YouSaid · the spoken record

Salim

lines on the record: 149
first: 1997-09-25
most recent: 2008-06-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“Recently in Sirte, Libya, African leaders, among other things, also decided to establish an African Union in conformity with the ultimate objectives of the Charter of our continental organization and the provisions of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community; accelerate the process of implementing the Treaty; and strengthen and consolidate the regional economic communities as the pillars for achieving the objectives of the African Economic Community to realize the envisaged Union. I am sure the Council members now realize that African countries are clearly not shying away from their responsibilities. While we recognize that some of our problems are part of colonial legacies and injustices done to our people, at the same time we remain mindful that many of our problems are of our own making.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“The Abuja Treaty broke new ground in Africa's strategies for the greater integration of the economies of its States. But in order for Africa to embark on this Vital course of integration it should be given a chance to assert itself in this direction. As indicated by the numerous appeals made by African leaders - not only at the fifty- fourth session of the General Assembly, on the eve of the new millennium, but also at other forums - the cancellation of debt in respect of African countries has become all the more urgent. Likewise, in the very progress report before us today, the Secretary-General has argued that, despite the many pitfalls and impediments on the continent, African countries have already embarked on the much-required economic reforms.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“In pleading for speedy action by the Security Council, I emphasize the partnership for peace that I mentioned earlier and that we are seeking to consolidate between our universal body, our continental organization and our regional economic communities. This partnership needs to be based on a rational division of work and fair sharing of the burden, bearing in mind the global responsibility entrusted to the United Nations and its Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. As the Council deliberates on the situation in Africa, I am confident that it will take into account the realities in our continent and the steadfast efforts of African countries in dealing with their problems as well as events that impinge on the continent from outside.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“I wish to reiterate the call made by President Chiluba of Zambia in his Council briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 21 September and to appeal once again to this body to ensure that Africa is provided with the much- needed financial and logistical assistance for the successful implementation of the Agreement signed. Such early action by the Security Council is vital in view of the fragile peace prevailing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I believe that such determined action by the Security Council is also consistent with its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“Yet the required determination and resources are not forthcoming: it is a fact that we lack the necessary and adequate resources to ensure the full and successful implementation of the Agreements which have so far been signed much less those yet to be agreed by the parties to these conflicts. I have already expressed our full support for some of the proposals made by the Secretary-General in his recent report on the situation in Sierra Leone, proposals aimed at enhancing United Nations support for the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement. I would now like to urge the Security Council to also take speedy action with respect to the implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement through the deployment of a peacekeeping force.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“There is no doubt that the signing of a peace agreement, even though significant by itself, is but the beginning of a long and arduous path to peace, strewn with dangers and alive with the potential for a renewal of conflict if the components for a successful peacemaking and peacekeeping process are not adequate, timely and appropriate. As we meet today, I must point out that serious difficulties have been faced by OAU and the regional economic communities - ECOWAS and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) - involved in the implementation of the Agreements for Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These Agreements have been duly signed by the parties concerned and what is required is speedy action for their implementation.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“I wish to take this opportunity also to stress the importance of timely action by the international community, the United Nations and its Security Council, in particular, to support peace agreements promoted by OAU or by the regional economic communities in cooperation with OAU. In saying this, I have in mind our experience in the past when critical time and opportunities for peace were lost because of a lack of timely action by the Council. The sad experience of United Nations inaction with respect to the situation in the Republic of the Congo is still very fresh in our mind.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“Our appreciation also goes to individual States Members of the United Nations which are accompanying and supporting OAU in its efforts to promote peace, security and stability in Africa. I wish also to emphasize that OAU has endeavoured to work closely with and to support the regional economic communities in their collective efforts to resolve conflicts there. OAU takes pride in the partnership we have succeeded in building with the United Nations and the regional economic communities in Africa, and we definitely look forward to strengthening and consolidating this partnership for peace, particularly as we prepare to enter the new century.