YouSaid · the spoken record

SARDENBERG

lines on the record: 1,119
first: 1992-07-16
most recent: 2007-06-25
sittings or episodes: 182
sources: un-security-council

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“I would like to express our appreciation to His Excellency Minister Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, and to the delegation of Romania under his able leadership, for convening this meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, which affords the Security Council the opportunity to reassess this pertinent subject in the light of the recent World Summit. I also thank the Secretary-General and the representatives of the various regional and subregional organizations in attendance for their invaluable contribution to this debate. As stated in the President's concept paper, the "time is right for the relationship between the Council and regional organizations to become more focused and organized" (S/2005/638, p. 3).”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282 (2005) · source
“It will contribute an important - perhaps indispensable - dimension for the correct assessment of the shortcomings of the programme.”
2005-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5256 (2005) · source
“With little more than a week to go before the event, we are all engaged in delicate, complex negotiations to ensure that the summit's outcome will be commensurate with its dimensions as the greatest gathering of world leaders, perhaps in all time. All efforts, therefore, should be made to ensure that the issuing of the report at this particular time does not have the unintended effect of diverting attention away from the high-level plenary event. Conversely, the imminence of the summit must also not lead to a less-than-ideal consideration of the findings of the report itself. As far as the work of the Committee is concerned, my delegation is very interested in receiving the upcoming report focusing on the private companies involved in the oil-for-food programme.”
2005-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5256 (2005) · source
“My delegation believes that the report should be approached in a forward-looking, systematic manner to promote, on the basis of its findings and recommendations, the establishment of adequate oversight mechanisms able to ensure that the ascertained wrongdoings and mismanagement will not happen in the future. It must be kept in mind, however, that the oil-for-food programme was unanimously established by the Security Council and that it achieved its aims of providing essential humanitarian assistance to the needy population of Iraq under international sanctions and in other difficult situations. Currently, all attention is directed towards preparations necessary to make the upcoming high- level plenary event a success.”
2005-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5256 (2005) · source
“I wish to thank Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his statement this morning. My delegation also wishes to thank Mr. Paul Volcker for the report and for his briefing on the main findings of the Independent Inquiry Committee on the oil-for-food programme. In view of the comprehensive nature of the document we have received, I shall confine myself to a preliminary reaction. The complexities involved in executing a multibillion-dollar programme throughout the better part of a decade of work recommend careful scrutiny and consideration of the findings published by the Committee. We trust those findings will shed light on the numerous allegations of mismanagement and other accusations relating to the oil-for-food programme. We remain hopeful that they can provide definite answers to doubts and suspicions regarding this matter.”
2005-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5256 (2005) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to stress the need to address specifically the economic and humanitarian problems that have been imposing immense suffering on the Afghan people, especially its most vulnerable segments. Indicators relating to health, sanitation, education, human rights and many other areas continue to be low. The effect of natural disasters has been amplified by the lack of adequate response capacity. Furthermore, the return of more than 3 million refugees has added a burden to efforts to improve social and economic conditions for the population. The reconstruction of Afghanistan will succeed completely only when even the poorest of its citizens has hope for a better future, free not only from war and violence, but also from blights such as misery, hunger and disease.”
2005-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5249 (2005) · source
“The decisive international support and the commitment of 30,000 troops on the ground, matched by unequivocal support from neighbouring countries, are key to preventing the current security threats from degenerating into an even more serious and widespread problem. In spite of the slight decline that has been estimated in the area devoted to poppy cultivation for 2005, the drug trade, along with the actions of the insurgency, continues to be an extremely worrisome obstacle to putting the country back on the track to normality. In our view, the search for alternate livelihoods for poppy growers must be combined with a tougher stance against processors and traffickers.”
2005-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5249 (2005) · source
“Military insecurity is compounded by many alleged cases of intimidation against candidates, especially women, but no candidates have so far resorted to the protection provided by the system for complaints put in place by the Joint Electoral Management Body, which probably points to the need to improve that system. In this context, I stress once again the paramount importance of achieving and maintaining a suitable security environment. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme has achieved significant success. The training of the national security forces is ahead of schedule. Although the Afghan Government continues to work hard to improve security, much remains to be done, notably the disbanding of more than 1,800 illegal armed groups.”
