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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“The danger that the crisis will spread to neighbouring countries is growing, and the humanitarian cost has reached unimaginable levels. In the context of this sombre scenario, our only hope, which is fading with time, lies in the attempts of the United States, the Russian Federation and the Secretariat to establish the basis for the holding of a conference that could trigger a dialogue and negotiation between the parties. We fervently want such a conference to take place as soon as possible and, above all, the parties to commit themselves to seeking a definitive solution to the conflict, which would require a transitional authority. We do not believe that conditions should be set for the participation in such a gathering or preclude any possible outcome.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“That is the logic behind the initiative known as "Geneva II", and underlies the imperative that it must be the parties directly affected - Israel and Palestine - that define the path that will lead to the two-State solution, allowing them to live in peace behind secure borders. I turn now to the situation in Syria, which is a human tragedy of immense proportions and a source of ongoing frustration for my delegation. Clearly, the Security Council has failed to meet its basic purpose, first, to avoid and then to put an end to the spiral of violence that has destroyed lives, communities and the cultural legacy of millennia. The anxious search for a negotiated and peaceful political solution has not met with success.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“At the same time, increasing sectarian tensions and their frequent spillover into violence are matters of growing concern, for obvious reasons. But now is not the moment to discuss the overall situation. I shall therefore focus on the two topics that have been the principal object of our attention - first the situation in Syria, and secondly the Middle East peace process. They are radically different situations, but at this point they have one thing in common, namely, the recognition that the road towards reconciliation begins by bringing the conflicting parties to the table to talk to each other, and, eventually, to seek agreement through direct negotiations.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank Mr. Robert Serry for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East. The frequency with which we address this topic has often been questioned within the Security Council. However, the current situation in the region is so volatile and changeable, and has such enormous implications, that it must be acknowledged that frequent monitoring is justified. The first rapture with which the Arab Spring was received in the Chamber only a little more than a year ago is now seasoned with a dose of scepticism about how easy or difficult we can expect the transition to be from authoritarian Governments towards more democratic, participative, pluralistic and open systems. The recent events in Egypt are but one testimony to that fact.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The protection ofjournalists must continue to be part of the global strategy to promote the protection of civilians while also bringing the horrors of war before public opinion. That is why this Council must persist in the defence ofjournalists in situations of conflict, an undertaking to which we are fully committed.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“According to information from UNESCO, on average only one in ten cases of crimes committed against journalists over the past few years has led to a conviction. It should be recalled that journalists, as civilian persons, are also protected by international criminal law. Thus the Rome Statute classifies grave violations of international humanitarian law as war crimes. In the same vein, the Assembly of State Parties to the Rome Statute has in various resolutions acknowledged the need for States and other parties to armed conflicts to protect journalists as civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Finally, we recognize the fundamental role played by the communications media, which are exposed to the brutal reality of war.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“In other words, my delegation feels totally aligned with the aforementioned resolution, as well as with the presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/2) adopted on 12 February, especially its reference to acts of violence against journalists. Despite the Council's pronouncements, we note that, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the situation has not improved; rather, it has worsened. There are alarming reports of imprisonment, beatings, disappearances and even violent deaths. Of similar concern are attacks against women journalists, who are even more vulnerable during armed conflicts. Further, as Jan Eliasson and other colleagues have observed, the impunity rate for crimes against journalists continues to be very high.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Thirdly, journalists play an especially important role by reporting events on the ground, particularly if they do so with objectivity and professionalism. We have heard eloquent examples of all three situations described by our four briefers from the profession. As with the entire civilian population, the primary responsibility for the protection of j ournalists falls to the Government of the country in conflict, as highlighted in resolution 1738 (2006). But the international community can and must contribute to creating an environment that offers incentives to Governments and societies in conflict to respect the right ofjournalists to carry out their mission of informing, while it weighs consequences for those who seek to compromise that right.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“First, unless they are fully serving a party to the conflict and are perceived as adversaries by the opposing party, they form part of the civilian population not directly involved in the conflict and are therefore subject to international humanitarian law. Secondly, they represent an especially vulnerable segment of the civilian population, not only because, through their exposure to the battle field, by definition they risk involvement in potentially dangerous activity, but also because they also risk exposure to potentially serious human rights violations inflicted by repressive Governments or armed militias. Either may lead to harassment, intimidation, incarceration, kidnapping and even violent death.