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“Regrettably, the Antananarivo Agreement - which was welcomed by all people of goodwill as a serious attempt to address the concerns of all the inhabitants of the Comoros, particularly on the island of Anjouan, while maintaining the unity and territorial integrity of the country and the cohesion of its people - was undermined by the intransigence of hard-line elements within the Anjouanese party. Furthermore, the military takeover in the Comoros has further complicated the situation. I wish to stress at this point that in all its peace endeavours OAU has never found the United Nations unwilling to help. Indeed, the United Nations has proved to be our main partner for peace. I wish, therefore, to take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the United Nations, its Security Council and its Secretary-General for their support and cooperation.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“Within the context of the letter and spirit of the Algiers summit, we are determined to do our utmost to promote efforts to put an end to the bloody death and destruction taking place in Angola essentially as a result of the intransigence of the UNITA leadership. We also hope to intensify efforts to resolve the conflicts in Somalia and southern Sudan. The situation in the Comoros also continues to be of serious concern. We have spared no effort in our common resolve to restore peace, security and constitutional order to the archipelago. OAU and the countries of the region have explored all peaceful avenues for a lasting solution to the crisis in that country. It was under OAU auspices that the Addis Ababa and Antananarivo Agreements were fostered.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“OAU has continued these efforts in close cooperation with the United Nations and the Government of the United States of America. In the case of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea- Bissau, it has again been Africa, more particularly the heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has worked assiduously towards the restoration of peace and the restoration of constitutional order. Currently, Africa is engaged in yet another effort to advance the cause of peace in Burundi, under the auspices of the former President of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“These efforts were carried out by the High-Level Delegation of heads of State and Government comprising the then Chairman of OAU, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and former President Hassan Gouled Aptidon of Djibouti, as well as the new head of State of that country, President Ismail Omar Guelleh, together with the OAU Secretary-General. These efforts continue to be pursued today by OAU and more particularly by the current Chairman of OAU, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria, working closely with the Secretary- General of OAU. Since the Algiers summit in July this year, intensive consultations have been pursued with a view to seeking an early solution to the conflict.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“We are concerned also by the crisis in the Comoros, the fragile and fluid situation in the Republic of the Congo and the situation in Burundi. In almost all these conflicts, it is significant that it has been mainly Africans themselves who have been in the forefront in finding solutions. In the tragic and unfortunate conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Africa - through its continental organization - has been seriously and deeply engaged in finding a peaceful settlement.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the recent proposal of the United Nations Secretary-General for the deployment of a 6,000-strong United Nations force for Sierra Leone and the positive reaction to it by the Security Council contained in the resolution currently under consideration. We believe that sending such a force will help stabilize the situation and assist in the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement. It is also proper to emphasize here the urgent need to provide the Government and people of Sierra Leone with humanitarian assistance as well as assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction. As we meet today, a number of conflicts remain a source of grave concern to us: in Angola; in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and between Ethiopia and Eritrea.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“We at OAU also attach great importance to enhanced cooperation between OAU and the United Nations, convinced as we are that the partnership between the two institutions is mutually reinforcing. Since the last Ministerial meeting on the situation in Africa, there have been significant developments in our continued and collective efforts for the peaceful resolution of the conflicts there. The signing of the Agreement on a Ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/ 1999/815) and the Lome Peace Agreement (S/ 1999/777) on the peace process in Sierra Leone are especially noteworthy.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“The very healthy and frank discussions that took place in Algiers on these issues and in particular the decision, effective from the next summit, not to accept those who usurp power through the overthrow of constitutionally elected governments in OAU, bear witness to Africa's resolve and seriousness on these issues. As we revisit the situation in Africa since the time of our last debate on this subject, I should like to pay a well-deserved tribute to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his insightful progress report before us today. We note, in that regard, the important role of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, particularly their holistic approach in the implementation of the important recommendations in the report.