YouSaid · the spoken record

Sahovic

lines on the record: 131
first: 2001-03-22
most recent: 2003-10-30
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“I would like to conclude by reaffirming the commitment of Serbia and Montenegro to Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Common Document signed between my Government and UNMIK on 5 November 2001. In the framework of those documents and other agreements between our authorities and UNMIK, the Special Representative can rely on our full assistance and support.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“The OSCE concludes that the Provisional Institutions, for example the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has to create conditions in the Kosovan schools that accommodate the needs of all communities, including Kosovo Serbs. I think that those conclusions of the OSCE provide some explanations regarding parallel structures. Finally, we support the Secretary-General's assessment that the development of effective institutions of self-government in Kosovo and Metohija needs to take place in a context of improving contacts and cooperation with my Government. We share the view that relations between UNMIK and Belgrade have improved since the arrival of the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We are firmly committed to strengthening that cooperation.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“While stating that parallel structures can be detrimental to the rule of law in Kosovo and Metohija, the OSCE report also emphasizes that "A more pragmatic approach is needed by UNMIK, which might have to recognize the fact that some Kosovans, in the past, did not have any other reasonable choice than to approach Serb- run structures. Recourse to an UNMIK court or administrative body would have meant, among other things, risking their personal security." Further on, the OSCE Mission report points out that the practice of arresting and convicting people for possession of forged documents, simply because they are issued by Serbian authorities operating in Kosovo, must cease. Also, the report is clear that the Serb-run hospitals and other health care facilities have proven necessary.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“Such a move would obviously represent a completely unacceptable prejudgement of the final status of Kosovo and Metohija. It would defy the clear and repeated stance of the international community that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is to address practical matters only, leaving talks on the political future of Kosovo for a later stage. In the report of the Secretary-General, some concerns were raised over the existence of so-called parallel structures. The statements we have just heard from Mr. Holkeri and several members of the Council echoed those concerns. Indeed, earlier this month, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo and Metohija issued a rather lengthy report on the subject, as mentioned by the representative of Mexico.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“We concur with the report's assessment that the ongoing transfer of non- reserved responsibilities listed in chapter 5 of the Constitutional Framework provides the Provisional Institutions with the possibility to demonstrate their ability to ensure efficient and effective administration and their capacity to assume additional responsibilities. However, we note with concern that the Government of Kosovo and Metohija conditions its participation in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue upon the transfer of the responsibilities reserved for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. That has led to an initiative by the Provisional Institutions to revise the Constitutional Framework, with the aim of annulling the reserved competencies of the Special Representative listed in chapter 8 of the Framework.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“A lack of clarity in that respect could easily lead to differing interpretations of the level of attainment of standards, which in turn could pave the way for future misunderstandings and disagreements. We therefore welcome the announcement of the UNMIK mission performance action plan for the implementation of benchmarks and look forward to learning of its details in the near future. The transfer of responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions is an issue closely related to the principle of "standards before status".”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“We also believe that the participation of authorized representatives on both sides, with the necessary authority to discuss and implement the agreed decisions, constitutes an essential prerequisite for the success of the working groups. Serbia and Montenegro stands ready to participate in the working groups as soon as their meetings are scheduled. The report before the Council states that direct dialogue is one of the benchmarks that has to be met before addressing the status of Kosovo and Metohija. Along with the Security Council, we reiterate our support for the "standards before status" policy. It is of vital importance to clearly and measurably define the criteria for achieving the standards of a democratic, multi-ethnic Kosovo and Metohija.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“My Government regrets the fact that the representatives of the Government of Kosovo and Metohija did not participate in the meeting in Vienna on 14 October. Therefore, the Pristina delegation was not representative of all communities of the Province. Their representation at that meeting would have offered evidence of political will within the Government in Pristina to build functioning multi-ethnic institutions, which are the best hope for achieving the goal of a democratic society in the province. Hence, we expect the issue of multi-ethnic representation in the delegation of Kosovo and Metohija to be resolved with the commencement of the dialogue at the level of working groups.