YouSaid · the spoken record

Scheffers

lines on the record: 44
first: 2000-04-17
most recent: 2000-12-19
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The new Government S/PVAZA') in Belgrade has announced new amnesty legislation, but in the meantime these prisoners are still being held hostage to a political resolution of the Kosovo question. Continuing pressure should be brought to bear on the Yugoslav authorities to release all political detainees.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“At the same time, it is essential that the Kosovar Albanian leadership should call on the rank and file to exercise restraint and for the international community to continue to pressure them towards that end. While tensions in the area prevail, it is of vital importance that all channels of communication be kept open and used to best effect. KFOR is keeping in constant touch with the Yugoslav Army and police and it is equally important for KFOR and UNMIK to be in touch with the Belgrade leadership. Good communications may prevent small incidents from escalating into events that are difficult to control. Finally, the fate of the Kosovar Albanian political prisoners incarcerated in Serbia remains a matter of grave concern to the Netherlands, and it should remain high on the international agenda.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“The Netherlands notes with appreciation the arrangements for the Serb parliamentary elections to be held on 23 December without the involvement of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in its organization, but with the Kosovo Force (KFOR) providing additional measures to ensure safety and security. It is the feeling of my delegation that the concerns of all parties are being adequately met in this way. Like Mr. Annabi and other Security Council delegations, the Netherlands remains seriously concerned about the developments in the Presevo Valley. The perpetrators of the ongoing violence are playing with fire. This cannot be condoned and is strongly condemned by the Netherlands and also rightly so in the presidential statement we are about to adopt. We fully support the measures taken by KFOR in this respect.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“Like previous speakers, I would also like to thank Mr. Annabi for his briefing and the Secretary-General for his report. Let me also state that my delegation has listened with great interest to the statement of the Yugoslav Foreign Minister. I fully associate myself with the statement just made by the representative of France on behalf of the European Union. However, since this will probably be the very last opportunity for my delegation to express its views on Kosovo as a non-permanent member of this Council, I would like to make some additional remarks. The Netherlands also wishes to welcome the appointment of Mr. Hans Haekkerup as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the head of the United Nations Interim Administrative Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4249 (2000) · source
“I too would like to thank Mr. Annabi for his briefing on the state of play in Kosovo since our last briefing. He rightly focused on the registration process and on other relevant developments towards ensuring the largest possible participation in the forthcoming municipal elections. Like previous speakers, we welcome the decision by”
2000-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4190 (2000) · source
“On the subject of elections, it would seem logical that the election schedule for next year will be elections for a constituent assembly which will debate and adopt the constitution; therefore, it seems that independence should not immediately follow the elections. In conclusion, on a separate and unrelated issue, I very much share the concern expressed by the representative of the United States about the situation in the Moluccas and the alarming reports, so far not confirmed. We call upon the Government of Indonesia to restore law and order and allow humanitarian aid workers to do their work in a terrible situation in the Moluccas.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“Much as we would like to see East Timor's prospective independence realized, and the current United Nations operation successfully completed, I reiterate that the United Nations should make sure that the process of handing over responsibilities to the East Timorese is carefully calibrated to correspond to the actual emergence of local capacity. We spoke on earlier occasions in terms of benchmarks, which are referred to, I have noted with pleasure, in paragraph 68 of the Secretary-General's report. We also welcome the establishment of an interim Cabinet and of the newly formed National Council, steps in the right direction.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“Annabi that members of Falintil will be at the core of the future self-defence forces. We take due note of his statement that international assistance is called for. In this respect, my delegation looks forward to the results of the study being conducted by King's College, London. Prospective independence for East Timor is a matter of great importance. We are all aware of the problems on the way to independence, especially in terms of capacity-building and economic reconstruction. Here the United Nations bears a heavy and grave responsibility.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“We therefore feel that decisions on the number of troops deployed should be taken only on the basis of sound military advice, preferably by hearing the UNTAET Force Commander who is in an excellent position to enlighten us on this subject. In this context, I echo the wish of, in particular, the representative of Argentina, for further clarification, hoping that the overall security situation will not be compromised by the intended reductions. Another aspect of the security situation is the question of the future East Timorese armed forces. As my delegation has stated before, their establishment may contribute to strengthening the security in East Timor and thus provide a horizon to the international presence there. We therefore very much welcome the statement made by Mr.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“Unfortunately, the security situation still gives rise for concern. Indeed, the recent incident that caused the death of Private Manning and continuing cross- border attacks demonstrate that it is premature to contend that a situation of stability has been reached. I would like to seize this opportunity to join previous speakers in expressing, on behalf of my Government, our sympathies and condolences to the Government of New Zealand and to the loved ones of Private Manning. We call upon the Indonesian authorities to renew their efforts in cooperating with UNTAET and to disarm and disband the militias operating in the border areas. Coming back to the security situation in general, I believe that the Council should consider the question of troop reductions very carefully, taking into account all aspects of the situation on the ground.