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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“The task of the special adviser would be to support the implementation of Timor- Leste's Strategic Development Plan and the efforts to strengthen institutions within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals, with special attention to the principles of the new deal. The Prime Minister stated that the Special Adviser could also play a role in supporting Timor-Leste's leadership of the Group of Seven Plus fragile States. Resolution 2037 (2012) encouraged a timely decision by the Government of Timor-Leste on the nature, activities and scope of the United Nations post- UNMIT in coordination with UNMIT and the United Nations country team and other relevant stakeholders. The Government of Timor-Leste has made its views very clear. It does not seek to remain on the agenda of the Security Council.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“Prime Minister Gusmao noted that the United Nations would continue to be an important partner in the new phase of the country's development and that Timor-Leste would like to establish an innovative working relationship of cooperation with the United Nations with a focus on institutional strengthening and development. That message was explicitly relayed to the mission in its interactions with the Prime Minister and senior Government ministers. The Prime Minister suggested that the future United Nations role could involve the appointment of a non-resident special adviser on Timor-Leste who would report directly to the Secretary-General.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“On 20 September, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao sent a letter to the Secretary-General expressing his Government's appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations for the continued support to Timor-Leste (S/2012/736, annex). He further stated that Timor-Leste no longer required United Nations support through the presence of either a United Nations peacekeeping or political mission beyond the end of 2012 and that consequently there was no requirement for the continued consideration of Timor- Leste's affairs by the Security Council.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“In our discussions with the Timorese interlocutors, we noted that they were aware that there were gaps and that there was willingness to address them. The mission also had an opportunity to engage with the Falintil-Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL). We were provided with an overview of the progress in and plans of the defence sector. There have been concerted attempts to separate the competencies of the PNTL from those of the F-FDTL. In February, the Council adopted resolution 2037 (2012), which extended the UNMIT mandate until 31 December 2012 and endorsed as a plan the phased drawdown of UNMIT, in accordance with the wishes of the Government of Timor-Leste, the conditions on the ground and the subsequent successful completion of the 2012 electoral process.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“During our visit, the mission had an opportunity to engage with senior PNTL officials and the UNPOL Commissioner. The mission also visited the police training centre in Dili and the police station in the town of Same. In all our interactions, we could assess the progress made in implementation the Joint Development Plan that had guided the capacity-building efforts at the national and district levels. The PNTL has been transformed into a professional police force and its conduct in providing exemplary security during the recent rounds of elections is testament to that. The mission was also introduced to 17 PNTL officers who were certified in May and who are now awaiting deployment in United Nations police missions. It was heartening to note that women were part of that group of officers.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“On 31 October, a few days before the mission's Visit, the final certification of the full reconstitution of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) took place. The certification marked the end of operational support by the United Nations police (UNPOL) to the PNTL. It occurred after a PNTL-UNPOL joint working group had prepared a report assessing the PNTL's capacity. The report identified a number of gaps but generally gave a favourable assessment of the PNTL's institutional capacity. Challenges include continued budgetary assistance for the PNTL, the improvement of its disciplinary regime and reporting mechanisms, the implementation of PNTL-related aspects of the national plan of action against gender-based violence and the improvement of communications systems.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“Timor-Leste is a very different place from six years ago, when the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste was initially deployed. There have been significant developments in the country in the past 10 years, since the restoration of its independence and, specifically, after the crisis in 2006. Due to the resilience and determination of the Timorese people and its leaders, the country has made tremendous progress. Stability has prevailed. Thousands of displaced persons have returned home. The elections took place in accordance with international standards. A new Government has been formed on the basis of the outcome of the election. The opposition has space to operate in line with democratic principles.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“In fulfilling that mandate, during its Visit to Timor-Leste the mission met with various interlocutors in Government, including the President, the Prime Minister, the key Ministers in the Government, the President of Parliament and political parties, including a meeting with the leader of the main opposition party. The mission also held interactions with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and judicial and security actors, as well as representatives of UNMIT and other United Nations agencies on the ground. In addition, the Mission received a briefing from the International Stabilisation Force, led by Australia and New Zealand. The latter is also in the process of drawing down its operation, with the intention of leaving Timor-Leste.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“The purpose ofthe Visit, as provided for the terms of reference agreed upon prior to our visit by all members of the Security Council, was to reaffirm the Security Council's commitment to supporting Timor-Leste; to assess the progress made on the ground; to discuss with the Government of Timor-Leste its vision of an innovative working relationship of cooperation with the United Nations; to commend and express the Security Council's full support for the work of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and for the United Nations country team in Timor- Leste; and to underscore the long-term commitment of the international community to sustainable peace and development in Timor-Leste.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“South Africa was honoured to lead the Security Council mission to Timor-Leste, which comprised six delegations, namely, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Portugal, Togo and South Africa, and took place from 3 to 6 November 2012.”