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“My Government therefore fully supports the priorities of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in establishing the rule of law; improving the security situation, particularly for non-Albanians; promoting returns and minority rights; and strengthening economic development. We appreciate the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as well as the support of the Contact Group and the broader international community, to launch a direct dialogue on practical matters between Belgrade and Pristina. Discussing practical issues to improve the daily lives of all inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija and achieving measurable success in that respect would be the best means to foster confidence among the communities.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“As the Secretary- General's report notes, the security situation in Kosovo and Metohija remains a cause for grave concern. The increased insecurity for minorities is undermining efforts to improve freedom of movement and to accelerate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and threatens the process of normalization and the prospects for reconciliation in Kosovo and Metohija. The fact that no perpetrators have been identified in the recent crimes against the Serb community or - to the best of our knowledge - against UNMIK personnel further demonstrates the difficulties in the province.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2003/996) on the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which is before the Council. Allow me to join Council members in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Harri Holkeri, for his briefing and, even more, for the outstanding commitment to tackling the serious issues in Kosovo and Metohija that he has demonstrated in the short period since taking office. We regret that at the very outset of his work Mr. Holkeri was confronted with the full extent of the violence, primarily ethnically motivated crimes, as well as attacks on UNMIK personnel.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“However, in that process the importance of international assistance in reforming and strengthening national judiciaries is paramount. Allow me to conclude by saying that my Government views the establishment of the International Criminal Court as a major step forward in creating a lasting framework for promoting the aims of justice and the rule of law at the international level. The International Criminal Court is permanent and its jurisdiction was envisaged as universal. Therefore, it is not focused on one country in particular but on all perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. As was stated at the ministerial-level meeting, it does not represent victors' justice but is aimed at objectively determining individual responsibility in cases of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“The ICTY has variously been defined: as a means of determining individual responsibility for the most serious war crimes, as a vehicle for reconciliation and as a venue for deciding what constitutes the historical truth about the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. It is our firm belief that the goal of any court of law, including ad hoc tribunals, must be to bring individual perpetrators of crimes to justice. The task of the tribunals is to concentrate on the top echelons of the chain of command that led to war crimes and crimes against humanity. On previous occasions, the Council has recognized that lower-level cases should be tried by national courts. We believe that the time is approaching when the ICTY should begin to refer the cases it deems appropriate to national jurisdictions.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“For example, the fact that the ICTY was formed as an ad hoc body is not sufficient justification for its practice of changing its rules of procedure and evidence as it goes along. That can only lead to legal uncertainty, which obviously does not contribute to the strengthening of the rule of law. Also, in the case of the ICTY at least, it is sometimes difficult for the wider public to make the necessary clear distinction between the Court and the Office of the Prosecutor. The Court, as an independent legal institution whose aim is to secure justice, is often overshadowed by the prosecution. In addition, there are differences in the perception of the purposes of the ICTY that distort the image of the Tribunal as an institution above political considerations.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“One of the significant contributions of the United Nations to managing post-conflict situations is the establishment of international criminal tribunals. The ad hoc tribunals have shown, within their scope, that no one is above the reach of international law. They have enabled the processing of a number of war crime cases in circumstances where national judiciaries were unable to do so. My Government recognizes that role of the tribunals. It also fully recognizes its obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and is doing its utmost to fulfil that obligation. In many respects, however, the tribunals seem to have a mixed record.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“As has been stated in virtually all reports on Kosovo and Metohija, much remains to be done in establishing the rule of law. We therefore welcome the fact that the international community seems to recognize the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to supporting societies that need reconstruction, such as in Kosovo and Metohija, until the firm basis for a just society is in place. That approach must include better resources and expert assistance for the efficient reform of law enforcement and the judiciary. In that context, we find very useful the suggestions presented during the Council's ministerial- level debate calling for the United Nations to establish a standing data base of experts, nominated by Member States, who would be available, if called upon by the Security Council or by States, to assist in these areas.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“According to the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) of 26 June 2003 (S/2003/675), there are only 15 international judges and 10 international prosecutors serving in the local justice system and they handle only approximately 3 per cent of the criminal cases. In addition, the number of UNMIK staff dealing with police and justice issues is continuously being reduced. In our view, however, that segment of UNMIK's human resources should be strengthened, rather than weakened. Owing primarily to the prevailing climate of insecurity, the chances for return of 250,000 internally displaced persons are diminishing. Of course, returns are among the most important stated aims of UNMIK, along with the establishment of the rule of law and the protection of human and minority rights.