YouSaid · the spoken record

Sacirbey

lines on the record: 379
first: 1992-11-13
most recent: 2000-10-26
sittings or episodes: 32
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Are we to blame our own recent war, the genocide and murders, the fragility of peace and now even the events in Kosovo on the fact that we are in the Balkans? Are we doomed to ethnic hatreds and conflict in the Balkans? Without commenting on whose destiny is preferable, neither we in Bosnia nor any other people are predestined to a particular behaviour or future. It is in neither our genes, our geography nor our history. All of us are compelled to suffer stereotypes, some more damaging than others. What kind of prejudiced stereotype will the people of the African States, or South- East Asia, or the Arab world, or Latin America have placed upon them? It may be more understandable for stereotypes to be perpetuated in the cliches of popular culture, but not in the highest decision-making institutions representing the international community.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“The High Representative faces the most complex and demanding task, but even in the functioning of Bosnia's public and governmental institutions we do see progress. For this progress and assistance, we thank all represented here who have committed their resources, their soldiers, their personnel and even their goodwill for the sake of peace and normalcy in our country. Truly, as much as Bosnians may have felt abandoned by the international community, by this Council, during the beginning of the war, they are conscious and appreciative of the efforts being committed, along with our own, to rebuild our country. So why are we still uncertain about the road to peace, the quality of life, the return of refugees in Bosnia and the region as a whole? Is it our destiny to be doomed to uncertainty and upheaval?”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“The reaffirmation that indicted war criminals will be brought before the Tribunal, evidenced by recent arrests, has given people confidence in justice and reconciliation. It has alleviated the sense of being Victims of both human rights abuses and double standards. It has given all, the innocent victim and the victimizer, the expectation that those who planned and executed genocide and crimes, the leaders, will be brought to justice. The process of rebuilding is also moving forward. Frankly, we are all anxious that it proceed quicker. We have an eager, willing and capable population that is looking forward to restoring homes, jobs and lives to normalcy. That in and of itself is a positive sign, and Bosnians are doing their part with hard work and sacrifice, despite very limited capital resources.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“We wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month. I know that your delegation and you personally are most capably handling the very grave responsibilities before the Council this month. I also know that your delegation and you yourself have some direct experience with our region, so it is indeed fortunate for all of us that you are in this position of responsibility. I wish to thank you for the opportunity to bring the matter of Bosnia and Herzegovina before the Security Council. The resources being committed - military, civilian and economic - to serve peace and rebuild Bosnia and Herzegovina are having a gradual but steady positive impact.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“Danilo Tiirk, today with that of the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as this relates to paragraph 18 of the resolution before us. Mr. President, thank you. I am confident that the most responsible members of the United Nations, and in particular the Security Council, have learned the painful lessons of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the decisive importance of the right response at the right time. We soon will be able to judge as to whether today's action by the Security Council will do the job.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Of course, that means us. Again, the role of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) reflected a military relationship in its dealings with our country in the past. We would like to stress the importance of the arms-control arrangements negotiated under the authority of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, both within the region and in our country. Here, the heightened vigilance of monitors can be helpful in assuring that new abuses are not invented and old abuses not repeated. Arms monitors ensuring compliance and deterring cross-border transfers should receive our most active support. Seventh, we would like to underline the consistency of the interpretation provided by the Permanent Representative of Slovenia, Dr.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Fourth, at the same time we must emphasize that the basis for solution, not only in Kosovo, but in Sandjak and Vojvodina, lies with full respect for the democratic, human, national and minority rights of all the citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Fifth, the role of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) in the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been frequently addressed before this body. I do not need to remind the Council of the context of those references. However, we must emphasize that the health of our neighbour also reflects upon our own. Sixth, let me draw the Council's attention to paragraphs 8, 9, 10 and 15 of the resolution before us. Paragraph 15 in particular addresses the neighbours of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro).”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina itself cannot morally, politically or legally remain silent; as our former colleague, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, so appropriately put it, the Belgrade authorities will not be allowed to do in Kosovo with what they can no longer get away with in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Ethnic cleansing" is intolerable for all, but those of us who have been victims and overcome must be especially clear and add our voices to the vigilant chorus of "Never Again". We are not dealing with ethnic madness, but with the political manipulation of differences for crude, selfish power. Third, Bosnia and Herzegovina stresses the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all the States in the region, without any prejudice to the eventual solution.