadership. States in the region have a particular responsibility. President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad and the Palestinian Authority must be able to demonstrate to the Palestinian people that negotiations, not terrorism and violence, are the path to an independent and viable Palestinian State. In this context, let me turn to the Quartet principles: renouncing violence, recognizing Israel, and respecting past obligations. The United States hopes that all United Nations Members, especially Arab States, will recognize what these principles represent. They are the essential building blocks of a future Palestinian State.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“That is one reason why we intend to integrate the Arab Peace Initiative into our own approach. In this spirit we welcome the remarks made by King Abdullah of Jordan during his productive recent visit to Washington. As he noted, the United States cannot be left to do all the heavy lifting by itself, and other countries, including Jordan, should do all that they can to shore up our common efforts. We must also work together to support fully the Palestinian Authority as it continues its efforts to improve the lives of ordinary Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Gaza. It is doing so through non- partisan, transparent programmes. Indeed, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have endorsed the Authority's budgetary and financial controls in accounting for the $1.7 billion it received from all donors in 2008.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“As we move to create a climate for meaningful negotiations, all parties must meet their obligations under the Road Map. The Palestinian Authority must combat terrorism and incitement directed at Israel. The United States and its partners have provided funding and training for a reformed Palestinian security force, which has recently provided impressive demonstrations of its professionalism and effectiveness. For its part, Israel must halt settlement activity and dismantle outposts erected since March 2001. Israel must also allow the Palestinians freedom of movement, increased security responsibilities and access to economic opportunities. All States in the region must now consider steps that they can take to create an atmosphere that will help foster successful negotiations.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“In addition to moving forward with the parties, his work is also designed to prevent any new outbreak of violence, which could further destabilize the region, hinder our collective efforts and claim more innocent civilian lives. To further advance this cause, President Obama will be meeting with key regional leaders over the course of the next several weeks. We very much look forward to those constructive talks, and we look forward to discussing ways in which the international community can support these efforts with our Quartet partners and other friends and allies. The Quartet remains the most effective instrument for advancing the international community's engagement in the effort to bring lasting peace to the Middle East.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“As President Obama has noted, terrorism and rocket fire aimed at innocent Israelis are simply intolerable. And a future without hope and opportunity for the Palestinians is intolerable as well. Towards that end, my Government's distinguished and determined Special Envoy for the Middle East, Senator George Mitchell, recently completed his third trip to the region. He is working intensively with our Israeli and Arab partners, as well as our friends throughout the international community, towards a very clear purpose: to help create the conditions for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and for the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian State.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“The United States has already revitalized its efforts to make real that vision of a comprehensive peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours, and we will continue to pursue it vigorously in the months ahead. President Obama is personally committed to this goal, and he continues to lead directly on this issue. As the President noted in his recent address to the Turkish parliament, the parties have also committed themselves to those goals, in the Road Map and at Annapolis. Our interest lies not in a lengthy, drawn-out process, but in real results. We must not tarry. Lasting progress can be made if we lift our sights and look to a future of peace: to a Middle East in which Israel lives in peace and security alongside its Arab neighbours; to a region in which the fruits of peace are cherished by all.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his report. As much as I very much like Ambassador Churkin, it is an honour to have you, Foreign Minister Lavrov, in the Chair today. We thank you for convening this important meeting of the Security Council, and we welcome especially Russia's initiative to craft a constructive statement by the Council President, to be released today, which the United States is pleased to support. This meeting of the Council underscores the priority that the international community places on achieving a secure, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. That must include a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“Like the presidential statement before the Council today, we call on Nepal's Government and all political parties to recommit themselves to working together in the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and under the terms of the Interim Constitution. The parties should ensure continuity of Government, strengthen multiparty democracy and protect and promote human rights. As the end of UNMIN's current mandate approaches next month, we will look forward to consulting with Nepal's leaders and our Council colleagues on how best the Council can contribute to lasting peace and stability in Nepal. The country has come too far to let itself fall back.”
2009-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6119 (2009) · source
“Those accomplishments must not be threatened by a failure to implement parts of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that were fully agreed to by all parties, but for now those achievements remain at risk while so many important aspects of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are still unfulfilled. The Maoist-led Government and the Nepal Army must recognize that lasting democracy is rooted in the principle of civilian control of the military and depends on the prudent exercise of that control. As the Secretary-General's report notes, some progress has been made towards integrating the People's Liberation Army and the Nepal Army, but those advances are threatened by infighting.”
