YouSaid · the spoken record

Sangqu

lines on the record: 799
first: 2007-04-25
most recent: 2012-12-10
sittings or episodes: 107
sources: un-security-council

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“Today's discussion and presidential statement (S/PRST/2012/26) are important for highlighting those challenges. Our discussion should be followed by concrete action. We welcome the words of Mr. Prodi in that regard - including support for regional initiatives such as speedily authorizing the deployment of the African-led international support mission.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“In that regard, South Africa fully supports the request by the African Union and ECOWAS for the deployment of the African-led international support mission in Mali to assist the Malian forces to regain control of the north. The Security Council should authorize the deployment of that mission under Chapter VII, as well as provide a United Nations logistical support package. That is urgent. The Council must be seen as united in supporting Malian forces to recapture the north. To conclude, South Africa wishes to reiterate that if the situation is left unattended, it will lead to a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and further human rights violations. If left unchecked, the situation in the Sahel threatens to spread and affect other countries in the region and beyond, as well as to undermine international peace and security.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“Prodi in Rome on 7 December is most important in that regard. In is important for the Special Envoy to urgently finalize the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel, encompassing development, humanitarian and security dimensions. That will ensure that the United Nations is focusing on the challenges facing the region. Allow me to turn to the situation in Mali, which is the most urgent matter requiring our immediate attention. South Africa strongly believes that the challenges facing Mali are related to the overall situation in the Sahel region. We are particularly concerned about the ongoing insecurity in the north of Mali and the threat that the situation poses to the security of neighbouring countries and beyond. The situation in Mali requires an urgent response from the international community and the Council.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“It is imperative that the international community, in collaboration with regional organizations, in particular the African Union and ECOWAS, as well as countries of the region, should work together to address the root causes of the challenges that the region is facing. However, we must remain cognizant of the reality that while the challenges the Sahel is facing demand our urgent response, they also require a long- term sustainable involvement from all of us. Therefore, our commitment must remain unwavering. The appointment of Mr. Romano Prodi and the African Union High Representative for Mali, former President Buyoyo, provides a unique opportunity for the international community to coordinate its efforts in a manner that avoids duplication and promotes efficiency by coordinating the collective response. The meeting convened by Mr.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“The situation is further exacerbated by the presence of terrorist groups in northern Mali, which has prompted massive internal displacement of the population and has created over 400,000 refugees. In March, during the Peace and Security Council meeting held in Bamako, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, committed South Africa to assisting the Governments of the Niger, Mauritania, Mali and Chad to overcome the current drought and food insecurity. So far, between September and October, South Africa has delivered more 100 tons of maize power boosts - nutrition for children. South Africa's shipments to Mali, a part ofthe full humanitarian support package, will be taking place within the next few weeks. The challenges that the Sahel region is facing require a holistic and comprehensive approach from all of us.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“The African Union Peace and Security Council noted that those challenges had been aggravated by developments in the Maghreb region, especially the crisis in Libya, the influx of internally displaced persons and the increase in transnational organized crimes and the proliferation of weapons. It is for that reason that the international community should work closely with the African Union, countries of the Sahel region and ECOWAS in addressing the situation. We are also concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region. It is reported that humanitarian agencies will require more than $800 million to respond effectively to the food security and nutrition crisis facing the region.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“The situation in the Sahel constitutes a serious threat to security and stability on the African continent, as well as to international peace and security. That region has, over the last few months, endured enormous and complex challenges, including continued instability in some countries, increased terrorist activities, transnational criminal activities, a worsening humanitarian situation and a persistent food crisis. In that context, my delegation recognizes the interconnectedness of the challenges that the region is facing; they are complex in nature. My delegation continues to be concerned by the growing threat posed by terrorist groups and criminal elements in the region, as well as drugs, weapons and human trafficking, which are providing the financial wherewithal for their activities.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“We thank the Moroccan delegation for organizing and presiding over today's important debate on the situation in the Sahel region. Mr. Othmani's presence here today demonstrates the seriousness that the Kingdom of Morocco attaches to long-term peace and stability of that region. We would also like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for the Sahel, Mr. Romano Prodi, and the High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for their briefings and welcome the Secretary-General for his participation here today. At the same time, South Africa commends ongoing efforts by regional leaders in the Sahel, in particular the African Union and its Special Envoy, President Buyoya, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aimed at addressing the situation in the region.