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“There were many references during the ministerial meeting to the role of UNMIK in securing the rule of law. We deem it necessary, however, to point out that the achievements in this field are far from satisfactory. As we have repeatedly stated during Security Council meetings on Kosovo and Metohija, not a single perpetrator of ethnically motivated crimes has been apprehended that we are aware of. The inevitable consequence is the emergence of a culture of impunity with respect to violence against minorities. There have also been no major breakthroughs in fighting widespread organized crime. Various reasons have been cited to explain such a state of affairs. In that context, my Government considers the insufficient number of international judges and prosecutors to be a significant cause for concern.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“Before doing so, however, I should like to emphasize that my Government fully agrees with the virtually unanimous assessment that the establishment of the rule of law is of crucial importance for stabilizing societies emerging from conflict. Without it, the risk of new human rights violations and of a return to conflict remain real and permanent. Secondly, we fully support the view that the role of the United Nations does not end with the physical separation of the parties to a conflict. Its task is fulfilled when firm foundations for peace, security and stability have been laid - the basic precondition for this being institutions that guarantee the primacy of law. The United Nations established one of its largest and most comprehensive missions in my country, in the province of Kosovo and Metohija, in 1999.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“I should like to thank the British presidency for having convened a ministerial meeting on the very important topic of justice and the rule of law, as well as for this opportunity for the wider United Nations membership to contribute to the debate. My delegation has listened with great interest to the interventions of the members of the Council and to the many concrete suggestions for strengthening the role of the United Nations in this field. Since my country has direct experience of United Nations efforts to promote justice and the rule of law, we would like to use this opportunity to offer a few observations on some aspects of this process, in relation to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“We hope that the United Nations, the European Union and members of the Contact Group who are willing to do so should be involved in the process with a view to establishing mechanisms to ensure both the constructiveness of the dialogue and the effective implementation of any agreed measures.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“We believe that the Common Document of November 2001 and the existing High-Ranking Working Group continue to be the best framework; this does not indicate any intent to seek co-governance with UNMIK, but shows our unreserved willingness to help improve the situation. Finally, allow me to reiterate our position on dialogue with Pristina. Over a period of time, my country has consistently expressed its readiness for the commencement of such a dialogue. Now, it seems that the sustained efforts of the international community to prevail on Pristina to accept talks on practical issues have yielded results. We believe that a dialogue should focus on issues such as security, returns, energy and transport.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“In particular, given the recent assessment of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General and head of UNMIK's European Union Pillar that the regulation is critical to the political future of the province, we hope that the Council will devote more attention to this issue, as proposed during the most recent debate on this item (see S/PV.4770). It is our firm belief that a process of such importance as privatization should not, at its very outset, be burdened by doubts as to its legality. Therefore, we are ready for a constructive discussion with UNMIK on the matter. With the appointment of a new Special Representative, we will also be looking forward to a speedy improvement in our cooperation with UNMIK.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“It is our expectation that clear indicators will be established as a basis for measuring progress achieved by the Provisional Institutions - and UNMIK as well - in meeting all eight standards. Decentralization is also an undertaking of strategic importance that we hope the new Special Representative will energetically pursue. We are studying the detailed report of the Council of Europe mission charged with dealing with that issue. My Government hopes for an opportunity to discuss the topic in depth with both the Council of Europe and UNMIK in the near future. As to the question of privatization, I should like to inform the Council that we recently received a response from the Legal Counsel of the United Nations to our request for an explanation of the legal basis of regulation 2003/13, known as the "land use" regulation.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“It could have been taken in good faith had it offered guarantees for a fundamental right to life for members of minority groups. A declaration of willingness to work with elected representatives of minorities rings hollow alongside an explicit statement that no one's security can be assured. That appeal says, among other things, "We cannot guarantee anyone a job, and we cannot guarantee anyone's safety". In addition to those priorities, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General will have before him or her the standards whose implementation the Council has called for so many times. The obvious necessity of making operational the benchmarks for meeting those standards has also been stated in this Chamber.