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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“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, and to thank the Libyan presidency for the skill it demonstrated last month. France aligns itself fully with the statement to be made later by the Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. Sir, I would like to thank you first of all for organizing this open debate on the situation in Haiti and the work being carried out by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101 (2009) · source
“In this regard, we attach special importance to the strengthening of tripartite cooperation in the field under the aegis of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon; the disarmament of militias within the framework of national dialogue; the strict implementation of the arms embargo; and the settlement of the issue of Ghajar. At some point, progress will have to be achieved on the Shaba'a farms issue. We welcome the work carried out by the Secretary-General to that end, and we invite all parties to commit themselves to a genuine diplomatic process.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“My country hopes that the legislative elections to be held on 7 June 2009 will be carried out in a climate of stability and respect for democratic norms and will facilitate the consolidation of the unity and independence of Lebanon to which we all aspire. My country also welcomed the establishment, on 1 March 2009, of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, aimed at putting an end to impunity and ensuring that justice prevails in Lebanon. We have also recalled the importance of States continuing to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor, as requested in Security Council resolution 1852 (2008). France remains fully committed to the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1701 (2006).”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“First, France welcomes the appointment on 24 March 2009 of a Syrian ambassador to Beirut, in conformity with the commitment undertaken by the Syrian and Lebanese heads of State. On the heels of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the opening of embassies and the appointment of the Lebanese ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic, this is an historic step in the normalization of relations between those two countries. The French authorities also reiterated, on the occasion of the State visit of President Sleiman to Paris, their support for Lebanon and their commitment to the implementation of the Doha agreement, which has enabled the Lebanese people to resume the path of dialogue and national reconciliation.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“The elements I have just referred to will determine, in this crucial moment for the Middle East, the progress towards the necessary resumption of negotiations with a view to the creation of a viable Palestinian State, secure, independent and democratic, and living in peace side by side with Israel within secure and recognized borders. Peace must be based on the principle of land for peace, Security Council resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The international community and the Council have an important role to play here. While we are convinced that peace will be negotiated between Israelis and Palestinians first, France is determined to take or support any useful initiative. Allow me to conclude by saying a few words on the situation in Lebanon.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“As the President of our Republic recalled, the settlements policy, by rendering the prospects for a Palestinian State more difficult, does not contribute to Israeli security, but on the contrary, increases the dangers. In order not to compromise the peace process, Israel must act in a strong manner now, without delay. The settlements policy must be completely frozen, in conformity with all commitments undertaken since the Road Map was adopted. Furthermore, we support a resumption, as quickly as possible, of talks between Syria and Israel, whose success is necessary for stabilization of the region.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“When the time is right, we will be ready to work with a Government of national unity that will abide by the fundamental principles of the peace process and will accept to resume negotiations with Israel in order to achieve the two-State solution. We continue to fully support the Arab Peace Initiative, which should be an essential base for a comprehensive and lasting settlement in the Middle East. Our expectations are equally high with regard to the new Israeli authorities. Despite repeated unanimous appeals by the international community, settlement activities continue. A wave of destruction of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem has compounded that.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“My second point concerns the stages that must be got through rapidly in order to put the peace process on the right track. I wish to underscore here, first, the importance of inter-Palestinian reconciliation. Palestinians must be able to speak with a single voice. There will be no peace agreement with only one part of the Palestinian people and no viable Palestinian State without Gaza. Although discussions with a view to inter-Palestinian reconciliation are facing many difficulties, we continue to back the efforts of the Egyptian mediation. We hope that an important step can be taken, in particular in view of the Arab summit in Doha aimed at inter-Palestinian reconciliation. The States of the region, of course, have an important role to play here.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“We have also condemned Israeli land operations carried out in Gaza and the bombardment by the Israeli army of Palestinian hospitals and premises of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. France recalls that international humanitarian law must be respected everywhere, in all circumstances and by all parties to the conflict. In that context, we supported the decision of the Secretary-General to set up a board of inquiry, and we expect that its conclusions will be presented to the Security Council. In parallel to efforts mentioned, France continues to support the immediate, unconditional liberation of Gilad Shalit. We support Egyptian mediation efforts and continue to follow discussions under way with great attention.