2009-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6119 (2009) · source
“Equally, we urge other parties to do the same with their own youth wings and to ensure that their activities are peaceful and constructive. The Special Committee should now continue its consultations, and the newly established Technical Committee should move to implement its decisions. As one step forward, we hope that the Government of Nepal will move immediately to adopt the suggestions of the Secretary-General's Representative, to consolidate arms and soldiers into fewer cantonments and to discharge minors. We very much hope that the people of Nepal and their leaders will not lose sight of the enormous progress that they have made towards establishing peace. They have peacefully ended a violent insurgency and started a process of reconciliation that holds the promise of long-term security, stability and peace.”
2009-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6119 (2009) · source
“We certainly remind all political parties of the need to avoid tactics that might lead to bloodshed, including large demonstrations, calls for general strikes and provocative statements and actions. In particular, we urge the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to remain involved in the political process. That includes participating in the Constituent Assembly and in all peace process-related bodies, including those related to the effort to draft a constitution. The continued misuse of political youth groups also threatens the peace process. The United States urges the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to renounce all violence committed by its militant Young Communist League and to take concrete steps to transform that group into an exclusively non-violent one.”
2009-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6119 (2009) · source
“The events that have shaken Nepal over the past few days, leading to the 4 May resignation of the Prime Minister, make it abundantly clear that Nepal's leaders must re-commit themselves to implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We in the United States urge all parties to abide by the Interim Constitution and to use it as a basis for resolving the current impasse. Political parties must engage in dialogue to resolve their disputes and must, as appropriate, resort to the courts. As Nepal's political parties move to end the current stand-off, they should ensure the continuity of legitimate and effective government. The resignation of the Prime Minister must not be allowed to create a political vacuum, and the formation of a new Government must not drag on for months.”
2009-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6119 (2009) · source
“I want to congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Council and to underscore our eagerness to work closely with you in the month ahead. I also want to thank Ambassador Heller for his truly exceptional leadership of the Council last month during a challenging period. We are very grateful. I would like to begin by thanking Ms. Karin Landgren, the Representative of the Secretary-General in Nepal. We are pleased to welcome her here for the first time in her new role and we are grateful for her briefing. We also want to thank her and her staff for their efforts to carry out the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and to help the people of Nepal move forward with the peace process.”
2009-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6119 (2009) · source
“We welcome that news. We also concur with the assessment of Ambassador Ross that informal preparatory talks may help pave the way for more substantive formal talks. We are glad that the parties have agreed to meet informally, and we encourage all involved to come to the table without preconditions. Given the current situation on the ground, and Ambassador Ross's continuing efforts, we agree that the presence of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) remains indispensable. The United States supports renewing MINURSO's mandate for another 12 months.”
2009-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6117 (2009) · source
“The United States fully supports the Secretary-General and Ambassador Christopher Ross in their efforts to find a peaceful, sustainable and mutually agreed solution to the Western Sahara conflict. This conflict has gone on for too long. These ongoing strains, as well as poor relations between Morocco and Algeria, have prevented regional cooperation on urgent and emerging issues facing North Africa. 09-31958 We very much welcome the appointment of Ambassador Ross to serve as the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. He is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in the region, and he has our full support. During Ambassador Ross's recent trip to the region, all of his interlocutors confirmed their commitment to cooperate with the United Nations to reach a solution to the Western Sahara conflict as soon as possible.”
2009-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6117 (2009) · source
“The Government of Sudan bears primary responsibility for its people, and therefore we urge Sudan to take immediate steps to restore effective assistance to Sudan's most vulnerable civilians. We fully support UNMIS as it continues its work by helping to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to protect vulnerable civilians and to assist the people of Sudan to achieve a lasting peace.”
2009-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6116 (2009) · source
“The relationship between those two countries affects peace throughout Sudan, and for that reason we welcome the Qatar- and Libyan-sponsored bilateral talks in Doha between Chad and Sudan as a positive step forward. We remain, however, deeply concerned about the negative impact on the three areas caused by the Government of Sudan's 4 and 5 March expulsions of 13 international aid organizations, to say nothing of the humanitarian needs in Darfur and the suffering that its people will face as a result of the expulsions. The United States believes that there is absolutely no justification for the Government of Sudan's actions. The sudden expulsions of the non-governmental organizations put too many innocent civilians at grave risk.”
