YouSaid · the spoken record

Rosenthal

lines on the record: 930
first: 2000-03-23
most recent: 2017-08-29
sittings or episodes: 146
sources: un-security-council

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“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I should like at the outset, Mr. President, to thank you for having convened this meeting and in particular for joining us personally today. We also welcome the concept note (S/2012/83, annex) circulated by your delegation as background for our debate, as well as the briefings by the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. I should like to make five points, centred more on the thematic aspects than the geographical ones that are part of the subject of this open debate. While there is little that we may be able to contribute to the specific situation of West Africa and the Sahel region, unfortunately my country has been a direct victim of transnational organized crime and, therefore, has some experiences that it can share.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“Finally, Guatemala joins other countries in expressing its support for the vision and priorities Ireland has established for the OSCE's work this year. We look forward with interest to fruitful cooperation between that organization and the United Nations.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“Guatemala recognizes the work that has been accomplished, among other things, to strengthen the rule of law. We note the priorities outlined by Ireland for its chairmanship in 2012, and we are pleased to learn that, alongside the efforts to resolve long-lasting conflicts, attention will also be paid to a renewed commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights, as well as to new avenues for promoting freedom of expression in the digital era. We welcome its decision to hold a meeting in Dublin in April to share its experience in conflict resolution. We agree that every conflict situation is different, but it is also true that there are always lessons learned and experiences to share, especially from a regional perspective.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“We therefore call attention to several timely initiatives on themes that are on the agenda of the Security Council. In Afghanistan, the OSCE has actively participated in efforts to enhance political dialogue, increase national capacities and support the democratic process. In that regard, Guatemala notes with satisfaction the close coordination between the OSCE and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. We recognize the assistance offered by the Government of Afghanistan in the areas of border security, police training and the struggle against drug trafficking. With respect to the situation in Kosovo, the OSCE also plays a constructive role, in close coordination with the United Nations and the European Union, in an environment of great challenges.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Let me join others in welcoming Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore, and in thanking him for his presentation. I congratulate him on assuming the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and wish him every success in his mandate. Guatemala is convinced that regional and subregional organizations can make an important contribution to further strengthening the multilateral system, including in the maintenance of international peace and security. I am sure that, under Ireland's chairmanship, the OSCE will promote dialogue and cooperation with the United Nations. Cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE is a concrete product of an alliance that has helped to promote peace and security in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“We agree with UNMIK that the time has come to show the courage and pragmatism needed to achieve substantive progress. We note the report on the work of EULEX in the annex to the Secretary-General's report. It is important to solidify efforts to move towards the rule of law in Kosovo. From our own experience, we have learned first-hand that strengthening the rule of law is essential to achieving peace and justice and to fighting impunity. We have also followed closely the accusations made by Serbia against Kosovo authorities about human organ trafficking. We note that Lead Prosecutor Clint Williamson has assumed his position, and that the report on EULEX describes the investigation as complex and covering several jurisdictions. We hope that all accusations will be investigated in detail and that those responsible will be indicted.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“We note from the Secretary-General's report that some agreements have been reached which we hope can soon be put into practice towards the normalization of the situation in the north, such as through the integrated management of crossing points. The incidents involving roadblocks and recent protests are regrettable. We are also concerned by the news of the referendum planned for mid-February by the municipal authorities in northern Kosovo. In fact, events remind us that it is impossible to separate the situation on the ground from positions on the legal status of Kosovo. Violence and unilateral actions must be renounced, and attempts to change the legal status by force must be shunned. We call on the parties to pursue dialogue on outstanding issues in order to reach a solid and lasting solution.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“We are concerned by the security situation in northern Kosovo, which not only creates additional challenges for the United Nations but also has a negative impact on dialogue between the parties. We encourage Pristina and Belgrade to take responsibility for reducing tensions and to continue to use positive rhetoric in their communications. We welcome the fact that, despite the difficulties described, the parties are focused on resolving their differences through dialogue, as shown by the recent round of talks facilitated by the European Union. We likewise recognize the contribution that this dialogue is making towards resolving practical issues, especially those directly affecting the daily life of the population.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2012/72) on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and my compatriot Edmond Mulet for having introduced it to us. I would also like to welcome the virtual presence of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Farid Zarif. The report before us today leaves no doubt about the important function that UNMIK is fulfilling in Kosovo. We express our support for the Mission and encourage it to continue carrying out its mandate under resolution 1244 (1999) in all activities conducted in Kosovo involving the entire international presence in Kosovo, including the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo Force, which must act with strict neutrality and impartiality.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“That adds to the ranks of those affected by this matter - not only the victims of the violence, whom, I underscore, are our prime concern, but also the effectiveness of the Security Council in adequately responding to the challenges facing it. In conclusion, our delegation deeply regrets that we have failed to meet the request made of us by the League of Arab States. We urge its member countries to persevere in its initiatives, including that of 22 January.”