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“First, we welcome the Security Council's role, as well as that of other relevant international factors, in this process, and emphasize the determinative importance of the Security Council's remaining seized of the matter. The situation in Kosovo does have more than a passing impact upon stability and peace in the region and international security as a whole. Second, in the same vein, the authority and active role of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is unquestionable and necessary in this situation, despite the prolonged attempt of certain parties to negate its jurisdiction.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The commitment of the Stabilization Force, the Office of the High Representative and other international factors, including the United Nations, have given the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina a more stable foundation, minimizing the risk of spill-over. Nonetheless, the longer-term developments and solutions for Kosovo can only have a substantial impact on peace, stability and the development of democracy, human rights and minority and national rights in the region as a whole. In this context, my delegation believes that it is imperative that the following fundamentals be incorporated into any process designed to produce immediate and longer- term solutions.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Considering that it is 31 March and a rather late hour, I would like to commend you, Sir, and your delegation for the most comprehensive and appropriate manner in which you have handled your presidency of the Security Council, and in particular this debate. The development of the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, both in spirit and substance, cannot help but be impacted by the situation in Kosovo and our neighbour in general, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Many formulate that the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia started with the unilateral repudiation of Kosovo's autonomous status within the ex- Yugoslavia and that the circle will be completed only with the just and stable resolution of this situation.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“However, we cannot sit around this table and not take note of the responsibility of all our countries, all members' countries to contribute. This is especially critical in situations in which we all establish multilateral institutions, organs of this United Nations. For the sake of the victims, for the sake of this United Nations, for our common future, we cannot say one thing here around this table, but do something else at home. Keeping in mind this primary criterion for both integrity and mutual benefit, I am certain that with the assistance of all, and particularly the United Nations, Bosnians will secure lasting peace, with all its benefits.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“The only duty of States now, in this context, is to ensure that full evidence is provided and that the Tribunal has full access to witnesses and culpable individuals. Finally, I ask United Nations Members to remember that, despite the many contributions their nations have made, in terms of lives and resources - and I repeat that we are sincerely most grateful - it is the Bosnians that paid the highest price, and it is Bosnians of all backgrounds that seek from the Tribunal the greatest asset that civilization can provide: justice. So, as we approach a new and, hopefully, better turn on the road to a lasting peace in Bosnia, yes, we must underscore that the future is mostly the responsibility of Bosnians, all Bosnians.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“We are also aware of the tremendous courage and commitment exhibited by so many French troops and, in particular, the inordinate sacrifices. Their sacrifices deserve to be recalled here again. We are also thankful for the timely leadership and courage of French leaders at crucial points during the critical stages of the peace process. While political decisions, for good or bad, may have been made in capitals, it is the individual that exhibited courage or cowardice, morality or shame, legality or illegality on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the individual soldier or officer that witnessed the good and the bad, the acts of compassion as well as acts amounting to crimes and genocide.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“My statement is not intended to be an indictment of any country. The quality of leadership, courage and commitment is not determined by the flag of the individual involved. While I had a rather low opinion of one military commander who came from that country and who served in Bosnia, it is also a personal opinion that the most courageous and forthright commander who served in Bosnia in the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) also came from the United Kingdom. He does deserve to have his name mentioned here: General Rupert Smith. He made peace possible in Bosnia. Frankly, sometimes I am still troubled by how he has been forgotten while other less distinguished past commanders paraded before television cameras and promoted themselves. He never did.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Here I must also emphasize our concern, expressed on so many occasions by the President and Prosecutor of the Tribunal, regarding the large number of States that still have not adopted domestic legislation in line with full cooperation with the Tribunal. Again, I must highlight, we are speaking here of countries not only in our own region but, most incomprehensibly, the democracies of the world. This brings me to the third point. In view of the lack of cooperation of some countries and parties in the region with the Tribunal, and the excuses offered with respect thereto, what kind of disquieting message - encouragement - is being offered to these parties, to these countries, if there is a lack of respect and commitment shown to the Tribunal by some officials in some democracies? I emphasize "some officials". Let me again try to be clear.