2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6858 (2012) · source
“As for the Council, it is now crucial and ever more urgent that we set aside the differences between us that are predicated on narrow nationalistic interests and save Syria and the region from total collapse. The international community, and the Security Council in particular, should work in a spirit of unity to find a solution to the situation in Syria before it is too late.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We should also thank the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East and other humanitarian relief agencies for helping to ease the plight of Syrian refugees. Given the escalating humanitarian crisis in Syria and the apparent lack of funds, we appeal to the international community, including the countries in the wider Middle East region, to respond to the humanitarian appeal by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Syria regional response plan. In conclusion, South Africa reiterates that all Syrian parties must be responsible for ending the violence immediately and commit to finding peace.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Even more worrying is the fact that while Syrians are fleeing their country, Syria itself is host to large refugee communities from Somalia, Iraq, the Sudan and Afghanistan, as well as more than 500,000 Palestinians. It is not surprising that those displaced people are concerned about the future, as they are certainly in a precarious situation, with nowhere to go but back home, which they fled for similar reasons. There can be no doubt that the refugee situation is putting increasing strain on the neighbouring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, which are hosting refugees. We must applaud them for providing shelter and other help to those desperate people.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We have heard numerous concerns about the humanitarian situation in Syria but have seen very little action aimed at providing the requisite resources for humanitarian relief. In that regard, we applaud the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos for visiting Syria and engaging with the Syrian authorities on the humanitarian situation. The cooperation of the Syrian authorities and the opposition in facilitating humanitarian access should also be acknowledged and encouraged. The situation of refugees is of equal concern. As the conflict continues, the number of people fleeing and seeking refuge in neighbouring countries is rising dramatically. What is worrying about this is that these people are fleeing to countries that already have their own challenges.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“South Africa appreciates the work of the United Nations, through such relief programmes as the World Food Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund, and their efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation, which is compounded by, among other things, shortages of the basic amenities of life, as well as internal and international displacement. We also want to thank other humanitarian relief agencies, such as the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the numerous national and international non-governmental organizations whose workers have risked their lives and expended significant resources to help the Syrian people.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We recall that the United Nations Charter states that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations." It is evident, by any measure, that the humanitarian situation in Syria is appalling, the more so because the conflict continues unabated, with the parties seemingly determined to defeat each other militarily with no consideration for the resulting human suffering. With more than 2.5 million people in need, including about 1.2 million displaced, the situation is indeed dire, and also affects the most vulnerable, that is, women and children.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“South Africa reiterates that the situation in Syria cannot be solved by military means or by helping one side, militarily or otherwise, to defeat the other. Perhaps it is appropriate, given the allegations being made that some are arming the opposition, to ask whether arming the opposition in Syria is not indirect military intervention. We contend that a military approach may be convenient in the short term, but it will surely expose the country's fault lines and result in unending civil strife, as we have witnessed in other situations where solutions of this nature were pursued without taking internal political dynamics and contexts into account. We hope that humanitarian and protection-of- civilians pretexts will not be used to effect regime change in Syria, at least not in the name of the Security Council.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We appeal to the parties to cooperate with the Joint Special Envoy and the United Nations liaison office with a view to urgently kick-starting a credible Syrian-led and owned political dialogue. Needless to say, the collapse of Syria will certainly adversely affect regional stability in the Middle East, and could even spark a dangerous and undesirable struggle for regional hegemony. Any tilting of the proverbial political scales in favour of one country or grouping of countries in the Middle East will certainly unleash a geopolitical crisis with the potential to further destabilize an already unstable and fragile region. We are already seeing the impact of the Syrian crisis on neighbouring countries, particularly Lebanon.