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“The issue of opening crossing points is decisive to improving the humanitarian situation and to permitting the reconstruction of Gaza to be carried out. In that respect, we welcome the convening of the Sharm el-Sheik conference and the pledges that were announced. It was important that the meeting concerned both Gaza and the entire Palestinian economy. That effort is part of the follow-up to the Paris conference and reminds us that the Palestinian Authority should ensure the administration and ownership of any reconstruction efforts. There is no military solution to the crisis in Gaza. We have condemned many times, and continue to condemn, the firing of rockets against Israel.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“Turning to the situation in Gaza, consolidation of the ceasefire, which requires full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009), remains a priority. Resolution 1860 (2009) laid out the main parameters for a durable ceasefire, including the re-opening of checkpoints and the setting up of mechanisms to ensure that the smuggling of arms is stopped. In that regard, we support the Egyptian efforts and call on all parties to move quickly towards an agreement. France and the European Union are resolved to shoulder all their responsibilities in supporting the full implementation of the resolution. The European Union has declared its readiness to relaunch the EU Border Assistance Mission - EUBAM. Rafah - as soon as conditions allow and has studied the possibility of extending its assistance to other crossing points if security there is guaranteed.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): I wish to begin by conveying my gratitude to the Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs for his presentation and to the Permanent Observer of Palestine and the ambassador of Israel for their statements. I also wish to voice my full support for the statement to be delivered later by the Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. It is for the States of the region and the international community to see to it that the current transition period in the region allows the laying of the foundations of peace in the Middle East. As the President of our Republic underscored, peace is possible even if it does require painful concessions and genuine political courage. I wish to address three main points.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100 (2009) · source
“Beyond the persistent differences of opinion expressed by President Tadic' and Minister Hyseni, we note with satisfaction their common wish to preserve stability in the region and safeguard the conditions necessary to a shared future within Europe. We therefore encourage Belgrade and Pristina to renew direct dialogue as soon as possible. The European Union is fully conscious of its responsibilities in overcoming the obstacles on the path towards a stable and prosperous future for the western Balkans. It is in this spirit that we will strive for progress in the coming months on the path of a shared future for the Serb and Kosovar people in the European Union.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“We have taken note of the positions expressed by President Tadie, and I would note above all his strong reaffirmation of the will of the Serbian Government to join the European Union, which would be an important factor in stabilizing the entire Balkan region. By supporting the initiatives of the European Union to contribute to the peace and stability of the region, the Serbian authorities are participating in the efforts to laying the groundwork for a shared European future for the western Balkans. We also listened closely to Mr. Hyseni. The rule of law, the wish to build a multi-ethnic State that respects minorities, the desire to have friendly relations with Kosovo's neighbours and the pro-European 10 commitment of the Kosovo authorities are major commitments that we should welcome.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“That is why, over recent months, the European Union has pursued and intensified the dialogue, addressing first of all, of course, the Kosovo authorities and communities, as well as neighbouring countries. Serbia is an essential stakeholder among those countries, and its cooperation is indispensable to the success of EULEX. It is in this spirit that the EULEX Head of Mission, Mr. De Kermabon, has just arrived in Belgrade. We welcome the fact that he thus has an opportunity to seek out practical solutions to the concrete problems that arise, for example, in terms of customs and legal cooperation.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“As EULEX has been deployed, the inhabitants of Kosovo progressively realized that, in spite of the negative propaganda of some extremist groups, the European Mission's efforts were benefiting the entire population and every community. However, we have noted with concern the recent attacks against EULEX, which seem to be perpetrated by individuals with ties to criminal networks seeking to preserve the conditions that enable them to act with impunity. The Secretary-General believed that the reconfiguration of the international presence should be included in the dialogue involving all concerned parties. This dialogue is essential to ensuring the stability of Kosovo and the region.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“The building of the rule of law must continue. The reorganization of the international presence is being carried out in favourable conditions. The European Union is providing essential support with the deployment of the EULEX mission, which is assisting in the establishment of institutions and the rule of law in Kosovo. EULEX is operating within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999) under overall United Nations authority. Through the deployment of EULEX and the appointment of a Special Representative, the European Union is seeking to contribute to the building of a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. Protecting minorities' rights is a priority for EULEX, which will endeavour to fully implement the agreements signed by Kosovar authorities in this area.