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): We would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Catherine Ashton, for her informative briefing on the activities of the European Union in the various areas that bring us together. The delegation of Guatemala takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to the European Union for its constructive presence in the United Nations and its important role in many activities, ranging from cooperation and development to peacekeeping, and for the contributions of its member countries to the United Nations budget. On this occasion, I would simply like to make six brief comments, all on topics covered in the briefing of High Representative Catherine Ashton.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“Our own heads of State jointly accepted the concept in 2005; the least that we can do now, seven years later, is to offer assurances that this important achievement continues evolving in its practical and operational application. We are pleased that the concept has been included in the draft presidential statement to be adopted today. In defending the protection of civilians, we send a message of hope and a signal of our firm collective commitment. We are prepared to protect the vulnerable from the scourges caused by conflicts and other violations of peace and security. If we continue to act collectively, in time we will be able to fully fulfil our responsibility to protect our civilian populations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“As I suggested earlier, my delegation fully supports that priority, which in turn contributes to further shaping the subject of today's debate in spite of the differing concepts of the topic, which the Secretary-General himself has rightly brought to our attention. The important message regarding the responsibility to protect is that it is expected of all members of the international community to observe a pattern of behaviour relevant to their respective populations. Notwithstanding, committing genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or crimes against humanity or provocative actions that lead to those crimes should be considered totally prohibited. States that do not meet that basic commitment must understand that they will face consequences.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“In that regard, it should be stressed that the International Criminal Court is an ally of the Security Council in the fight against impunity for the worst crimes. We should not fail to take advantage of its preventive, dissuasive and punitive capacity. We call on all Member States to ratify the Rome Statute and to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court. I would like to conclude with a brief reference to the ample arsenal of preventive diplomacy at our disposal. We would recall that, in 2012, the Secretary-General presented his five-year plan of action, which included promoting the agenda of the responsibility to protect.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, we trust that a legally binding treaty that would establish common international norms that are as strict as possible on the import, export and transfer of arms will be adopted at the final United Nations conference on the arms trade treaty, to be held in New York in March. The lack of such a universal instrument has a high toll in terms of human lives. We recognize that important steps have been taken in the area of international justice to bring those responsible for Violations to justice. The Security Council itself has provided important such examples by creating the International Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, respectively, and in referring the situations in Darfur and Libya to the International Criminal Court.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“That gives rise to the broader question of the balance between mandates and resources. We will continue to work in close cooperation in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations on the strategies for the protection of civilians in peacekeeping missions. We will do so in compliance with their mandates, international law and full respect for the primary responsibility of host States to protect their own civilian populations. However, we remain concerned about many issues, which I will not mention in my oral statement but which are listed in the text of the statement that we have circulated.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Precisely when such situations arise, especially when they are of a flagrant nature, the established principle of non-intervention must be superceded by our common commitment, and even responsibility, to protect civilian populations from mass violations and atrocities inflicted on them by their own Governments. Guatemala participates actively, through our troops and under the flag of the United Nations, in peacekeeping operations that have strong mandates concerning the protection of civilians, as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, a simple examination of the ratio of peacekeepers to civilians reveals that Blue Helmets cannot guarantee protection for everyone. The protection of civilians also requires significant equipment and logistical support, which are often insufficient or not available to missions.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“In his 2009 report (S/2009/277), the Secretary- General presented the five basic challenges that the United Nations in general and the Security Council more specifically, together with the international community, must address. Those challenges continue to be entirely pertinent, because in most cases we have not yet been able to resolve the problem. Moreover, as members know, we are now faced with the fact that conflicts are increasingly of an intra-State nature, rather than between two States, which makes intervention by the Council more difficult as these are, strictly speaking, the internal affairs of sovereign States, even if those States are not upholding their primary obligation of protecting their own citizens.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“All parties to an armed conflict, whether domestic or transnational, must promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts and undertake their obligations in accordance with international humanitarian law. Many decisions have been adopted after resolution 1265 (1999), which marked the beginning of a new approach to the protection of civilians in the Council's discussions. However, in most of the reports on the subject, as well as in those on the protection of specific groups such as women and children, we are merely informed of the immense suffering endured by civilian populations and the casualties among them, which invariably surpass military casualties.