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Brahimi as the new Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on Syria, and we express confidence in his abilities and leadership. I assure him of South Africa's full support. We also wish to commend the role played by the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria, albeit for a limited period, serving as the Organization's eyes and ears on the ground and operating under very difficult circumstances. The unending violence and the intransigence of the parties have made it impossible to continue that Mission. Despite the setback, we are confident that the Secretary-General's proposed liaison office will be in a position to make an assessment of the situation and identify windows of opportunity that could be exploited to launch a political process.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“It is important that the Council approach this crisis in a balanced manner by calling on and applying pressure on all sides to bring an end to the violence, establish a ceasefire and comply with their respective obligations under the six-point plan and the final communique of the Action Group for Syria. It is essential that a credible political process be supported by a united, cohesive international effort towards a Syrian-led negotiated political transition aimed at establishing a democratic pluralistic society that meets the legitimate aspirations of all of the Syrian people. We therefore thank Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis. We welcome the appointment of Mr.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“It will also be important to later hear directly from the Syrian Permanent Representative about the unfolding humanitarian situation in his country. South Africa is on record as condemning the ongoing violence in Syria and conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of all of those who have lost their lives as a result of the Syrian crisis. While today's meeting is focused on the humanitarian situation, it is essential that we remain fully engaged in pursuing a sustainable political solution in Syria. Divisions within the Council have rendered it irrelevant and unable to play a constructive role in fulfilling its Charter-mandated responsibilities to promote peace in the Syrian Arab Republic.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“South Africa expresses its appreciation to the delegation of France for organizing this timely meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Today's meeting provides us yet another opportunity to make an honest and frank assessment of the situation in general and the increasing humanitarian crisis in particular. We thank Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson for his statement today. We also thank United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres for his statement. Both of them painted a rather gloomy humanitarian picture for both Syria and the affected neighbouring countries. We also thank the Ministers of Syria's immediate neighbours - Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon - for their statements.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We therefore call on the parties to exercise flexibility and to enhance their engagement in order to resolve outstanding matters and for reconciliation to prevail.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Regarding the allegations about organ trafficking, we have noted the progress that has been achieved thus far, and we wish to reiterate our position that a credible, third-party, impartial and independent inquiry into the allegations should be conducted. In conclusion, South Africa maintains that resolution 1244 (1999) remains in force and forms the basis for the resolution of the situation in Kosovo. It is therefore incumbent on the international presence in Kosovo, including the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission, to maintain a steady, neutral position in the execution of their mandates, in line with the Security Council's previous decisions. The two sides should refrain from any actions that could undermine the achievements attained in the dialogue process.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“My delegation again urges the parties to show the necessary flexibility and to cooperate in finding solutions to this outstanding issue. The successful resolution ofthe issue ofthe treatment of ethnic minorities in Kosovo could be used as an important confidence-building measure to improve trust and create the climate for the parties to address other outstanding and contentious issues. My delegation remains concerned that cultural and religious sites in Kosovo continue to face security risks, including vandalism. We call on Pristina to reinforce security measures to guard such sites. The public reconciliatory pronouncements from the leaders on both sides are welcome and remain positive contributions towards reconciliation.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“We welcome the progress achieved so far in identifying the remains of some missing persons. The parties' commitment and cooperation on the issue of missing persons is to be commended. We remain confident that, with the support of UNMIK and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, much can be achieved. The treatment of ethnic minorities and the lack of protection measures appear to be impeding progress on their voluntary return to Kosovo. We have noted that the figures on the returnees are much lower, as compared to the previous year. The international community must affirm that it remains the responsibility of Kosovo's authorities to ensure that safe conditions on the ground are present, to protect the rights ofminorities by law and that protective measures are employed in that regard.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is to be commended for its role in facilitating that process. We are, however, concerned that the security situation in northern Kosovo remains fragile. The continued outbreaks of violence and increased tension between ethnic groups are symptomatic of the largely unresolved matters between Serbia and Kosovo. That is not conducive to creating the conditions for peace and national reconciliation to take place. Both sides should work towards exercising restraint and preventing violent confrontations from occurring. We call on all sides to utilize regular, direct dialogues as an important confidence-building measure to improve trust and allow the parties to address the outstanding and contentious issues.