2009-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6116 (2009) · source
“We are very pleased that the Council has unanimously adopted the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS). The Council's vote reflects its unwavering support for the work of the United Nations in Southern Sudan. It also reflects the Council's continued belief that the full implementation of the 2 Comprehensive Peace Agreement is vital to bringing lasting peace to the people of Sudan. After years of conflict and economic deprivation, the citizens of Sudan deserve a future of peace and promise. The Sudanese people are faced with many challenges. We are concerned about the deterioration of relations between Chad and Sudan.”
2009-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6116 (2009) · source
“We have heard the moving stories of such former child soldiers as young Grace, who was here today, Ishmael Beah and Emmanuel Jal. Let their escapes from terror and despair become the rule for children in armed conflict, not remarkable exceptions. Let their survival and success motivate us all and spur us to do more.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“The United States is determined to do its part. Our support for international organizations such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross helps meet the needs of refugees, children and others whose lives have been uprooted by conflict, including the youngest victims of war. We are also working with our NGO partners to provide education and other programmes to meet the needs of children and adolescents in conflict zones and to give them hope for a better future. The Security Council and the international community have made noteworthy progress together, but we must not stop now. We share the responsibility to protect all of the world's children and to provide them with a future of promise and opportunity, not one of war and abuse.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report shows, the rate of such crimes against children in combat zones has increased alarmingly. The United States fully supports such an expansion of these triggers. We applaud the Security Council for its coming endorsement of today's presidential statement pointing towards the same goal, and we look forward to the Council's further action on this matter. Finally, the Secretary-General's report reminds us that some Governments and militias are repeat offenders - entities that persist in illegally recruiting and using child soldiers in defiance of the will of the international community. Where armies and militias that depend on children to fill their ranks do not change their ways, this Council has the authority and the responsibility to consider taking appropriate measures.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“The recent expulsion by the Government of the Sudan of 13 international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has put the children of Darfur and the three areas at ever more grave risk. My Government is also extremely concerned by the 53 verified cases of child rape by armed Government elements in Darfur - something that I hope we can all agree is utterly unacceptable. The situations in the Sudan, Sri Lanka, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere remind us how much more remains to be done. One worthwhile step would be to expand the list of triggers for the monitoring and reporting mechanism authorized by Council resolution 1612 (2005) to include rape and sexual Violence against children, as well as killing and maiming.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“The LTTE also uses civilians as human shields, putting children at even greater risk. Both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE must abide by their commitments to prevent further loss of civilian life. We remain frustrated and concerned that the Government of Sri Lanka has not yet allowed a United Nations humanitarian team into the conflict zone to facilitate relief operations and the safe evacuation of civilians, including children. We also continue to be deeply troubled by events in the Sudan, where close to five hundred children, some as young as 12, have been recruited since February 2008 by a range of armed groups, including Government forces. Moreover, attacks and restrictions on humanitarian workers have hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid to children.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“In particular, two foreign armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic - the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and the Lord's Resistance Army - continue to abduct children to serve as soldiers, porters and sex slaves, and some of those innocents have been murdered in cold blood. We are also deeply concerned by the situation in Sri Lanka, where fighting between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has led to a growing, and grave, humanitarian crisis. Unconfirmed reports that the Government continues heavy shelling in the conflict zone, causing large numbers of civilian casualties, are alarming indeed. The LTTE has reportedly increased its forcible recruitment of children, and the Tigers are said to threaten families who seek to disclose information about their children to the United Nations.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“We commend the Government of Uganda for its efforts and for signing an action plan last December. We urge other Governments and non- State actors to follow Uganda's example by developing, signing and implementing action plans of their own. However, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the situation remains dire. During the reporting period, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) documented 554 new cases of children recruited by armed groups, 26 of them girls. We are also deeply troubled by what the Secretary-General's report calls "widespread sexual violence" by armed groups in that country.