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“As we had hoped, independence has helped to ease tensions within Kosovo and in the Balkans, and Kosovo's new authorities have displayed responsibility and honoured their commitments. The establishment of a constitution that conforms to European standards and values and the adoption of a law promoting the participation of minorities are both important steps towards a rule of law that serves all communities, with the support of, inter alia, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). The increasing number of States, including States of the region, that have recognized Kosovo are contributing to the new State's emergence on the international scene and to the stability of the Balkans. This first anniversary attests to the path traversed by Kosovo and the region; it should also be an encouragement to continue.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): I should like at the outset to thank Mr. Boris Tadie, President of the Republic of Serbia, and Mr. Skender Hyseni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, for their presence. We listened very attentively to both of them. I should also like to commend the activities of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, and his team, who have effectively and pragmatically implemented the reconfiguration of the international presence decided upon by the Secretary-General with the support of the Security Council. Last month, Kosovo celebrated the first anniversary of its declaration of independence. Today's Security Council meeting is the occasion for a first assessment, which we regard as mostly positive.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“France reaffirms its support for international criminal justice and its independence, and reiterates the Sudan's obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, in accordance with resolution 1593 (2005). To punish its own population is certainly not the correct response. As the representative of the Sudan has himself said, we too believe in the value of dialogue and the need to provide a political solution to this crisis. We also believe that combating impunity cannot be delinked from the search for peace in Darfur, or anywhere else in the world. We therefore look forward to our 26 March discussion with Joint Chief Negotiator Bassole.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source
“The continuation of humanitarian efforts in Darfur is essential for the nearly 4 million people who depend upon them, in particular the 2.5 million displaced persons. The challenge is to protect the people of Darfur. That requires that all parties, beginning with Sudanese officials, act responsibly regardless of the circumstances. In that regard, I should like to emphasize the crucial need for all parties to the conflict, including the authorities in Khartoum, to respect the binding norms of international humanitarian law, in particular those relating to humanitarian access to victims and the protection of humanitarian staff. The issue of humanitarian assistance and the issue of international criminal justice must absolutely be kept apart.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source
“In that regard, I would like to commend UNAMID and the agencies of the United Nations system - including the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Health Organization - who are doing their best to avert an even graver humanitarian tragedy. We regret the abruptness and speed with which Sudanese Government agencies have implemented the expulsion order, including harassment and intimidation against NGOs still on the ground. We consider it essential to ensure the protection of the 6,000 people who make up the national staff of the NGOs that have been expelled. Clearly, it is also very important to protect the property of the expelled NGOs.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source
“The operations of the NGOs affected by the Government's decision account for more than half of the humanitarian effort in Darfur. As OCHA's representative has indicated, that decision threatens to deprive more than 1 million people of food, health care and drinking water. In that connection, we look forward to the conclusions of the joint assessment currently being carried by OCHA and the Sudanese authorities to more precisely determine all the consequences of that decision that once again puts the people concerned in a situation of unbearable deprivation.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source
“We must ensure that UNAMID's deployment is completed quickly. I would also like to call on all parties to cooperate in order to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian situation in Darfur. We once again deplore the decision by the Government of the Sudan to suspend the activities of several Sudanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and to expel more than a dozen international NGOs that are carrying out crucial humanitarian activities and which have an international reputation for seriousness and impartiality. Along with the Secretary-General, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and all the countries of the European Union, France hopes that the Sudanese authorities will reverse their decision and refrain for further expulsions.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I too would like to thank Mr. Khalikov for his briefing on the humanitarian situation in Darfur, which is without doubt one of the world's greatest emergency situations. I would like to associate myself with those who have condemned the attacks against the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), including the one on 17 March in Nyala, which resulted in the death of a Nigerian Blue Helmet, and the one on 9 March on a UNAMID vehicle in El Geneina, which injured four troops. We hope that Sudanese officials will ensure that the perpetrators of those attacks are arrested. We call upon all Sudanese actors to cooperate fully with UNAMID, which is in the Sudan to maintain peace and assist the most vulnerable.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source