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“We are pleased that the new Serbian Government, in particular the new President, has reaffirmed its commitment to that negotiation process and to honouring all agreements reached thus far. South Africa encourages all sides to strengthen that dialogue process in order to reach agreement on outstanding and contentious issues, including the difficulties being encountered in the implementation of agreements already reached. Implementation should be done in the same good faith manner in which agreements were reached in the first place. The successful holding of the Serbian elections in Kosovo should not be underestimated. The peaceful and orderly manner in which they took place is a positive sign that there is political will to peacefully resolve issues.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“While the situation in Kosovo is somewhat stable, the incidents brought to our attention in the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/603) underline the fact that fault lines still exist that have the potential to negate the gains made, resulting in pushing the parties farther apart, unless they are addressed and a solution is found. We welcome the recent visit to the region by the Secretary-General and his call for strong efforts towards the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, including a true, serious and sincere commitment to dialogue. My delegation continues to support the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina, facilitated by the European Union, as mandated by the General Assembly.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“South Africa would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We welcome Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacie to the Council and thank him for his statement. We also welcome Mr. Hashim Thaci and thank him for his statement. We wish to begin by expressing South Africa's appreciation and support for the role of UNMIK, under the capable leadership of Mr. Zarif, in implementing resolution 1244 (1999).”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“South Africa calls on the international community to seriously exert its energies and channel its resources towards a permanent and sustainable political solution, namely, the implementation of a two-State solution, providing for the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognized borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, prior to the outbreak of the so-called Six-Day War between Arab States and Israel, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“Such a development would have a severe impact on the stability of the entire region. In conclusion, we welcome the Arab League's decision to revive Palestine's bid for United Nations membership. Restating the continent's support of the Palestinian cause, the Assembly of the African Union, at its nineteenth ordinary session, underscored that "full membership of the United Nations is a right to be enjoyed by all sovereign States" and reaffirmed Africa's support to the two-State solution. Evidently, it is not enough that the Security Council meets every few months in the Chamber merely to restate our widely known positions on this agenda item.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“The brutal attacks on Israeli tourists in Bulgaria on 18 July are deplorable. South Africa strongly condemns them. We support the call to bring to justice those responsible for the attacks. On Syria, we remain extremely concerned that the violence continues unabated, with no sign of adherence to the Annan plan. South Africa reiterates its position that the only hope for the people of Syria is a Syrian-led dialogue, aimed at a peaceful political transition that reflects the will of the people. The only way forward is the six-point plan as proposed by Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan. Again, we call on the parties to stop the fighting and violence and to immediately begin negotiations. Failing to start negotiations immediately will result in the already dire situation further spiralling out of control.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“We have heard expressions of concern, including by some members of the Council, about the efficacy of the Quartet. The United Nations is a member of the Quartet but it is unclear to us what value it adds to its equation. We believe that there is a serious need to take a step back and assess the utility of the Quartet in its current make-up with a view to consolidating its gains, correcting its mistakes and weaknesses, and possibly reconfiguring or even disbanding it, if needs be. We encourage the Palestinian parties to forge ahead with their reconciliation efforts. The role that Egypt continues to play in that regard is most welcome. We encourage the parties to proceed rapidly with preparations for the upcoming local elections, which, we hope, will enhance democracy and ensure that internal Palestinian unity is sustained.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“Gravely concerned about such atrocities, the Assembly of the African Union, at its nineteenth ordinary session held recently, reminded Israel of its obligation under the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1961 United Nations Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. We hope that the Israeli Government will prosecute those responsible for abuses against African migrants and adhere to its international humanitarian law obligations. Regarding the political process, South Africa remains concerned about the lack of significant progress. However, we note the ongoing low-level talks between Israelis and Palestinians, especially on confidence-building measures, which, if successful, may lay the ground for the resumption of the long-awaited direct negotiations.