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 African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States, joined by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) and the International Organization of la Francophonie, have all suspended Guinea-Bissau's membership in their organizations pending the restoration of constitutional order in the country. By its swift decision, the AU has demonstrated clear resolve on the part of African leaders to condemn and reject any acts of forced or unconstitutional change of Government on the continent. Its decision is a strong expression of its commitment to respecting and preserving democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and good governance in Africa. Furthermore, it rejects impunity, assassinations and other subversive acts.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source
“Only a return to constitutional order and the release of democratically elected leaders will guarantee the respect of the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau, as expressed in the 2008 elections. The international community must convey a strong message that it will not tolerate disruptive military coups with impunity. In that regard, the collective efforts of the international community must further encourage, not weaken, the notable gains made by the Government of Guinea- Bissau in recent years in consolidating democracy and good governance.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source
“The military coup in Guinea-Bissau that took place on 12 April has created a serious setback in terms of the progress made by the legitimate Government in establishing democracy and ensuring stability over the past few years. That unlawful act poses a threat to peace and security. It completely undermines international law and the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which rejects any use of force or unconstitutional acts to assume power. It is critical that all efforts to address the situation in Guinea-Bissau be conducted in a manner that is coordinated, integrated and harmonized. Such efforts must ensure that the interests of the country and its people remain paramount.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this timely meeting. Let me join others in thanking the Foreign Ministers of Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Portugal, as well as Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mutaboba, for their statements and briefings on Guinea-Bissau today. We also thank the Permanent Representative of Cote d'Ivoire for his statement on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and we appreciate the useful statement made by the Permanent Representative of Brazil in her capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission country configuration on Guinea-Bissau. I will be brief in adding our voice in stating our position on this African issue before us today.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6754 (2012) · source
“That endeavour should not be undercut by any process outside of the already established multilateral negotiating processes.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“South Africa welcomes the progress made by States to strengthen nuclear security at a national level and through the relevant multilateral organizations, especially the International Atomic Energy Agency. We should, however, remain vigilant regarding the continued risk posed by nuclear terrorism, illicit nuclear networks and criminal acts, and the use of nuclear or other radioactive material for malicious acts. South Africa believes that through a cooperative approach with the relevant multilateral organizations, the international community can effectively deal with those risks. In conclusion, South Africa affirms that the international community needs to work together towards the goal of the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“While remaining firm in our View and in our resolve to combat proliferation, the international community must remain respectful of the need for developing countries to use nuclear energy in the context of sustainable and accelerated economic growth. Our approach to nuclear issues should also strike an acceptable balance between the concerns of States regarding their energy security and the non-proliferation of sensitive nuclear technologies, while upholding the right enshrined in article IV of the NPT. State choices and decisions in the field of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be respected without jeopardizing their policies or international cooperation agreements and arrangements for peaceful uses of nuclear energy and their fuel cycle policies.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“While the implementation of all nuclear non-proliferation commitments no doubt remains essential, the attainment of true international peace and security also requires the implementation of nuclear disarmament commitments, while ensuring that the inalienable right of States to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is upheld. South Africa is of the View that non-nuclear-weapon States have on the whole made great strides in their efforts to implement their non-proliferation obligations, including pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). It is essential that nuclear- weapon States similarly abide by their own commitments and obligations.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“On the issue of nuclear disarmament, South Africa wishes to reiterate its principled position that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing and that efforts aimed at nuclear non-proliferation should be parallel to simultaneous efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament. In acting on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations, we therefore believe that it is imperative for the Council to address both nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation dimensions with equal vigour. In that regard, South Africa welcomes as a positive development the fact the Security Council again reaffirmed the need for all Member States to comply fully with their obligations and fulfil their commitments in relation to nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation in all its aspects.