YouSaid · the spoken record

Ripert

lines on the record: 745
first: 2007-08-10
most recent: 2009-08-05
sittings or episodes: 101
sources: un-security-council

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“He has acted in a spirit of transparency and dialogue while ensuring that he consulted all the stakeholders concerned at an early stage, first and foremost Pristina and Belgrade. I would especially like to thank him for the care he has taken to come here today personally to inform the Security Council about his plans for reconfiguration. In his approach, the Secretary-General has demonstrated an irreproachable concern for impartiality as regards the mandate conferred upon him by the Security Council. The priority goals he has set - maintaining stability and security and preserving the work done by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) over the past nine years - are beyond question.”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“This positive development of the situation has been made possible by the international civil and military presence through its efforts to build Kosovo's institutions - over the past nine years to be sure - and through its stabilizing action on the ground during the crucial period that has just passed. But what has been achieved is still fragile. The future of Kosovo and the region faces numerous uncertainties. In this new environment, it is essential to maintain an international presence, which will contribute to building a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. In that regard, the Secretary-General has shouldered his responsibilities as entrusted to him by resolution 1244 (1999).”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“The independence of Kosovo, which came about last 17 February, is the fruit of a long process. France, followed by the great majority of its partners in the European Union, immediately recognized the new 10 State of Kosovo. We are aware of the diverse reactions that we have seen since the independence of Kosovo on the part of the international community. However, there is a new reality here that must be taken into account by everyone. Apart from questions of principle with regard to status, an objective assessment shows that over the four months since independence the pessimistic scenarios predicted by some have not come to pass. On the contrary, what we see is a security situation that is generally calm and institutions that are working in a satisfactory manner within a democratic framework.”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (8/2008/354) and for what he has told us with regard to the future of the United Nations presence in Kosovo. I also welcome Mr. Tadie, President of the Republic of Serbia, and Mr. Sejdiu, President of the Republic of Kosovo, both of whom we listened to with great attention. We are meeting today soon after Kosovo, on 15 June, ended a process that had begun in 1999, with the entry into force of its constitution and 41 major laws. We welcome the entry into force of these texts, which will provide the new State with a legal framework that is in conformity with European standards and values and which offers a protective framework to all communities living in Kosovo, including the Serb community.”
2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source
“In those conditions, it seems essential to us that the Security Council continue to fully support the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“At the same time, MONUC is not intended to remain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo indefinitely. The country's authorities are aware of that fact. That is why it is essential to make the Nairobi and Goma processes to succeed, to strengthen democratic institutions and to complete security sector reform. In our view, it will only be with progress in these areas that MONUC's force levels can be gradually reduced. I would like to say in conclusion that we have been encouraged by the determination of the authorities to allow the Congolese people themselves take their destiny in their own hands. The Congolese political forces are fully aware of the expectations of the population in this regard.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The mission also underlined the importance of offering the Congolese people a peace dividend and, to this end, to bring to a positive conclusion the reforms necessary in the areas of good governance and the management of the country's natural resources. I would like to reiterate the Council's thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, and to his deputy, Mr. Ross Mountain, as well as to all MONUC personnel, who are working closely with the people under extremely difficult conditions. MONUC remains the largest peacekeeping operation in the world in terms of numbers of personnel. It will continue to play an irreplaceable role for the protection of the civilian populations in the east as long as the national security forces are not fully up to playing their role.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“I think that it is useful to recall that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has arguably, over the past four years, seen its first real period of democracy in 50 years. We also noted the very important role played by the parliament in the implementation of the reforms that I just spoke about. We noted that the opposition is playing its full role in a political climate that appeared to us to be calm. The mission stressed the importance of the local elections to complete the electoral cycle started in 2006, as they are essential if democratic institutions are to take firm root in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The Government, the local authorities and the civilian population have stated their appreciation for the role played by MONUC and want it to be able, as I said earlier, to react more quickly in case of attack. That is one reason why we have insisted on strengthening the country's democratic institutions, the role of the opposition, decentralization and the organization of local elections. The Security Council mission noted with satisfaction planned and ongoing reforms in relation to the status of the opposition, the financing of political parties, the in-depth reform of the justice, security sectors and decentralization. The Congolese authorities have stated that local elections will take place in 2009. Obviously, we insisted that besides adopting democratic legislation, it was necessary to work for its implementation.