YouSaid · the spoken record

Secretary-General

lines on the record: 2,998
first: 1995-09-26
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 363
sources: un-security-council

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“My Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Olara Otunnu, is currently visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I am looking forward to receiving his recommendations on how to address this issue in a comprehensive manner. Separately, the security situation continues to be precarious, especially in the east of the county. In Ituri province, where six workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross were killed recently, only one international organization, Memisa, has resumed work outside Bunia, the provincial capital. At present, there are only three United Nations field security officers for the entire country, which is totally inadequate. We face a truly daunting challenge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“I believe that it is important to step up MONUC's monitoring activities in this area without delay. In cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, I have taken steps to increase the number of human rights officers in MONUC. Within this area of concern, the question of impunity has to be addressed by investigating alleged massacres and other major violations of human rights. Without accountability for the most severe crimes, there can be no lasting peace. Thirdly, as the Council is aware, the use of child soldiers has been pervasive in all fighting forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“Needs assessments are currently being carried out in these areas. It is imperative that additional resources be made available to address the emerging requirements, as well as to fund quick-impact projects that can bring immediate benefits to the population. Frankly speaking, I believe that current international support for humanitarian activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is unacceptably low, with only 20 per cent of the 2001 consolidated appeal for $139.4 million being funded. The Council may wish to take up this issue with donors as a matter of urgency. Secondly, I would like to speak about human rights. I think we have heard quite a lot about human rights. The dire situation concerning the human rights of civilians is well known to Council members.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“Recent developments include the signing by the Congolese parties on 4 May in Lusaka of a Declaration of Principles for the conduct of the dialogue; the announcement on 17 May by President Kabila lifting the ban on political parties; and the announcement by the facilitator for the inter-Congolese dialogue, Sir Ketumile Masire, that he will convene a preparatory meeting for the dialogue on 16 July, as we have just heard, which could open the way for political reconciliation. Among the remaining urgent challenges in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I wish to highlight the following. First, with regard to the humanitarian situation, recent political and military developments have resulted in greater access to vulnerable communities, including some which had been beyond our reach since the start of the war.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“I think that the insight that the Council has brought will also be very helpful as we move to transition and implementation of phase III. My recommendations for that phase will be contained in my forthcoming report to the Security Council, to be issued in mid-June. I hope the international community will also contribute generously. Significantly, there has also been a change in the political climate within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recently, we have seen progress in the inter- Congolese dialogue, about which we have just heard; that is an indispensable element of the peace process.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“The United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has deployed 490 military observers, who, supported by 1,660 troops, are verifying the disengagement. Already, MONUC has verified close to 60 per cent of the redeployment positions. In the near future, the parties will be finalizing plans for the withdrawal of all foreign troops, as well as for the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement of armed groups. This process will also present a major challenge to MONUC and the international community as a whole. The planning for these operations has already begun - of course, we need to work with those on the ground - and must be incorporated into the overall planning for phase III of the Mission.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“The Democratic Republic of Congo, a vast and impoverished country devastated by conflict, with virtually no infrastructure, presents an immense operational, administrative and logistical challenge to any outside mission. However, we are now faced with a genuine window of opportunity for peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I think that Ambassador Levitte described it very clearly. An important signal was the reopening of the river network in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for humanitarian assistance and commercial exchanges between Kinshasa and Kisangani. More specifically, there has been progress on disengagement, and the United Nations has been actively assisting the parties in implementing their commitments.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“At the outset, I wish to pay tribute to the just-concluded Security Council mission to the Great Lakes region. I believe that that timely and important visit served to consolidate the recent momentum for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and demonstrated the importance that the United Nations attaches to the peace process there. We heard a very eloquent and comprehensive briefing from Ambassador Levitte, who led the team. By visiting not only the States signatories of the Lusaka Agreement, but also Burundi, the Security Council recognized the linkage between the conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. It is clear that we will have to work to ensure the implementation of both the Lusaka and the Arusha Agreements if we are to achieve peace throughout the region.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323 (2001) · source