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“First, under the accords signed in Paris, the Tribunal is enshrined in the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the court of highest authority in our country - it is our court. A lack of respect for this Tribunal has a direct bearing on us and on respect for our country. Secondly, the Tribunal is not a colonial court. It has not been established only to dictate justice and to have access only to a group of subject people, mainly Bosnians, Serbians and Croatians. By its mandate, it has jurisdiction over all potential witnesses and suspects related to war crimes and genocide that may have been committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the former Yugoslavia as a whole.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“It is especially disquieting if this disregard comes from some quarters - not from countries in the region who have in the past refused cooperation, but from some officials from those countries around this table who were instrumental in bringing about the Tribunal as well as the Dayton/Paris accords. To refer to the Tribunal as a "show court" is unacceptable. Let me make certain that we are understood. I have no fear for Judge Louise Arbour. In fact, we may even have some differences with her; I suppose that we frequently do. I am certain that in a court of law this 1.5 metre Prosecutor is a match for any man around this table; she can take care of herself. We are concerned, however, about the lack of dignity shown to the Tribunal, about the perception of the Tribunal that this promotes and about the political consequences thereof.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Those Governments seem to be most sensitive to the crucial role that the Tribunal has in securing not only justice, but also reconciliation, implementation of the Dayton/Paris accords and a lasting peace. As someone who was in Dayton, I must also emphasize here that the Dayton/Paris accords, as well as relevant Security Council resolutions and our own Constitution, sanction these efforts. However, we are concerned by recent reports, widely publicized in the press, which seem to some to indicate a lack of respect, or even disdain, for the Tribunal's mandate.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“I am certain that here I will not be able to specifically refer to the whole range of efforts in which the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina is involved, but I must finally mention what is, perhaps, the most critical: the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, established by the United Nations. At this time, I must take the opportunity to most humbly thank Governments, particularly those of the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for the commitment and the courage of their troops in recent efforts - one of which actually took place this morning - to bring indicted war criminals to justice.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“I would also like to make a happy note of the fact that the team of Bosnia and Herzegovina did defeat the team of the Republic of Croatia on that one occasion - I must be a nationalist sometimes. The various agencies and organs of the United Nations in Bosnia will be decisive in the success of peace. The role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in rolling back the consequences of ethnic cleansing and facilitating the return of refugees from abroad is essential. The International Police Task Force (IPTF) will catalyse concerted efforts to enhance democracy, human rights and respect for the law, as well as freedom of movement and the return of refugees throughout the country. The role of this United Nations institution is determinative. We wholeheartedly support the draft resolution before us.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“On the national basketball team of Bosnia and Herzegovina the best player - the highest scorer - happens to be a Bosnian Serb. We all know it, but we do not talk about it, as a matter of civilized, polite behaviour; we just cheer for him and for the Bosnian team as a whole. When the Bosnian team took the floor, this gentleman, this wonderful basketball player, received the cheers of the entire Sarajevo crowd, regardless of their ethnicity. By coincidence, on the team of the Republic of Croatia there is a gentleman of Bosnian Muslim background. As would be the case with many opponents, he was booed. I apologize to the Republic of Croatia for this incident involving over-zealous sports fans, but it shows that we are not talking here about ethnic and religious hatred.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“In this context, I would like to point out that at the moment Bosnia and Herzegovina does have a flag and an anthem, but they are not endorsed by all. We recognize that change is forthcoming, and we recognize that we must have a flag that is endorsed by all and an anthem and a passport that are endorsed by all. We encourage the High Representative, if in fact a flag cannot be agreed to, that one be imposed. But we must demand one flag, one anthem, one passport and one currency. I would also like to take note of the fact that the word "fratricidal" is used around this table. I wish to draw the attention of the Security Council to such a small event as a basketball game played recently in Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina, the national team, was playing the national team of the Republic of Croatia.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“It will be the linchpin of concerted efforts to secure a real and lasting peace in our country, with all the beneficial consequences for a better life for all the people of Bosnia. Nonetheless, as the last two years have shown and as has been recognized by many of the leaders today, the military aspect of implementation will prove to be rather hollow without a coordinated and revitalized effort on the so- called civilian aspect of implementation. The Office of the High Representative must receive the necessary support to most assertively implement the High Representative's mandate. Let me refer here to the words of the Permanent Representative of Japan and take note of his invitation to our athletes.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Clearly not alone, and certainly not as an institution. More relevantly, however, we must now examine whether the United Nations is part of a solution that is still forthcoming in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the answer is, "Yes". Increasingly, the United Nations is being asked to play an ever-more-prominent role in securing and enhancing the peace in Bosnia. Let me emphasize here that over the last two years peace has borne positive fruit, and we are confident of an improvement in dynamics. We welcome the extension of the mandate of the multilateral force led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond the deadline of the summer of 1998.