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Philip Spoerri for his contribution to this debate. The protection of human life and the protection of civilian populations are at the core of the United Nations mandate and the agenda of the Security Council. However, civilians continue to suffer and are the victims in every conflict, despite the resolutions of the Council on the matter, a solid base of international jurisprudence and the tireless and increasing efforts of the international community with respect to those noble intentions. It is regrettable that, over and over again and in recent examples such as in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan and Mali, we are compelled to energetically condemn premeditated attacks against civilians and the consequent loss of human life resulting from the use of indiscriminate or disproportionate force.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We welcome the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr. Kim Sung-hwan. We thank him for having convened this open debate at such an opportune time and for presiding over it . We regret that our own Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fernando Carrera Castro, who wanted to join us here, was unable to do so due to a last-minute conflict in his schedule. We would like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his very informative statement and for his ninth report on the matter (S/2012/376). As that report was published in May 2012, it is essential that it be updated. We also appreciate the statements by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay, and express our thanks to Mr.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“The parties cannot be expected to act responsibly when others deliberately avoid condemning their actions. Finally, my delegation believes that only by respecting the rights of each of these peoples and with a firm commitment to seek a peaceful solution will both be able to live together within strong and secure borders.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The decision of the Israeli Government to withhold funds from tax revenues intended for the Palestinian Authority that are intended to pay civil servants' salaries falls into the same category. In other words, all the acts that on a daily basis threaten to crush the possibility ofa lasting solution are unjustified and undermine any hope that these peoples may enjoy a life ofpeace and security. It is unjustifiable that the decisions of Governments and armed groups perpetuate hatred and separation between peoples who so desperately need to live together. For all these reasons, we affirm that the international community, through the United Nations, has the obligation to condemn any and all violations, including with respect to security, and to take all actions necessary to put an end to such transgressions.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Direct negotiations between the parties is without doubt the only way to reach lasting agreements. Until such negotiations occur, the international community must urge both sides to avoid any act, action or provocation that may hinder the possibility of a return to the negotiating table. This includes, of course, preventing the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, but also freezing the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territory, as such settlements are illegal under international law. It is alarming that the Israeli Government continues to promote the construction of new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in such sensitive areas as that known as E-l.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“But the frustration built up over those 20 years by the lack of progress and by the deterioration linked to the proclivity of each party to blame the other for the lack of progress makes it today more urgent than ever to give that Vision a chance finally to become reality. At least for our part, we have not given up hope. When we consider the options for addressing what in our jargon is known as "the Palestinian question", the option of two States, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and harmony within secure borders must not to be seen as an unattainable dream, but rather as the best and most viable option within reach. To achieve it, it is of course the parties directly involved who must show the political will and commitment to negotiate the content and scope of a final agreement.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“We believe that any transitional Government must have the support of all the Syrian people and must be the product of a democratic electoral process. Here it should be made clear, however, that those responsible for all crimes committed in Syria, whoever they are, must be punished for their actions. Atrocities of the magnitude of those that have occurred in Syria cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Let me turn now to the Middle East peace process, including the Palestinian question. In 2013, 20 years will have passed since the signing of the Oslo Accords. It is very sad to recognize that we are no closer today to the solution of two sovereign States, living in peace within secure borders, than we were back in 1993.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Guatemala continues to believe strongly that the only solution to the conflict in Syria is rooted in a commitment by both parties to lay down their arms and negotiate a political exit. We understand that the logic of war, which seems to prevail with both parties - the Government and the armed opposition - prevents an easy solution. But it is clear that the prolongation of the armed struggle will only serve to increase sectarian hatred among the people, with the additional risk of spreading to neighbouring countries. In that context, the involvement of the international community will be essential. Any transition agreement in Syria must be the product of an inclusive process led by the Syrian people in which the rights of all are respected.