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“From this point of view, and in order to strengthen MONUC's action, it is essential, according to the Special Representative, to give MONUC greater resources to confront armed groups, in particular resources for obtaining intelligence and for carrying out commando operations missions. It also seems essential - and I will come back to this point - to develop a Congolese State presence closer to the population. With respect to the humanitarian situation, the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo told us that they completely understood the gravity of the situation. President Kabila also assured the Council of his determination to fight impunity; he mentioned the exemplary collaboration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the International Criminal Court. The Council welcomed his assurances on this point.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“We were encouraged to note the determination of the Congolese authorities to pursue the improvement of their relations with Rwanda and with Uganda. Close cooperation between the Congolese and Ugandan Governments exists to restore peace and security to the border areas where the Lord's Resistance Army is attacking civilian populations. We noted in the Mugunga II camp as well as during our discussions with civil society that this dynamic has unfortunately not yet had the time to fully bear fruit. Violence is continuing, in particular, sexual violence against women. Too often, impunity remains the rule. From this point of view, we noted that, unfortunately, the militias remain de facto the recourse preferred by the people who, in the absence of the State, tend to turn to armed groups that in turn maintain ethnic divisions and discrimination.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“We welcomed the positive dynamic created by the Nairobi joint communique of 9 November 2007, which opens the path to active cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, as well as by the conference which took place in Goma last January. We recalled that in resolution 1804 (2008) the Council had asked the armed groups operating in the east, and especially the Forces democratiques de la liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), to immediately lay down their arms and to participate in the voluntary disarmament and repatriation process. We encouraged the Government's efforts to that effect. The mission noted with great satisfaction the convergence of the approach of all Congolese political actors with that of the Security Council and their commitment to the Goma and Nairobi processes.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The overall purpose of the mission was to indicate the Security Council's commitment to contributing to building peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular through MONUC. The mission took place a few months after the launch of the Nairobi and Goma processes, which the Council has supported, including through its adoption of resolution 1804 (2008). Our visit to North Kivu took place after a bloody 4 June attack by the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) against the population of an IDP camp. The situation in the eastern part of the country would thus be the principal subject of our meetings.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The Security Council mission also had an audience with President Joseph Kabila. In Goma, the Security Council mission spoke with the Governor of North Kivu before a working lunch with Father Malu Malu, who is responsible for preparing local elections and is the national coordinator of the Amani security, pacification, stabilization and reconstruction programme, and with the members of the joint technical commission on peace and security, the main monitoring body for the Goma process. Some members of the Security Council mission then visited the Mugunga II IDP camp while, at facilities of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), another group met with civil society representatives, including representatives of women's associations.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“As it has done in a presidential statement, the Council should again reaffirm its support for the United Nations operations. I turn now to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We began with a working session in Kinshasa with Mr. Alan Doss, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, his Deputy, Mr. Ross Mountain, and their main colleagues. The Security Council mission also met with Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga, who was accompanied by officials including the Minister of State for the Interior and Ministers for defence, foreign affairs, justice and gender issues; we also met with the presiding officers of the two legislative chambers - the National Assembly and the Senate - in the presence of representatives of all political groupings including the opposition.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The Security Council mission was encouraged by the fact that the Prime Minister recalled Chad's determination to remain engaged in the process defined by the Dakar agreement, with the support of Libya and the Republic of the Congo as mediators; their ministers would be going to Brazzaville a few days later. The Security Council mission's visit to Chad enabled it to see for itself the Darfur conflict's consequences in eastern Chad, as well as the threats hanging over the civilian population. In our view, it is necessary for the Council to continue along its path, at a time when for some days Chad has been the target of attacks by illegal armed groups, which are destabilizing the eastern part of the country and undermining ongoing humanitarian operations.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“Finally, the mission recalled that the Council would carefully study the report to be submitted by the Secretary-General in September on the future of the present arrangements and on a possible peacekeeping operation to succeed EUFOR. The Chadian Prime Minister welcomed the efforts of the international community and stressed his country's total commitment to cooperate fully with MINURCAT and EUFOR. He denounced the role of the Sudan and indicated that Chad had not supported the JEM. attack on Khartoum, which indeed had been condemned by the Chadian Government.