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“First of all, I thank Mr. Annabi for his briefing and the Secretary-General for his very comprehensive report. I realize that many, if not all, issues related to the transitional process in East Timor and the United Nations mission there have already been touched upon. That is why I would like to highlight three aspects only: the security situation, the question of the East Timorese armed forces and the question of independence. Before doing so, given the mixed picture presented this morning of, on the one hand, good news, and, on the other, frustration and tragedy, my delegation believes it is useful to stress once more how much the Netherlands commends the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) for its untiring efforts in preparing East Timor to become a free, prosperous and independent country.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“In conclusion, Sir, my delegation considers the presidential statement which you are going to read out to be a welcome and useful follow-up document. That statement covers very extensively and comprehensively many, if not all, aspects of the issue of preventing armed conflicts, which is and remains very much at the core of the Council's responsibilities. Let us indeed use this document as a catalyst for concrete actions with renewed vigour.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Negotiations held solely at a high political level will result only in paper agreements without support in society. Therefore cooperation with non-governmental organizations is of vital importance for the peace process to take root and to succeed. Furthermore, peace agreements often do not really address the root causes which have led to armed conflict. In the post-conflict phase, ample attention should be given to those causes in order to prevent a rekindling of armed conflict. Of equal importance in the post-conflict situation are the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants in society. All in all, for security and development to be mutually reinforcing elements of a sustainable peace, reform of the security sector is essential.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Out of this Trust Fund activities instrumental to conflict prevention can be financed, such as expert meetings, the organization of peace talks, the establishment of a local United Nations representation, and missions of special representatives in order to improve communications between the United Nations and the government concerned. In this context, I should like to point out that the Netherlands would prefer that the Secretary-General be able to finance such activities from the regular budget and that the Netherlands is only contributing to the Trust Fund awaiting agreement on this matter. The foundations for post-conflict peace-building should be laid during peace negotiations, which should involve all segments of society in order to create broad support for the peace process.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“In this regard, I should like to underline the importance of giving adequate follow-up to early-warning signals, namely, the two other pillars: early attention and early action- in other words, a more proactive approach is called for. The Netherlands is in favour of enlarging the financial resources at the disposal of the Secretary- General for preventive diplomacy- for instance, for financing fact-finding missions and his special representatives. Therefore the Netherlands, along with other Member States, has contributed substantially to the Trust Fund for Preventive Action.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Likewise, if these basic conditions are deteriorating within a country, the chances of violent conflicts erupting are mounting. Indeed, one of the most telling indicators of pending conflict is the occurrence of rampant human rights violations. As I indicated before, such abuses reflect a breakdown of the rule of law and can be a prelude to violent domestic conflict, with consequences for international peace and security. Therefore, the Security Council should approach reports of the Commission on Human Rights and of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as potential early- warning documents. The Netherlands is in favour of the establishment of expert panels by the Secretary-General as early- warning instruments.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Recently we have been witnessing conflicts about control of, or access to, natural resources. In such cases economic considerations are at stake, and the struggle is not so much about political power. However, the result is the same: the emergence of armed conflict. In some cases dormant conflicts are turned into armed conflicts by triggering factors, such as a sudden deterioration of economic perspectives, the demise of a leader, or a flow of small arms and light weapons. In a culture of prevention, the Council should be especially alert for signs of deterioration, as these constitute a clear early warning. In our view, it stands to reason that international peace and security in their widest sense are best served by democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and sustainable development.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“We often witness the emergence of violent conflicts within States when political, economic, social and ethnic dividing lines coincide in an environment in which the State is suffering from a lack of legitimacy and capacity. In such cases Governments often are unable to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence and repression. Indeed, resorting to repression is the easiest answer of a weak State to the demands of groups within a society that already feel discriminated against. That repression usually takes the shape of violations of human rights. However, the evident lack of respect for human rights on the part of the State undermines further the legitimacy of that State. The repressed are likely to resort to violence as well, and a spiral of violence ensues.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“In View of its primary responsibilities the Security Council cannot but subscribe to a more flexible interpretation of Article 2, paragraph 7, which stipulates that nothing in the Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State. A rigid interpretation of this paragraph would preclude the Council from taking any action, preventive or not, in the majority of issues on its agenda and would therefore prevent the Security Council from shouldering the responsibilities it is called upon to carry out. Conflict prevention by the Security Council has three pillars: early warning, early attention and early action. The creation of a culture of prevention requires a broad and integrated approach based on the analysis of the root causes of armed conflicts.