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“That conviction informs our firm commitment to the principles of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which are both key contributions to the system of collective security envisaged in the United Nations Charter. South Africa remains fully committed to a world free of nuclear weapons and to the multilateral system that seeks to advance that objective. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation regime. The NPT represents a historic bargain between the nuclear- weapon States and the non-nuclear-weapon States, in terms of which the former have undertaken to eliminate their nuclear weapons based on the reciprocal understanding by the latter not to pursue the nuclear weapons option.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“At the outset, Madam President, allow me to thank your delegation for having convened this timely debate on the issues of nuclear proliferation, nuclear disarmament and nuclear security. My delegation also wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing to the Council earlier today. We align ourselves with the letter dated 13 April 2012 (S/2012/223) from the Chair of the Coordinating Bureau of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries addressed to the President of the Security Council. It remains South Africa's firm conviction that weapons of mass destruction do not guarantee security but, rather, detract from it. As long as those weapons exist, humanity will continue to face the threat of catastrophe.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We call on all parties, including the opposition, to sustain the ceasefire. In that regard, South Africa supports the call made by Joint Special Envoy Annan regarding the urgent deployment of a United Nations observer mission to verify and monitor the ceasefire. We call on all sides to the conflict to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of such a mission, once it is deployed. We are deeply pleased that the Council has been able to unanimously adopt resolution 2042 (2012) today, providing for the deployment of the advance team of the United Nations observer mission. As we work towards the resolution of the Syrian crisis, it is vital that the international community respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and work with the Syrian people to bring about a peaceful political solution to their crisis.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“South Africa has always been deeply concerned about the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation in Syria. We emphasize that there is a need for the violence to cease. South Africa strongly supports the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan, which have the ultimate aim of committing all sides to peaceful dialogue in order to promote an all-inclusive process of negotiations leading to a political outcome that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. The situation in Syria remains fragile. We reiterate our call for all sides to the conflict to fully implement their commitments under the six-point plan of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan. We welcome the fact that the Syrian Government has started to implement its commitments under the plan.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“South Africa once again encourages all parties concerned to avoid any actions that could derail progress towards finding a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. To that end, we trust that the Security Council will work in good faith to encourage constructive dialogue between the parties concerned. We call upon Iran to comply with the relevant decisions of the IAEA and with its obligation and other relevant Security Council resolutions. We wish to reiterate that South Africa believes that we should not tire in seeking, in a cooperative manner, a long-term solution that restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, while respecting Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, consistent with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“In that regard, South Africa notes from the latest report of the Director General of the IAEA that the Agency continues to be able to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran, but also that it remains unable to provide credible assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran. The IAEA remains the sole competent technical authority to verify the nature of the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We are therefore pleased to note the recent negotiations between Iran and the Agency, and look forward to their resumption culminating in a structured approach to address all outstanding issues consistent with the Agency's verification practices.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“I, too, wish to thank Ambassador Osorio for his briefing to the Council today on the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). South Africa continues to support the resolution of the issues involved with Iran's nuclear programme through peaceful means and dialogue between the parties concerned, including between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran. South Africa does not believe that sanctions are an end in themselves and therefore wishes to emphasize that they should be aimed at encouraging progress towards a peaceful resolution of the concerns about Iran's nuclear activities.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“I wish Special Representative of the Secretary- General Jan Kubis and his team, including his new deputy, Mr. Michael Keating, the best. South Africa fully supports him as he diligently implements UNAMA's mandate.