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Although article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been interpreted in many circles as an unlimited endorsement of the freedom of opinion and expression, other voices have tried to qualify that endorsement, invoking issues ranging from security concerns to respect for traditions and cultural norms. Those subjects have been amply debated in many global forums, including the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly, and above all UNESCO. Today's debate is focused on the protection of journalists in conflict and post-conflict situations - a topic that is clearly within the purview of the Council. Journalists in situations of armed conflict face very particular circumstances.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I thank you, Madam President, for organizing this open debate on the protection of journalists, media and communication professionals and associated personnel. On the basis of our commitment to the freedom of the press in general, we value the possibility of addressing the issue with specific reference to conflict and post- conflict situations. We are grateful for the eloquent presentations of Deputy Secretary- General Jan Eliasson and Ms. Kathleen Carroll, Mr. Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Mr. Richard Engel and Mr. Ghaith Abdul-Ahad. The topic of the protection of journalists is part of a long-standing debate, accentuated in recent times by explosive advances in information technology and news dissemination - for good or for evil.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Hassan Rowhani, will contribute towards achieving progress in the nuclear dialogue. In that regard, we look with great interest the outcomes of the E3+3 negotiations to be held this week in Brussels.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“In the current international context, the lack of cooperation by the Iranian authorities is a definite threat to international peace and security. We again urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to adopt measures towards the full implementation of the Safeguards Agreement and other obligations and commitments under the NPT and, above all, to allow inspections and to reach an agreement on a structured approach. In conclusion, my country followed with great interest the electoral process that took place in Iran in June. We hope that this new chapter in the political life of the country will facilitate its cooperation with the entire international community. We believe that Iran's nuclear issues should be resolved by diplomatic means. We hope that the President-elect of Iran, Mr.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“We note with concern the contents of the latest report (GOV/2013/27) of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the application of the IAEA safeguards regime in the Islamic Republic of Iran, pursuant to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It is stated once more in the report that Iran has continued to speed up its nuclear programme and that pending matters remain unresolved, including issues relating to the possible military dimension of its nuclear programme. That lack of outcomes and progress in the dialogue between Iran and the IAEA continues to cause serious concern and, as all are aware, is a source of great frustration for the international community.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the final report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2013/331, annex), my delegation welcomes that valuable document and supports the recommendations it contains. We commend the promptness with which it was published, as we consider it to be essential that it be accessible to all States Members of the United Nations. Moreover, we welcome the recently adopted resolution 2105 (2013), which extends the mandate of the Panel of Experts for a further year. The Panel provides valuable support to the work of the Committee. Accordingly, we welcome the inclusion of a paragraph on the matter of selection criteria for experts of Security Council subsidiary bodies, in accordance with the note by the President of the Security Council contained in document S/2006/997.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for his informative briefing and for the diligence that he and his team have shown since assuming the chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I would like to draw attention to several points with regard to the report before us today. First, we commend the work of the Committee, which has continued to consider requests for information and reports of alleged violations from Member States. With regard to States' requests for information on the sanctions regime, it is important that the Committee reply in a manner that is clear, direct and, most important, prompt, in accordance with its mandate.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“Finally, during the interactive part of ths meeting, we would like to hear from the Force Commanders their thoughts as to how we, the members of the Council, can do a better job of taking into account the opinions of personnel in the field and feedback from Force Commanders when we are renewing peacekeeping mission mandates. Before I conclude, I would like to pay tribute to peacekeeping operations personnel, including from my own country, who have sacrificed their lives in service to United Nations peacekeeping missions.”
2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source
“I am specifically referring to resolution 2098 (2013), adopted on 28 March, which includes a new approach in support of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The chief issue is about an accurate definition of the line that divides peacekeeping and peace enforcement. Fifthly, we believe that cooperation between missions is important on a case-by-case basis, always assuming that the conditions on the ground and the mandates allow it. In that regard, and as was explained by General Iqbal Asi, we believe that the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire is a positive example that could help to clear up doubts about the timing, requirements, impact and implementation of such cooperation.”