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“The next portion of my remarks should be seen as complementary to the statement to be made by the representative of France on behalf of the European Union. Given the ongoing discussion on the scope of responsibilities of the Security Council, the Netherlands wishes to reiterate once more its views on that matter. Everything the Charter has to say on conflict prevention - Chapters VI and VII and Article 99 - appears to have been drafted, more than half a century ago and in the aftermath of the Second World War, with conflicts between States in mind. However, the overwhelming majority of present-day conflicts on the Council's agenda is of an internal, domestic nature, while at the same time threatening international peace and security.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for presiding over a public meeting on another important subject. The Netherlands welcomes your initiative to devote a follow-up open debate to the role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed conflicts. Let me also join previous speakers in thanking the Secretary-General for his important, action-oriented presentation. As stated earlier in our first debate in November last year, my delegation regards conflict prevention as the core of the duties the Security Council is called upon to carry out on behalf of the membership of the United Nations. It lies, naturally and manifestly, at the heart of the Netherlands integrated approach to the Council's agenda.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174 (2000) · source
“Access to drugs, whatever the importance of such an issue may be, constitutes only a part of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and cannot be treated separately from the other issues, such as vaccine development, research, care, efficacy and cooperation with national Governments. All parties should deal with the HIV problem in an integral way. To conclude, in the broader context of the responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, my delegation commends the work of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee working group, as described in the very useful note prepared for this meeting. We welcome the adopted action plan, in which addressing HIV/AIDS has been fully integrated into peacekeeping operations and humanitarian action.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“As I stated earlier, the Netherlands attaches great importance to the principle of non-discrimination. That is why we support non-governmental organizations working with HIV-positive people and AIDS victims. The fact that HIV/AIDS has been put prominently on the international agenda must now lead to concrete action at the regional and national levels. The feasibility of organizing a meeting under United Nations auspices on access to care for HIV/AIDS should now be analysed in appropriate United Nations bodies and incorporated and streamlined into existing international forums.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“Furthermore, we recently decided to make $20 million available for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, aimed at supporting vaccine research and at guaranteeing that these vaccines become available in developing countries. The Netherlands is the second-largest donor worldwide and we will continue contributing to the battle against AIDS in bilateral and multilateral frameworks. In this connection, I am pleased to note that the Netherlands has increased its contributions to UNAIDS and will start a partnership programme with that organization for a total amount of approximately $10 million in 2000 and 2001. Within the UNICEF partnership programme, which is presently under consideration, funds for the battle against AIDS will also be reserved.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“Whenever the opportunity arises, the Netherlands wishes to stress the point that political commitment, on both the national and international levels, is equally essential. In this light, we find the reported progress in a number of African countries hopeful and encouraging. The Dutch international policy to combat AIDS is focused on prevention, care, non-discrimination and relief, as well as on the promotion of research, both biomedical and sociological. Prevention and awareness ought to go hand in hand with relief and care for the victims of the pandemic. However, in the end, only a vaccine will provide a lasting solution. In this context, the Netherlands supports a research project in Ethiopia.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“Misinformation or lack of information are other important elements in the spread of AIDS. Girls are especially ignorant about the disease. According to a survey conducted in 34 countries by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), it was found that, in about half of those countries, more than 50 per cent of girls from ages 15 to 19 said that they did not know that a person with AIDS could appear healthy. Efforts to reach and teach those girls are hampered by poverty, local customs, violence and social or religious bias, according to UNICEF. Given this bleak and sombre background, the Netherlands believes that the fight against HIV/AIDS should follow an approach that goes beyond sectors or countries. We also believe that the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council continue to have a major role to play.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“As a matter of fact, AIDS may ultimately destroy the very fabric of entire societies and aggravate the risk of instability. AIDS might therefore become one of the root causes of conflict. I am not going to repeat the statistics provided by UNAIDS, but one thing is clear. We are speaking of staggering and alarming numbers. They become even more frightening when we realize that HIV/AIDS spreads with a multiplier effect. This holds true in conflict areas in particular. Soldiers and displaced civilians on the move are important sources of HIV dissemination, while, in those circumstances, the fight against AIDS is particularly difficult. There are, unfortunately, more and underlying reasons why HIV/AIDS gets the chance to spread so rapidly: poverty and gender discrimination.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for your presence here in order to preside over our important meeting today. I wish to join previous speakers in thanking Dr. Piot for his very to-the-point and concise presentation, and in general for the excellent work of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). As the French representative will also speak on behalf of the European Union, my delegation can be brief and wishes to highlight a few points only that are characteristic of the Netherlands' approach to the international dimension of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The Netherlands notes with great appreciation that, increasingly, HIV/AIDS is not seen as just a health problem. Its social consequences are severe and the disease adversely affects a country's potential for economic development.”