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“If the establishment of the rule of law is to be an attainable goal, their numbers will need to be increased, not reduced. Further failure to comprehensively address security issues will also present a major impediment to the success of various initiatives aimed at giving impetus to the return process, such as the Rapid Response Returns Facility. A viable return strategy requires full cooperation on the part the Provisional Institutions, which - as the report indicates - has not been forthcoming. UNMIK needs to put that responsibility - including conditionality - more forcefully before the Provisional Institutions. We take note of the call by Kosovo and Metohija leaders for the return of internally displaced persons.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“The Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) is another problem that requires decisive action. The Secretary- General's report (S/2003/675) cites a connection between KPC and the Albanian National Army (ANA) terrorist organization. However, the KPC commander has faced no consequences for harbouring an as yet unknown number of terrorists in that nominally civilian organization. We expect a full, prompt and transparent investigation into KPC's membership and activities. Without a breakthrough in creating a secure environment for all inhabitants, few other problems in Kosovo and Metohija can be solved. We therefore ask the Council to carefully review the plans to downsize the UNMIK Police. It is also clear that the number of international judges and prosecutors is inadequate.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“A more visible presence of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and of UNMIK would deter potential attacks on members of minority groups as well as on their heritage sites. Just a few days ago, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas was stoned in Pristina for the second time in one month and for the sixth time this year. In addition, the Orthodox cemetery in Kosovska Vitina was desecrated, also not for the first time. Serious and robust action by the police in apprehending perpetrators of all types of crime - including ethnically motivated crime - is a precondition for establishing the rule of law in Kosovo and Metohija. The necessity of bringing criminals to justice has been cited as a precondition for reconciliation in all crisis spots around the globe. Kosovo and Metohija is certainly no exception.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“Basic human and minority rights - including the right of minorities to use their language, access to education, health care and employment - need to be upheld in a far more vigorous manner than has been the case to date. We fully expect UNMIK, within its overall responsibility for the province, to meticulously ensure the exercise of these rights. The majority must be held responsible for compliance with resolution 1244 (1999) and for establishing the values of a democratic, multi-ethnic society. Otherwise, it will be difficult to expect the most vulnerable, the minorities, not to reach out for help elsewhere or to try to create their own institutions. The investigation of the triple murder in Obilic on 4 June has not yielded any results, as is the case with many other atrocities the Council might care to recall.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“As some Council members have previously proposed, a clear link needs to be established between performance and progress in the transfer of responsibilities. This would assist the process of establishing good governance in the Province. The persistent attempts of the Assembly of Kosovo and Metohija to overstep its competencies is a serious political issue that needs to be appropriately addressed. Accountability is necessary in cases of repeated violations of the existing legal framework in the province and particularly of resolution 1244 (1999). UNMIK has to take clear and concrete measures to prevent recurrence of these attempts. Declarations of condemnation by UNMIK are obviously not sufficient to put an end to this practice.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“On this occasion, I would like to indicate some of the steps that we feel would need to be taken in the nearest possible future. The Secretary-General's report states that the transfer of responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government is being carried out at a pace that takes into account their capacities to assume additional responsibilities. However, the analysis of the functioning of these Institutions in most cases does not offer evidence of successful performance of their basic functions. It is therefore necessary to define transparent criteria for assessing the capabilities of the Provisional Institutions to perform tasks entrusted to them at this stage, as well as criteria and a timetable for assuming new responsibilities.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“To describe the poor state of affairs in the province, we find it sufficient at this point to cite the recent report of the Council of Europe decentralization mission, stating that the political climate in Kosovo currently appears worse than ever since 1999. The report of the Secretary-General before us also indicates the underlying unsatisfactory conditions on the ground. It is, however, not quite clear to us what the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) intends to do to address the outstanding difficulties. The Mission has evidently entered a delicate phase and is, in addition, awaiting a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General. My country hopes the appointment will soon be forthcoming, since there is much work yet to be done before the situation improves.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the Council presidency for the month of July and to thank you for convening this meeting. I also wish to express the appreciation of my delegation for the work of the Russian Federation presidency last month. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his report and thank his Special Representative, Mr. Michael Steiner, for the briefing he provided today - his final one in this capacity. I would like to wish him every success in his new, important post. Three weeks ago, we had the opportunity to analyse the situation in Kosovo and Metohija after four years of the international presence. Unfortunately, our analysis differs from that we have just heard from Mr. Steiner, but perhaps that is understandable.”