2005-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5249 (2005) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/525) indicates that technical preparations for the voting are on schedule; that is evidence of keen interest and confidence in the political process. This morning, Mr. Arnault added new information to the Secretary-General's report, and we thank him for that. Nevertheless, the already daunting obstacles to the electoral process have become even more significant in recent weeks. A relentless war is being waged, aimed not only at detailing the electoral process, but also at eroding the legitimacy of Afghan institutions and thwarting the broader effort by the international community to ensure the reconstruction of the country. Meanwhile, the wave of violence in Afghanistan is estimated to have taken more than 1,000 lives since last March.”
2005-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5249 (2005) · source
“The peaceful holding of the presidential election last year made clear Afghans' attachment to the democratic process and their determination to leave behind decades of war and destruction and inaugurate a new era of peace and development. During this time, Brazil has had the opportunity in the Council to support the achievements towards fulfilling the Bonn agenda and, in particular, to support the international community's strong resolve to carry out the process in a free and peaceful environment. Since the last time the Security Council discussed the situation in Afghanistan, much progress has been made in preparation for the upcoming legislative elections to be held on 18 September, which will mark the completion of the Bonn process.”
2005-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5249 (2005) · source
“I wish to thank Special Representative Jean Arnault for his invaluable briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and on the preparations for the upcoming elections. In January 2004, when Brazil was starting its present term in the Security Council, Afghanistan was completing an important initial step on its way to reconstruction and normalcy with the adoption of its Constitution approved by the Loya Jirga. Since then, with international assistance, the country has progressed steadily in rebuilding its institutions, in repairing its infrastructure, in promoting disarmament and reconciliation and in empowering its own society, finally, to assume the entire responsibility for its destiny as a nation.”
2005-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5249 (2005) · source
“It is a task for both those who are taking part in the process, who must be responsive to the broader interests of society and must provide for participation in decision- making, and those who have decided not to engage, who are asked to lay down their arms or to overcome their indifference and step in. The Brazilian Government stresses the right of the Iraqi people to determine their own political future. An independent, sovereign and democratic Iraq is to be built through reconciliation and unity. That is the only possible way to ensure that their keenest national interests will prevail and that Iraq will be able to walk on its own feet once again.”
2005-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5246 (2005) · source
“The successful conclusion of the transitional period with the referendum on a permanent constitution and the election of a new Government can provide the conditions that will enable Iraqis to definitely break with the past and build a new future. Energies should be focused so as to enable that Vital political process to prosper. All parties in Iraq have a responsibility to prevent a stalemate at this stage, which would mean only the perpetuation of instability, carnage and suffering. That responsibility relies on ensuring that the political process is inclusive and transparent.”
2005-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5246 (2005) · source
“At the outset, I wish to join other delegations in extending our welcome to Ambassador John Bolton. The Brazilian delegation condemns, in the strongest terms, the terrorist acts taking place throughout Iraq. No motivation can justify the deadly toll of civilians on a daily basis. We express our deep condolences to the families of the Victims and to the people and the Government of Iraq. Brazil shares their pain, as we lost Sergio Vieira de Mello in a brutal attack against the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad almost two years ago. Presently, the Brazilian Government is making additional efforts to search for the engineer Joao Jose Vasconcellos, Jr., who was kidnapped last January. The resolution just adopted reflects our concern for the security of foreign diplomats, United Nations staff and foreign civilian personnel in Iraq.”