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“As with any transition, the consequences and outcomes of such change cannot be predicted, but at least they should be carefully monitored. Today, I will not address the bigger picture, but will focus instead on two topical issues: the situation in Syria and the peace process in the Middle East. With regard to the situation in Syria, the work of the Council throughout most of the past year was focused on the search for a political solution to the conflict that has gripped that country. Despite the efforts, first by Kofi Annan and then by Lakhdar Brahimi, throughout all those months we witnessed an increase in the use of violence by both the Government and the armed opposition, leading to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, the suffering of millions of people and a humanitarian crisis of grave proportions.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, we want to thank Mr. Robert Serry for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. We also thank Mr. Riad Malki and the representative of Israel for their briefings. Some question the frequency with which we address this issue in the Security Council. If that frequency were a function of progress made, perhaps our meetings would not be justified, since the few advances that have been made have been generally modest, and certainly not linear in nature. But if the frequency is tabulated as a function of the magnitude and intensity of changes, then our meetings are fully justified. A region that for forty years valued continuity over change has seen a frenzy of events since 2011 that point towards change, and even profound change.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“While we consider it appropriate and useful to discuss the topic of peacekeeping operations within the Security Council, we believe that the Council should not stumble into an exercise in micromanagement of specific aspects of those missions.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Therefore, what motivates my country to participate in peacekeeping operations is the pride and professionalism of our armed forces, as well as a sense of commitment to the highest ideals of the United Nations. For those reasons, Guatemala will continue to provide peacekeeping operations with personnel with the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Finally, we want to emphasize once again the importance and key role of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations as the only forum with the mandate to thoroughly review the entire question of United Nations peacekeeping operations in all its aspects.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“That would include consultations on all aspects and in every stage of peacekeeping operations, particularly when it comes to adjusting mandates, periodic mission assessments and changes in the number of troops. In our View, peacekeeping operations should not be seen as an outsourcing exercise whereby developed countries employ the troops of developing countries to carry out this difficult and dangerous task based on an estimate of cost per person. Among other things, that is offensive to all troop-contributing countries and for all those people who risk their lives for the purposes of the Organization. For Guatemala, these operations do not represent a paid service, but rather the fulfillment of an ideal - to participate under the banner of the United Nations in order to maintain international peace and security.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We also believe that in order to successfully implement the mandates, one must address the issue of the gaps that still exist in terms of capabilities, resources and training through greater coordination among the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop-contributing countries. Additionally, we believe that any periodic evaluation by the Secretariat of any peacekeeping operation must be shared with troop- contributing countries. In all peacekeeping operations, each country brings a unique contribution. The particular contributions that each troop-contributing country can provide must be recognized and encouraged. Similarly, it is important to further improve the triangular cooperation between the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop- contributing countries in the decision-making process and during the implementation of mandates.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“In that regard, multidimensional mandates have been adopted to allow many of those operations to implement key elements for achieving sustainable peace during their lifespan. We endorse that approach, as we believe that peacekeeping operations must in some cases be complemented by activities that contribute to achieving real improvements in the living conditions of the affected populations. As a corollary, we believe that one of the fundamental issues for the proper execution of multidimensional operations is that they must have clear, achievable and verifiable mandates that are adapted to the particular situation of each case. For that reason, we consider it important that, in establishing and reviewing mandates, the Security Council take into account all the tools at its disposal, according to the needs of each case and situation.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing, and we note that Guatemala endorses the statement that will be made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Guatemala is a country that has benefitted from United Nations peacekeeping, especially in the areas of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, after the signing of our peace accords in late 1996. Subsequently, we begin to participate actively in peacekeeping operations as a troop-contributing country. In other words, our particular interest in the topic arises from our dual status as a beneficiary of and contributor to peacekeeping operations. Since that time, we have seen the adaptation of peacekeeping operations to each of the changing and unique challenges emerging in the field.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to welcome Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, Foreign Secretary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Guatemala thanks Pakistan for his excellent preparation for today's open debate and for the concept note prepared for the occasion (S/2013/4, annex). The concept note seeks to open the discussion on the topic of peacekeeping operations, one of the most important issues in the work carried out by the Organization. We believe that, after more than 10 years since the Security Council's adoption of its last resolution on this specific topic, it is appropriate to analyse and discuss the subject in the light of recent developments and the status of such missions.