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“South Africa supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General that UNAMA's mandate be extended for a further 12 months and that it continue its integrated mandate, which should, inter alia, include its good-offices role and political outreach in support of Afghan-led processes and the promotion of the human rights of all Afghans and a coherent international civilian engagement with the Government's development agenda and programmes. In conclusion, national ownership and leadership remain crucial to achieving political, security and socio-economic progress in Afghanistan as it enters the next phase of its transition. For its part, the international community should continue its supportive role in the country's move from conflict to stability and prosperity.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“It is therefore important that, despite the financial situation facing the international community, we should continue our support to the Government and people of Afghanistan, in line with the commitments of the Bonn Conference, in the area of direct financial support towards its long- term economic growth. The upcoming Tokyo and Chicago conferences will therefore be important in consolidating global support for Afghanistan's long- term economic sustainability. Over the past 10 years, UNAMA has played a crucial role in assisting the people of Afghanistan in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“It is an important development that should be sustained as the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) gradually transfers full security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces by 2014. However, we are concerned by recent developments, which have witnessed increased tensions between members of local communities and ISAF forces. We call on ISAF to undertake efforts to mitigate the loss of civilian life and to respect the cultural and religious heritage of the population. My delegation continues to believe that there is a close link between development and security in Afghanistan. The socio-economic challenges facing Afghanistan are significant.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Those initiatives intensified following the Istanbul Conference, jointly convened by Turkey and UNAMA, which developed confidence-building measures to improve regional cooperation. We welcome the follow- up ministerial conference in Kabul, tentatively scheduled for 11 June, to continue expanding regional cooperation. We further welcome the improved operational effectiveness of the Afghan National Security Forces. Efforts to operationalize and professionalize the Afghan national security forces have seen improvements at both the quantitative and the qualitative levels. That is demonstrated by the increased number of Afghan-led and Afghan-partnered operations.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“With regard to efforts to strengthen political outreach activities, we welcome the implementation of the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme, which has already resulted in the reintegration of thousands of ex-combatants. The Traditional Loya Jirga, held in November 2011, was an important catalyst in that regard. Security at the national level should continue to be reinforced by efforts to consolidate peace, stability and development at the regional level. We welcome the political dialogue and cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours during the reporting period. There has been significant bilateral contact between Afghanistan and countries of the region, which has resulted in strengthened economic, political, security and socio-cultural links.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Political dialogue and reconciliation is a critical factor for the Afghan people and its Government to ensure sustainable peace for the country, which has suffered severely as a result of continued insecurity. We wish to affirm our principled view that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. In that regard, we welcome the Afghan Government's initiatives to engage with the armed opposition and the continued calls by President Karzai for the armed opposition to lay down its arms. Engagement with all elements of the armed opposition should be viewed as moving the country forward and should not in any way compromise the achievements of the past 10 years.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Key among them are the security situation, a worsening humanitarian situation, rule of law and human rights challenges, and continued violence that has resulted in civilian casualties, which continue to increase. South Africa stresses that, given the magnitude of those challenges, a comprehensive strategy incorporating security, humanitarian efforts, good governance and socio-economic development is required. In that regard, we would like to underscore the central role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in supporting the Government of Afghanistan and in coordinating international assistance to the country. Crucially, the continued role played by bilateral and multilateral partners remains indispensable.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Kubis, for introducing the quarterly report of the Secretary-General on Afghanistan (S/2012/ 133). South Africa welcomes the participation of the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Zahir Tanin, at this debate, and we thank him for his statement. There has been notable progress in Afghanistan over the past few months, particularly towards strengthening Afghan leadership and ownership. Significant progress has also been achieved towards inclusive national and regional processes to enhance peace, reintegration and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, Afghanistan continues to face challenges in its endeavour to achieve stability and development.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“In conclusion, the observation of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the current envoy to Syria, remains valid today when he stated that: "We will not enjoy development without security, or security without development. We will not enjoy either without respect for human rights. Unless all these causes are advanced, none will succeed." Flowing from those words, we offer our support to the peoples of the Arab world as they chart a better future for themselves. We hope that, at the centre of our efforts to improve the lives of those peoples, we will be guided by the notion of creating an environment within which citizens can live in harmony, fulfil themselves and enjoy life in greater freedom.