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“The latest figures released by the United Nations, which indicate a significant loss of farmland and fishing waters in Palestine, further undermining sustainable economic activity, are also a cause for great concern. On the issue of Palestinian political prisoners, South Africa welcomes Israel's decision to allow family visits to Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross in facilitating those visits are commendable. However, we urge the Israeli Government to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law by ensuring the prisoners' safety and welfare, including by respecting their basic human rights. We condemn the assault, torture, killing and deportation of African migrants in Israel, which constitute human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“South Africa once again condemns the continued settlement construction in the West Bank, and in East Jerusalem in particular, which violates international law and the resolutions of this Council. Again, it is deplorable that the Council, which has moved with commendable speed on conflict situations elsewhere in the world, has been unable, and sometimes unwilling, to end those illegal actions. Equally, we condemn the continued demolition of Palestinian property and the violence carried out by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian population in the occupied Palestinian West Bank. Manifest to that illegal practice are the recent reports of Israel seeking the authority to demolish eight Palestinian hamlets in the South Hebron Hills, opening the way for Israeli military training operations.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“However, we are deeply concerned about the report's worrying conclusion that the overall framework remains grim, primarily because of the realities of the occupation and the unabated expansion of Israeli settlements. In that regard, we believe that it is the obligation of the international community, especially the Security Council, to use the variety of measures at its disposal to ensure that the occupation of Palestine, in general, and the blockade of Gaza, in particular, be immediately stopped. The Palestinians deserve better. South Africa applauds the various United Nations agencies for their efforts to assist the Palestinians as they struggle to survive the Israeli military occupation.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“Israel must adhere to the international community's demand for it to end the illegal blockade that has exacerbated the suffering of ordinary civilians. Such a blockade and the attendant restrictions imposed on essential materials entering Gaza are in violation of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and are contrary to the will of the international community, as expressed in resolutions 242 (1968), 338 (1973) and 1515 (2003), as well as the Arab Peace Initiative. We welcome the socio-economic progress in the occupied Palestinian territories mentioned in the 2012 report of the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, entitled "The situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories".”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“My delegation wishes to thank Mr. Robert Serry for his briefing to the Council today. My delegation associates itself with the statement to be delivered later today by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We also thank the representatives of Palestine and Israel for their contribution to the briefing this morning. The blockade of Gaza by Israel has now entered its sixth year. There does not appear to be even a glimmer of hope that the Israeli Government will lift the blockade that has stifled socio-economic growth and affected the humanitarian conditions of the Gazan population. Despite repeated calls for Israel to lift the blockade, it has continued its defiance of international law with impunity.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“In conclusion, it is worth reflecting upon how far we have come. The progress that Sierra Leone has made since the civil war ended, 10 years ago, is remarkable. Of course, huge problems remain, including high youth unemployment, infrastructural dilapidation and a lack of institutional capacity. But there are grounds for optimism that Sierra Leone is on the path to building lasting peace. The Security Council will continue to play its role in that journey. I am grateful to Ambassador Sir Mark Lyall Grant and the United Kingdom Mission for their joint leadership on this mission. Ijoin other Council members in expressing my appreciation to the Secretariat for its diligent professionalism in organizing the mission on short notice.”
2012-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6777 (2012) · source
“On the issues ofthe purchase of weapons for the use of the Sierra Leone police, President Koroma reassured us that those weapons were transferred to the armed forces of Sierra Leone in the presence of international observers. A further mark of the progress that the Council observed was the pride that the Government of Sierra Leone and the military conveyed to us about the forthcoming deployment of the armed forces as peacekeepers to the African Union Mission in Somalia. At our luncheon with civil society, we met representatives of women's groups who shared their ideas about peacebuilding and reconciliation, including on the question of reparations for war victims. All speakers stressed the role that women can play as an early-warning system for potential conflict, and spoke in favour of greater representation for women in Parliament.”