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“This present initiative therefore constitutes a manifestation of the international community's continuing interest in Africa and its concern over the conflicts which continue to cause immense suffering for our people and destruction of life and property, apart from its serious negative impact on the socio-economic development of our continent. Two years ago, when I addressed the Ministerial meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Africa I drew the Council's attention to the many problems facing that continent and the challenges they posed - and continue to pose - for our peoples and leaders. The issues of democratization, good governance, accountability, respect for human rights and the rule of law continue to preoccupy African governments and peoples.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“In so doing, we shall start the process of putting an end to the current plethora of conflicts that continue to frustrate Africa's aspirations and expectations, and of creating better conditions for the well-being of African peoples. I see the present session as a follow-up: first, to the Ministerial meeting of the Security Council on 25 September 1997 (S/PV.3819), which discussed the situation in Africa and, second, to the discussions last year of the Secretary-General's report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (S/1998/318).”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“This initiative happily coincides with the momentous decisions taken by African leaders themselves at the Algiers summit in July this year and subsequently at the summit held in Sirte, Libya, in September, aimed at strengthening Africa's capacity to deal with continental and global challenges. These decisions relate, inter alia, to Africa's resolve and its determined effort to make the year 2000 a year of peace and stability in our continent. Our objective and our determination is to move from an era of conflict resolution to an era of security and stability. and from an era of economic stagnation to one of greater integration of African economies and of economic development.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“I wish first of all to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of September, and to say how honoured I am to address the Security Council once again on behalf of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The initiative you have taken to convene this ministerial meeting on the situation in Africa, on the eve of the year 2000, is a welcome initiative and clear testimony to the continuing interest of the Netherlands in Africa. I would also like to express the appreciation of the OAU for the support that your country, the Netherlands, has been extending and continues to extend to Africa, particularly in the areas of economic development and in our efforts at promoting peace, security and stability in our continent.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049 (1999) · source
“Internationally, we cannot do without a minimum solidarity in this global village, which cannot accommodate on a sustained basis a healthy and wealthy developed world on the one hand and a poor and unstable Africa on the other. That is why we should take this opportunity to send a strong signal for a new departure in international economic relations based on a true partnership and a shared vision for a common destiny.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“We believe that the attainment of sustainable development will also hinge on the effective elimination of the bottleneck of external indebtedness. I also believe that, as we strive to tackle the interrelated problems of peace and development in our continent, we also need to address the current imbalances, both within our countries and between Africa and the developed world. Within our countries, issues such as poverty, exclusion, access to opportunities and resources, corruption, rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and tolerance are at the centre of the debate on national development and cohesion.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“While our efforts should continue to focus on achieving peace, security and stability, which are so vital, we should not ignore the magnitude of the socio- economic problems confronting our continent, which are real and are also at the core of the issue of peace in Africa. This is certainly not the time and the place to discuss all the issues that are at the heart of the current debate and negotiations on sustainable growth and development. However, I believe that it is appropriate, in this forum, to reflect on the issues that continue to frustrate Africa's search for pragmatic and forward- looking options to redress the past imbalances. Symptomatic of these imbalances is the thorny issue of external indebtedness of our continent.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“The dastardly terrorist bombings that were perpetrated recently in Kenya and Tanzania, with considerable loss of human lives and massive destruction of infrastructure and property, come to us as a reminder that this threat is real and that no one is safe from these heinous and horrendous acts. It was yet another lesson that the international community should come together in a coordinated and concerted manner in combating terrorism. But, beyond the condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, the international community should provide itself with the legal framework and the means to effectively address this scourge.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“Now that this important breakthrough has been achieved, after so many years of misunderstanding and suffering for both the people of the Jamahiriya, who have been experiencing hardships and difficulties caused by the embargo imposed on their country, and for the families of the victims, who have been waiting for so long for justice to be done, the same spirit of accommodation should prevail in the efforts to bring about a just and fair trial for the suspects. In this respect, the concerns expressed by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya need to be addressed in the setting up of modalities for the trial. An issue of grave concern to us all today is the scourge of terrorism, which is undoubtedly becoming a serious threat to international peace and security. Africa has increasingly become a victim of this scourge.