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“In dealing with those many challenges, it is important that we work together with regional and subregional organizations, which, more often than not, have the relevant insights into the dynamics of a given conflict and often what solutions to employ. We have seen such collaboration produce positive results recently in Yemen, and we hope that it will equally assist with respect to the situation in Syria. Whereas the Arab Spring has brought a glimmer of hope to many in the Arab world, it has unfortunately left some of the long-standing issues of human rights abuses and colonization unresolved. In that regard, we are reminded of the plight of the people of Western Sahara and Palestine, who still yearn for freedom despite the seismic political and economic shifts that have engulfed the region.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“The discussions underscored the inextricable link between the promotion of justice and the attainment of peace in conflict and post-conflict situations. Lastly, we should warn that it is not in the interests of international peace and security for the international community, including the Security Council, to use the plight of the Arab peoples to pursue self-interest and execute regime change. As the United Nations, we should abide by the same international law of which we purport to be the master protagonists. Therefore, the United Nations itself and countries implementing its mandates should at all times adhere to international law.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Fifthly, as those countries transition into democracy, there is a need to address the wrongs of the past through efforts aimed at reconciliation and transitional justice. Reconciliation efforts should be undertaken and supported by the Council. We would warn against prescribing how such efforts should be undertaken, as each conflict is unique, but the international community should support the people of the region in that important area. Related to reconciliation efforts is the need to ensure adherence to the rule of law. In January, the Council emphasized the need for universal adherence to, and implementation of, the rule of law, and that the promotion of the rule of law and justice was an indispensable element for peaceful coexistence (see S/PV.6705).”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Thirdly, South Africa reiterates its view that the Council should strengthen its conflict prevention mechanisms by elaborating a comprehensive prevention strategy. At the centre of that strategy should be the strengthening of the United Nations and regional early warning apparatus. In our view, it is vital that developmental aspects should also be integrated into our efforts at conflict prevention, resolution, management and post-conflict peacebuilding. Fourthly, related to what I have just mentioned, partnerships with international financial institutions, in particular the World Bank and regional development structures, are critical in buttressing peace efforts in countries in transition. Equally, we emphasize the importance of context-specific and nationally owned interventions.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“As the Security Council acknowledged in its presidential statement of February 2011 (S/PRST/2011/4), development can no longer be divorced from deliberations and interventions that are traditionally security-related. The Council also recognized that that is an essential element of its work in the maintenance of international peace and security. We emphasize that that does not necessarily mean that the Council has to usurp developmental functions undertaken by other bodies within the United Nations system, but rather that it should take social and development issues into account in relevant deliberations within its Charter mandate. Given the nature of the developments in the Middle East and North Africa in the past year, more focus should be placed on the relevant developmental challenges that the people of that region face.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Given the umbilical cord that connects Africa to the Arab world, the African continent has been adversely affected as a result of the undesirable spillover effects of the Arab revolutions. In that regard, we humbly offer the following thoughts for consideration. First, South Africa strongly believes that it is essential that Governments should respect the will of the people. It is therefore essential that the peoples of the region gain the opportunity to determine their future. That can happen only if the systems established reflect the aspirations of the people of the various countries in the region, including of women and youth. Secondly, security and development are interlinked.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Those and other similar reports should have raised alarms in the Arab world and compelled Governments to realize that the socio-economic and development needs of the people - particularly young people - needed to be addressed. The fact that most if not all of the uprisings were initiated by young people should not be surprising. Obviously, in today's rapidly globalizing and integrated world, the turmoil in the Arab world does not only affect Arab peoples and is not limited to the Arab world. The rest of the world has been affected in many ways, including through rising oil prices, the growing number of refugees, the rise in the number of illegal weapons, and increased tensions between nations.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“The five volumes of the United Nations Development Programme's Arab Human Development Report provide relevant insights into the causes and the warnings of the Arab revolutions. The first edition, published in 2002, noted that the freedom deficit in the Arab world undermined human development and was one of the most painful manifestations of lagging political development. Subsequently, seven years later, the 2009 edition further noted that approximately 30 per cent of young people in Arab countries were unemployed, that more than 50 per cent of the population was under the age of 24, and that 51 million new jobs needed to be created by 2020 in order to avoid an increase in the unemployment rate.