2012-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6777 (2012) · source
“While we heard that the political environment in the country continues to be dominated by intense rivalry and mistrust between the two major political parties, the Council was encouraged by the signing, by all the political parties, of a declaration agreeing to contest the elections fairly and not to resort to violence. In our meetings with the military and other representatives from the security sector, we were encouraged by the commitment we heard to army and police neutrality. The military and police training provided by the United Nations and bilateral donors over the past 10 years has clearly helped to develop a culture of policing based on protecting the security and human rights of all citizens in Sierra Leone. That work needs to continue.”
2012-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6777 (2012) · source
“Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, and the staff of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office (UNIPSIL) for welcoming the Council and supporting our visit, in particular given how recently Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen himself arrived in Freetown. We greatly appreciate the support that UNIPSIL, working with the rest of the United Nations family, is providing to peacebuilding in Sierra Leone. Truly, that is "One UN" in action. As you might expect, Mr. President, the forthcoming elections featured prominently during the Council's visit. We received from President Koroma a clear and welcome commitment to a free, fair and transparent process. Discussions with all political parties and the National Electoral Commission reassured us that good progress was being made in preparing for November's poll.”
2012-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6777 (2012) · source
“I am pleased to give this account of the Security Council visit to Sierra Leone on 23 May, on behalf of Ambassador Sir Mark Lyall Grant, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, and of myself. The aim of the Council's visit to Sierra Leone was to encourage continued efforts to consolidate peace and national reconciliation. During the visit, the Council met President Koroma and several of his Ministers, representatives from all 10 registered political parties and the National Electoral Commission. The Council also met members of civil society, including women's groups, so that the Council could hear from the people of Sierra Leone about the remarkable journey that their country has made since the civil war, which will continue with the forthcoming elections. We would like to thank Mr.”
2012-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6777 (2012) · source
“In conclusion, the Council has an important role to play in ensuring that the counter-terrorism strategy of the United Nations shall become more transparent and accountable to the wider membership that it represents. South Africa is pleased to note that some progress has been made in that regard, and we hope that our efforts to find a sustainable strategy to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to eradicate the dangers posed by non-State actors, including the possibility of terrorists' acquiring sensitive materials, remain at the centre of our discussions.”
2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source
“It is important that those concerns be addressed with the proper understanding that, as States implement their Chapter VII obligations as contained in resolution 1540 (2004), their national ownership of that process is to be respected. South Africa has tried to reach out in a more even-handed manner to developing countries. We have noticed that one of the key recent trends emerging in the Committee from the developing world's perspective is the increasing number of States that have requested some form of assistance in implementing their legally binding obligations under the resolution, while we are also pleased that resolution 1977 (2011) provides us with a mechanism by which to do so.”
2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source
“My delegation is of the view that the creation of any new office should be measured against its potential contribution to facilitating international efforts to combat terrorism, rather than duplicating existing structures or placing an additional burden on Member States, especially those of the developing world. The existence of weapons of mass destruction poses a threat to the very existence of humankind. South Africa's concern about the use or threat of use of such weapons also extends to the potential threat that non-State actors may acquire materials that could be used for the development of those weapons and their delivery systems. However, we are heartened by the commitment expressed by many developing countries to implementing their commitments to preventing non-State actors, including terrorists, from acquiring such materials.”
2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source
“We therefore welcome the efforts to create fair and transparent procedures for the listing and delisting processes. Similarly, the Office of the Ombudsperson, with the support of Council members, is playing a significant role in strengthening the legitimacy and credibility of the work of the sanctions committees. South Africa emphasizes that we should look carefully at the proposed appointment of a counter- terrorism coordinator. Such a position should have an appropriate mandate and scope, and take into account the specific mandates of the various United Nations structures dealing with terrorism.”
2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source
“We welcome these and other ongoing efforts to improve the Committee's procedures and working methods, particularly in order to streamline processes, avoid duplication and create transparency. We also value the work being done by the Counter-Terrorism Committee and CTED to provide technical assistance to those States that request it, to facilitate Member States' compliance with the relevant decisions of the Security Council, and to assist in implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Security Council sanctions have to be capable of withstanding legal scrutiny, including on the question of due process. There are a number of well-documented legal challenges in various parts of the world to the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime.”
2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source