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“The dispute between the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the United States and Great Britain is a matter of concern to the Security Council, as it is to the Organization of African Unity. Last September in our addresses to the Security Council both the current Chairman of the OAU and I specifically referred to this issue. I therefore welcome the decision of the Governments of the United States and Great Britain to accept the proposal for the suspects to be tried in The Hague by Scottish judges under Scottish law. This decision is consistent with the position supported by the OAU and other organizations, and it provides the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“The international community should therefore continue to urge the parties to seek a peaceful solution based on United Nations and OAU principles and taking into account the long-term interests of the two countries. As we meet today, the pursuit of the peace process in Angola is fraught with serious difficulties and obstacles. Indeed, the continued and flagrant violation of the Lusaka Protocol and Security Council resolutions by UNITA is a matter of serious concern. The international community and, particularly, the Security Council should exert the necessary pressure on Mr. Savimbi to live up to his commitments, according to the Lusaka Protocol and the relevant Security Council resolutions, and to avoid plunging that country again into fratricidal and senseless conflict.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“Conversely, chaos and anarchy in that Vital African country will not only be a nightmare for the Congolese people and the people of the region, but will also affect Africa as a whole. The unfortunate crisis between Ethiopia and Eritrea is also of the utmost concern. The Organization of African Unity, through its high level delegation of heads of State, under the leadership of the current Chairman, President Blaise Compaore, has been deploying efforts aimed at promoting an early peaceful solution to the conflict. Indeed, we believe that everything has to be done to avert a further escalation of tension and to avoid a military confrontation between the two countries, which could only bring about suffering and destruction to their people and would also undermine the prospects for lasting peace, security and stability in the region.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“In View of the magnitude of the crisis and its far-reaching implications for the region and the continent as a whole, and as the principal body for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council should stand ready not only in providing concrete support and assistance to regional and continental efforts but also, if and when the need arises, to set up a peacekeeping mechanism to consolidate peace and understanding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region. I need hardly emphasize that peace, stability and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with its sovereignty and territorial integrity intact is in our collective interest.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“Our most recent joint endeavour in Durban, on the margins of the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, where we worked hard and hand in hand in promoting conditions for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is an example of cooperation that we need to pursue. As African leaders, working together with their continental Organization, continue to deploy their efforts to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict in that country, the Security Council should extend its strong support to these efforts.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“In doing so we have been guided by the Cairo Summit Declaration establishing the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, which underlines the importance of the cooperation between the Organization of African Unity, African subregional organizations and the United Nations. It is in this context that we, at the OAU, attach the greatest importance to the strengthening of relations and cooperation between the OAU and the United Nations. We value the role and contribution that the United Nations, as the world body, can make in support of the peace efforts and initiatives in the continent. I wish, in this respect, to put on record my highest appreciation for the commitment and disposition demonstrated by the United Nations Secretary-General, with whom I have been working very closely.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“In all those efforts, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) has endeavoured to assume its continental responsibility in a spirit of cooperation, solidarity and complementarity between the continental body and African subregional organizations. Indeed, we believe in African solutions to African problems within the framework of regional and subregional initiatives. Increasingly, such approaches are offering real prospects for conflict containment and conflict resolution in Africa. These initiatives need, however, to be strengthened and supported at the continental level and internationally in a spirit of true partnership for peace. We have also worked closely with the United Nations in bringing the collective weight of our two Organizations to bear in promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts in the continent.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“In spite of these daunting problems, it is a matter of record that one of the remarkable features of the state of affairs of our continent has been our demonstrable determination to seek solutions that can improve our situation. African leaders have left no stone unturned in taking initiatives to promote a peaceful resolution of the various conflicts afflicting the continent. The sustained efforts deployed by African countries in attempts to contain the crises which erupted between Ethiopia and Eritrea, in the Comoros, in Guinea-Bissau and, most recently, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are a clear testimony to Africa's commitment to address its problems, particularly those affecting peace, security and stability.