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Still, we would be lacking intellectual and moral perspective if we failed to note the lives that were saved through the efforts of the United Nations and its various agencies and people and, just as relevantly, if we did not recognize the commitment of the individuals involved, particularly the ones who sacrificed their lives in Bosnia. On the other hand, the sheer fact that over 250,000 Bosnians - over 5 per cent of our population - lost their lives and that 50 per cent of Bosnia's population was displaced and made into refugees, mostly through the campaign of ethnic cleansing, reveals why the efforts of the United Nations cannot be termed a success. Furthermore, the fact that the consequences of ethnic cleansing remain intact and its perpetrators largely remain free is an even greater blemish. But is the United Nations to blame?”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“It appears to some that, after having been the subject of so many debates before this body, Bosnia and Herzegovina has strangely fallen off the visible agenda of the Security Council. Some believe this may be because the United Nations has failed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This brings me to the second point: the United Nations has not failed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, neither has it yet succeeded. The faults that exist lie with those who could and should have done more themselves, but who left the United Nations with a job that it could never fully and gloriously complete. Under the circumstances, the United Nations could be seen as having been partially successful at best. It was left to be projected as embarrassingly inadequate, with all its flaws revealed.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“I took a look at the Permanent Representative of Chile, who had a very strange look on his face when he realized that he had to speak at a time when he was expecting me to speak. I looked away, of course, because I did not wish to respond to his look of astonishment and, maybe, anger. But this small difficulty on the part of my delegation may actually have been a blessing in disguise, because it gives me the opportunity to take note in my statement of some of the points raised in the statements of some members of the Council. Let me take the opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council for having scheduled today's discussion on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Thank you, Sir, for honouring the Security Council by presiding over today's debate. Let me express my delegation's confidence in the work of Costa Rica as the presiding member of the Security Council for this month. We are most pleased to have had such good, cordial and businesslike relations with your delegation during this month, and on previous occasions. In the interests of transparency, I must also thank you, Sir, for another allowance that you made for us, and must admit to something. Frankly, my delegation was neglectful and failed to give me a complete copy of my presentation to the Council, so I had to ask for my presentation to be delayed until this time.”
1997-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3842 (1997) · source
“Although the results thus far are, unfortunately, meagre, the effort is not; it is appreciated and, moreover, it is necessary to ensure the ability of return. Most critically, the Tribunal holds out the real opportunity not only for the removal of war criminals who block return, but also for the advancement of the partnership between justice and reconciliation as the ideological and pragmatic partners in the struggle for a real and lasting peace.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The entry of Bosnia and Herzegovina into European institutions translates into the return of Bosnians to their homes. Fifthly, we are appreciative of the efforts of the multinational stabilization force (SFOR) and the International Police Task Force (IPTF), as their presence is a necessary ingredient of the formula for success. Also, we encourage them to redouble their efforts, and we ask SFOR, the IPTF and other relevant actors to ensure that all aspects of security, including security of return and the arrest of war criminals, are addressed. Otherwise, all that has been done up to now will be for naught. Finally, we would like once again to express our appreciation for the efforts of the Judges, the Prosecutor and other functionaries of the Tribunal in The Hague.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Fourthly, we would like to emphasize the contribution of host countries which first received so many of our refugees and offered immediate means for survival. We will continue to work with them to maximize the mutually shared objective of return. We would also like to suggest, in particular to the European Union countries, that the process of the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its recognition as a fully European partner, and the dismantling of travel and trade barriers will encourage not only movement and commerce, but return as well. Most refugees fear leaving the security of host countries for the uncertainty of current Bosnia and Herzegovina if they believe that there is a huge, insurmountable wall left behind that will divide them from friends, family, new lives and safety.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Secondly, as we have mentioned, UNHCR and elements of the Office of the High Representative have worked with all Bosnian refugees under the title of the Coalition for Return as a means of self-empowerment and overcoming artificial ethnic barriers. Thirdly, although significantly tardy and not sufficient at times, due to many factors including obstructionism, many international factors, including several countries that deserve special thanks, have committed substantial resources for the rebuilding of Bosnia in general and for specifically targeted projects for refugees to return. We should also mention here the efforts of multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“In this context, we must emphasize that ethnic, religious division may have been the solution to political dilemmas of the past, including the first part of this century; however, reintegration is the only possible solution for the new global society faced with a similar problem today. Lest we forget also to articulate the positive in our experience, let me take this opportunity to enumerate some things that have been done right or were at least attempted correctly in our case. First, we have worked hard, at times with differences of opinion but nonetheless together, with UNHCR and other relevant agencies to construct a programme of return.