2003-07-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4782 (2003) · source
“In order to make its full contribution to the fight against terrorism, my country needs, and would greatly appreciate, international assistance.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We have ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and signed the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection as well as the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings. Both are now before Parliament pending ratification. Bilaterally, Yugoslavia has signed treaties with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia related to the struggle against terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration. Yugoslavia is regionally fully engaged in raising awareness of the danger of terrorism. We are, of course, also engaged in a dialogue with the CTC. My Government has submitted both the initial and supplementary reports and would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reiterate its readiness for future cooperation.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At the national level, Yugoslavia has recently adopted laws on combating organized crime at both the federal level and at the level of the Republic of Serbia, and a new law on the prevention of money laundering took effect in Yugoslavia in July this year. At the international level, we have ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary protocols, as well as the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime. At the regional level, we are fully committed to dealing with this issue within the South-eastern European Cooperation Process, which Yugoslavia is currently chairing, as well as within the framework of the Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe. My country is also bound by most international anti-terrorist treaties.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We welcome the enhanced efforts by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to address these problems, and we expect the Mission to continue to improve its measures in these areas. My Government reiterates its readiness, in line with resolution 1244 (1999), to enhance cooperation with UNMIK and KFOR with a view to preventing and suppressing acts of terrorism. Regrettably, organized crime, whose close connection with terrorism has been firmly established, figures high on the list of acute problems affecting South-eastern Europe. Yugoslavia is fully committed to adequately addressing this issue.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“As the Policy Working Group on the United Nations and Terrorism stated in its recent report, it is necessary for the United Nations to reassert the main purposes of the United Nations Charter, the core of which has been threatened by terrorism. We have identified in this report certain important points and recommendations that warrant the attention of the United Nations membership as a basis for further enhancing United Nations engagement in the field of counter-terrorism. Resolution 1373 (2001) notes "the increase, in various regions of the world, of acts of terrorism motivated by intolerance or extremism". It also calls for the prevention of movement of terrorists or terrorist groups by effective border controls. Yugoslavia has been faced with both extremism and illegal border crossings in the province of Kosovo and Metohija.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The achievements of the Security Council in countering this global threat have once again proved that the United Nations is uniquely positioned to serve as the legitimate forum for an international counter- terrorism coalition, as it can ensure that the greatest possible number of States are able and willing to take the necessary steps to oppose terrorism. The fight against terrorism cannot be won solely by focusing on mechanisms aimed at eliminating individual terrorist groups, since terrorism is not an isolated phenomenon. Instead, it should be viewed in the context from which terrorist activities arise. In its counter-terrorism efforts, the United Nations must focus on the broader picture.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Counter-Terrorism Committee - unique in the breadth of its mandate - has become the focal point for counter-terrorism action within the United Nations. It provides an effective mechanism for implementing the resolution and for enabling continuity of international action in this field, particularly on the basis of inter-State cooperation. Yugoslavia fully supports the work of the CTC. We would also like to express our appreciation for the outstanding, energetic and committed leadership of CTC Chairman Sir Jeremy Greenstock.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At the outset, allow me, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to express our appreciation to you for convening this meeting, which provides an opportunity for a broader debate on an issue that is of concern to us all. The Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), at the beginning of today's debate, eloquently expressed their concern and indicated the course to be followed in our future counter-terrorism efforts. We thank them for that. The Security Council gave substance to its resolve to combat international terrorism by adopting a landmark resolution - resolution 1373 (2001) - which has become the basis for the broadest possible international coalition against terrorism.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We understand that there are diverging legitimate concerns. However, we would like to believe that the understanding of the overall context of the topic we are debating will prevail and a solution acceptable to all will be found. That solution will ensure that the Council's credibility is preserved, that the international rule of law is maintained and that we all - in particular those of us in the troubled parts of the world - will be able to continue to rely on United Nations peacekeeping in our efforts to achieve genuine peace and security.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568Resumption1 (2002) · source