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We entertain the same doubts regarding the level of coordination between the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the various departments of the Secretariat that service the work of the General Assembly. This is neither the place nor the time to make specific proposals on how to achieve greater coherence within the United Nations system in the area of counter-terrorism, but we members of the Security Council should at least begin to discuss among ourselves whether there is enough internal coherence in the work entrusted to the aforementioned sanctions committees. At any rate, we greatly value the work of the United Nations in combating terrorism in support of Member States, which ultimately share the main responsibility in facing this grave scourge.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“The need for a comprehensive and holistic approach to address this complex phenomenon, as suggested in the concept note, leads us to one final reflection on the imperative of achieving a greater level of coherence among the different efforts being undertaken by the United Nations to meet the challenge of terrorism. The creation of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force in 2005 marked a step in the right direction, but one can question whether the goal of coherence is benefitted by the arguably excessive decentralization of the efforts of the Security Council to combat terrorism in its diverse subsidiary bodies, including those established pursuant to resolutions 1373 (2001), 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 1540 (2004).”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, we are concerned about the specific issue ofthe link between organized transnational crime and terrorism. This topic is briefly touched upon both in the concept note circulated by the delegation of Pakistan and in the draft presidential statement whose text we will approve this morning. The common aspect shared by some of the criminal cartels that operate in our own region with terrorist groups is the absolute disdain with which they treat human life. There is already abundant evidence that terrorist groups accede to criminal activities to finance their violent actions, but we can also foresee the day when criminal cartels accede to terrorist activities as part of their strategy of accumulating illicit wealth.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“In weighing the added value of a comprehensive convention that would supplement existing instruments to counter international terrorism, we find merit, among other aspects, in the following. First, a comprehensive convention would contribute to preventing impunity for those who commit acts of terrorism, which are currently one of the major threats to international peace and security; secondly, it would facilitate cooperation and mutual legal assistance among States to bring to justice those responsible for such acts; thirdly, it would offer a definition for terrorism, allowing for the universal criminalization of such despicable activity; and fourthly, it would fill existing gaps in the work of the Security Council, and in particular of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), and the measures applied by the sanctions committees.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“It also entails addressing the sources of strong tension that reflect a background of ethnic, religious or ideological differences in the context of mobilizing the classical instruments of conflict prevention. This requires assigning a special role to the virtue of tolerance in the values that we wish to instil in each of our societies and at the international level. At the same time, we must take care to avoid using counter-terrorism measures as a pretext to violate the basic human rights of our respective populations. Given the multidimensional character of this phenomenon, it is difficult to speak about a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism without mentioning the need to adopt the long- overdue comprehensive convention on terrorism as soon as possible.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“It is unnecessary to list the numerous resolutions that refer directly or indirectly to this matter, or to the bodies established to that end. As the Strategy expressly notes, the fight against terrorism is not limited to the realm of espionage, defence and security. It is equally or maybe even more important to address the causes conducive to the spread of terrorism, that motivate individuals or groups to use indiscriminate violence against innocent persons, or at least incite the use of violence and xenophobia. This encompasses a broad thematic agenda, ranging from the promotion of economic and social development to the strengthening of the institutions of democratic governance and the rule oflaw.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“There is simply no pretext to inflict on innocent persons the horrors, suffering and costs of that scourge. We believe that a terrorist act, wherever it occurs, such as the one that took place in your country, Mr. President, a few days ago, harms and causes offense to all the planet's inhabitants. That is also why we must take preventive actions and develop decisive and collective responses in the context of international cooperation. The United Nations plays a fundamental role in that area. Besides the body of international conventions and their protocols designed to combat terrorism, since 2006 we have depended on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which we generally update every two years. Furthermore, the Council has placed itself at the forefront of mobilizing international cooperation against terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank the delegation of Pakistan for having convened this open debate. Our thanks also go to Pakistan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, for presiding over it. We are also grateful for the concept note that has been distributed in the annex to document S/2013/3. We appreciate the presence of the Secretary-General and thank him for his presentation. From a national perspective, it could be maintained that terrorism is not an endemic evil in my country or, in more general terms, our Latin American region. However, from a broader perspective, we find in that phenomenon one of the greatest challenges that humanity faces. That is why we categorically reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, whatever its origin.