2012-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6711 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Our position on the situation in Syria was fully 7 explained by our Minister for Foreign Affairs last Tuesday in the Chamber (see S/PV.6710). Our prime objective is to help to put an end to the spiral of violence afflicting the Syrian population and to find a political solution to the crisis experienced by that country. We believe that the League of Arab States has adopted an initiative that meets both goals (see S/2012/71, annex). We therefore voted in favour of the draft resolution just put before us (S/2012/77). We regret that our vote was in vain owing to the very particular voting system that governs our decision-making process.”
2012-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6711 (2012) · source
“At the same time, we are aware of the need to address the legitimate security concerns expressed by Israel. In conclusion, in each of the unique Middle East situations on the Security Council agenda, it behoves us to call upon opposing parties to renounce the use of violence and to search for negotiated solutions to their differences. For that to occur, the demands welling up from the grass roots of the various societies must be heard and addressed. Finding peaceful outcomes to the various points of tension in the region - each one with its unique characteristics - is in the interest not only of the region but of the whole world.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Moreover, we believe that the Council must continue to support the actions of the Quartet and the Arab Peace Initiative, and at the same time guarantee that the peace process moves forward so that the parties can achieve a definitive solution. However, we also note an increasing divergence between the suggestions offered by the Quartet and the political realities on the ground. The Council must therefore address those obstacles, which include, among others, illegal settlement expansion in the occupied territories, which greatly complicates progress in the peace process. Our position on the settlements is that they are illegal under international law and that they constitute a serious obstacle for peace, undermining the requirements for a two-State solution.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“I would now like to address the age-old dispute between Israel and Palestine, which is always a background to the tensions that affect the Middle East. For our part, we favour the creation of a viable, sovereign and independent Palestinian State living in peace and harmony within secure and defensible borders next to the State of Israel. We understand that realizing that vision falls to both parties, Israel and Palestine, through direct negotiations on all outstanding issues. Based on our belief that supporting such negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis is the only means to resolve their current differences, we welcome the direct meetings held between the parties in recent weeks in Amman - the first of their kind in more than a year and a half.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“That type of situation, as we have learned far too well in many Latin American countries, tends inevitably to devolve into violations of civilians' human rights, posing a serious danger of free-falling into a dynamic whereby repression provokes armed resistance, leading to a spiral of violence with unforeseeable consequences. That is precisely the situation that the Secretary General of the League of Arab States described in his report of 22 January to that body's Council. We trust that the presence of Arab League monitors and the search for what is called an Arab solution to the situation will help keep Syria from the brink. We support the agreement proposed by the Arab League Council at its meeting last Sunday. That matter will no doubt require some type of collective pronouncement by the Security Council.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“We support the efforts to maintain its security, and we also underscore the need to cease violations of Lebanese airspace, which, in our opinion, are unacceptable. I now turn to what is perhaps the most urgent topic on the before the Council in the Middle East: the situation in Syria. We support demanding that the parties immediately cease the use of force and adopt concrete measures that will lead to reconciliation. However, the term "parties" is an abstract concept. We believe that popular demands expressed in a peaceful way cannot be compared to a Government responding with force to those demands.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Moreover, in keeping with the spirit of Chapter VIII of the Charter, we advocate working very closely with regional and subregional entities, in this case with the League of Arab States. I will mention only a few specific issues pertaining to the Middle East region. In regard to Lebanon, we welcome the Secretary- General's recent visit and his productive meetings with its Government officials and main political stakeholders. We commend the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia for having organized the high-level meeting on reform and transitions to democracy. We urge the Government of Lebanon to continue meeting all of its international obligations, especially those related to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and those derived from resolution 1701 (2006).”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“As was foreseeable, however, the concrete expression of those popular demands varies from one country to another and has so far produced differing outcomes. The refreshing and stimulating winds also bring signs of growing tensions, both within countries and between States. In accordance with this Council's mandate to maintain international peace and security, we are obliged to closely follow unfolding events, keeping clearly in mind that the primary responsibility for resolving intra-State conflicts lies with the citizens of the country concerned. In the spirit of Chapter VI of the Charter, we believe that whatever action the Council takes to support the parties directly involved in processes that involve conflicts should give priority to preventive- diplomacy measures. In our opinion, invoking Chapter VII is a last resort.