2000-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4172 (2000) · source
“The Netherlands would especially like to encourage the Secretary-General to make full use of the prerogatives conferred on him by the United Nations Charter and to fully participate in the preparation of such mandates. In conclusion, my delegation believes that the necessary prerequisites for adequate Security Council action have been well defined by the draft resolution, translating as much as possible the proposed recommendations into a framework for future action. It is up to the Council to take up the challenge and to ensure that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is part and parcel of its work.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Under specific circumstances, this may comprise the use of all measures at the Council's disposal, such as the imposition of targeted sanctions. My fourth and final point is that my delegation would like to emphasize how important the need is for United Nations or United Nations-mandated action to be adequate, comprehensive and integrated. Strategic frameworks, such as the one agreed for Afghanistan, are a powerful tool to ensure such an approach. By combining actions in the field of politics, human rights, humanitarian assistance, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and development, a very similar approach was applied in the cases of East Timor, Kosovo and Sierra Leone. The draft resolution before us contains a menu of relevant elements, which should be considered fully whenever United Nations mandates are being prepared.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“It is therefore of the utmost importance that such violations are brought to the attention of this Council. Equally important, and this is my third point, is the necessity of full and unimpeded access for United Nations and humanitarian personnel to populations in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons. It is up to the countries where such people in need are to make sure that their humanitarian requirements, including their protection, are met. When these countries are not able to provide for such needs, they should welcome international support and support from non-governmental organizations. The Council should act and take appropriate steps when there is a denial of such access including the freedom to move to the areas concerned, as suggested in the draft resolution we are about to adopt.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“As stated by the Secretary-General in his outstanding millennium report, gross and systematic violations of human rights offend every precept of our common humanity. He referred in particular to Rwanda and Srebrenica. In the face of grave and widespread violations of human rights, the Security Council cannot afford to stand by and watch. The Council has the duty to act on behalf of the international community and should therefore consider which role to play in stopping these violations and thus prevent a further aggravation of the conflict situation. Such violations may well lead to crises that could endanger world peace and security. The Commission on Human Rights has an important role in making sure that human rights standards are upheld.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“I seize this opportunity to pay tribute once more to the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, which have clearly proved that we should not hesitate to bring to justice those who might have considered themselves immune. The early entry into force of the Statute establishing the International Criminal Court will further contribute to ending impunity and thus to the prevention of future war crimes. Although the issue of impunity is not dealt with in the draft resolution to be adopted, we believe it merits the full attention of the competent United Nations bodies. My second point is respect for international law, including human rights law, which is essential for the prevention of armed conflict.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Geneva should not be regarded as a distant cousin of the United Nations family residing in New York, but as an intrinsic part of it. The Geneva and Hague Conventions should always guide us when we are dealing with armed conflicts. They contain provisions for conflict prevention and conflict resolution and should therefore be fully used. In this connection, I would like to reiterate my delegation's earlier observations on the International Fact-Finding Commission. My delegation also believes that the Security Council should further enhance its cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross. The perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes should be prosecuted and duly punished.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“A week ago the Security Council had the opportunity to discuss this issue with three major humanitarian non-governmental organizations, which provided us with unique insight on how protection needs present themselves in the field. As the representative of Portugal will make a statement on behalf of the European Union later in this debate, I will limit myself to four specific observations. Taking stock of what has been accomplished so far, I would like to recall some of the main points made by the Netherlands delegation in previous debates and to see where we are now. The first and most prominent point deals with the full compliance with the rules and principles of international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“After a thorough and lengthy process, we are close to a first wind-up of a very important debate on the topical issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The time has indeed come for some concrete and coherent action. In this connection, I would like to commend the Canadian presidency, and you personally, Minister Axworthy, for the preparation of this debate and, as a matter of fact, for the very capable handling by Canada of this whole issue. The Netherlands was more than happy to assist Canada in its efforts during the Netherlands' presidency last September. My delegation appreciates highly the valuable input - including today - by the Secretary-General and the former and the present President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“We believe enough food for further thought and concrete proposals are at our disposal that will tremendously assist the Security Council in redefining elements of its sanctions policies. It will therefore not come as a big surprise that the Netherlands strongly supports the decision to establish on a temporary basis an informal working group of the Security Council on sanctions. Its terms of reference are sufficiently broad to examine how to improve the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions from all perspectives.