“Let me sum up my remarks by adding one question of my own: are your capitals now engaged in an active debate on the best way to fulfil the commitments made by the Council in resolutions 1318 (2000) and 1327 (2000)? Indeed, are they seriously discussing how to implement resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, or the recently adopted presidential statements on strengthening cooperation with troop-contributing countries and on peace-building? There is no doubt that, with these decisions in the past six months, the Council has undertaken important new commitments. I hope the next six months will be marked by equally vigorous action to put those commitments into effect. I look forward eagerly to hearing your conclusions.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“It also affirmed its determination to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping operations. It listed the measures by which it would do so, and resolution 1327 (2000), adopted two months later, spelled out those measures in much greater detail. Those two resolutions, therefore, are ones to which Member States have committed themselves in a particularly solemn way. I hope that not only you, Excellencies, but your colleagues and political masters back home, will make the most strenuous efforts to see those resolutions translated into concrete action. Let me thank you, Mr. President, for the most useful working paper which you prepared for this meeting, in which you ask a number of very pertinent questions.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“This dialogue needs to start before a resolution is passed, and it needs to continue long afterwards. I know that all, or most, members of the Council are now engaged in such dialogues. The Secretariat stands ready and willing to assist them. But too often these dialogues involve only a handful of experts. Only through the much deeper and broader involvement of Member States, reaching up to the highest political level, can the will and resources needed to implement Council resolutions be mustered. That, of course, applies to resolution 1318 (2000) itself. In that resolution, the Council, meeting at the level of heads of State or Government, pledged, among other things, to make the United Nations more effective in addressing conflict at all stages, from prevention through political settlement to post-conflict peace- building.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“We are here today to assess whether that is still true, and what progress has been made in overcoming that crisis. Before we begin the debate, I should like to ask members to consider one point very carefully. The resolutions of this Council are not self-implementing. In themselves, they hardly do more than express a wish or an aspiration. Their impact on reality depends on a great deal of subsequent effort, by Member States, as well as by the Secretariat. It is therefore vital that the delegates who attend the Council's meetings regularly maintain a constant dialogue with their capitals, which should stimulate dialogue in those capitals focusing on how to translate the aspirations contained in each resolution into real change on the ground.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“It gives me great pleasure to join the Council today for this open debate on the implementation of decisions taken last September, when this Council met - for only the second time in its history-at the level of heads of State or Government. Let me thank you, Mr. President, for initiating this timely review. The Security Council Summit was, indeed, a historic occasion that demonstrated in a most eloquent way the commitment of the States represented on this Council to making its work more effective. That commitment was spelled out in resolution 1318 (2000), adopted at the Summit, in which the Council undertook to act preventively in future; to improve the capacity of the United Nations to act effectively; and to act quickly and decisively. I told the Council on that day that it was facing a crisis of credibility.”
2001-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4288 (2001) · source
“I hope that this move by Rwanda will help set the tone and lead other parties to take similar steps towards an ultimate withdrawal of all foreign forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am therefore pleased to note the statement issued yesterday by the Ugandan Government that it intends to withdraw two battalions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is a further welcome development. The parties should be given a clear message today. Let the disengagement of forces and the inter-Congolese dialogue begin. Draw up plans to bring all foreign forces home from the Democratic Republic of the Congo territory. Work with your neighbours and with us to find innovative and creative ways to resolve the problems of armed groups and border security. These are the outcomes expected from this meeting.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“Let the parties to the conflict show the world that they are willing and able to keep their promises to end the shameful and disastrous conflict and to work reliably with the international community in laying foundations for recovery. In this connection, I welcome the confirmation by President Kagame to me in a telephone conversation on 19 February of his decision to withdraw his troops from Pweto and pull back all his forces 200 kilometres, in accordance with the Harare disengagement and redeployment plan. I have instructed my Special Representative, Mr. Morjane, and the Force Commander, General Diallo, who are with us today, to assist in preparing this withdrawal.