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“On the political front, despite some encouraging developments, such as those in Sierra Leone and the Central African Republic, the progress in the peace process in Burundi, and the positive steps towards democracy in some African countries, the continent has not been spared conflicts, with the attendant consequences in terms of loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property and immense suffering to our people. At the same time, Africa as a whole has continued to experience a difficult economic situation. These difficulties are further compounded by the severe problems and tensions resulting from the socio- economic reform and transformation programmes being carried out by most of our countries.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“Let me also express my gratitude to all the members of the Security Council for their continued interest in Africa. It is indeed encouraging that the Security Council continues to demonstrate special interest in and concern about developments in our continent. I hope that this will lead to a more active involvement of the United Nations in support of our efforts towards a more peaceful, stable and progress-oriented continent. Since the last special ministerial meeting on Africa, our continent has continued to be confronted by severe problems of a socio-economic and political nature.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“Tomorrow, 25 September 1998, it will be exactly one year since we met here in an unprecedented meeting of the Security Council at ministerial level, held at the initiative of the United States Government, to review the state of the African continent and to assess how we had collectively fared in dealing with the myriad challenges that confront the continent. Since then, we have received the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. I wish to pay a deserved tribute to the Secretary-General for his focused and comprehensive report, which deserves serious consideration, and for the strong commitment and keen interest that he continues to show in matters affecting the continent and its people.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“I am very pleased that this important meeting of the Security Council devoted to Africa is being held under the presidency of Sweden. We appreciate deeply the contribution that Sweden has made since the period of our continent's struggle against colonialism and apartheid, and its efforts to promote development and improve the welfare of our people. Throughout this period, Sweden has stood firmly in support of Africa's quest for freedom, justice, dignity and development. On a personal note, let me say how happy I am to see you, Madam President, presiding over the deliberations of the Council. Having known you for many years and having had the pleasure of working with you in different areas of mutual concern, I am very conscious of your personal commitment to the causes which are so dear to our continent.”
1998-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3931 (1998) · source
“It is our sincere hope and expectation that the symbolic and political manifestation of interest and concern inherent in the holding of this special ministerial session of the Security Council will be followed up by a more active and committed involvement of the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole in dealing with African problems - especially those relating to peace, security, stability and development.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“We have already initiated consultations with the United Nations in this respect, and we look forward to establishing concrete modalities for improved cooperation. However, beyond the necessary enhancement of the OAU capacity, there is also the need to support the capacity of our individual Member States and their subregional mechanisms to enable them to meet their responsibilities in conflict prevention, management and resolution. I wish, in this regard, to welcome the recent initiatives taken by some of our external partners to support Africa's capacity in peacekeeping. We see these initiatives as a demonstration of good disposition to enhance Africa's efforts at conflict prevention, management and resolution.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“In this endeavour, we should be guided by the need to ensure complementarity and rational division of work based on comparative advantage. Such cooperation should, as a matter of urgency, focus on addressing the current outbreaks of violence and conflicts in the continent. But it should increasingly pay more attention to preventive diplomacy, preventive action and preventive deployment. We should also aim at re-orienting our cooperation towards building a joint capacity for post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building. Finally, I wish to emphasize the importance of providing the OAU with the necessary logistic and technical assistance to enhance its capacity to respond to conflict situations.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“For example, many people in Africa fail to understand why, despite the request made by the Chairman of the International Mediation Committee on the situation in the Congo, His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo, President of Gabon, for the deployment of a peacekeeping force, the Security Council has not to date been able to take decisive action. With respect to the cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU, we should aim at building a new partnership, in keeping with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter and the "Agenda for Peace", on the role of the regional organizations in the maintenance of peace and international security. I wish to seize this opportunity to reiterate our disposition, in the OAU, to continue working very closely with the Secretary-General of the United Nations towards that end.