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“What refugee even dares return to a home, a country, where those who victimized them are still beyond the law, your law, international law, our law, and then are even indirectly or directly accorded legitimacy? We speak to the Council on the issue of refugees in the context of our own experience because it is critical to us, and also because it is a most relevant and developing lesson for all on this matter. Failure adequately to address the issue in Bosnia will have immediate and strategic consequences for all, in particular for our efforts at the United Nations to address refugee issues. Unfortunately, our lesson is as much in how not to as in how to.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Economic assistance and legitimacy can be offered only on the condition of sincere commitment to the peace process and the Accords. Those who openly deny the right of refugees to return and openly reject the authority of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and this Council must not continue to be shielded by non-responsiveness. They really do mean what they publicly state and no expedient effort at reinterpretation will avert the failure of the Dayton/Paris Accords and disaster. The return and rights of refugees, the arrest of war criminals, the success of peace and the response of this Council, this United Nations and its designees and your Governments are intractably intertwined and therefore determinative.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“They refuse to allow refugees back and continue to destroy newly rebuilt homes financed by your money, erected with UNHCR planning and supervision. Confidently, they now openly, explicitly, refute the right of refugees to return as well as basic human rights and freedom of movement. If representatives do not believe me, they need only read the reports of Mrs. Ogata, the UNHCR and numerous non-governmental organizations, such as the International Crisis Group. Incomprehensibly, these very deniers of the Dayton/Paris Accords nonetheless continue to be accorded the legitimacy of that which they openly refute. It would be now our most sincere hope that the spirit of the Srebrenica failure not infuse this most noble body.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“What actually concerns me today is that the spirit of Srebrenica is not just history, but in fact is also today's dominant factor obstructing return. The refugees of Srebrenica - those who survived - and most others want to return. Those who murdered their relatives and friends will allow them to return only at the cost of their lives. Those who committed "ethnic cleansing", genocide, are still in power, behind the scenes or otherwise, and continue to mock you, to mock international humanitarian law, as well as the Dayton/Paris Accords. They stand behind and above certain newly elected officials and, like Pinocchio's master, misappropriate this legitimacy to undermine the very basic terms of the Accords.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Even when the cause was recognized - that is, the deliberate targeting of a population - and "safe areas" were established in Bosnia and Herzegovina pursuant to Security Council resolutions, the means and will to make such "safe areas" truly safe were found to be tragically lacking, as in the case of Srebrenica. Srebrenica is not the shame of those United Nations personnel and troops of the United Nations Protection Force who strove, very often heroically, to save innocent lives one by one. Rather, it is the failure of the political authorities that heralded the creation of the safe havens and then abandoned their own commitment. That is history. That is for this Council and, I am certain, many political historians and analysts to review, and history will be very difficult to rewrite in this one instance.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Under such circumstances, the necessary response of the international community is not only more obvious and urgent, but also mandatory - I emphasize, mandatory. It has often confounded me how often we, the United Nations, the international community, the Security Council, were informed by the Secretariat and numerous independent observers that in Bosnia and Herzegovina "ethnic cleansing" and displacement were not the coincidental consequence but the very intended result; and nonetheless, the often prescribed remedy promoted and tragically prevailing was one that ignored this very analysis of the cause. Genocide, the targeting of civilians - whatever we may call it - must be confronted without ambiguity. Impartiality dictates that we not be neutral in the face of "ethnic cleansing" and the targeting of civilians.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“If it is a natural calamity or the struggle for survival or food, the response to the problem is obvious, lest the ulcer continue to bleed more refugees. But we cannot allow a response to a humanitarian crisis to be used as a fig leaf for an impotent reaction to the political or military causes of that humanitarian crisis. Horrifically, today's victims - refugees - are as likely to be victimized by bullets, shrapnel, systematic rape and siege, as by hunger and disease. Interdiction, therefore, must respond to the direct as well as the incidental threat. Unfortunately, it appears increasingly that refugees are not just incidental, but the very intended consequence. Frighteningly, they may be the lucky ones who were fortunate to escape "ethnic cleansing", execution and genocide.