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“We have heard complaints about the slowness of the United Nations to act or the small size of the forces it plans to deploy. But the Governments that contribute troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations are not convinced that they should risk their soldiers' lives in circumstances where those most responsible are not themselves reliably committed. We may wish it were otherwise, but these are the facts. That is why these meetings between the Security Council and the Political Committee are so important. Let us now build on the advances of the past few weeks, the agreements that have been signed and the careful plans that have been made.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“Finally, the security of neighbouring countries not involved in the war has been placed at risk, not least through flows of refugees as well as armed men fleeing the fighting. I wish to highlight the tragic fact that civilians, especially women and children, have been the principal victims of the fighting. Terrible crimes have been committed against women, including rape as a weapon of war. Children have been inducted into armies and sent to the front. They must be given a chance to build a better future. The world has been waiting for the parties to this conflict, the parties that signed the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, to prove their determination to end the fighting and lay the foundations for peace and recovery. Only as they do so can the international community and the United Nations materially assist them.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“Before achieving the long-term political goals, however, we must address the humanitarian crisis that still affects large numbers of the Congolese people. At this point, in too many parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, humanitarian assistance workers are being prevented from reaching populations in dire need of aid. At least 2 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been driven from their homes by the fighting. Fewer than half of them receive humanitarian assistance. There may be as many as 16 million people with not enough to eat. More than half of the population lacks access to drinkable water, and almost two-thirds cannot obtain essential medicine.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“I welcome the decision of President Kabila's Government to permit the neutral facilitator, Sir Ketumile Masire, to work with the various Congolese parties in conducting the national dialogue. Without broad political agreement among the Congolese people based on a dialogue leading to free and fair elections, no military solution can bring lasting peace and stability to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In View of the recent positive signs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo peace process, I urge all those donors who have pledged to support the work of the neutral facilitator to move quickly to fulfil their promises. At the same time, I urge the members of the Security Council and the wider international community to provide financial and other support to President Masire's important work.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“The Council is now ready to endorse that concept, and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and the Secretariat have already begun to take the necessary steps to put it into practice. Once the Council has finished its discussions here, a date will be set to begin the disengagement and redeployment exercise. The troops can then start drawing back, supervised and monitored by United Nations military observers. The implementation date should be chosen with care - not too late, so as not to lose the momentum already generated, but not before all of the necessary preparations have been put in place to ensure an efficient and transparent operation. These military movements will take place in a political environment, which, however troubled and volatile, has also shown clear signs of improvement.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“Such a move could be the first step towards an eventual withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since the Lusaka Agreement was signed in July and August 1999, this has been our common goal. In spite of the obstacles, misunderstandings and delays that have prevented its implementation so far, all of the parties can take a measure of credit for the recent progress. All of the parties remain responsible for seeing this process to its logical, rightful and long- awaited conclusion. The plan for the disengagement of forces was signed at Harare on 6 December. I have since submitted to the Security Council a concept of operations under which United Nations military personnel would be deployed to monitor and verify the actions taken by the parties in implementing the disengagement plan.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“As the Council and all of the parties are aware, however, great challenges lie ahead which require the will to peace and the ability to implement the commitments made. Today the Democratic Republic of the Congo is divided by a line of confrontation between the forces of five foreign armies in a line that stretches from Lake Mweru on the Zambian border to the banks of the Ubangi river, the border with the Republic of the Congo. I think that Council members have maps in front of them. For the last five weeks, calm has descended on that line. In accordance with the plan devised by the Joint Military Commission and approved by the Political Committee, the opposing troops can soon begin to withdraw from their advance positions and take a step back from the line of confrontation.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“Last June in this Chamber, the members of the Political Committee for the Implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement met with the Security Council to discuss advancing the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Much has changed since last June, and in recent weeks some things, at least, have changed for the better. First, the parties have been talking to each other at the highest levels, with renewed determination to find a peaceful solution. Secondly, the way has been opened for the Congolese people to take part in the governance of their country and to have a real say in determining their future. Thirdly, a de facto cessation of hostilities prevails throughout much of the country.”