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The Security Council mission recalled the importance that the Council attaches to the sovereignty, independence and unity of Chad, and it encouraged the Government to continue along the path of political dialogue, with respect for the constitutional framework, as set out in the 13 August 2007 agreement. At the same time, we encouraged it to strengthen the rule of law and enhance the promotion and defence of human rights. As it had done at Khartoum, the mission called on the Chadian authorities to commit themselves to the path of dialogue with their neighbour and urged the two countries to distance themselves from armed groups. In the case of Chad, we stressed the necessity of further distancing itself from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“At N'Djamena, the Security Council mission, unfortunately, was unable to meet with President Deby, who had left the country for Libya. President Deby offered to receive the mission the following morning, but that was not possible because the mission had a meeting with President Kabila and the entire programme would have been delayed. The Council mission was received by Prime Minister Youssouf Saleh Abbas, in the presence of officials including the Minister of Communications, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Director-General of the Coordination nationale d'appui a la force internationale (CONAFIT), the body established by Chad to provide liaison with the international community.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“I note too that, in accordance with its mandate, EUFOR protected civilian populations, including those in the Djabal camp and humanitarian workers, during the recent events. The Security Council mission called on MINURCAT to do everything possible to hasten its deployment and to be able to fully shoulder its mandate as soon as possible. We were encouraged by the fact that the training of the 71 Chadian commanders in the Integrated Security Detachment - the Detachement integre de securite (DIS) - had been completed and that the training of DIS gendarmes had begun. The mission also noted the excellent relations between MINURCAT and EUFOR and the very good cooperation that has been forged with the Chadian authorities.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“At a meeting with representatives of non- governmental organizations and international humanitarian organizations, the mission heard of the increasing number of acts of violence affecting humanitarian workers: there have been two deaths since the beginning of the year, and 26 vehicles have been stolen. Humanitarian aid workers have insistently called for better road security, in particular in the Goz Beida area on routes between camps and villages, without desiring the militarization of their convoys. In these conditions, the Security Council mission conveyed its encouragement to MINURCAT, which is beginning its deployment, and to EUFOR, some 3,000 of whose personnel are already securing the area, as mandated in resolution 1778 (2007).”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“The groups of women with whom the Security Council mission met complained of a high number of incidents of sexual violence. The populations we met did not, however, say where the armed militias guilty of such violence came from. They all wanted the Security Council to take action to improve security in the area. As they grow in strength, MINURCAT and EUFOR will make it possible to respond better to this insistent demand for security. The Governor of Goz Beida gave us his assessment, which is that armed groups from the Sudan, in particular the Janjaweed, posed the principal threat to these populations.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“It is remarkable that good relations among those three categories of people, at a time when the total population of the Goz Beida area has exploded, have been maintained in spite of the inevitable competition for resources such as water and firewood. I think it is important here to stress the importance of the development and reconstruction effort in the affected areas, as called for in resolution 1778 (2007). Refugees in the Djabal camp described to Council members the conditions under which they had to flee Darfur and the attacks they experienced. Many individuals said that their villages had been the targets of attacks, including recent aerial bombardments. Both refugees and IDPs told us that acts of violence - including theft, the "recruitment" of child soldiers, etc. - regularly occurred in the camps.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“On 6 June, the Security Council mission, with the effective support of MINURCAT - and in particular that of Mr. Angelo and Ms. Rima Salah, humanitarian assistance coordinator - visited the refugee camp at Djabal and then the camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Gouroukoun. The mission visited camps and other facilities operated by the international community and by the Chadians themselves, and we were able to speak freely with camp populations and with humanitarian workers. It was striking that refugees - who benefit more directly from the international community's involvement - in some ways enjoy better living conditions than IDPs - who in turn enjoy better living conditions than local populations.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Victor da Silva Angelo and Mr. Alan Doss, Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, who helped us enormously. I led the Council mission to eastern Chad - Abeche and Goz Beida - as well as to N'Djamena. It was very important that the Council go to eastern Chad because it is at the centre of the Council's mandate for the multidimensional presence authorized by resolution 1778 (2007), and also because the mission was able to see first-hand the situation and the threats that are still hanging over the heads of the inhabitants, whether local people, Chadian internally displaced persons (IDPs) or refugees from Darfur. Recent events that have affected the refugees, the IDPs and the humanitarian community alike, show how volatile the situation is.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): First of all, on behalf of the entire delegation, I would like to thank the Secretariat, the Security Council staff and the United Nations security services, for their invaluable assistance and for the enormous amount of wonderful organizational work they did during our trip under very difficult working and transportation conditions. I would also like to say what a good reception the mission received and how well it was supported, how much transparency there was from the Governments of Chad and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to thank the Government of Rwanda: because of the unplanned circumstances that required us to extend our stay in Goma, it provided invaluable assistance that enabled us to travel to C6te d'Ivoire without diminishing the value of our visit.”