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“This is the last formal meeting of the Council in which we will participate with colleagues with whom we have worked intensively in the past year - including, seated to either side of me, Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri and Ambassador Peter Wittig, as well as Ambassador Nestor Osorio, Ambassador Baso Sangqu and Ambassador Jose' Filipe Moraes Cabral. We shall genuinely miss them. Each one of them, with his support teams, singular contributions to the work of the Council and unique personality, has made a profound impression on us. Working with them has been an unforgettable experience. We wish them every success in their future endeavours, which will no doubt serve to confirm to the rest of us elected members of the Security Council that life goes on after serving on the Council.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Sixthly, all efforts made by the United Nations and partners on the ground will be for naught if national capabilities are not generated and democratic institutions whose role is recognized and respected by the population are not built. In that regard, we find it relevant to refer to civilian capacity and the availability of experts in developing countries who can contribute to developing national capacity and establishing peacebuilding institutions. That entails both the idea of national ownership and participatory processes and focused international cooperation, which also favours South-South cooperation. In conclusion, we have taken note of the suggestions and recommendations that the Secretary-General makes in his report. We welcome the vast majority of them without hesitation.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“In that respect, we recognize all efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General to ensure the participation of women and the availability of experts on gender issues in peace processes, especially peacebuilding processes. Fifthly, it is critical that in the earliest stages of any peace process broad sectors of society and a wide range of relevant national actors be included in order to better address the root causes of conflict and give greater legitimacy to the consolidation of peace and all that it entails. The active participation of national actors supports the national responsibility in the achievement ofpeacebuilding goals and ensures that national policies are developed in a way that benefits the common good. In this, women can also play a conciliatory role.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“For that reason, the boundary between peacemaking and peacebuilding is not clear, which is why a good understanding between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission would enhance compliance with the mandates of both bodies, especially on the ground. It is important to forge alliances between these bodies, and between the United Nations and the multilateral financial institutions. Fourthly, the report of the Secretary-General prominently addresses the issue of women's participation in peacebuilding processes. We endorse the notion that women are key agents for attaining lasting peace. During our presidency of the Council in October, we promoted a presidential statement on the matter (S/PRST/2012/23).”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Thirdly, in order to enhance its role in building partnerships within and outside the United Nations system and with the competent authorities of the affected country, the Commission should be, as far as the United Nations is concerned, the builder of bridges between various intergovernmental bodies of the Organization, such as the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. In that sense, and as we pointed out in July in this very Chamber, the Commission is a link between the Security Council, whose mandate is limited to the maintenance of international peace and security, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The latter two bodies have mandates in development and democratic governance.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Secondly, the Commission should help ensure that collective efforts generate coordinated and coherent action in the field by all stakeholders, including by exploring such alternatives as simple and flexible collaboration with other partners, such as foundations and the private sector. This aid must at all times complement and support the efforts and initiatives undertaken by national actors, and the entire process should be initiated upon the request and consent of the country under consideration.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Evidence of this is the expansion of country configurations through the advisory role of the PBC, working to secure the foundations for lasting peace and national reconciliation. Building on what the Security Council's debate in July (see S/PV.6805) when we met to consider the fifth report of the Peacebuilding Commission (S/2012/70), my remarks will focus on the following six points. First, the Peacebuilding Commission should help to ensure that donor support is in line with national peacebuilding plans, and accommodate national priorities that address the root causes of conflict and the actions to overcome them. We agree with the report of the Secretary-General, and the established practice of the Commission itself, that the countries directly concerned must set the course and provide leadership in the implementation of those plans.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemal) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, let me thank the delegation of the Kingdom of Morocco for having organized this open debate. We also express our appreciation to Ms. Judy Cheng-Hopkins and Ambassador Momen for their presentations, as well as the Secretariat for the report before us (S/2012/746), concerning the progress made in improving the coherence, efficiency and internal accountability in peacebuilding activities. Seven years after its establishment, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) has not yet reached its full potential or entirely fulfilled the purpose for which it was originally established. However, it is clear that it has made significant achievements; the contribution of the Commission to the countries under its care is increasing over time.