2005-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5246 (2005) · source
“In the coming days, the Council will consider the Secretary-General's report on the activities of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (S/2005/460). Brazil favours the renewal of the Force's mandate for a further six-month period, taking into account the prevailing tensions in the area and the request made by the Lebanese Government in that regard. Finally, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East that takes into account the need to address all aspects of the conflict.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Most of all, however, my delegation stresses the importance of Israel facing up to its responsibilities in that field by easing constraints on the flow of goods and people in and out of Gaza and the West Bank and between them. With respect to the situation in Lebanon, my delegation is pleased at the designation of the new Government. Brazil is certain that the new authorities will work in the interest, and for the benefit, of all Lebanese people. For its part, the international community should be supportive of the Government's efforts. Actions that could have a negative impact on Lebanese unity and stability must be avoided. With respect to the situation along the Blue Line, my delegation reiterates its call on both sides for restraint and full compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“Israel should be encouraged to reverse its decision on that matter, as well as to comply with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in all activities related to the wall. Brazil is deeply alarmed at the dire humanitarian and economic situation in the occupied territories. In that context, my delegation commends the endeavours undertaken by Special Envoy Wolfensohn to address that situation and alleviate the plight of the Palestinian people. My Government is willing to contribute to those efforts, in particular by providing assistance and expertise for the establishment of social programmes on the ground. The Brazilian authorities are deeply interested in exploring modalities of cooperation in that regard.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“The construction of the wall around Jerusalem is likely to affect the daily lives of 55,000 people, as the Special Coordinator mentioned this morning. Moreover, it also prejudges the resolution of a dispute over an issue that has been central since the creation of the partition plan and which has been subject to many resolutions of the United Nations, by both the Security Council and the General Assembly. I recall that any solution on the status of Jerusalem should take into account the legitimate concerns of both sides and include internationally guaranteed provisions to ensure freedom of religion and of conscience for all its inhabitants, as well as permanent, free and unhindered access to all Jerusalem's holy sites by people of all religions and nationalities.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“In that context, my Government viewed positively the news that the commitment to the ceasefire made by Palestinian factions will be honoured. Brazil believes that, at this stage, all Palestinians should be focused on supporting and providing leverage to the Palestinian Authority in its undertakings. Confidence-building is a core element at the present juncture. My delegation is therefore alarmed at news of increasing settlement activities in the West Bank and, even worse, Israel's revision of the route of the wall and the acceleration of its construction around Jerusalem. Those measures deeply affect efforts to promote trust between the two Governments and between their peoples. They also have a very negative impact on the prospects for a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the conflict, as they affect core final status issues.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“My delegation believes that the recent escalation of violence in the area runs counter to the interests of both sides and that the parties must do their utmost to ensure restraint and must abide by the understandings achieved at Sharm el-Sheikh, with a view to maintaining the ceasefire. The practice of extrajudicial killings by Israeli forces, resumed in recent days, must be halted. My delegation also followed with deep concern the intensification of rocket and mortar attacks by Palestinian armed groups against Israeli targets, including civilians. One of those attacks resulted in the death of an Israeli girl of Brazilian origin, a sad fact that our people received with profound regret. My delegation also condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Netanya some days ago.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“At the same time, facilitation efforts undertaken by international partners and neighbouring States are to be praised. Our Government noted with satisfaction the most recent statement by the Quartet principals in London, in which they emphasized the urgent need for Israel and the Palestinians to work directly and cooperatively with each other, with the assistance of James Wolfensohn, the Quartet's Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement. The Quartet also stressed that the coordinated support of the international donor community is crucial for the success of Mr. Wolfensohn's mission, and it urged Arab States to engage fully in that regard. The complex, sensitive character of the Israeli withdrawal requires that calm and stability prevail on the ground to the greatest extent possible.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“As our delegation sees it, the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the northern West Bank is a first, yet are important, step towards the end of the occupation and the embodiment of the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, by means of a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement to the conflict. It is therefore essential that it be successful. In that context, the Israeli Government should be encouraged to persevere in its efforts towards disengagement in accordance with the proposed timetable. Coordination with the Palestinian Authority, so that the operation can be undertaken in a smooth and orderly manner, is of crucial importance. Actions taken in that regard in recent weeks should be commended, and my delegation believes that they must be intensified in the days to come.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“I wish to thank Alvaro de Soto for his comprehensive briefing and insightful comments. My delegation - myself in particular, because of my longstanding friendship with Mr. De Soto - was very pleased at his appointment as Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, which was a clear recognition of his diplomatic skill and capacity. I also express our appreciation for the holding of this public meeting in response to the request made by the Arab Group. The peoples of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories now face a critical moment that has the true potential to overcome the deadlock and the paralysis that have characterized the peace process in recent years.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230 (2005) · source