2001-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4279 (2001) · source
“We are also taking urgent steps to re-energize the intra-Congolese dialogue and I hope the summit that is being planned in the region will focus on this aspect of the problem. I think a new opportunity has presented itself and I urge this Council and every country in the region to do everything possible to seize it.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“Should the Council approve the revised concept, MONUC will be able to help the parties further in drawing back their forces from the confrontation line. This will reduce the risk of clashes and serve as a vital first step towards an eventual complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country. We may also be on the verge of a new and more constructive stage in the process of bringing an end to the conflict and instability in the region. We should, however, not lose sight of the scale of challenges that remain. Indeed, it is my profound hope that the resolution ofthe conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will bring peace to the entire Great Lakes region and, in particular, to Rwanda.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“A withdrawal from Pweto by Rwanda and its allies in accordance with the Harare disengagement plan would help set the tone for the remainder of the disengagement plan. It would also represent an important step towards compliance with Security Council resolution 1304 (2000) of 16 June 2000, which calls for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory ofthe Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the report I intend to submit to the Council next week, I will propose a revised concept of operations for the deployment by MONUC. I will propose the deployment of additional personnel to monitor and verify the implementation by the parties of the Harare disengagement plan. Meanwhile, MONUC has already begun to take some initial steps which fall within the mandate approved by the Security Council in February 2000.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“I hope we can build on this momentum and on the fact that no major ceasefire violations have been reported over the past two weeks. I would like to mention one step that will serve as an important confidence-building measure as the United Nations moves to help the parties carry out the disengagement plan signed in Harare in December. The Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Major-General Diallo, is currently discussing with the authorities in Kigali and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and their allies from the town of Pweto, on Lake Mweru in Katanga. We understand that substantial, if not complete, agreement has been reached. MONUC is ready to deploy a team of observers to the town once all the arrangements are in place.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“We must understand that all the countries in the region, in particular Rwanda, have legitimate security concerns. Let me also commend the Government and the people of Rwanda for their efforts to build and renew their nation. Much remains to be done, however. The United Nations will continue to give whatever help it can to Rwanda in carrying out these tasks. In welcoming President Joseph Kabila during his brief visit last week, many members of the Security Council spoke of the need to seize this opportunity for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, leaders throughout the region have responded to the latest developments in a way that suggests that they sincerely wish to implement the Lusaka Agreement in all its aspects.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“I therefore wish to commend President Kagame and President Kabila for the statesmanship they showed in meeting last week in Washington to discuss the challenges facing both countries and the entire area. There are difficult issues of governance, national dialogue, democracy, accountability and reconciliation that need to be addressed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region as a whole if there is to be a lasting solution in the Great Lakes. There is also the issue of the continued existence of predatory armed groups. Although there is no easy military solution to this dangerous phenomenon, those guilty of the worst atrocities of human rights abuses - and especially those guilty of genocide - must not be allowed to escape unpunished.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“I have had the chance this morning to meet with President Kagame, and we have had a very good discussion. For the second time in less than one week, we are meeting again here in the Council to reaffirm our commitment to bringing peace and stability to the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. I believe the welcome presence of the President of Rwanda here today should strengthen our resolve to make the most of this opportunity for change and ensure that it gives us new impetus towards a final resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What is clear to this Council, and should be clear to all sides in the conflict, is that no country in the area can hope to enjoy stability while the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues and that all will benefit from its resolution.”
2001-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4273 (2001) · source
“Peace-building presents complex and diverse challenges. I will do my utmost operationally to improve the peace-building projects in which we engage and to exploit the best possible effect - the expertise that exists in the United Nations system and among many partners. But I will also ask the members to do more politically to give peace-building a higher priority and a higher profile by bringing it closer to the forefront of your awareness. Peace-building must not be seen as an add-on or an afterthought, something to save for later when conditions or resources or politics permit. It is a central tool of proven worth. Let us together pledge to develop and improve it, and then let us use it in good time.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“As you know, we are now exploring the possibility of establishing a peace-building presence in Somalia. This Council has a prime role to play. Among the major challenges of peace-building is the mobilization of sustained political will and resources on the part of the international community. A number of good ideas have been put forward in key areas such as the implementation of peace agreements and the design of peacekeeping operations, which the Council could incorporate into its future mandates. Further contributions can be expected from our meeting with regional organizations tomorrow and Wednesday. I am delighted that the Presidents of the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council will be attending this event, and I am confident that the Council will want to lend its full support to the outcome.