2008-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5915 (2008) · source
“Following the Oslo Conference on Cluster Munitions in February 2007, France was among the first States to be mobilized by a clear objective: to prevent the humanitarian tragedy caused by cluster munitions.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“I also reiterate my commitment as Chairman of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in favour of very effective implementation of resolution 1612 (2005). I wish to conclude my statement by sharing with members the decision just taken by France in order to contribute to the momentum that has begun even before we see the final text of the treaty now being negotiated, to immediately withdraw the M26 rocket from operational service. This is an important gesture that attests to the responsible attitude of our armed forces. That weapon actually accounts for 90 per cent of our cluster munitions stockpiles. In doing this, France, which has not used cluster munitions in 17 years, shows that it is possible to reconcile humanitarian demands with the requirements of defence.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“As already stated here, sexual violence is systematically being used as a weapon of war. These are abominable crimes affecting millions of people. Such crimes must be prevented and punished. I welcome in this regard the arrest this weekend of Mr. Bemba, who had been sought by the International Criminal Court for many crimes, especially for sexual violence. I would also like to repeat our preoccupation with reports of abuses involving peacekeeping personnel. The soldiers of peace must have exemplary conduct; the United Nations must see to that. We are also thinking about resolution 1502 (2003) on the protection of humanitarian personnel and about 1738 (2006) on the protection of journalists.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“We also hope that all Council resolutions on the protection of civilians are given systematic follow-up. We are thinking, of course, of resolution 1674 (2006). In that regard, we look forward to the adoption of a presidential statement at the end of today's debate, calling upon the Secretary-General to inform us, in the context of his next report, on the implementation of protection mandates by United Nations missions. Another aspect of resolution 1674 (2006) is of great importance for us: combating impunity. The International Criminal Court has a key part to play. The obligation to cooperate arising from the Rome Statute and from Security Council resolutions must be respected. We are also thinking of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“In the view of France, it is indispensable to promote the protection of civilians throughout United 08-3528] Nations activities, in particular in the context of peacekeeping missions. As the Secretary-General recommended, we think it is useful that States members of the Council take the initiative to meet at the expert level to consider ways and means of more systematically tackling the protection of civilians when peacekeeping operations are set up or when their mandates are renewed. France, together with others, is ready to initiate such meetings. The troop-contributing countries should naturally be associated with these endeavours in some way or another. In addition, we commend the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for the information it has provided on obstacles to humanitarian assistance to populations in need.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“Resolution 45/100, adopted by the General Assembly on 14 December 1990, confirmed the principle of free access to victims of natural catastrophes and other similar emergency situations. For all those reasons, if the situation does not rapidly change in Burma to the benefit of the population affected by the cyclone, France will not sit idly by in the Council. The Security Council can decide to intervene to force the delivery of humanitarian assistance, as it did in the recent past by opening humanitarian corridors in Kurdistan, Bosnia and Somalia. Was the outrage at those massacres greater than that provoked by those drowned or starving in Burmese countryside? I have spoken at length about what seems indispensable to us. I shall be more concise on the remainder of the themes related to our debate.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“That is all the more the case, in view of the fact that the concept of non-assistance to persons in danger is not foreign to the international community, least of all to the United Nations. On 8 December 1988, 20 years ago, the General Assembly adopted its resolution 43/131, which sets out, if not legal, then at least political obligations. By virtue of the principle of subsidiarity, it is the territorially competent State that bears the primary role in organizing, carrying out and distributing assistance. If, and only if, that State is not in a position to cope with the situation, because of a lack of means or political will, the international community takes over and replaces the State that is failing to assist the endangered population.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“If the commitment to openness and cooperation undertaken by the Burmese authorities several days ago are not followed by actions, should our Council continue to hide behind a restrictive interpretation of its competencies? Some were surprised to hear Bernard Kouchner talk about the responsibility to protect. But, as we have had the opportunity to emphasize, there is always a risk of slipping from not helping people in danger to crimes against humanity. Must we really wait until we have crossed that threshold before the Council agrees to consider a situation? I will say this clearly: that is not the concept of the United Nations or of the Security Council that France champions.