“It is on the ground in Somalia that the root causes of piracy must be resolved, but the fight against piracy is also a matter of urgency. We welcome the fact that so many nations and organizations are participating in this fight. Food deliveries by WFP quadrupled between 2007 and 2008. I would like once again to express our full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General. I would like to reiterate to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia that he can fully count on France to help his Government to respond to, as he so eloquently stated, the need for peace and the will for liberty that motivates his people.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“But we must not lose sight of the fact that, in the interests of the Somali people, what is important is a full and swift implementation of resolution 1863 (2009). This means that combating piracy is all the more necessary. Since the first operation to protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels undertaken by France in November 2007, the fight against piracy has greatly expanded. The European Union, together with many other international partners, is playing a major role, through its Operation Atalanta, to secure the supplies on which so many Somalians depend. Operation Atalanta has allowed the secure transportation of more than 100,000 tons of food aid. The European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy has expressed his support for the protection of United Nations convoys.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“can make an immediate difference. I should like to stress that the duty of the international community is not merely to deal with security issues. In addition to the mechanism of individual sanctions available to the Council, the fight against impunity is an essential aspect that we must not neglect, because the culture of impunity prevailing in Somalia is a major obstacle on the path of peace. France fully supports the approach of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in that regard. Like some previous speakers, I should also like to recall that, on more than one occasion last year, the Security Council discussed the possible establishment of a peacekeeping operation. We will resume that discussion on the basis of the report of the Secretary- General that is expected in mid-April.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“The Security Council, through resolution 1863 (2009), has taken the decisions necessary to ensure that the United Nations can provide a logistical support package to AMISOM. and establish a special trust fund, making it possible to find additional resources to support AMISOM. and strengthen the Somali security forces. The Secretary-General has taken an emergency measure by making available $50 million. The first ships are beginning to arrive in Mogadishu. By the end of this month, the General Assembly will debate an initial instalment of funding. We hope that the donors conference will be held soon. The implementation of resolution 1863 (2009) is a difficult task. Indeed, we must act swiftly and pragmatically, first focusing on the logistical package, a concrete measure that can be implemented quickly so that AMISOM.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“In parallel, we must strengthen the AMISOM forces, who have fulfilled their mission with great courage. Here, on behalf of France, I should like to pay tribute to Burundi and Uganda for their actions and to the African Union for its efforts to enable AMISOM. to reach full deployment. Strengthening AMISOM. requires additional financial resources. Many donors already provide significant aid to Somalia and AMISOM. - in particular the European Union, the African Union's leading financial partner, including through the African Peace Facility. France has assisted in the training of four AMISOM. contingents, and French officers are currently in Uganda to help the parties prepare a Ugandan contingent.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“We have, in this Chamber, condemned the deadly attack of 25 February against AMISOM soldiers. Two days ago, another soldier was killed and three others were wounded. In the light of that situation, the international community obviously has an essential role to play. First, we must provide full political support to the Somali authorities and encourage them to continue their efforts to achieve reconciliation and dialogue among all parties. We must also support the establishment of a robust, well-equipped and trained Joint Security Force and a professional police force. It is important to reduce insecurity by directly controlling the essential areas of the city of Mogadishu so that the Government can establish its authority in Somalia and make a real change in people's lives.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Congratulations go also to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and, of course, to his team on their tireless efforts vis-a-vis the parties. However, every day that passes reminds us of the extreme fragility of the situation. The humanitarian situation remains very bad, with more than 3 million people dependent on international aid and hundreds of thousands still on the road to Afgooye. The conditions are all the harsher because humanitarian workers are being targeted, in constant violation of international humanitarian law: in 2008, 34 were killed and 26 abducted; since the beginning of this year, three World Food Programme workers have been killed and four briefly kidnapped. In Mogadishu itself, attacks continue against the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“The expansion of parliament, the election of a President, the formation of a unity Government and the inclusive dialogue begun with all parties by the new Somali President to urge them to join the Djibouti process are all positive political signals. Moreover, the Secretary- General's report indicates the initial return of internally displaced persons to Mogadishu. That is also a sign of confidence. In addition, France highlights the fact that the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops has not created a security vacuum. In the end, that has not benefited the most radical groups, instead making it possible to marginalize them by removing their main argument for continuing the violence. Somalis should be congratulated on this progress towards peace and reconciliation.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): I, too, wish to thank previous speakers, in particular Mr. Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia; Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia; and Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union. The Czech Presidency of the European Union will be taking the floor shortly, and I obviously support the statement that will be made. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/ 132) and the presentations that we have just heard confirm that a positive dynamic has begun in Somalia.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Under these circumstances, France will, of course, help the Commissioner address the Council in the way that he has worked out. However, if it is because this is a subject that concerns the African Union that the floor will be given to a regional organization before it is given to the Security Council, I will have to express my very serious reservations. That does not seem to be in accordance with, in particular, the discussions that we held in this very Chamber a few days ago on relations between the African Union and the Security Council. Once again, if it is a matter of scheduling constraints, it is with great pleasure that I would wish to help our friend Mr. Lamamra get out of this difficult situation. Under those circumstances, we have no objections.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): Given the very important relations that we, as France and as the Security Council, have with the African Union, it is obvious that it is entirely appropriate to give due consideration to the statements by representatives of the African Union. Given our long-standing friendly relations with Commissioner Lamamra, we of course do not want to keep him from speaking. However, I must express publicly my reservations concerning the motivation behind this decision. Those reasons were made known to me, and it was with reservations that I accepted the decision, which was taken because of scheduling constraints on the part of the Commissioner, who wished to address the Council before leaving New York.”
2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source
“We welcome the will demonstrated by Afghanistan and its neighbours during this meeting to make concrete progress to strengthen their cooperation against drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as to develop regional economic cooperation. We hope that the positive trends in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan will contribute to achieving concrete results during the upcoming Regional Economic Cooperation Conference in Islamabad. UNAMA will have to face many challenges in the coming year. It will require our full support. I therefore welcome the proposal to hold Security Council meetings every three months. That will enable the Council to provide more active follow-up to the implementation of the mandate entrusted to UNAMA and thereby to provide more effective support for the action of the Special Representative.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Our priorities are to promote the emergence of a stable, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan, to contribute to the stabilization of democratic Pakistan and to reduce the terrorist threat of which this region has become the epicentre. It is also to lend political momentum to the theme of strengthening regional cooperation that our Foreign Minister, Mr. Bernard Kouchner, invited Afghanistan, its neighbouring States and the key cooperation partners of the international community to France in December 2008 for a ministerial meeting, held in La Celle Saint-Cloud under the co-chairmanship of the United Nations.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Anxious to ensure that we have a comprehensive approach, we have also significantly strengthened our civilian and political commitment since 2008. But over and above that, the depth of the Afghan crisis, the evolution of the international commitment and the increasing interrelations among the problems that affect Afghanistan and its neighbours have led France to further integrate the regional aspects of the problem in its approach. It is in this context that the President of the Republic, on 26 February, appointed a Member of Parliament, Mr. Pierre Lellouche, as his Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. This decision is in line with France's belief that the Afghan crisis cannot be dealt with in isolation from the situation in the region, and primarily in Pakistan.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“I would also like to reiterate our concerns regarding the issue of civilian casualties, which - we need to underscore this point - are mainly the result of deliberate attacks by the Taliban and other extremist groups that display thereby their absolute disdain for human life. At the same time, France is aware of the need to continue, with its partners and its allies, significant efforts achieved by Government and international forces to avoid civilian casualties. The President of the French Republic, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, has reiterated on numerous occasions the priority that the stabilization of Afghanistan and the region as a whole has for France. Over the past two years, France has carried out a major reinforcement of its military commitment in Afghanistan.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“France is committed to participating actively with its European partners in this effort. Encouraging developments have also taken place in the fight against drug trafficking. They remain to be confirmed, including in the fight against the diversion of the chemical precursors of heroin, which is subject of resolution 1817 (2008). The situation in the field of human rights is a serious topic of concern, especially because of the increase in attacks against the media and civil society. Significant progress made since 2001 remains precarious. The authorities must, with the assistance of the international community, act more firmly to guarantee journalists and representatives of civil society conditions that enable them to engage in their activities freely and safely.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“The United Nations has an important role to play, at both the technical and the political levels, to help them. But the elections should not distract us from the other pressing problems facing Afghanistan. The Special Representative has drawn up a convincing list of these. Significant progress has been achieved in various fields over the past year, progress that now needs to be consolidated. In the field of security, the Afghan National Army has been considerably strengthened and is increasingly in a position to take over from international forces. The police remain the weak point in the security system. Since his appointment as Interior Minister, Mr. Atmar has started an in-depth reform of the police that the international community must back via initiatives in keeping with the stakes.