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, we would like to propose that the Council holds an interactive discussion based on the recommendations to consider those that could be incorporated into the work of the Security Council. I would like to express my personal gratitude and that of the South African delegation to the members of the Working Group for their collaboration and the support extended to me in discharging of the Group's mandate. My appreciation also goes to the Organization and all individuals who greatly enriched the discussions of the Working Group. Finally, I would like to thank the Secretariat for assisting us in fulfilling our mandate, in particular James Sutterlin, Marylyn Alfred and, previously, Oseloka Obaze, for their dedicated support to my delegation. I wish my successor all the best in continuing with their work done by the Working Group.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, we would propose that topics are continually revisited in order to examine in depth the challenges that continue to persist in Africa and to try and find mitigating mechanisms through continuous dialogue. In addition, it will be recalled that, in resolution 2033 (2012), the Council decided to follow up on the communiques of the annual consultative meetings of the two Councils, including through its Ad hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa. The Working Group should continue with that important mandate, entrusted to it by the Security Council. Moving forward, the various meetings identified very useful recommendations that could enhance the work of the Security Council.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“During South Africa's tenure as Chair of the Working Group, we have placed significant emphasis on making the meetings open to non-members of the Security Council and civil society organizations, especially those active on the ground. We have encouraged open and frank discussions in order to cultivate ideas that would positively contribute to enhancing the work of the Security Council, especially since its agenda is particularly focused on African issues. We would like to recommend that the Working Group continues to have more open meetings of that nature. During our tenure, we utilized diverse expertise from the academia, the Secretariat and other practitioners. That has greatly enriched discussions by providing different expertise and experiences. We therefore encourage the continuation of that practice.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, the discussions allowed for an exchange of views on the application of the rule of law. Practical insights were made on the challenges regarding implementation of the rule oflaw in Africa and how it applies to the efforts of the international community to resolve conflict, with a focus on Security Council efforts. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Sandy, we cancelled the meeting entitled "The promotion of the African Union Charter on democracy, elections and governance", which was scheduled to take place on 30 October. Likewise, we were unable to hold the meeting on reflecting on conflicts in Africa, which aimed to look at understanding the causes and drivers towards promoting and providing sustainable solutions to African conflicts.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“On preventative diplomacy, the discussions focused on success stories, particularly the important role played by the United Nations, the AU and other regional organizations. On 8 June, the Working Group held a meeting on enhancing African Union-United Nations cooperation. The seminar discussed practical ways in which the commitments made by the Security Council in resolution 2033 (2012) could be implemented and how the AU and the United Nations could further cooperate in the prevention of conflict in Africa. The Working Group also held a meeting on the promotion of and respect for the rule of law and justice in the prevention and resolution of conflicts in Africa. That meeting discussed the relationship between the rule of law and conflict prevention, particularly in the context of the Security Council.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“On 28 September 2011, the Working Group held another seminar that focused on the root causes of conflict on Africa and looked at new and emerging challenges to peace and security. The meeting, inter alia, discussed the Secretary-General's report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (see S/2011/476) as well as the World Bank report on conflict, security and development in 2011. The Working Group also held a seminar on recent lessons learned in African conflict prevention and resolution, coordinating responses and supporting local capacities. The meeting discussed how the thrust of preventive work could shift from reactive external interventions, with a limited and superficial impact, to internally driven initiatives on developing local and national prevention capacities.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“On 3 May 2011, the Working Group held an interactive dialogue between the members of the Working Group and the permanent representatives of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council members based in New York. That discussion focused on cooperation between the two Councils and was in preparation for the annual discussions between the Councils, which were held in Addis Ababa later in May. The Working Group also held a seminar on early warning tools and indicators to assess the risk of election-related violence in Africa. The meeting reviewed the early warning tools available for identifying and preventing election-based and election-related violence and how those tools could be used by the international community before, during and after elections.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“The meeting looked at how the Working Group could improve its monitoring of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the presidential statement and how fast the Council could actualize and concretize their recommendations, as well the frequency of their reporting to the Security Council. Several recommendations on the working methods of the Working Group emanated from this meeting, the most notable being that the Council could task the Working Group with tracking and monitoring the implementation of the Council's resolutions and other outcomes concerning peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution mediation in Africa and with submitting recommendations to the Council.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“South Africa has had the honour and privilege to serve as the Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa for the past two years. The Group was created pursuant to statement S/PRST/2002/2 by the President of the Security Council, in which the Council recognized the need for adequate measures to prevent and resolve conflicts in Africa. Consequently, the Working Group has over the past two years considered thematic issues that directly concern the work of the Council in identifying proposals, which may be useful to the Council's work in Africa. As such, my statement will focus on the work that has been done since we assumed the role of Chair of the Working Group in 2011. On 31 March 2011, the Working Group held a meeting that examined ways of enhancing the Group's effectiveness.”