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“What we know is that out of this 1 million people who have begun to receive some assistance, a vast majority are in the Rangoon area; only a minority of victims living in the delta has received help. What we know is that the population in the delta was deprived of the 1,500 tons of food supplies and other relief - the equivalent of 30 cargo planes - that the French ship Mistral could have provided starting 15 May. Finally, what we know - and I am referring again to Mr. Holmes's remarks in Rangoon - is that there is a possibility of a second wave of deaths that will be the result of epidemics and malnutrition. Do we have to accept this? Should we do nothing and condemn the population of Burma?”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“We do not know today whether the assurance given by the Burmese authorities to the Secretary- General, and then at the donors conference that was held in Rangoon on Sunday, will be translated into action. We do not know whether all the international assistance that has been proposed will actually be accepted. We do not know whether the humanitarian agencies will truly have access to the distressed population. What we do know, however - and I am referring to what Mr. Holmes said on behalf of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday -that only 41 per cent of the population affected by the cyclone has received any assistance, that is, 1 million out of 2.4 million people.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“In the face of such a heavy reality, can the Council retreat into an academic distinction between two types of population: the victims of armed conflict and the victims of a natural disaster? We do not believe that, all the less because the victims of cyclone Nargis are not just the victims of a natural phenomenon. As our Minister for Foreign Affairs said on 19 May, "The Burmese people are the victims of a two-fold scourge - a natural disaster on an exceptional scale on the one hand and the stubborn obstruction of proposals for emergency assistance on the other. In French national law, that is called "7 'non-assistance to persons in danger .”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank the presidency of the Council for this timely meeting and also to thank John Holmes for his introduction to our debate. This debate is taking place in a very particular context. The Secretary-General and Mr. Holmes have just returned from Burma. Clearly, the situation of the civilian population victims of cyclone Nargis cannot be confused with the situation of the civilian population victims of an armed conflict. But can we talk about the protection of civilians without talking about the tragedy that we have been watching for weeks now for hundreds of thousands of persons in Burma? Can we talk about access to humanitarian assistance without addressing the obstacles that have unacceptably been encountered in access to Burmese civilians?”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“5 In adopting the present resolution, the Security Council calls upon the parties to display realism and a spirit of compromise so that the negotiations can move to a stage of greater intensity and substance. We hope that the Security Council and all Member States - in particular, neighbouring countries in the region - will remain ready to support the ongoing negotiations, as called for in resolutions 1754 (2007) and 1783 (2007) and in the present resolution.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5884 (2008) · source
“By resolutions 1754 (2007) and 1783 (2007), the Security Council unanimously welcomed the serious and credible Moroccan efforts to produce an autonomy plan for Western Sahara. That, of course, is not a sine qua non: the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco forms the basis for serious and constructive negotiation aimed at a negotiated settlement between the parties, with respect for the principle of self-determination, to which we are committed. We have taken note with interest of the assessment of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General, which supplements the information set out in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/25l). We pay tribute once again to Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for their efforts to resolve the question of Western Sahara.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5884 (2008) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): With the adoption of resolutions 1754 (2007) and 1783 (2007), the international community unanimously welcomed the end of the stalemate on Western Sahara, with the commencement of negotiations without preconditions and in good faith. The lack of progress in the Manhasset negotiations undermines the search for a mutually acceptable, just and lasting political solution negotiated under United Nations auspices, allowing for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The continuation of the status quo in Western Sahara is an obstacle to building an integrated, prosperous Maghreb and poses a threat to the stability of the entire region.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5884 (2008) · source