“That clearly showed the resolve of the United Nations to act on those matters and demonstrates that space for debate and compromise is available. My delegation would be ready to support consideration by the General Assembly of common lines of action aimed at preventing terrorists from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. That would no doubt add unquestionable efficacy to our approach to the threats in the same spirit that the 12 conventions have equipped us to respond to international terrorism in all its aspects.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“As we continue to call for complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament of States that possess such arms, we believe that the threat posed by terrorists having access to them is also important and requires appropriate action. These issues seem to be inextricably linked. Brazil believes that the General Assembly could benefit from the work accomplished by the 1540 Committee if there is need to identify common standards and best practices. My delegation was pleased to join the consensus in the Assembly in April when it adopted the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which addresses the unlawful possession or use of nuclear devices or materials by non-State actors.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“We are pleased to see that the consideration of the whole first round of national reports is likely to be concluded shortly and that the Committee will be in a position to provide a comprehensive report to the Council in 2006. My delegation joins the Chairman's calls to encourage Member States that have not yet submitted their reports to do so. I trust that the Committee is willing to consider in full all requests for technical assistance in the preparation of the reports or in implementing the provisions of the resolution. Measures to strengthen the Committee's capacity to react to those requests and to facilitate assistance are, I believe, under way. For Brazil, the very existence of weapons of mass destruction in the hands either of non-State actors or of States themselves is a matter of grave concern.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“The establishment of a definition of the term "associated with Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaida and the Taliban" will certainly help to refine the existing list of individuals and entities. In tailoring that definition, we should be able to balance the need to make it inclusive with the need to respect individual rights and prevent errors. When dealing with the issue of reporting to the Committee by States, we have to guarantee that the format and periodicity adopted will not make the procedure excessively burdensome for Members that lack resources. I also thank Ambassador Mihnea Motoc for his briefing on the activities of the 1540 Committee. Based on Member States' positive responses, the 1540 Committee has been able to make steadfast progress in the examination of the relevant national reports.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“We are pleased by the good results of his first Visit to selected States, as mandated by resolution 1526 (2004). The views expressed by the States on the quality of the Committee's list of individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and/or the Taliban, as well as on the need to improve listing and delisting procedures, can help the future work of the Committee. Work on improving listing, delisting and exemption procedures must be undertaken, as proposed by Ambassador Mayoral. The enhancement of such procedures will encourage reluctant States to submit names for the lists. The ongoing negotiations on a new resolution, pursuant to paragraph 3 of resolution 1526 (2004), offer a privileged opportunity to improve the work of the Committee and to focus on some of its most important tasks.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“As mandated by resolution 1535 (2004), Brazil hopes that the visits to States, with their consent, will provide the CTC with a more thorough understanding of the situation in those countries, including further insight into the difficulties States may face in implementing the resolution, as was mentioned by Ambassador Lszsj this morning. It is essential that a proper follow-up mechanism to those visits be put into place so as to ensure that technical assistance and other needs identified during the visits are duly taken into account. My delegation thanks Ambassador Cesar Mayoral for his briefing on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). We share his perceptions on the recent episodes of terrorism and on their probable impact on the work of the 1267 Committee.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“I take this opportunity to reiterate the need to allow equitable representation of all regions and legal traditions within its secretariat. It is necessary that the CTED strengthen its capacity in order to better facilitate the provision of technical assistance to all interested States. Brazil strongly encourages States that might benefit from such cooperation to request assistance. The CTC should be a policy-guidance organ - and effectively it is - and a competent facilitator of assistance to Member States, which is to be obtained through an increasing dialogue with States and interested international partners within existing international law.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“Brazil believes that such an umbrella convention should be based on a clear and agreed definition of terrorism. We thank Ambassador Ellen Loj for her substantive briefing and for her effective and dynamic conduct of the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), Mr. Javier Ruperez, and his team. We also recognize that Ambassador Ruperez's office is now understaffed, but we hope that the problem will be remedied in the near future. Brazil supports the current reform of the CTED and expects that it will become fully operational as soon as possible in order to carry out its ambitious work programme under the policy guidance of the plenary of the CTC.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“Among possible techniques, such a strategy might involve preventive diplomacy, crisis management and the promotion of social and economic development. It is well known that situations linked to political, cultural and social oppression foster an environment that facilitates the development of extremism. I should like to add our voice to the Secretary- General's call in inviting United Nations Member States to make a special effort to try to conclude the needed convention on terrorism as soon as possible. That convention should take into account the observance of international law, the rule of law and due process. We consider that the ideas put forward by the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change are a useful starting point for that process.