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank your country, Mr. President, for having convened today's open debate, and you, Sir, for presiding over this meeting. We extend our appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco for his informative briefing. We have also listened carefully to the statements made by the representative of Israel and the observer of Palestine. Over the past two years, the situation in the Middle East has gained increasing attention on the agenda of the Security Council and also in international public opinion. Events have evolved at dizzying speed, often demonstrating contradictory trends. The so-called Arab Spring has inspired many who call for societies that are more democratic, more participatory and more tolerant, and where social justice prevails.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Finally, and as was recalled by the Secretary- General, this year the United Nations will hold a high- level meeting on the rule of law. We believe that this will be a unique opportunity for Member States to strengthen the rule of law as a fundamental contribution to consolidating peace and justice and ending impunity. When reviewing the status of this issue, we find that much remains to be done, and we recognize the timeliness of elaborating a declaration of guiding principles on the rule of law. Undoubtedly, if the Charter had been drafted today, the rule of law would lie at the heart of the principles and purposes of the Organization.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“How can such indicators be reconciled with the overall objectives and parameters of the performance of a peacekeeping operation that has other mandated tasks? Fourthly, we must continue to promote the strict observance of international law and accountability for those responsible for the gravest violations of human rights. The question of amnesty continues to pose a great challenge and creates obvious sensitivities. On the one hand, it is not possible to start with a clean slate or to simply ask for forgiveness. The right balance must be found between the excess of memory and responsibility - factors that could prevent the reconciliation necessary to sustain peace and strengthen democracy. In all cases, we acknowledge that this matter presents legal, moral, ethical and practical dilemmas that are difficult to resolve.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“Secondly, we believe that the peaceful settlement of disputes is the main guarantor of international peace and security. In fact, the Council should further develop its institutional capacity further to prevent the emergence of situations that threaten peace and, in particular, it should strive to help concerned parties settle their differences in accordance with the means set forth in the Charter. Further efforts should be made to ensure that legal disputes are referred to the International Court of Justice. Thirdly, situations must be considered on a case by case basis. While we certainly expect progress and effectiveness through rule of law indicators, we wonder how these would contribute to reflecting the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict societies. What are the objective criteria to develop and assess them?”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“I have five observations. First, we believe that the matter of national ownership, which is key to any successful transition, is not sufficiently taken into account. Concerning the provision of assistance, we support looking into ways to enhance rule of law capacities whenever so requested by the State in question, in close coordination with local authorities and with the aim of fostering national capacities. In relation to transitional justice, this does not pertain exclusively to any particular type of community, and therefore any measure must reflect the unique needs of the affected communities. Avoiding the importation of external models is not a mere policy, but should reflect one of the lessons that have been learned by the international community.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“In the four years of its existence, the Commission - which is referred to in paragraph 30 of the Secretary-General's report - has attained tangible successes in its areas of competence. Those areas include the criminal prosecution of emblematic cases, technical assistance and promotion of laws to strengthen the State's ability to fight impunity. The Guatemalan experience is consistent with the assertion of the Secretary-General in the 2004 report indicating that the main role of the Organization is not to create international mechanisms to substitute for national structures but to help build domestic capacities for justice. This brings me to the considerations proposed by the Secretary-General in his latest report as the next steps to promote the rule of law. I refer particularly to the contents of part A in section IX of the report.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The Accords incorporated concrete proposals to tackle those deficits. In addition to the conflict, we also inherited a culture of impunity that to this day has not been entirely overcome. On the contrary, one might argue that the situation has deteriorated following the appearance in the country of cartels linked to transnational crime, which have infiltrated those weak institutions with officials who are willing to break the law. A novel response, first conceived in the Peace Accords, is the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala. It is an important partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Guatemala, launched in 2007 and generously supported by various donor sources.