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“One could think of more effective communications with Member States as one improvement. Furthermore, Member States should be assisted in administering sanctions, especially in the fields of arms embargoes and financial sanctions. A feasibility study should be undertaken on how the United Nations Secretariat can become more effective in supporting and administering sanctions. A strengthened Secretariat will also be able to offer valuable assistance in the pre-assessment period. In conclusion, the Netherlands wishes to pay tribute to a few States that have actively sponsored studies on "smarter" sanctions, notably Germany and Switzerland. Canada has also made a recent valuable contribution, in collaboration with the International Peace Academy.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“As stated in the International Peace Academy study, sanctions often suffer from poor design, loose commitment from Member States, inadequate monitoring and lax enforcement. Sanctions committees should therefore play a key role in enforcing the sanctions entrusted to them. It is with great appreciation that my delegation has followed closely the Angola sanctions Committee, which, under effective Canadian chairmanship, is now well on the way to producing significant results in fighting violations, and is breaking new ground in the process. Tomorrow's open meeting will surely testify to that. Following up earlier steps of January 1999, the Security Council should indeed now consider further improvements, in particular to strengthen enforcement capabilities.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“When speaking about United Nations sanctions we generally have comprehensive sanctions in mind. As a matter of fact, sanctions regimes are much more diverse. The Security Council has imposed arms embargoes, flight bans, travel bans and financial sanctions. All but one of the current sanctions regimes are in fact targeted and focused on specific groups of people or economic activities and do not harm the general population as such. Although not all of them have been effective, the Libya sanctions regime produced the desired results. It seems superfluous to state, but for sanctions to be successful, sanctions regimes must be enforced. Absence of enforcement will lead to undermining the authority of the Security Council and of sanctions as a policy instrument.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“That is why - especially in the case of comprehensive sanctions and of general trade embargoes - humanitarian exemptions are imperative. Given the need for swift action when it comes to imposing sanctions, the Netherlands believes it would not be wise to adopt a policy of protracted pre-assessment or impact reporting. In the view of the Netherlands, a better course of action would be to make available, within the United Nations Secretariat, further high quality and varied expertise in order for the Security Council to be offered well-considered and swift advice on possible options for action. Once sanctions are in place, the humanitarian and economic impact could and should be monitored continuously and closely. Also, clear procedures for adjusting exemption regimes must be in place.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“While sanctions should therefore not be used as a blunt instrument, we should not lose sight of the fact that sanctions are coercive measures under Chapter VII, with an inescapably wide range of consequences - and I must add, just a few steps, or even only one step, short of military intervention in line with Article 42 of the United Nations Charter. Whenever the Security Council is considering the imposition of sanctions, the guiding principle should be that each sanctions regime is tailored to the actual situation. Sanctions are not meant to punish nations or peoples as such, but to exert strong pressure on the elites with decision-making powers. However, it cannot be ruled out that the population and the economy in general will suffer as well.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Prendergast, for his comprehensive introduction, which rightly touched on all aspects relating to sanctions. We believe that the imposition of sanctions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter remains an indispensable tool of international diplomacy, both in preventing armed conflicts and in directing conflict situations towards a peaceful settlement. Therefore, if sanctions are to be an effective political instrument, they must be applied swiftly and with resolve. However, sanctions cannot be viewed as an instrument in isolation. They must be part of a broader strategy aimed at bringing about factual changes in behaviour by the targeted State or entity. Sanctions are to serve clear goals.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Allow me first to thank you, Mr. Axworthy, for the important Canadian initiatives on United Nations sanctions. These have joined sanctions- related initiatives by other countries, and the time has indeed come to undertake a more in-depth review of the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions under the present international circumstances, circumstances in which humanitarian considerations are taking centre stage in our ongoing debate on issues of international peace and security. The representative of Portugal will make a statement on behalf of the European Union later in this debate. The Netherlands fully associates itself with that statement, and I will therefore limit myself to a few brief comments on this subject. I wish here to commend the Under-Secretary- General, Mr.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source