2012-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6881 (2012) · source
“We believe that the United Nations should, through CTED and the CTITF, in cooperation with regional structures, play a particular role with regard to the threat of terrorism in Africa, especially as it is playing out in Mali and the Sahel. South Africa remains committed to the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and calls on all Member States to fulfil their commitments in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In addition, although significant work has been done to neutralize and eliminate the threat of Al-Qaida, we acknowledge the evolving threat posed by Al-Qaida, which has readjusted itself into small organizations scattered throughout different regions of the world. We acknowledge the role of sanctions in supporting the global fight against terrorism. We acknowledge the work done and the progress made by the Office of the Ombudsperson in that regard. Transparency, fairness and due process remain critical aspects of this work. It is therefore important that States collaborate to further strengthen the Office of the Ombudsperson to ensure the continued application of these principles in the execution of its duties.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“We acknowledge the work of CTED, with a specific reference to the efforts to strengthen analytical tools for the purposes of monitoring and assessment in order to ensure the effective implementation of resolutions 1873 (2009) and 1624 (2005). It is crucial to continue revising the assessment tools, such as the overview implementation assessment and the details of the implementation survey, which will enhance the work of the Committee through their assistance and collaboration. We have taken note of the CTED assessment conducted in different parts of the world to ensure the success of the United Nations global counter-terrorism efforts.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“States have committed to eliminating weapons of mass destruction through the relevant national treaties and conventions, yet those dangerous and indiscriminate weapons still threaten humankind through their very existence. While many developing countries continue to implement their commitments under resolution 1540 (2004), it is important that we recall that the responsibility is with all members of the international community. The support of fellow States, as well as international organizations, is crucial to prevent non-State actors, including terrorists, from acquiring such weapons or their means of delivery.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“We are heartened that South Africa will end its tenure by, among other things, hosting a workshop on the implementation of resolution 1540 for African States, from 21 to 22 of November, as well as one in India on the synergies between resolution 1540 and nuclear security. South Africa underscores that the threat posed by non-State actors acquiring materials that could be used for nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or their means of delivery is a danger for all States. However, we are equally concerned about the lack of complete and sustainable progress in the area of disarmament when it comes to weapons of mass destruction.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“South Africa believes that the success of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy lies in effective and meaningful collaboration between the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), as well as cooperation among the 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees. It has been an honour for South Africa to lead the work of the 1540 Committee in the Council for the past two years. We consider that to be a vote of confidence with regard to the importance that we attach to disarmament and non-proliferation issues.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“The sophisticated challenges posed by the complex phenomena of terrorism require comprehensive and collaborative strategies. Having noted that it is of paramount importance to address the fundamental causes of terrorism, such as marginalized people under occupation, socioeconomic and political disparities, if those deep-seated issues are not dealt with, they will continue to be a breeding ground for the manifestation and spread of terrorism. South Africa maintains that the United Nations should continue to lead international efforts to combat terrorism in accordance with legal norms and human rights.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“I would like to conclude my statement by mentioning that, with the end of my tenure as the Chair of the 1540 Committee drawing near, I encourage the members of the Council to keep in mind our shared commitment to prevent non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. I will now make a short statement in my national capacity. South Africa acknowledges that, in the past decade, significant work has been done in the fight against the spread of international terrorism. We will continue to work with the United Nations, the African Union and other regional structures in order to uproot the scourge of global terrorism.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“With input from the 1540 Committee's working group on assistance and from the Committee's working group on cooperation with international organizations, including the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001), where appropriate, we will continue to participate in outreach activities at the international and regional levels. We will also continue to promote our engagement with States, as well as effective dialogue and cooperative action on non-proliferation to prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their means of delivery.