2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source
“Thirdly, we should point out the importance of giving the greatest possible priority to improving the security and protection of personnel deployed in the field, particularly in crisis situations or where we are dealing with a politically challenging environment. The clearest example of the importance of this point can be seen in the recent events involving the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. For their part, host Governments must respect the basic principles of peacekeeping operations, with no exceptions. Fourthly, as is well known, we still have reservations about the involvement of the United Nations in peace-enforcement operations - in other words, offensive activities - which raise serious questions.”
2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source
“First, we emphasize again the importance of peacekeeping operations with mandates that are clear, practicable, verifiable and adapted to each individual case. The primary responsibility for establishing that condition falls to the Council. Secondly, like many others, we demand results from mission Heads and the troops on the ground, but we must also stress that we have to provide them with the tools they need to do their work effectively and ensure their security. In that context, we should also deal with the issue of the large gaps that exist in the areas of capacities, resources and training, by improving coordination between the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Secretariat, as well as the troop-contributing countries.”
2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source
“From its beginnings to this day, United Nations peacekeeping forces have evolved both conceptually and operationally. The introduction of new technologies, as General Dos Santos Cruz mentioned, is only one example of that. The increasing number of complex operations in recent years has led to an ever-growing demand for resources and, with that, a series of unprecedented challenges. It is clear that in order to solve them we will have to rely on everyone's involvement and participation - the Security Council, the States Members of the United Nations and the Secretariat. Guatemala contributes troops to the three missions about which we have been briefed today. We are very aware of the high quality of their Force Commanders and their commitment. Owing to time limitations, I will make only the following remarks and ask one question.”
2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you for convening this meeting, Mr. President, and Under-Secretary-General Ladsous for introducing it. We are particularly grateful to the three Force Commanders for their enlightening briefings on three topics related to peacekeeping, and we warmly welcome all the Force Commanders here today. Their views should improve synergy between those on the ground and the Security Council. Guatemala considers the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations to be of fundamental importance. They are an essential tool in the Organization's work, in which we have taken part as a troop-contributing county on the American continent, in Africa and in the Middle East. We value our participation in a task as noble as that of peacekeeping, which is also edifying for our own armed forces.”
2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source
“We continue to support a solid United Nations presence so as to ensure that Afghanistan is prepared and able adequately to face up to 2014 and its aftermath.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“We appeal to all parties to comply with international humanitarian law. Moreover, measures must urgently be implemented aimed at ensuring that internally displaced persons are able to seek protection and access to humanitarian assistance. Fifthly, we must firmly defend human rights and promote development. We strongly condemn all forms of violence against women and girls. It is imperative to safeguard the goals of the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women, in line with the international commitments entered into by Afghanistan. Lastly, Afghanistan has a special place on the United Nations agenda. Now more than ever, the role of the Organization is of paramount importance given Afghanistan's chronic vulnerability and the repercussions of the transition.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“That is a historic milestone, and we trust that with unwavering international support, the capacities of the Afghan forces will continue to increase. Transition means a return of sovereignty to the Afghan people. We have therefore noted with interest the recent approval by NATO defence ministers of the concept of a post-2014 mission. We await with interest the details of that concept, in particular as concerns the renewal of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan in October. Fourthly, we are concerned at the fact that with respect to the protection of civilians, the current context of the transition has been marked by a higher level of significant incidents. We deplore the new figures showing that the number of civilian casualties has increased by 25 per cent over this quarter.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“In that regard, we believe that Afghan-led reconciliation is the only way to end the conflict and bring about lasting peace. We therefore support the work of the High Peace Council. We hope that all parties will take steps to eliminate the obstacles to renewing the peace negotiations. The recent establishment in Doha of an office for representatives of the Taliban, on the terms explained by Ambassador Tanin, should also facilitate that process. The Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme and the regional dialogue are also important elements for promoting a unified vision of the peaceful future of the country among all Afghans. Thirdly, we welcome the announcement made two days ago on the fifth tranche completing the transfer of security tasks to Afghans.