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Our assessment of the uprisings in the Arab States, many created as colonial constructs resulting from the Sykes-Picot Agreement, shows that those protests, were, among other things, a cry for political emancipation from decades of totalitarianism, a cry for proportionate distribution of wealth and power, and a call for participation in democratic processes, including governance, and access to economic opportunities. It is clear that the patience of those peoples, who had lived under repressive regimes for many years, had been tested to the maximum. Indeed, the social contract in those societies had broken down irretrievably. The Arab Spring is a clear indication of how much the people of those countries yearn for freedom, democracy and other basic human rights.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“South Africa expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his briefing to the Council. We thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for organizing this important debate. It is indeed important that we reflect on the momentous events that have resulted in significant political changes in the Arab world. More importantly, this is an opportunity to share ideas on how to deal with those countries that are still embroiled in conflicts and those that are going through a post-conflict phase. The year 2011 will forever be ingrained in the memory of the world as the year of Arab uprisings, characterized by, inter alia, mass protests and armed insurgencies.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“We call on the international community and the relevant United Nations agencies to provide the necessary support for that regional initiative and related efforts, including through the provision of financial and technical assistance. For its part, South Africa stands ready to assist the countries affected by the scourge of piracy in the West Africa region to the best of its abilities.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“It is clear from the report that the countries of the region lack adequate resources and capacity to alone address the issue of piracy and armed robbery at sea. We therefore welcome the intention of ECOWAS, ECCAS and the Gulf of Guinea Commission to convene a summit of Gulf of Guinea heads of State and Government in order to develop a comprehensive anti-piracy strategy that will assist the countries in the region to develop their capacities to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea. In that regard, we encourage the countries in the region to assert their ownership of the problem and take a leadership role in combating piracy. We look forward to their recommendations in that regard.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“It is clear that numerous gaps exist at the national and regional levels, and we welcome the very practical and useful recommendations to address the scourge of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. They include, among others, the strengthening of national legal frameworks and of the capacities of States' criminal justice systems, integrated and coordinated regional responses to maritime security challenges, and international support to the States of the region. South Africa reiterates its View that piracy cannot be tackled in isolation and underscores the importance of addressing the phenomenon of piracy in a comprehensive manner that includes combating transnational crime and responding to the root causes of the challenge, such as youth unemployment.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“The region has seen an increase in the number of attacks in recent months, and the violent nature of these attacks has brought greater attention to the growing problem of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of West Africa. The Secretary-General's report correctly draws attention to the fact that no country in the region appears to have the capacity to tackle maritime insecurity alone. We therefore commend the efforts already made by the affected countries, including the joint patrols by Nigeria and Benin in the region. However, these patrols in themselves are not sustainable and more needs to be done. The ongoing efforts of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), ECOWAS and the Gulf of Guinea Commission to address the threat of piracy are also commendable.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“The economic loss to the region of West Africa that results from the scourge of piracy is estimated to be $2 billion per annum. South Africa welcomes the comprehensive report of the assessment mission on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The report highlights the cost and economic impact of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as the numerous strategies implemented at the country, bilateral and various subregional levels to fight the scourge. We welcome these concrete actions as a demonstration of political will by the leaders of the region to combat piracy. We share the concern and observation of the assessment mission that the growing evidence of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea constitutes yet another major threat to the peace, security and the economic interests of the countries of the region.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Sir, and your delegation for organizing this important discussion. We thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Lynn Pascoe, for his informative briefing on the report of the assessment mission on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea (see S/2012/45). We also thank Mr. Musah and Mrs. Ukonga for their statements on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission, respectively. At a time of global financial and economic hardship, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has severe financial and security implications for the States concerned and diverts important financial resources from key national development and socio-economic priorities to maritime security.”