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“He has addressed a number of difficult topics such as good governance, corruption, human rights and the problem of civilian victims with the political, democratic authorities and civil society in Afghanistan and with international stakeholders. I would like to again reiterate France's full confidence in Mr. Eide in the period leading up to the elections, which is particularly critical to the democratic future of the country. The upcoming presidential and legislative elections are in fact a major step in the process of Afghans taking ownership of their own democracy. All Afghan political officials must work to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections throughout the country and to preserve stability and security throughout the electoral process.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“I would highlight in particular the essential issue of aid effectiveness and coordination, where progress unfortunately remains insufficient. The most pressing issue in this regard is transparency in terms of aid. To ensure that the United Nations is able to carry out its coordination mission, it must be able ensure that it and the Afghan authorities are in a position to have a clear overall picture of the efforts of all donors. This is something the Special Representative referred to earlier. The United Nations must also continue, through its Special Representative, to symbolize the voice of the international community to the Afghan authorities and people. Mr. Eide has been successful in playing this role in an impartial manner.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“These efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The international community firmly reiterated its support to the people and Government of Afghanistan in June 2008 in Paris. The following Moscow and The Hague conferences will provide us with an opportunity to reiterate this common and lasting commitment and to take stock of the implementation of commitments undertaken and of the priorities for the coming months. These conferences are part of the general trend of increased involvement by the international community. This momentum is something that the Special Representative has done a great deal to nurture by actively contributing to the implementation of the comprehensive approach, which brought together political, security, reconstruction and development efforts.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ripert (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to extend France's condolences to the families of the victims of the attack that today killed the Afghan member of parliament Dad Mohammad Khan and four other individuals. France firmly condemns this assassination. The Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic will later make a statement on behalf of the European Union, with which France, of course, associates itself. At this stage, I would like to make a few additional comments. As others have done before me, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Kai Eide for his briefing and in particular for the untiring efforts he has undertaken since his appointment to ensure better overall cohesiveness in the international community's work in Afghanistan under United Nations auspices.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Beyond the few differences noticeable today, it is necessary to stress that we are debating not the principle of how but the best way in which to support African Union peacekeeping operations and the African Union itself. France thanks the Secretary- General for the first indications that he has given us today, and we will study in detail and with great interest the report that he will submit to the Security Council on this issue in the coming months.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Beyond that, we cannot ignore the severe constraints on the financing of the United Nations itself, which face a growing burden with an annual budget of nearly $8 billion to finance peacekeeping operations. However, there are promising avenues, such as the establishment of a global standing trust fund with resources that can be readily mobilized, financed by voluntary contributions and set up to attract additional funds, in particular to meet needs not fully assessed at this stage, such as those directly linked to military equipment. To conclude, I would like again to welcome the efforts of the panel chaired by Mr. Romano Prodi.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“First, in the political field, there can be no sharing of a priori roles that would lead to regionalization in maintaining international peace and security. Clearly, the African Union has a central role to play, but the Security Council has the responsibility to act every time that it deems it necessary. Moreover, we must be careful to avoid a formalization or institutionalization that paralyses our relations. It is in the field that we must strengthen those relations. With regard to financing, we share the objective to achieve permanent financing for African Union peacekeeping operations, but recourse to mandatory contributions of the United Nations does not seem a good solution to us. For reasons of effectiveness and responsibility, the organization that finances the budget of an operation must control it and head its chain of command.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“At a time when the number of United Nations operations and troops is rapidly increasing, the Organization must collectively consider how to improve the efficiency of the peacekeeping operations and to harmonize peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development more effectively in the field. Peacekeeping forces cannot do everything. Our first step, therefore, is to consider in detail the recommendations of the Secretary-General. However, at this stage France would like to give some general indications on how we could advance the process together. We must reconcile the necessary support to the African Union with the principle of the universality of the United Nations and with the special role that the Charter entrusts to the Security Council. That has two types of consequences.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source