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“However, considering that the elections are less than a year away, we are concerned that no legislation has been enacted creating an electoral framework, particularly independent electoral institutions. The international community will be evaluating the elections not only based on who is elected but on how they are elected, and on whether the Afghan people accept the results as legitimate. We think that Afghanistan should agree to international assistance and work with UNAMA in order to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process. Secondly, the reconciliation process is also at a crucial point. The Security Council has repeatedly recognized the fact that there is no exclusively military solution that can assure Afghanistan's stability; neither have the military operations produced the decisive results that were hoped for.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We welcome Mr. Jan Kubis and thank him for his briefing on the Secretary-General's report, contained in document S/2013/350. We also thank the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan for his statement. I wish to make the following comments. First, we take note of the recent developments discussed in the report. The current situation in Afghanistan is fraught with enormous challenges, and its ability to overcome them will depend largely on the success of the 2014 elections. We commend Afghans' determination to hold the presidential elections in accordance with their Constitution. We are also pleased with the technical preparations for the elections and the recent publication of a draft operational plan and indicative budget.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The United Nations is currently reviewing its development agenda with the aim of agreeing on a set of post-2015 global goals. Challenges such as climate change and water scarcity must be carefully addressed so that such issues are not the main drivers of conflict in the near future.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“We recognize current initiatives, such as the Kimberley certification process system, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and the International Tropical Timber Agreement. We value tripartite initiatives between Governments, the private sector and civil society that promote transparency and the responsible management of the extractive sector. Finally, in discussing the role of natural resources, a wider context to consider is the collective legacy that we are leaving to future generations. There are some countries that are not on the agenda of the Security Council, but whose carbon emissions are causing the average global temperature to rise about 4 degrees, which can cause a calamity of global dimensions.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“In many situations, the Security Council has adopted specific mechanisms, such as those envisaged by the sanctions committees and their expert groups, in addition to the mandates of peacekeeping operations. Currently, there are at least two countries that have export bans on a natural resource: C6te d'Ivoire and Somalia. In Somalia's case, the Monitoring Group states that the illegal export of vegetable carbon still accounts for some 10 per cent of Al-Shabaab's financial backing, despite its prohibition. This debate must strengthen our commitment to ensuring that sanctions that are currently imposed are fully implemented. Fourthly, the strategic nature of natural resources requires cooperation frameworks to be more effective and firm.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“It undoubtedly generates potential benefits for the host countries, but as we have heard, it sometimes becomes a source of adverse phenomena, including high levels of corruption, displacement, environmental degradation, and grave violations of human rights. In extreme cases, their exploitation has been linked to internal conflicts or even to regional conflicts associated with the control of those natural resources or their illegal trafficking. Diamonds and river-bed gold mining are cases in point. Thirdly, the Security Council must consider the potential link between the management of natural resources and the prevention of conflicts on a case-by- case basis, and only to the extent that they may be relevant to the particular context.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“First, there are certainly situations, in particular in the African continent, where the struggle over the control of natural resources can lead to conflict, even conflicts deep-rooted enough to constitute threats to international peace and security. However, there are other situations where the struggle over natural resources can create tensions that do not rise to the level of threatening international peace and security. In the majority of cases, there is no relationship between natural resources and conflict situations. That is to say, the jurisdiction of the Security Council in relation to this area is very limited. Secondly, that having been said, we recognize that the exploitation of natural resources is a double-edged sword, or, as one speaker put it, can be either a blessing or a curse.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): With respect to what occurred this morning in Mogadishu, the human face of these events was dramatically described by my neighbour at this table, Rebeca Grynspan, when she noted that one of her staff members who died had left her six-year-old son an orphan. I trust that our press release shall convey an equally humane dimension of the senseless, direct attack on the United Nations. We thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate. We appreciate the presence of Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson and the important contributions made by Caroline Anstey, Rebeca Grynspan and Kofi Annan. We would also like to thank you for the concept note circulated for this debate (S/2013/334, annex). I will limit my comments to five points.