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“In fact, only five days ago a new Administration took office in my country. In his inaugural speech, the new President, Otto Perez Molina, said: "Our commitment to the rule of law in all its aspects will lead us to accede to the Rome Statute in order to join the International Criminal Court as a sign of our desire to transition to a future that is governed by law and by respect for human rights of all peoples and all nations." In this regard, our position is not only based on ideals; it responds to specific considerations that condition our future as an inclusive and democratic society. As is known, Guatemala emerged from a protracted internal conflict after we signed our Peace Accords. We were left with fragile institutions, particularly in the security and justice sectors.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/201l/634*) and for presenting it to us. We believe there has been considerable conceptual and practical progress in strengthening the rule of law, particularly since the Secretary-General's watershed report in S/2004/616, in the clarification of concepts such as justice, the rule of law and transitional justice, as well as the manner in which they interact with each other at the national and international levels. From our national perspective, the strengthening of the rule of law and of our democratic institutions is a priority derived from the Peace Accords signed at the end of 1996, which are State commitments.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“In that regard, we very much hope that the upcoming meetings - both the conference in London in February and, later, the United Nations conference in Istanbul - will help to bring the transitional period in Somalia to an end and lead to a more stable and solid system of governance. Lastly, we support the statement to the press to be made following this meeting and we welcome the efforts of the United Kingdom in preparing it.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“continues to face a serious lack of resources and, for that second phase of operations, it needs adequate, guaranteed and predictable funding. We appreciate the inputs provided today, as well as the communique of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 5 January, in which it requests the Security Council to strengthen AMISOM. (see S/2012/19, annex). We will consider that request together with the recommendations of the Secretary-General. We also believe that it is important to maintain a comprehensive approach in Somalia. The security strategy must go hand in hand with implementing the road map. The long-term consequences of the humanitarian disaster and the economic development agenda must continue to be priorities. Humanitarian aid must continue for the time being.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“The principles agreed at the conference, with the established deadlines, show the commitment of the national institutions to complete the transition period before 20 August. We agree with representatives who have underscored the importance of implementing the road map and the Kampala Accord. It is essential for the Transitional Federal Government to show leadership and resolve the parliamentary crisis. It must also improve accountability and transparency. Achieving such goals would bolster the trust of the international community. In this last phase of the transition period, the political process must be inclusive and representative of the Somali people. We also agree with the need to make a coordinated and consistent effort against Al-Shabaab. We are aware that AMISOM.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“This meeting is related to the debate to be held tomorrow on the cooperation between the African Union and United Nations, given that the United Nations has established an important strategic partnership with the African Union in Somalia. The excellent work done by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the recent collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union in planning the next phase of AMISOM. operations are both illustrations and the product of that close cooperation. The historic visit of the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly to Somalia took place barely a month ago. The momentum generated by that visit certainly contributed to the outcome of the national constitutional conference, held in Garowe from 21 to 23 December 2011.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to start by welcoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of South Africa, Her Excellency Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, and by expressing appreciation for her having agreed to preside over our meetings this morning and this afternoon. Secondly, I would like to thank the representative of the African Union Commission, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, for his briefing to us, as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kenya and the Minister of Defence of Uganda for their statements. I also thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe for providing a briefing to inform our discussion.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“However, we consider it possible to improve on the Council's allocation of time to its routine work, allowing greater availability for conflict prevention and resolution. Along those lines, the rationalization of the Council's agenda is also still a work in progress; despite the progress made in establishing a procedure for the elimination of items, there have been few concrete results.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“I refer specifically to our experience in the Latin American and Caribbean Group, where we consistently receive a monthly report of the activities of the Council during the course of each month. I take this opportunity to thank the delegations of Brazil and Colombia, which have kept us constantly informed this year. Of course, we would like to see the reports become more candid, especially because they are often restricted to an account of the meetings and decisions adopted by the Council without going into detail as to the most interesting aspects of why one or another action was adopted by the Council. A fourth and final aspect that we would like to highlight is that of the rationalization of the programme of work. We are pleased to see the progress in the disclosure of the programme of work and its availability.