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“I would like to note briefly that that new programme of work emphasizes, inter alia, the 1540 Committee's cooperation with international organizations, including the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001), specifically on considering the expansion of our common strategy on reporting, as well as to develop a more coordinated approach to subregional workshops, in line with paragraph 36 of resolution 1822 (2008) and within our respective mandates.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“I am pleased to report today that six out of the nine experts are currently on board and we will soon have the entire group effectively established, thus enhancing the capacity of the 1540 Committee to efficiently carry out its mandate. As I mentioned at the beginning of my statement, the 1540 Committee's eleventh programme of work covers the period through 31 May 2013.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“According to the information received by the Committee, a number of other States are in the process of updating or preparing their initial national action plans. In resolution 2055 (2012), adopted on 29 June, the Security Council emphasized the significantly increased workload of the Committee over the course of its mandate and requested the Secretary-General to increase the size of the group of experts to up to nine experts. On 3 July, the Committee informed the Secretariat that, following extensive consultations on its group of experts, the Committee agreed on nine candidates and, in that connection, requested that the Secretary-General take the necessary measures to establish the group of experts in accordance with paragraph 5 (a) of resolution 1977 (2011) and resolution 2055 (2012).”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“The improved reporting record of Member States is to be welcomed. There appears to be a better understanding of the challenges of national implementation and the development of tailored strategies to facilitate assistance for overcoming such potential challenges. In that connection, I am pleased to note that we received a second national report from Afghanistan. Paragraph 8 of resolution 1977 (2011) encourages all States to prepare, on a voluntary basis, national implementation action plans, with the assistance of the 1540 Committee, as appropriate, mapping out their priorities and plans for implementing the key provisions of resolution 1540 (2004) and to submit those plans to the 1540 Committee. We are pleased to report that, since our last meeting, Serbia has submitted its national action plan for the period 2012-2016.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“The Committee looks forward to working with African States to assist them in meeting their reporting requirements by sharing information and practices on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) through outreach events, coordination with the points of contact established by the African Union Commission, and improved synergy with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the World Health Organization, the Group of Eight Global Partnership and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit on providing 1540 (2004)-relevant assistance. The workshop for African States on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) to be held later this month in South Africa will also provide an opportunity to further examine those issues.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Resolution 1977 (2011) also calls upon all States that have not yet presented a first report to the Committee to submit such a report without delay. All States that have submitted such reports are also encouraged to provide, when appropriate or upon the request of the 1540 Committee, additional information on their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). I am pleased to report that, since our last meeting (see S/PV.6767), the number of States that have not submitted a report yet has been reduced to 24, as the Republic ofthe Congo recently submitted its first report on the implementation ofresolution 1540 (2004). As part ofits report to the 1540 Committee, the Republic of the Congo has submitted a request for assistance in particular areas. The request has been passed to potential assistance providers for their consideration.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Since May, the 1540 Committee and its experts have participated in 14 outreach events organized by intergovernmental organizations such as, inter alia, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean of the Office for Disarmament Affairs, and the Group of Eight Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, at times in collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental entities. In the spirit of transparency required by resolution 1977 (2011), information about those outreach events is posted on the 1540 Committee website.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In accordance with resolution 1977 (2011) and within its mandate, the 1540 Committee has continued to engage in various outreach activities to promote the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including the sharing of best practices and lessons learned, capacity-building and technical assistance in the areas covered by the resolution.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Together, we have raised global awareness of resolution 1540 (2004), facilitated assistance to States to enable them to strengthen national capabilities to implement its requirements, laid the foundation for improved mechanisms for sharing the most effective practices on national implementation and promoted synergy with other international organizations. Those are just some of the areas on which the Committee will continue to focus its attention, in accordance with its eleventh programme of work, which we have transmitted to the Council on 22 August. The Committee will continue to work with Member States on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1540 (2004) and 1977 (2011), guided by the principles of transparency, equal opportunity, cooperation and consistency in its approach.