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“This is our first public meeting on terrorism after the tragic events in London reminded us once again of that scourge, as well as of the urgency and necessity of redoubling efforts to combat it. Within the framework of the reform of the United Nations, we now have the opportunity to reach an agreement on a definition of terrorism and to foster a coordinated, comprehensive and integrated international response to that threat. We welcome the suggestions presented by the Secretary-General and consider them to be a good basis for a larger discussion about that issue. A comprehensive anti-terrorism strategy should also tackle, in a proper manner, the root causes of terrorism as a most appropriate way of reducing the temptations to resort to that form of violence.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229 (2005) · source
“We need now to focus on concrete measures to alleviate the situation of civilians, by identifying, adopting and improving the means utilized to protect them.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“We need to ensure that humanitarian assistance is provided in a non-discriminatory, balanced and more proportionate manner. Peacekeeping operations must be given adequate resources for the protection of civilians. Specifically programmes such as those of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration remain continuously underfinanced. Funding is also needed to support the strengthening of institutions of the rule of law, national reconciliation processes and similar efforts to reduce the risk of relapse into conflict and to save civilian lives in war-torn countries. It is a fact that in the post-cold-war era the suffering inflicted upon civilians by the new patters of conflict has become a matter of deep concern.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“As stated by the delegation of Brazil when the Council last considered the Darfur case, while we support the referral of the case to the International Criminal Court, Brazil, as one of the founding members of the Court, cannot support provisions that impose limits on the Court's universal jurisdiction. The integrity of the Court must not be compromised. We renew our call to all States, without exception, that have not done so, to accede to or ratify the Rome Statute at the earliest opportunity. Brazil agrees that there is a need for more reliable and predictable resources to provide assistance to people in need, including civilians caught in the crossfire. The lack of support for "forgotten emergencies" is an issue that needs to be properly addressed.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“As efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and internally displaced persons are increased, Brazil welcomes the fact that an increasing number of countries are making use of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. Parties to armed conflict have a duty to protect civilians from the devastation of war. Violations of international humanitarian law must not go unpunished. I should add that progress has been made in the fight against impunity with the establishment of international tribunals, particularly the International Criminal Court, bearing in mind that States have the main responsibility to exercise their criminal jurisdiction and bring perpetrators to justice. The Rome Statute provides for the Council to refer to the International Criminal Court cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“In resolution 1502 (2003), the Council expressed its determination to take appropriate steps in order to ensure the safety and security of United Nations humanitarian and associated personnel. Vulnerable groups, such as women and children- especially among refugees and internally displaced persons - should be better protected from all threats and acts of violence. All efforts should be made to stop the deplorable and indiscriminate use of rape and sexual violence as the equivalent of a weapon of war wherever it occurs. The perpetrators of such crimes must be brought to justice and prosecuted. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS brings an additional dimension to situations of mass displacement and human rights abuse.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“In December 2003, Mr. Egeland, to his credit, presented a very valuable 10-point platform on the protection of civilians, which continues to provide a basis for our discussions and deliberations. Given the time constraints, I shall limit my statement to only some of its main points, bearing in mind the statement made by Under-Secretary- General Egeland at the beginning of this meeting. In a number of cases, humanitarian access continues to be either denied or obstructed. Brazil bas repeatedly expressed its concern over that situation. If States are unable to deliver assistance to their population, they must ensure safe and unhindered access by humanitarian international personnel to those in need. It is highly deplorable that humanitarian workers have become victims of deliberate violence.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“The Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, addressed the problem quite bluntly in a statement to the Security Council in 1999, when he said: "We are at the end of a century that has seen the creation and refinement of much of the corpus of international law. Yet civilians have rarely been so vulnerable." (S/PV.4046, p. 3) Since then, the Security Council has given careful attention to that very significant problem. By discussing this thematic item on many occasions in the past six years, the Council has recognized the appalling reality to which I briefly referred. Our enormous challenge is to bridge the existing gaps between the policies to protect civilians and the operational modalities on the ground. The United Nations as a whole, and the Council in particular, must continue to be fully engaged in pushing forward that agenda.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I would also like to express my delegation's appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland for his valuable and comprehensive briefing. What has been distinctive about post-cold-war conflicts of all types is the number and scope of humanitarian disasters that they have produced: displacements, starvation, the deliberate targeting of civilians, ethnic cleansing and genocide. Civilians have been the main victims of violence in situations of civil war or occupation. Attacks directed against civilians are serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“None of the parties should be allowed to unduly influence the results of the review with threats of any kind, and the Council must make it clear that the resurgence of violence will not be rewarded. The persistent efforts to achieve dialogue and understanding between the parties through the mediation carried out by the Contact Group have been instrumental in pushing the whole process forward. Peace in Kosovo should ultimately rely on winning the hearts of the people. Healing the wounds of the past and rebuilding bridges between the various communities will create an environment more favourable to tolerance. All parties must be ready to work towards a compromise capable of turning Kosovo from a source of instability into a model of peaceful inter-ethnic coexistence.