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We recognize, in that regard, the initiative taken by Brazil, which has, unfortunately, not been replicated by other members of the Council. Secondly, we believe it is important to continue improving the interaction between the Chairs of the Committees and Working Groups and all Member States. In particular, it seems necessary to us to develop a mechanism of interaction with those member States that will assume the chairmanships, especially with those entering for the first time as members of the Council, and to allow them, if not the opportunity to express their preferences, at least the possibility of better preparing for the role and work being assigned to them. Thirdly, we also consider it appropriate to emphasize the importance of the interaction between Council members and their respective regional groups.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We take this opportunity to recognize the significant advances and improvements in some practices and new measures, which were reflected in the 507 note. Along those lines, the unusual detail provided in the report of the Security Council for the period 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2011 (A/66/2), especially in its introduction highlighting some of that progress, is commendable. However, we think that there is still ample room for improvements. In that regard, we would like to highlight some of the practices that we feel should be improved or implemented more consistently. First, we attach importance to the interaction with the broader membership through briefings, not only at the beginning of each presidency, but also at the conclusion thereof. It seems a very timely and useful practice, which we see as a voluntary exercise in accountability.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Allow us to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on the working methods of the Security Council and for the lucid concept note that has been circulated. We hope that this debate will renew our commitment to making further progress in improving the efficiency and transparency of the Security Council. Our delegation associates itself fully with the statement to be made by the representative of Egypt, who will speak on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and we also support the statement to be made by, and the proposals to be submitted by, the group of five small nations (8-5), with which we traditionally identify ourselves. From a national perspective, we will make just a few brief comments.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We will remain committed to both Haiti and United Nations peacekeeping operations for as long as necessary. In that regard, we support the Secretary-General's recommendation to renew the mandate of MINUSTAH for another year. We would like to express our solidarity with MINUSTAH, its personnel and Special Representative of the Secretary- General Mariano Fernandez Amunategui. We believe that the Mission's presence is having a profound and positive impact on the future well-being of Haiti.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“In our view, a third priority for MINUSTAH is for the Government of Haiti, along with civil society, to begin to gradually take up some of the activities now undertaken by MINUSTAH. Under genuinely extraordinary circumstances, MINUSTAH undertook new responsibilities at the cost of advancing in key sectors such as those of security and the rule of law. We believe that there is enough support and resources in both these areas to be able to refocus our efforts. MINUSTAH cannot and should not take on the role and primary responsibilities of the State. We fully support the development of the proposed rule of law compact. We look forward with interest to the next five-year Haitian National Police development plan. We are proud to have been part of MINUSTAH since its establishment.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“While we cannot return to the pre-earthquake situation, it is still indispensable to go beyond recovery towards economic and political development. Throughout the years, the rule of law, democracy, security and development have been the main areas of focus. Regrettably, they have not all been addressed in an integrated manner or dealt with the same level of commitment and resources. We have learned various lessons, and now understand the importance of building on and complementing existing strategies and programmes. A point of special concern in the report is the slow disbursement of the resources pledged to the earthquake recovery efforts for the period 2010-201 1.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“As we all know, an exit strategy for the Mission had begun to be considered prior to January 2010. The new demands Haiti faces today certainly warrant a continued presence. Nevertheless, we think that the Mission should focus on priority areas tailored to the current state of affairs, with measurable targets and benchmarks and an eye to a future exit strategy. Among the priority areas that should be considered, political stability is an absolutely critical element. We applaud the historical peaceful transfer of power from a democratically elected President to an opposition successor. However, we are concerned that the taking of key decisions has to date been undermined by a lack of political consensus. A second obvious priority has to do with recovery and reconstruction.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Secondly, they have set back the development agenda, which was already seriously compromised even before the earthquake. These setbacks have reinforced the general impression that Haiti is trapped in a spiral of failures. However, there is nothing inevitable about that trend. We believe that Haitians can and must overcome them. They also deserve the support of the international community; for Haiti's failure would also be our failure. Part of the external support gravitates around the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). It is understood that peacekeepers cannot remain in Haiti in perpetuity. However, in this renewed phase of MINUSTAH, it is important not to abandon Haiti prematurely. The question is how to fulfil our mandate while ensuring that the United Nations does not have to return in the next decade.