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“This organization is called the Confederation for Return. The efforts of these Bosnian refugees - Serbs, Croats, others, as well as Bosniacs - at self- empowerment deserves our support and represents a promising avenue to address the problem on a pragmatic basis. It also reinforces the perspective that refugees are not polarized by ethnicity, but as a whole are the victims of intolerance and artificial ethnic or other differentiation, too often as a consequence of what starts as political manipulation using religion or ethnicity as a weapon. The refugee problems of our planet are but symptoms of a greater wrong. They are either the indirect or, increasingly, the direct consequence of some other underlying problem. The most effective manner to address or, at least, to minimize a refugee problem is to address the underlying cause.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Refugees are not a problem for Bosnia and Herzegovina; rather, they represent a potential human asset that is still wasted, as well as individual lives seeking their place and an opportunity for fulfilment. Our approach must be one of collective salvage and individual redemption without regard to identity or religious and ethnic background. Thanks to the efforts of representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Office of the High Representative, in particular Ambassador Michael Steiner, an organization has been established in Bosnia and Herzegovina representing refugees and displaced persons of all ethnic backgrounds who share one predominant interest: to return to their homes and to live in a society committed to diversity and tolerance.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“We are most encouraged to see you in the seat of the President of the Council for this month, Sir, and wish to express our sincere appreciation for your having initiated today's most relevant debate. We would also like to take this opportunity to express our admiration for the manner and openness with which the President of the Council for the month of April, Ambassador Antonio Monteiro of Portugal, conducted the Council's affairs, and for his efforts to inject a quality of greater transparency. We will keep our comments brief and to the point, and will avoid the ambiguity that sometimes saturates diplomatic language. The issue before the Council today is, unfortunately, still too painfully relevant to my country and is therefore determinative for the prospects of real peace.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“If we do not support the Tribunal sincerely and effectively, it will be a further injustice against all of us, as well as against the Bosnian victims.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Nonetheless, the valuable work of the Security Council, the Contact Group, various international factors on the ground and the Tribunal remain essential, inescapable factors for peace. The role of the international community in support of the peace process remains unavoidable, although, of course, we all hope that it will gradually decrease. I should like to make one final point regarding the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The Tribunal's contribution to peace is, as we have said, critical and decisive. However, the Tribunal is the court of all of us - it is your court. It is meant to deliver justice for Bosnian victims. But these are victims of violations of the most basic standards of international humanitarian law. By extension, we are all victims of these violations of international humanitarian law.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“It is also true that the international community, in particular the most influential sponsors of the Peace Agreement, have a most decisive role - I emphasize the word "decisive" - in certain key aspects of the Peace Agreement. Some signatories, having failed in their commitment to the Peace Agreement, especially as it relates to full cooperation with the Tribunal, are waiting to see if these sponsors of the Peace Agreement will abandon the Agreement or, at least, just this element of the Agreement. Either way, this would be a disastrous position, bringing the peace process to decisive failure. Clearly, the parties ultimately must be responsible for their future - our future.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“On 3 December 1996 the Tribunal judges, from Italy to Egypt and the United States, acting unanimously, expressed their great dismay at not being given adequate support for their repeated demands to compel compliance with the Tribunal's orders, and their growing sense that the Tribunal is, perhaps, being marginalized. Indeed, it is most unfortunate that the Tribunal judges cannot escape this sinking feeling. It would be worse if their fears proved true. In this context, we should like to endorse the position, enunciated in the draft resolution, that the primary responsibility for the Peace Agreement lies with the parties.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“Finally, we did find offensive the implicit or explicit suggestion that the Tribunal should exhibit impartiality by, in future, indicting the same number of people from each ethnic background. That truly would be a perversion of justice that would transform the Tribunal into a political court designed to serve the political expediency of some, or refashion history and ignore the essential foundation of individual responsibility. I am certain that most will agree that the issue is not about the integrity of the Tribunal and its judges, who come from all corners of the world and all backgrounds, but is more about the support that the Tribunal is receiving from the very United Nations organs that gave it initial life. It is on this latter, general, issue that I should like to conclude.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source
“This is an issue of individual and State authority responsibility for the heinous crimes committed. Secondly, even the numerical argument does not add up. Actually, because of the full compliance of the central Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the lack of cooperation by others, ironically, more Bosnian Muslims have been surrendered to the Tribunal than members of any other ethnic group. For us, all of our citizens, regardless of ethnic background or religion, deserve our protection. At the same time, all those individuals who committed crimes must be held accountable, also regardless of ethnic background or religion. This is a matter of our future, of reconciliation and of the rule of law.”
1996-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3723 (1996) · source