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“However, from our own experience we prioritize the signing of peace accords that comprehensively address the problems of the country involved and seek a sustainable solution and a construction of a firm and lasting peace. We advocate for the issues of children affected by conflict to be addressed in any ceasefire agreement, as well as in post-conflict agendas. We remain especially concerned about the continuing conflict in Syria, where children have been victims of unacceptable and unbearable violations, and we join in the calls made by the Secretary-General to the Government and affiliated groups to cease engaging in acts of violence that kill children and cause their suffering.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“On the basis of the aforementioned points, we support the further consideration of another mechanism at the Council's disposal - the application of a sanctions regime. Currently, we have four sanctions committees with criteria for the designation of serious violations of the rights of children in Cote D'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and the Sudan. We also have the lists in the annexes of the report of the Secretary-General, beginning with annex I, which lists the parties to the armed conflicts on the agenda of the Council. Further work is needed to ensure the imposition of sanctions against offenders. Regarding the signing of action plans to halt the recruitment of children, we are pleased to see that their numbers have continued to increase, as have the establishment of dialogues with parties to conflicts.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“We also believe that the issue of persistent offenders or perpetrators of abuse against children should continue to be addressed. It is imperative that those responsible for serious violations be brought tojustice in order to pay for their crimes; this is a task that we must undertake until it is completed. We believe in strengthening national capacities in thejustice and security sectors, as well as in the creation of specialized chambers and mixed tribunals. We consider the complementarity of international justice to national mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, to be equally as important, especially in the fight against impunity for persistent perpetrators.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“This situation not only puts children and their caretakers at greater risk of attack, but also clearly increases school absences when parents do not send their children to school out of fear, and obstructs children's own right to education. We are further concerned over the use of unmanned aircraft in areas inhabited by civilians, which increases casualties among children, makes it impossible to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, and seriously weakens the capacity of communities to defend their children. By the same token, it is deeply concerning that children are being used as suicide bombers or human shields. We support the Secretary-General's call on parties to armed conflict to immediately cease committing grave violations against children.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The chapter on the evolving nature of conflict and emerging challenges to the protection of children cries out for the attention of the Council. Although the primary responsibility for protecting civilians falls on the State, and while those States that fail to protect their children are putting their own future at risk, it is also true that new tactics emerging in conflicts represent threats without precedent to all children. In this regard, we are concerned that schools are being used for military purposes, including as military barracks, weapons caches, command centres, detention and interrogation centres.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank the presidency of the United Kingdom for organizing this open debate. We also thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Mr. Herve Ladsous, Ms. Yoka Brandt and Mr. Gregory Ramm for their statements. We offer special recognition to Luxembourg for its leadership in the Informal Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, as well as the negotiation of the draft presidential statement to be adopted at the close of this debate. We welcome the presence of Mr. Jean Asselborn. The introductory statements and the Secretary- General's report (S/2013/245) illustrate once again the persistent violations and abuses that children affected by armed conflict continue to face.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“This debate has confirmed that the United Nations continues to play an irreplaceable role as guarantor of stability and neutrality in Kosovo and the region and as a presence conducive to reconciliation among the different communities that coexist in that geographical space. A strong United Nations presence with sufficient resources remains necessary. We reaffirm the relevance of resolution 1244 (1999) as the applicable legal framework in Kosovo, as well as the importance of ensuring full respect for international law. In conclusion, we draw some hope from the progress observed recently, which nevertheless does not yet imply any change in the position of my Government on the non-recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“We regret that the first quarter of 2013 saw the decrease in voluntary returns continue from the last quarter of 2012. Turning to the work of the Special Investigative Task Force charged with looking into the reports of inhumane trafficking in persons and human organs, we note with interest the information included in the EULEX report annex and will follow developments in that regard closely. We support the operational cooperation objectives and therefore continue to support the reaching of an arrangement that would allow the United Nations to be involved in the investigation of these reports, all the more in the light of the report's affirmation that this is a complex investigation that will take time to complete and because it covers several jurisdictions and acts that would have been committed some 13 or 14 years ago.