“We are therefore deeply involved in the group of experts on surplus ammunition. Finally, with respect to end-users, we welcome the early work of experts on a treaty on the arms trade, a major initiative that will contribute to more responsible management of arms transfers and to improved international cooperation. None of those efforts should allow us to forget the magnitude of the task ahead. Several essential stages await us, in particular the upcoming Biennial Meeting of the parties. We call on all States to participate and be involved. In conclusion, I wish to assure the Secretary- General of France's full cooperation in that field. Our cooperation is owed to past and present victims, as is our stability as a guarantor of international peace and security.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“Identifying the source of small arms and light weapons and the traceability and marking of weapons are among the critical aspects of the fight against trafficking. France and Switzerland therefore took the initiative of sponsoring an international instrument adopted in 2005. We had hoped that the instrument would be legally binding, but we welcome the first steps that it has allowed us to take and which point the way for the future. A second vital target is brokers. We are actively involved in drafting an instrument to combat illicit brokering in small arms and light weapons. We know that brokers have become central, inescapable and especially noxious figures in trafficking. Thirdly, with respect to consumable items, like the Secretary-General we wish to emphasize the importance of keeping munitions and ammunition in mind.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“It is well known that traffickers outwit the vigilance of the authorities by falsifying transport documents, flight plans and aircraft registration, and by taking risks in the air to elude air-traffic controllers. Our initiatives are aimed first and foremost at enhancing the exchange of information, focusing on control provisions and facilitating cooperation in that sphere. Our efforts also seek to promote partnership between air transport companies to identify the optimum measures to be adopted, given the economy of that sector. Finally, we are also seeking to establish a guide of best practices. Air transport is an essential part of that traffic and we hope to put an end to it. Within the United Nations, we place our hopes in and have resolutely committed ourselves to several initiatives to address various key facets of trafficking.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“In 2002 we made an active contribution to the drafting and adoption of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms, and we have continued to take action in multilateral forums, first and foremost within the European Union, which has adopted a Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and a Strategy to combat illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, about which my Slovenian colleague will speak. Moreover, in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, France has launched an international initiative to combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons by air. We know that the traffic in small arms and light weapons makes ready use of air transportation.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“Their presence is often in direct violation of embargoes imposed by the Security Council, and this justifies the increasing degree to which they are taken into account in the mandates of peacekeeping operations, and in programmes for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and for security sector reform. In this area, the Secretary- General recommends greater synergy among the activities of the Security Council and of all others involved in combating small arms and light weapons. These recommendations are most welcome. As a nation, France is deeply committed to combating illicit trafficking, and has been for many years.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“We must take account of the role and views of women on this issue; the Secretary-General's proposals are particularly welcome in that respect. The same holds true for children. As members know, France has committed itself unconditionally to working to improve the situation of children in armed conflict and ease their suffering. In that regard combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is of the highest priority. We are grateful to you, Mr. President, for having organized today's debate on a theme that, in a sense, is at the core of the Council's activities. Beyond the damage already mentioned, the trafficking in small arms and light weapons poses a threat to peace. These weapons threaten the safety and security of United Nations personnel.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): France fully supports the statement to be made by the representative of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. Despite what the term "small arms" might suggest, vast damage is caused by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/258) describes the long-term destabilization of societies and the plunder of their resources, along with the thousands of victims this trade claims, particularly in Africa. The Secretary-General also stresses something that my Belgian colleague has rightly emphasized and that should be of particular concern to us: among the main victims of arms trafficking are the most vulnerable members of society: women and children.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source
“Thus we shall accompany the diverse Iraqi people on the path of peace, which they deserve after so many years of difficulties.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source
“France and the European Union will continue to assist in unifying the rule of law in Iraq, which could contribute to the full and complete implementation of human rights. In conclusion, I would recall that France is also involved on a bilateral basis in the political and humanitarian areas and in cooperation in the fields of governance, health, education and training. France has opened an embassy office in Erbil and plans to open another in the south of the country when security conditions permit. We are planning to develop a chain of medical treatment facilities. We wish to be present in Iraq wherever security conditions enable us to be, using local intermediaries if necessary. The French Minister for Foreign Affairs has shared his intention to pay another visit to Iraq.”
2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source