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Lastly, we view positively the follow-up to the systems and mechanisms for carrying out the mutual commitments established at the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan. That is being boosted by the regional Istanbul Process. We believe that significant progress has been made in establishing confidence-building measuers. Both processes will be an important avenue for generating social and economic opportunities, in particular as the international military forces draw down. Before I conclude, I should like to join other delegations in thanking the delegation of Germany and Ambassador Peter Witting for their important role in leading the Afghanistan Sanctions Committee, and more generally in familiarizing the Security Council with the various issues relevant to that country.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“As to the fourth point, we agree with the Secretary- General that the increase in civilian casualties during the reporting period is a source of great concern. However, what we find truly outrageous is the information contained in paragraph 26 of the report, where it is pointed out that more than 355 children were killed or injured in the armed conflict from 1 August to 31 October. That is undoubtedly one of the most regrettable facts from this reporting period. In addition, we continue to find deplorable the situation faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. We call on the Afghan Government to take concrete measures to protect women and girls and guarantee their rights. We resolutely support the efforts of the United Nations in this area.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“We are convinced that the improvemetns made to the sanctions regime will effectively contribute to the national reconciliation process. The third point involves the security situation. We are pleased that, when it comes to security, to date the transition has made the expected and hoped for progress. It is encouraging to note the ongoing progress being made in the transfer of responsibility for security. That has now reached 75 per cent, with the remaining tranches to be announced at the beginning of 2013. There continue to be threats and challenges that jeopardize the security situation. We note with concern the attack that took place early this month against against the chief of Afghanistan's intelligence service.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“In our experience, democratic governance and the holding of elections, in line with the Constitution, are prerequisites for long-term stability. The second point has to do with the issue of Afghan-led national reconciliation under Afghan ownership. A few weeks ago, we had an opportunity to hold an informal interactive dialogue with Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani, Chair of the High Peace Council. In that dialogue, we heard first-hand of the progress in the national process, including a successful visit to Islamabad. Another pertinent point in that connection has to do with resolution 2082 (2012), which was adopted last Monday and by which the Council renewed and strengthened the sanctions regime under resolution 1988 (2011).”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2012/907). We also welcome Mr. Jan Kubis and thank him for his valuable briefing. We are also grateful for the statement by Ambassador Zahir Tanin. We would like to highlight four issues in the report of the Secretary-General. The first issue pertains to the electoral process, which will overlap with the end of the Afghan transition period. We welcome the issuance ofa detailed calendar for carrying out the presidential and provincial council elections. Nevertheless, the report refers to shortcomings in establishing a legal and technical framework to prepare for the April 2014 electoral process. We encourage the Afghan Government to continue to attach priority to the preparatory process.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“In that connection, we note with satisfaction that United Nations inspectors arrived today in Tehran for a round of negotiations, the first since August. Thirdly, we are encouraged by the recent conversations between the E3+3 Governments and Iran. At their third round in Moscow, held last June, the parties agreed to continue dialogue, and we therefore encourage all those participating in that process to work diligently for progress and a positive result, which is what the rest ofthe international community expects. We believe it is important to continue to seek a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear question, in accordance with the dual-track strategy. Lastly, Guatemala will continue to actively participate in the Committee for the purpose of contributing to a sustainable solution.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source
“Iran must fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in order to restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Secondly, the Security Council has received the most recent report of the Director General of the IAEA, in which he once again states that Iran has continued to accelerate its nuclear programme. This situation remains a source of great concern for us. We endorse the call by the Agency, and we urge Iran, in accordance with the requirements in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and of the IAEA Board of Governors, to adopt measures for the full implementation of the safeguards agreement and other obligations and commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and, above all, to submit to inspections.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source
“We welcome the work of the Committee, which continued to consider national reports, requests and complaints regarding alleged violations on the part of Member States. Concerning the work of the Panel of Experts, we take note of its midterm report, which was issued in November 2011. We appreciate the work that the Panel has been doing, including its information and awareness- raising activities, and we call on it to continue to work in strict compliance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. With respect to the Iranian nuclear programme, allow us to briefly highlight three points. First, Guatemala has always supported the right of all States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the relevant international treaties.”
2012-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6888 (2012) · source