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“I thank the Council for the opportunity to provide a short summary of the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), since our last joint meeting in May (see S/PV.6767), in order to complement the key points made by Ambassador Singh Puri in the joint statement. As Council members know, my tenure as Chair of the 1540 Committee is coming to a close. Since this is my lastjoint briefing, I would like to thank the Security Council and the Secretariat for the support provided to me and the 1540 Committee during the past two years.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Developments in the recent past have shown - as confirmed during the Security Council mission to Timor- Leste - the desire of the Timorese people to own their future focused on development. That focus on national ownership can been seen in the manner in which the Timorese people have begun to assert control over their destiny and in their willingness to address shortcomings. We in the international community should support that noble endeavour. Timor-Leste is a success story for the United Nations. For its part, South Africa will continue to support the people of Timor-Leste in their quest for sustainable peace and development.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“We take note of the Government request for an innovative partnership with the United Nations, while we remain cognizant that such a relationship falls outside of the mandate of the Security Council. We urge the Timorese authorities and the Secretariat to consult on the modalities for such a relationship. Addressing the crimes ofthe past remains a challenge for Timor-Leste. We recognize the willingness of the Government to forge ahead in a spirit of reconciliation and to move forward in a positive relationship with its people and neighbours. During the Security Council visit, the Government and the Prosecutor-General were aware of that issue, which the country is addressing through its own processes.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“They include human resource capacity constraints, the need to strengthen State institutions and national judicial capacities, reparations for crimes of the past, security sector strengthening and socioeconomic development. Those are challenges that many of our countries face. They are not challenges that can be addressed overnight. We are confident that the institutional arrangements in place in Timor-Leste are adequate to address those challenges. The international community should remain a partner to the Timorese people. Bilateral and multilateral partnerships with the country are essential to address institutional capacity-building and development. The United Nations country team should continue with its sterling efforts to assist in the development of the country.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“In resolution 2037 (2012), the Council made it clear that it is for the Timorese authorities to decide on the future role of the United Nations in the country. The Government of Timor-Leste has made its views very clear. It does not seek to remain on the agenda of the Security Council. Instead, it seeks an innovative relationship with the United Nations, focused on development and institutional strengthening. It is the View of South Africa that Timor-Leste has made significant strides towards peace and stability and that the situation there does not pose a threat to international peace and security. It is therefore time for the matter of Timor-Leste to be removed from the agenda of the Security Council. We recognize the challenges faced by the Timorese.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“During the Security Council's visit there was an opportunity to witness the tremendous progress made by the F-FDTL and PNTL. Those institutions are well equipped to address the security needs of the country. The adoption by the Government of its five-year programme and the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan for the period 2011 to 2030 highlights the emphasis on efforts to address socioeconomic challenges and to promote equitable and inclusive development throughout the country, especially for peasants in rural areas, women and young people. The leadership role of the Government of Timor-Leste in the Group of Seven Plus fragile States and its active leadership in promoting the implementation of the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States are commendable.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“However, the senior leadership of the PNTL and the political will of the Timorese authorities give us confidence that those gaps will be overcome. As Prime Minister Gusmao stated at the certification ceremony, "the resolve and wisdom of our people manage to draw strength from weaknesses". As an indication of Timor-Leste's remarkable transition, it has gone from a country hosting a United Nations peacekeeping mission to one that has deployed personnel to such missions in other countries, such as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan. That is a testament to the strengthened capacity of the Falintil-Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) and the will of the Timorese authorities to make a positive contribution to international peace and security.