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“We believe that the intention of the Secretary- General to appoint a Special Envoy to lead the assessment process, starting this year, will indicate the road ahead. By carrying on consultations with the parties and the international community, the Special Envoy will be able to make an independent evaluation of the work done se far. The assessment of the level of attainment of the standards will help determine whether the conditions for final status talks have been created. More than ever before, any freezing of the current situation in Kosovo would lead to further deterioration of already difficult political, social and economic conditions. The review process, therefore, should be carried out with great seriousness. Above all, its conclusions and results must not be anticipated or taken for granted.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“There is also much to be done regarding the prevalence of the rule of law, the reform of local government and the full enjoyment by all citizens of their fundamental rights. Responsibility for the process must not be put entirely on the Kosovo Government's shoulders. Minorities, especially the Serb minority, have the fundamental obligation of engaging fully in the quest for solutions by taking advantage of all opportunities to participate in Kosovo's institutions. The Serbs must be encouraged by Belgrade to do so. The Security Council must remain committed to resolution 1244 (1999) and to the "standards before status" policy, under which definitive progress in standards implementation is a precondition for the determination of final status.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“As to much-needed economic reform, steps made in the privatization process and with respect to economic integration into the region are encouraging. Much remains to be done, though, given the dire economic situation of Kosovo, which has still to deal with an unemployment rate higher than 60 per cent. In spite of all the positive elements, the temptation to offer an excessively positive assessment of the situation should be avoided. The Secretary- General warns in an unequivocal way that none of the eight standards has so far been entirely fulfilled. The situation of minorities is still a reason for concern, especially regarding freedom of movement and access to justice. Also, refugees and displaced persons still face a desperate predicament, as the slow pace of the returns process is hindering the achievement of the related standard.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“The Secretary-General's report and the briefing by the Special Representative highlight that a significant proportion of the Priority Standards Goals have been achieved. This enhances the prospects for launching of the status talks this year. Fortunately, since the regrettable outbreaks of violence last year, the Provisional Institutions have intensified their efforts to implement the standards. Consistent efforts to improve the situation of minority communities in the province were made, with a View to fulfilling an essential precondition for advancement towards the process to determine Kosovo's status. The dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade was also somewhat improved. We welcome the resumption of the work of the working groups on missing persons, energy, the return of displaced persons and transport and telecommunications.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“I wish at the outset to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Soren Jessen-Petersen, for his insightful and comprehensive presentation on the report of the Secretary-General on Kosovo. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew the expression of Brazil's support for the excellent work he is doing at the head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). As Kosovo approaches a unique, decisive moment, with consequences for the entire Balkan region, we are encouraged by the indications of increased awareness on the part of Kosovo's people and leadership about the effort that lies ahead. Growing commitment by the Provisional Institutions to meet the conditions necessary to start the talks on the final status is a welcome sign of political maturity.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Finally, I wish to wholeheartedly thank our colleagues for their contributions to the work of the mission and also for their words addressed to our delegation, Brazil, and to myself personally. I also thank the Secretariat for the very able support the personnel gave our mission.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source
“I wish to make a comment in response to a concern expressed by Ambassador Sealy of Trinidad and Tobago, speaking for the CARICOM. countries. I refer to the case of Mr. Yvon Neptune, a case that is mentioned in paragraph 44 of our report. In Haiti, long detentions while pending cases are awaiting trial, are, unfortunately, the rule and not the exception. Notwithstanding that circumstance, the status of high- level authorities of the former Government should be taken into account in order, inter alia, to enhance national reconciliation while preparations for elections are under way. Therefore the mission, in its contacts with the authorities and the press while in Haiti, stressed the need to speed up such cases.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source
“Let me first take this opportunity, Madam President, to join those who have extended their congratulations to you and to the delegation of Denmark for your presidency this month, which is already showing itself to be successful. I also wish to thank Ambassador Wang Guangya and our Chinese colleagues for their excellent work in the presidency last month. I think this has been a valuable debate, with substantive contributions and assessments by Council members and other Members of the Organization. A remarkable coincidence can be seen in the statements this morning. As a result of our debate and of the work and recommendations of the mission, the Council will be in a position to consider, in an appropriate manner, the issues relating to Haiti, including the extension of MINUSTAH's mandate at the end of this month.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source