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“We appreciate that the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), the Kosovo Force and local authorities have increased the visibility of their regular patrols and stepped up other preventative measures to the north of Mitrovica. We also deplore the desecration of cemeteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church that took place during the reporting period. It is imperative that all of those incidents be fully investigated. In that regard, reform of the security and justice sectors must be undertaken, in particular with regard to the administrative and procedural problems that lead to delays in the processing of cases. The situation facing minority communities in Kosovo still has not shown sufficient improvement, with a climate of tension and discrimination prevailing.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The most challenging part now is to ensure that the results of the dialogue are implemented and their positive impact on the ground. We believe that UNMIK has a key role to play during this implementation phase. We support the assertions in the report that UNMIK, in supporting the positive achievements reached through dialogue, will henceforth focus its efforts on promoting reconciliation among the Kosovo communities. The escalation of tensions and violence in northern Kosovo remains a cause for concern to my delegation. We note that the alarming trend of incidents involving explosive devices continues. Likewise, securityincidents continue to affect returnee areas.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/254) on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). My thanks also go to his Special Representative for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for introducing the report and for his sustained personal endeavours to promote the reconciliation of the Kosovo communities. We are also grateful for the words that we have heard from the high authorities with us today. As others have done, we welcome the "First agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations" reached on 19 April within the framework of the dialogue facilitated by the European Union. This represents a historic step forward with the potential to achieve regional reconciliation, stability and prosperity.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“In conclusion, we would like to express our national position to the effect that the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals is in an optimum position, given its technical composition and its flexible mandate, to address additional issues related to international criminal justice, such as matters related to the International Criminal Court on the agenda of the Security Council.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“This is why we support the proposals of the President of the ICTY aimed at achieving the objectives of the completion strategy. The work of both Tribunals is at a crucial stage, at which they are attempting to effectively conclude their cases while carrying out their outstanding tasks in connection with the Residual Mechanism. The Mechanism will guarantee that there are no gaps in the fight against impunity, given the large number of ongoing functions that must remain after the closure of the Tribunal. We welcome the fact that both Tribunals have been working together to ensure a gradual and effective transition towards the Residual Mechanism. We note the progress made in connection with the Mechanism and welcome the process under way whereby by 1 July the new branch of the ICTY mechanism will begin its work.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“We are studying recommendations to find the most efficient way to implement them. In that respect, we would urge States to cooperate with the Tribunal and provide it with all necessary assistance to support its strategic plan for relocating those individuals. As is well known, the Tribunals are still having considerable difficulties in concluding their mandates, and we recognize the need to show flexibility in case assignments and the setting of dates for appeals and trials. More generally, we welcome the fact that both Tribunals are continuing to take all possible measures to conduct their proceedings swiftly, fully respecting due-process guarantees. We remain concerned about the reports from both Tribunals concerning their difficulties in retaining staff, which is a key obstacle to the timely achievement of the goals and strategies.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“The Tribunal has contributed to strengthening national systems, working closely with local authorities. Regarding the ICTR, we take note of the forecasts asserting that almost all trials will conclude within the established deadline. However, we are concerned that nine persons continue to be fugitives from justice. We would recall the mandatory character of Security Council decisions and the requirement that States cooperate. The ICTR will be able to complete its work successfully only ifit receives the effective cooperation of all States. Likewise, as the closure of the Tribunal approaches, we are concerned about the human rights situation of those acquitted or who have served their sentence but have not been relocated. We support the recent strategic plan prepared by the ICTR for the relocation of those individuals.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“My delegation would like to recognize the huge commitment demonstrated by the staff of both Tribunals to the goals laid out in the completion strategies. In that spirit, we welcome the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 827 (1993), through which the Security Council unanimously established the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. That historic resolution gave clear expression to the commitment of the Council to the rule oflaw and the fight against impunity. Twenty years after the establishment of this Tribunal, we recognize its considerable success and progress in developing its international jurisprudence and in providing justice to victims by apprehending all fugitives, by trying individuals who hear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of human rights, irrespective of their rank.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source