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“As we meet to consider the situation in the country and to dwell on the future United Nations role as peacekeepers prepare to depart, we must consider the significant progress made over recent years. Particularly notable is the successful holding of presidential and parliamentary elections earlier this year, the confirmation of a new Government, a stable security situation and the resumption ofall policing responsibility by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Lcste (PNTL). The final certification ofthe full reconstitution ofthe PNTL, which marked the end of operational support by United Nations police (UNPOL) to the PNTL, is particularly significant. It is an indication that the PNTL has the capacity to fulfil its responsibilities. Gaps remain, as noted in the PNTL-UNPOL joint working group report.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“Today, 12 November, is especially significant, as it is a day on which the people of Timor- Leste commemorate the Santa Cruz massacre, one of the bloodiest days in the history of that nation. Over the past 21 years since that tragic day in 1991, the country has undergone a dramatic shift from the struggle for independence through the teething challenges of a newly independent nation to what we find today, namely, a vibrant nation that has made significant strides towards peace and development. Throughout that period, the United Nations - through its various missions, including the current United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) - has closely partnered with the people of Timor-Leste on their journey.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“My delegation wishes to welcome to the Security Council once again His Excellency Mr. Jose Luis Guterres, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste,. We welcome his insightful Views on the progress attained by his country. We also wish to thank the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Finn Reske-Nielsen, for his comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in Timor-Leste. South Africa is pleased to extend its congratulations to Timor-Leste on the 10-year anniversary of the restoration of its independence and the thirteenth anniversary of the popular consultation. It is not only a milestone for the Government and people of Timor- Leste, but also a victory for all the peace-loving people of the world, who continue to champion the right to self-determination.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source
“Sinclair, security officers Edwards and Henn, and all the Security Council Secretariat Branch and United Nations security, respectively - for their professional and tireless efforts and support during the preparatory stage and during the mission.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“However, key to that new phase would be national ownership of the process, which was stressed to the mission in all its interactions. In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Council members that participated in the mission for their unwavering support. On behalf of my colleagues who participated in the mission, I would like to thank the Government and the people of Timor- Leste for their hospitality, assistance and cooperation, and the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary- General and the entire staff of UNMIT for providing us with the necessary support during the Security Council mission's Visit to Timor-Leste. I cannot end without also thanking our support team - Ms. Lahoud, Mr. McNab, Mr.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“That Team has managed to investigate 319 cases to date and was hoping to reach 335 of the outstanding 396 cases by December. The rest would thus remain pending and will require nine months to be completed. The Government assured the mission that the matter was being addressed. The withdrawal of UNMIT will not mark the end of the partnership between Timor-Leste and the United Nations. The Organization will continue to provide support to its national institutions by designing and implementing programmes for its accelerated development through United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in partnership with Timor-Leste. Bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and its partners will continue to be important in providing the necessary assistance.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“They should be examined in the context of the huge transition that the country has undergone in the past 10 years. Education, youth employment, health-care and equitable development will require a continuous close engagement by the Timorese authorities with the support of their international partners to overcome the remaining challenges. The institutional arrangements that have been put in place provide confidence that once UNMIT is withdrawn, the Government of Timor- Leste has the capacity to address those challenges. One key remaining issue once the UNMIT mandate ends is that the investigations of all serious crimes will not be complete. Under UNMIT, the Serious Crimes Investigation Team was created to assist the Office of the Prosecutor-General to conduct investigations into the serious crimes of the past.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“Instead, it seeks an innovative relationship with the United Nations focused on development and institutional strengthening. All Timorese stakeholders with which the mission interacted were unanimous in their View that UNMIT's role has run its course and that it should withdraw. There were some divergent views on the future United Nations role. In our various interactions, especially with political parties and NGOs, but also with the Government itself, the challenges faced by the country became evident. They include human resources capacity constraints, strengthening State institutions and national and judicial capacities, addressing past crimes, a security sector review and socio-economic development. While not insignificant, such challenges are not insurmountable.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source