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“The Security Council and its Working Group have telegraphed strong political will to help those children and have helped shine the international spotlight on their suffering. Therefore the United States welcomes the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/158). It includes valuable monitoring and reporting information that highlights both real progress and ongoing tragedies. It outlines thoughtful recommendations for future action. Before turning to the rest of the report, allow me to comment on a few specific situations. There is good news from Uganda. As the report notes, we have no evidence at present that the Uganda People's Defence Force has recruited child soldiers since August 2007. Uganda's strictly enforced laws and regulations now prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“I also wish to thank Special Representative Coomaraswamy for her briefing and for her steadfast advocacy on behalf of the world's children. She continues to have our fullest support. I wish to say also how moved I know we all were by the testimony of young Grace Akallo, whose story and experience remind us of our obligations and of the importance of what we are discussing here today. The United States is deeply committed to the welfare of children, and that includes protecting children from the scourge of war. Every day hundreds of thousands of children find themselves caught in the clutches of armed conflict, unprotected, exploited, abused, raped and terribly vulnerable.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and Foreign Minister Espinosa for your leadership in hosting today's very important debate. I want to begin by also thanking the Foreign Minister for her very timely comments on Mexico's handling of the swine flu crisis. Here in the United States our hearts are with the people of Mexico in this time of trial, and we very much applaud Mexico's efforts to confront and contain the crisis. My Government stands hand in hand with our friend and neighbour, Mexico, as we work together to deal with what is a shared challenge, one that is affecting both our countries and, indeed, many other parts of the world. I also wish to welcome Mexico as the new chair of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and to thank France for its leadership as chair of that group over the last several years.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114 (2009) · source
“We urge the Haitian leadership, the United Nations, troop- contributing countries and other parties to deepen our common efforts to support this country in its fragile transition period. As the Secretary-General rightly noted, Haiti stands at a crossroads, a turning point between risk and renewal. With continued effort from Haiti's leaders, the relentless determination of its remarkable people and enhanced support from the international community, Haiti can move towards lasting security that will sustain itself, towards democracy that grows deeper roots and towards economic progress for all. Haiti will ultimately choose its own way, but we must all do our part to help the Haitian people succeed.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101 (2009) · source
“The United States congratulates Haitian leaders for their efforts to get their country back on its feet. We recognize the constructive political developments that have taken place since 2006, and we are particularly pleased that opposition leaders are free to express their views. The 19 April Senate elections mark one more step in Haiti's democratic development. These elections must be free, fair and inclusive. We thank MINUSTAH for its continued support of Haiti's electoral process, and we urge the Government of Haiti to intensify its efforts to promote a political dialogue in which all voices can speak and be heard. Finally, my Government remains firmly committed to MINUSTAH and to Haiti.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101 (2009) · source
“The United States will increase its support for the Haitian National Police's counter-narcotics efforts, which will help expand law enforcement operations throughout the country. We look forward to continuing to work with Haitian law enforcement and MINUSTAH to tackle these serious challenges. As part of our common efforts, we urge the Government of Haiti to take advantage of the benefits that the HOPE II legislation, passed last year by the United States Congress, can bring. As the Secretary- General has noted, HOPE II opens up "a huge window of opportunity" for Haitian access to United States markets. This programme offers Haiti a crucial chance to move beyond assistance to genuine economic growth and, above all, to achieve the job creation that can fuel sustainable development.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101 (2009) · source
“The United States will continue to work with MINUSTAH to help expand the facilities at the national police academy and create specialized leadership training there. For Haiti to be secure, it will need its police forces to stand on their own, and it will need intensified efforts to reform the justice sector as a whole, to address prison overcrowding and deepen and extend the rule of law throughout the country. This is particularly true because of the ongoing scourge of drug trafficking, which harms Haiti and the region. My Government believes that real progress must be made here, particularly through the continued professionalization of the Haitian National Police, other stabilization efforts, assistance from Haiti's partners, including the United States, and initiatives to promote sustainable development.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101 (2009) · source
“During our trip, my colleagues and I saw compelling evidence, firsthand, of how poverty and unemployment, especially among Haiti's young people, have created an environment conducive to potential civil unrest, one that could undo many of Haiti's hard-won gains. The Secretary-General has correctly underscored the relationship between progress on security and progress in socio-economic and development efforts. The United States could not agree more. We are encouraged by the advances that have been made with the help of MINUSTAH and the bilateral donors in professionalizing the Haitian National Police, which is moving towards the goal of having 14,000 officers in its ranks by 2011. More than 9,000 have already been trained and vetted, and nearly 500 new officers will graduate by the second half of this year.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101 (2009) · source