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“While Africa, like any other region, has the responsibility to address its own problems as a matter of priority - and African States have clearly demonstrated their determination to do this - the United Nations cannot exonerate itself from its Charter responsibilities towards the continent. As we meet here, I also believe that we should recommit ourselves to enhanced cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and our continent's institutions. In this respect, I suggest that due consideration should be given by the United Nations, and especially by the Security Council, to the positions of the continent as articulated by its continental Organization - the OAU - and its leaders, in View of the regional advantage they enjoy.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“As the Security Council is holding this special session, we should draw lessons from our experiences. We should learn from the failure to anticipate and effectively to prevent the crime of genocide in Rwanda, which resulted in the decimation of hundreds of thousands of our fellow human beings. We should learn from the inability of the Security Council to respond appropriately to the call by African leaders to deal with the crisis in the eastern part of former Zaire. We should aim at forging a new and true partnership that can enable us together to address, in a sustained manner, the acute problems facing our continent.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“In that endeavour, we should, as President Mugabe, the current Chairman of the OAU, has just stated, also aim at finding lasting and peaceful solutions to disputes, such as the dispute between the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the United States and Great Britain over the Lockerbie issue. The Organization of African Unity has consistently expressed its concern over the continued sanctions imposed on that country, with their humanitarian consequences on the ordinary people, and has called for a fair trial of the suspects according to acceptable requirements of justice and international law. The Security Council may wish to give serious consideration to the proposals jointly presented by the OAU and the League of Arab States aimed at seeking a just and equitable solution to the crisis.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“We must affirm the need for compassion and respect for humanitarian principles, including the principles of asylum and non-refoulement. But as we do so, we must not only strive towards the elimination of the root causes of these humanitarian crises, but also address the legitimate problems and concerns of the countries of asylum. We should, therefore, recommit ourselves to pooling our resources and energy and working closely together in order to address the scourge of conflicts afflicting the African continent and to promote a climate of peace, security, stability and understanding.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“These conflicts have caused irreparable loss, damage and destruction to our continent and peoples. They have also caused acute humanitarian tragedies. They have forced millions of our peoples into a life of exile as refugees. Furthermore, as a result of the unbearable burden created by the massive influx of refugees to countries of asylum, the environmental degradation generated and the frustrations and resentment raised among local populations, there has been a decline in the traditional African compassion and hospitality towards the refugees. This has been exacerbated by the eruption of the phenomenon of armed refugees. It is imperative to bear these factors in mind as the international community addresses refugee problems and recurring humanitarian crises.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“It is in that spirit that Africa is now involved in the implementation process of the Abuja Treaty on the establishment of the African Economic Community, the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, and other collective undertakings relating to human and social development endeavours. There is no doubt that conflicts which continue to rage in some parts of our continent constitute for us a major preoccupation. Although most African States are not experiencing such an outbreak of conflicts, the fact remains that the existing conflicts have far-reaching implications for the peace, security and stability of the continent as a whole. The conflicts in Sierra Leone, the Horn of Africa, Congo (Brazzaville) and now the Comoros, as well as the tragedies in Rwanda and Liberia, stand in sad testimony to this fact.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“The democratization process is taking root, and the issues of good governance, accountability, respect for human rights and the rule of law are now at the centre of preoccupations in the continent. We strongly believe that the issues of peace, security and stability and the problems of economic development should be addressed simultaneously, as they are mutually reinforcing. We recognize that, while socio-economic development is our fundamental objective, there cannot be meaningful progress in an environment devoid of peace, security and stability.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source
“I wish at the outset to express my appreciation to you, Madam President, and to the members of the Security Council, for the timely initiative to convene this ministerial meeting of the Council devoted to African issues. In meeting today in quite special circumstances, the Security Council acknowledges the concerns that have been raised on the need for the international community to be more engaged in and to pay more attention to the problems confronting Africa. Over the last years, our Continent and its peoples have been confronted with a multitude of serious problems, and in the process we have learned a lot. Today, Africa is deeply engaged in very difficult reforms, both political and socio-economic.”
1997-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3819 (1997) · source