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“In countries as diverse as Bosnia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Liberia and Mozambique, peace- building has helped to smooth the implementation and prevent the breakdown of peace agreements. In countries like Haiti, Guinea-Bissau and the Central African Republic, peace-building activities have contributed to the maintenance of fragile stability. In response to growing demand, the United Nations has opened, on a pilot basis, Peace-building Support Offices in the Central African Republic, Guinea- Bissau, Liberia and Tajikistan. Although these outposts are relatively new and are constrained by limited resources, they have helped Governments to destroy weapons, build institutions and mobilize international support for their societies' needs.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“Indeed, at times, peace-building may mean giving preferential treatment to some groups in a society in order to redress pre-existing inequalities that may have bred explosive tensions. This, in turn, may involve an allocation of resources that might not be optimal from a purely economic point of view. During the last decade, both the General Assembly and the Security Council have recognized the importance of peace-building and the need to work with a range of partners, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The Council has rightly recognized that peace-building can be a vital component of peacekeeping missions, and that it needs to include such preventive tools as early warning, diplomacy, preventive deployment and disarmament.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“Here I would like to say a word about the fundamentally political character of peace-building, which makes it distinct from normal development activities in non-crisis situations. When a country is sliding into conflict, or emerging from war, its needs are qualitatively different from those of a stable society. This requires a reordering of normal developmental, humanitarian and other activities, so that their first objective is to contribute to the paramount goal of preventing the outbreak or recurrence of conflict. Some have described this as looking at developmental and humanitarian work through a "conflict prevention lens". Others have spoken about "peace-friendly" adjustment programmes, with the flexibility to take account of the exceptional needs of countries emerging from or on the verge of conflict.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“Whether started before, after or during the eruption of conflict, peace-building must be seen as a long-term exercise. At the same time, there is an unmistakable element of urgency - a need to achieve tangible progress on a number of fronts in a short period of time. Peace-building must be, above all, the work of the society that is threatened by conflict or that has succumbed to it. International efforts to promote peace or development must support, not supplant, national ones. Peace-building is an extremely difficult undertaking. All too often, countries emerging from prolonged conflicts are starting almost from ground zero, under clouds of bitterness and loss. It requires persistence and vision, as well as the courage to pursue reconciliation in societies still fractured by suspicion and mistrust.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“We tend to think of peace-building as taking place primarily in post-conflict settings. Here, the goals are to consolidate peace, reinforce an often hard-won and fragile stability and, above all, to prevent a slide back into conflict. But I see peace-building also as a preventive instrument, which can address the underlying, root causes of conflict, and which can also be used before the actual outbreak of war. A society on the brink of breakdown is as much in need of such an instrument as one in which disaster has already struck. Its timely deployment at that stage could save many lives and avoid much misery. The political, economic and human logic of such an approach is impeccable. The problem is that we do not practise prevention as often as we could or should.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants; human rights education; the repatriation of refugees; the promotion of conflict resolution and reconciliation techniques - this is just a short list of activities. We are also promoting cultural exchanges designed to link States in networks of enterprise and opportunity, not in webs of mutual antagonism. In order to ensure the coherence of these efforts, we are also trying to improve our own internal arrangements, so that peace-building is not only comprehensive, but done in an integrated way. With an increasing number of United Nations entities establishing peace-building units and funds, we will need a major effort of coordination if we are to reinforce one another's efforts and avoid duplication and confusion.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“Peace-building done well is a powerful deterrent to violent conflict. But it is not powerful in the way an army can be powerful; rather, it is the sum of many initiatives, projects, activities and sensitivities. Peace- building is not the dramatic imposition of a grand plan; rather, it is the process of building the pillars of peace from the ground up, bit by bit. The instruments of peace-building are as varied as the United Nations system itself. Indeed, virtually every part of the United Nations system, including the Bretton Woods institutions, is currently engaged in one form of peace-building or another.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“It gives me great pleasure to join the Council today for this open debate on peace-building. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your initiative on this key aspect of international peace and security. I am confident that it will contribute to our efforts to arrive at a shared Vision of peace-building with which all of us can move forward. Peace-building in the broadest sense is about helping a country to put back in place the rudiments of normal life after a period of conflict. Peace-building is about the resumption of economic activity, the rejuvenation of institutions, the restoration of basic services, the reconstruction of clinics and schools, the revamping of public administration and the resolution of differences through dialogue, not violence. The overarching challenge is to move societies towards sustainable peace.”