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to thank you, Madame President, for having organized this debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2011/540) concerning recent events on the ground, as well as proposals to address the situation during the coming months. In addition, we would like to welcome the Secretary-General's new Special Representative, Mr. Mariano Fernandez Amunategui, and to express our admiration and respect to Mr. Edmond Mulet for his work in Haiti over the past year. We pay tribute to the resilience of the Haitian population in overcoming a series of external shocks on the heels of the devastating earthquake of January 2010. These shocks have two serious consequences. First, they have created an ongoing humanitarian emergency that threatens the peace and stability of Haiti.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Having said that, we expect to recuperate the cost of our participation in peacekeeping, in the spirit reflected in General Assembly resolution 63/285 and further developed in paragraphs 69 and 70 of resolution 65/289 on the review of the methodology for rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Among other things, this is quite degrading for troop-contributing countries. Speaking for my own country at least, we perceive participation in peacekeeping not as a well- remunerated service, but as a genuine partnership under the flag of the United Nations in order to accomplish what the Charter intended - the noble aim of keeping the peace. It is the sense of pride and professionalization of our armed forces, as well as a sense of commitment, that motivate us to participate in peacekeeping, even in countries far from our own, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“My main concern, however, arises from the troop contributor's point of View. There is no rational explanation of how the rates for compensating troop and equipment contributors are calculated, and no rational cost-benefit analysis on United Nations peacekeeping as a whole. Of course, the benefit of saving lives and keeping the peace cannot be expressed in dollars and cents, but the costs of doing so do have precise numerical values. The only thing we have to go on for now is that, clearly, the United Nations is getting value for money when it comes to peacekeeping. In our judgment, it is not useful to View peacekeeping as a large-scale outsourcing exercise through which developed countries contract lower-cost troops from developing countries to carry out the hard and dangerous work.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“My main point is that, so long as roughly 90 per cent of the budget is provided by less than 10 industrialized countries, while roughly 90 per cent of the troops are provided by a different set of 10 developing countries, we will have a great deal of accumulated tension that is tantamount to an accident waiting to happen, or, if you will, a potential collision between States that could compromise the future of such endeavours. A statement of only five, or rather four, minutes does not leave much room for elaboration, and even less for formulating proposals. But the diagnosis is clear. We must rationalize the manner in which the rates of reimbursement for costs undertaken by troop- contributing countries are calculated. On the other side of the equation, we may want to revisit the scale of assessments to finance peacekeeping.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“There is also a forward-looking agenda thanks to the New Horizon process, of which the concept note curiously makes no mention. Peacekeeping also dovetails into peacebuilding, which widens and deepens this thematic topic. I would like to address only one aspect of this broad and complex topic, which relates to the distribution of responsibilities among Member States in peacekeeping operations. The issue is mentioned in the concept note, but my inspiration comes primarily from my personal experience chairing the discussions in the Fifth Committee on the peacekeeping budget for July 2011 to June 2012.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“We have also participated actively in peacekeeping operations as a troop-contributing country. In other words, we have been both a beneficiary of and contributor to peacekeeping, and the topic is therefore of more than passing interest to us. We agree with the concept note that peacekeeping operations have been a central enterprise of our Organization, and, on balance, highly successful. Their nature and scope have changed considerably over the years, especially since the landmark report of Lakhdar Brahimi of 2000 (S/2000/809). We note from the United Nations website on peacekeeping that, since then, the Secretariat has prepared 21 major reports on the subject, covering many areas that had not previously been taken into account.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Guatemala wishes to join the delegations that have expressed their horror at the attack carried out this morning in Abuja. We offer our profound condolences to the United Nations family and the Government and people of Nigeria. Allow me, Sir, to thank you for having convened this open debate on the subject of United Nations peacekeeping operations, and in particular for the very pertinent concept note you prepared to guide our debate (S/2011/496, annex). I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his presentation to us this morning. Guatemala is a country that has benefited from United Nations peacekeeping, especially in the area of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration immediately after our peace accords were signed in late 1996.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source