2012-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6723 (2012) · source
“We wish to thank Council members which have worked constructively on the draft resolution, which, inter alia, extends UNMIT'S mandate until 31 December 2012 and endorses the plan for its phase-down, in accordance with the wishes of the Government of Timor-Leste and conditions on the ground following the successful completion of the 2012 electoral process. We look forward to the unanimous adoption of the draft resolution on Timor-Leste. I am very sure that all of us have taken note of President Ramos-Horta's invitation to the Security Council to visit his great country in 2012.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“We support the Secretary-General's contention that the Joint Transition Plan should be accompanied by regular review to ensure its responsiveness to developments on the ground. South Africa maintains that the nature and role of the United Nations presence in Timor-Leste once UNMIT's mandate has ended is a matter that should be left for the Timorese authorities to decide and on which they should take the lead. It is a singular honour for South Africa to be called upon to play a lead role in the situation in Timor-Leste in the Security Council.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“There remains a continuing need for support to the PNTL, further institutional development and capacity-building. We therefore request UNMIT, in the remainder of this year, to continue to support the PNTL. Truth and reconciliation are important to the further consolidation of Timor's long-term stability. Further progress towards the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission of Truth and Friendship would have a positive impact on the long-term peace and stability of Timor-Leste. South Africa is pleased with the progress in the implementation of the Joint Transition Plan as UNMIT prepares to terminate its mandate.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Accordingly, the dialogue among national leaders co- hosted by President Ramos-Horta and the Bishop of Baucau, which is scheduled to be held prior to the elections, will bring them closer to achieving that goal. While recognizing the progress made in many areas, much more still needs to be done, as indicated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/43). A strong and effective Timorese-led security apparatus to effectively deal with security threats is key. In that regard, we have witnessed the resumption of full policing responsibilities by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) in pursuit of the implementation of the PNTL-UNMIT police Joint Development Plan. There has also been a continued focus by the PNTL on operational capacity, with technical advice from UNMIT police, in preparation for the coming electoral processes.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“We are pleased to note the progress made by the Timorese authorities in preparing for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections later this year. The electoral process will further consolidate the entrenchment of democracy and stability in the country. We are particularly encouraged by the ongoing efforts of the electoral management bodies to increase the participation of women and youth in the electoral process. We commend the political leadership for the commitment it has expressed in holding elections in a climate of peace and stability. Continued dialogue among the political leaders in the run-up to the election will be important to ensuring a peaceful outcome.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“This year is also one in which we will see a drawdown of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the accession of complete authority by the Timorese Government to the full functioning of its security institutions. During the reporting period, we have seen general stability in Timor-Leste through further improvements in the political and security situations. We welcome the strong commitment of the leadership and other stakeholders in Timor-Leste to fostering national dialogue and peaceful and inclusive participation in democratic processes, and its ongoing efforts to promote continued peace, stability and unity. In the area of governance and institution- building, the Timorese authorities have adopted additional legislation to further strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of State institutions.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“As an indication of remarkable progress, Timor-Leste has moved from being the host of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to a country that has deployed personnel in United Nations peacekeeping missions such as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and United Nations Mission in the Sudan. That is testament to the strengthened capacity of the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor- Leste and to the will of the Timorese authorities to positively contribute to international peace and security. We are also encouraged by the interest expressed by Timor-Leste in joining in and playing an important neighbourly role in the regional community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“It is a pleasure for us to see you presiding over this meeting, Sir. My delegation wishes once more to welcome His Excellency Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to the Security Council. We welcome his report on the progress attained by his country. We also wish to offer our condolences on the passing his brother-in-law. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in Timor-Leste. South Africa is pleased to extend its congratulations to Timor-Leste on the ten-year anniversary of its independence. That is a milestone, not only for the Government and peoples of Timor- Leste, but also for all peace-loving people of the world who continue to champion the right to self- determination.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source