2001-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4272 (2001) · source
“Greater attention can then be paid to human rights and the rights of children, including child soldiers, once the fighting has stopped. It would also be possible to address outbreaks of communal violence not directly related to the main conflict, such as those in Ituri and South Kivu. Finally, it remains only for me to wish President Kabila every success. I am sure I speak for the international community as a whole in assuring him that he will enjoy our full support in his efforts to restore peace and promote democracy and development in his great country in the heart of Africa.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“By its resolution 1304 (2000) of 16 June 2000, and reaffirmed in resolution 1332 (2000), the Security Council demanded the withdrawal of Ugandan and Rwandan forces from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in conformity with the timetable of the Ceasefire Agreement and the Kampala disengagement plan of 8 April. I look forward to the early withdrawal of all foreign forces, as provided for by the Lusaka Agreement. In future phases of its operations, with the approval of the Security Council, MONUC will be ready to deploy to assist in this important objective. The commitment to peace that President Joseph Kabila has already demonstrated is welcome for many reasons. Respect for the ceasefire could permit humanitarian agencies to gain access to populations in need.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“This requires the new Congolese authorities to confirm their strong commitment to peaceful negotiation, notably by taking steps to liberalize the political climate in the country. I am glad to note that the new Government is prepared to work with Sir Ketumile Masire, the neutral Facilitator appointed under the Lusaka Agreement, with the help of a co-Facilitator. I look forward to the early identification of such a co-Facilitator by the Congolese parties, with the help of the Organization of African Unity. Any support that can be provided by other heads of State in the subregion will surely also be welcome.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“Within its current resources, MONUC has already begun to take the measures necessary to support the disengagement. In my forthcoming report to the Security Council, as requested in resolution 1332 (2000), I will propose the elements of a revised concept of operations for MONUC deployment in support of the disengagement plan. Once the Council has adopted the new concept, MONUC will take the necessary steps to carry it out. Peace and stability will not return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbours unless and until all Congolese are engaged in a meaningful dialogue to decide how their country is to be governed. By the same token, all countries of the region should continue to engage in dialogue to resolve this conflict.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“This is surely a moment of opportunity, which must be seized by the parties and those who wish to help the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The time appears ripe for a resolute effort to implement the Lusaka Agreement, including through a genuine dialogue among all Congolese on the future of their country. I welcome the calm that has descended on the confrontation lines between the various forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and hope that all the parties concerned, and all their military commanders, will take the necessary measures to ensure that it continues. Any regional initiative aimed at achieving this objective is to be commended. In this regard, I urge the parties to adhere to the plan for the disengagement of forces they agreed to in Harare on 6 December.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“We are meeting today to discuss once again one of the biggest challenges currently facing Africa and the United Nations - the challenge of bringing peace and stability to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the region around it. Let me begin by welcoming President Joseph Kabila to the United Nations and congratulating him on his inauguration as Head of State of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have already had the opportunity of extending to President Kabila my sincere condolences on the loss of his father. The Lusaka Agreement, signed in July and August 1999 by six States and three rebel movements, has yet to be translated into action, but for the last two weeks the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has reported almost no ceasefire violations throughout the country.”
2001-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4271 (2001) · source
“It requires comprehensive strategies involving all relevant actors and embracing multiple sectors of activity, including political, military, diplomatic, development, human rights, humanitarian and many others. In essence, peace- building is simply conflict prevention, but with the additional challenges of an immediate, fragile transitional situation. If we needed a reminder of this lesson, Guinea-Bissau provided it last week. I am glad that you will continue to devote your efforts to making the Organization more effective in this crucial area of our mission for peace and security, and I look forward to the results of your deliberations.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“I refer to the recommendation, and I quote, that: "A small percentage of a mission's first year budget should be made available to the representative or special representative of the Secretary-General leading the mission in order to fund quick impact projects in its area of operations, with the advice of the United Nations country team's resident coordinator". (S/2000/809, para. 47 (a)) I hope I can count on the support of Council members. Peace-building is a multidimensional process. Its objective is not merely to dismantle the structures of violence but also to assist in building the structures of lasting peace and in laying the foundations of sustainable development.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“In the case of the United Nations Office in Guinea-Bissau, during the most recent crisis, my Representative was called upon by the Government and other political forces to play a "frontline" mediation role. Such a role tends to be especially prominent in the early stages of a post-conflict situation, when State institutions are weakest, the legitimacy of a new Government is challenged and the distrust and animosity between the political and military forces are highest. But that role cannot be carried out without resources. I intend, therefore, to seek the legislative bodies' approval for one of the recommendations in the Brahimi report.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“Although both the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Bretton Woods institutions- and I am happy that our colleague from the World Bank is here with us - have developed new and flexible financial instruments dedicated to post-conflict recovery, these instruments remain modest and under-funded. The donor community, including the international financial institutions, must find a way to strike a balance between the need for macroeconomic stability on the one hand, and peace-related priorities which require greater tolerance for public sector expenditures and budget deficits, on the other. Thirdly, the representative of the Secretary- General is increasingly being asked to take on responsibilities for which his office is not funded or mandated.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source