“These forces have been politically defeated, but they have not yet been buried in history. They will certainly look forward and try to take advantage of the withdrawal of the United Nations from our region and the failure of the ICC to stand on its feet. There is no need to elaborate on the serious consequences that such developments may entail. Of course, it is not only peacekeeping in the Balkans that is at stake; peacekeeping elsewhere is also at stake. As already emphasized here today, Africa and its newly born Union, which we warmly welcome, rely significantly on the United Nations peacekeeping effort for their future. Although the topic of the debate is extremely complex, the thrust of my message today is very simple. I appeal to the members of the Council to find a way out of the present stalemate.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In fact, next Monday, the same day that the fate of UNMIBH is to be decided, the Presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Yugoslavia will meet in Sarajevo, demonstrating their determination to work towards that goal. However, while that positive process is irreversible, it is not yet complete. The presence of the international community is still very much needed. The European Union, through its stabilization and association process, is playing the pivotal role. At the same time the United Nations, through the Security Council and its peacekeeping capabilities, is an irreplaceable actor in the equation. While, as I mentioned, the process towards peace and stability is under way, there are still forces in our area that would like to see the process fail.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Later this month, the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is scheduled to address the Council, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, Mr. Steiner, will again submit his periodic report to the Council. This, of course, is a consequence of the decade-long tragic conflicts in my country and its surroundings. At the same time, that is also a manifestation of the continued involvement of the international community and the United Nations in particular in our region. True, important progress has been made in stabilizing the Balkans and in rebuilding our post- conflict societies. All countries involved have been contributing to the achievement of the region's lasting peace and stability.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was among the first 60 countries that ratified the Rome Statute, which brought the ICC into being. We share the belief that the Court is the cornerstone of the international legal system. Everything should be done to enable this institution to perform its envisaged role. Every month I come to this table to discuss the performance of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo and Metohija. Now, of course, this debate is immediately connected to the United Nations presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a few days, the Council is scheduled to review and extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568Resumption1 (2002) · source
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. I would also like to thank you for convening this meeting, where we are discussing extremely important issues that transcend the item on the Council's agenda - the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those who spoke before me, Council and non- Council members, described very eloquently the problem that has preoccupied the Council and the Organization as a whole in the past few weeks. Indeed, the question is whether a solution can be found that will avoid jeopardizing the role of the newly established International Criminal Court (ICC) before it has even started its work, as well as the United Nations concept of peacekeeping.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568Resumption1 (2002) · source
“This should be the responsibility of local Albanian politicians, to be taken up in deed rather than in word. For our part, we affirm once again our readiness for dialogue and cooperation in the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), as stated in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia-UNMIK Common Document. Within this framework, UNMIK and the Kosovo Government can rely on our full support in the efforts to bring Kosovo and Metohija into Europe eventually, which is our common goal.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“The international community has a huge responsibility in Kosovo and Metohija in the period ahead. UNMIK and the Kosovo provisional institutions should concentrate their efforts on strengthening the rule of law, full respect for the human rights of all residents, especially minorities, building of a democratic, multi-ethnic society and institutions, combating organized crime and corruption, and improving of the economic situation. The benchmark concept presented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his April statement to the Council presupposes certain standards in these and other areas that ought to be met in the future. The most important benchmark, however, will be a change of attitude of the majority that will make the return of displaced Serbs and other non-Albanians a reality.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source
“While we fully agree that a solution for this sensitive issue needs to be agreed on, I would like to bring to the Council's attention a fact that is less frequently mentioned. Northern Kosovska Mitrovica remains the only multi-ethnic urban area among otherwise mono- ethnic Kosovo and Metohija cities. Its population comprises thousands of Serbs, Albanians, Bosniacs, Turks and Roma. Ill-conceived action aimed at finding a hasty solution could result in a new, and possibly final, exodus of Serbs. It is our firm position that equal standards and rules regarding returns to cities need to be applied throughout Kosovo and Metohija. The consideration of various proposals regarding the possible organization of local government would be very useful in dealing with the problem, taking into account the rights of minorities.”
2002-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4559 (2002) · source