YouSaid · the spoken record

Shalgham

lines on the record: 228
first: 2009-01-06
most recent: 2012-02-29
sittings or episodes: 28
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

“We are against such acts and we hold their perpetrators responsible. We need the United Nations to help us to ensure the success of the elections in June, which will serve as the foundation for a democratic and modern Libya based on equality and where the rights of women are 12-24698 protected. The role of women is a major component of proportional representation. We need a "zebra" list of candidates - a list of six alternating male-female candidates - so that we can ensure proper representation for women in Libya, who make up more than 50 per cent of our population. Let me reassure the Council that we are working seriously and actively for a State of democracy and freedom to replace the regime that the Libyan people uprooted at the price of their blood.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Transitional justice measures are being adopted, and those bodies have begun working. There has been much talk about detention centres and torture. However, the transitional Government has detained a number of former ministers and senior officials. They have been given every possible provision - health care, visits, et cetera - Al-Qadhafi's second is among them, and he is able to be in contact with the outside. I have personally met with a number of detainees. They are being cared for. Mr. Abdul-Ati Al-Obeidi, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, like others, is being visited by his family and others. However, let me say that there are areas where the State has not been able to gain control. There are no police or courts in those areas. We cannot be responsible for all excesses everywhere.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi personally gave instructions for such actions. He is now in Tunisia. There are also other people wanted by INTERPOL residing in other States. Those persons must be brought to justice. They are a danger to my country. We are working to convene a meeting among the countries of the Sahel and North Africa to agree a unified strategy to combat terrorism in the Sahara. Libya is the first victim of the absence of the State, and we appeal to the Council to help us with funds. We need our frozen assets to be released. With regard to those funds, we are working towards transparency. We now have a committee for transparency in Libya. We have dozens of free newspapers that are speaking out every day. There are television stations working transparently every day.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Ian Martin, who is making so many efforts to help us. However, we need more assistance from the international community. Tens of thousands are entering Libya from the southern Sahara every day. Some leaders of the Al-Qadhafi regime are now in various other States - Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Chad, Mali and the Niger. We know that some of them are plotting. In the past few days, a number of armed cells have been detained. They were plotting to sabotage and bomb Tripoli. Al-Qadhafi agents are sending funds to Libya for acts of sabotage. I appeal to those States to cooperate with us. I sent to the Council, under the presidency of South Africa, as well as to Mr. Moreno- Ocampo at the International Criminal Court, a flash drive containing recordings of telephone calls during which Mr.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Lists of individuals and a new constitution will be drawn up. The upcoming elections do not seek to establish a Government or a parliament. The elections will lead to the drafting of a constitution for a new and democratic civil State, where there is the rule of law - a State of peace and development for the well-being of Libyans. On 21 February 2011, Muammar Al-Qadhafi said that we would hand out weapons and set Libya ablaze. That happened. The vehicles of the Al-Qadhafi regime were in the street, distributing weapons for people to kill each other. Millions and millions of dollars and dinars were handed out and people were turned against each other. However, the awareness, enthusiasm and solidarity of the Libyan people enabled us to overcome very many problems. We again thank the United Nations in the person of Mr.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“That effort was crowned with Libya's freedom in expression of the desire of our people to regain their sovereignty, as well as that of other Arab peoples, from Tunisia and Egypt to Libya and Yemen, where we have seen a transfer of authority, and now to Syria, which is paying with blood in the face of repression. In that country, ugly crimes against humanity and against the Syrian people who, just like the Tunisians, Egyptians and Yemenis, refuse to bow until they achieve their freedom, are being perpetrated. I thank the Council again. Today, there is a new State in Libya. Elections, both individual and by lists, as Mr. Martin said, will take place in June. New elections will take place despite the problems, the proliferation of arms, the bloodshed and the issues that we are uncovering every day.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Mr. Shalgham (Libya) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting as a follow-up to developments in Libya. I would also like to thank Ambassador Moraes Cabral for his work and his response to Libya's concerns with regard to many issues under the consideration of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), which he chairs. Allow me also to thank Mr. Ian Martin for his ongoing continuing efforts to cooperate with us in all fields and for his comprehensive and clear report from Tripoli. In this very Chamber, last February, the Council adopted, first, resolution 1970 (2011) and then resolution 1973 (2011) in order to protect unarmed and innocent Libyan civilians.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“We are not hiding the truth. We have been telling the good and the bad. Once again, on behalf of the Libyan people, I would like to thank the Council for its courage in coming to the salvation of Libya. I thank all countries that sent planes and soldiers to assist and save Libya. King Idris and Al-Qadhafi sold oil to Europe and to America, and we will do so too. There is not one single foreign soldier on Libyan territory, so it is not worthwhile exploring that issue further. On behalf of the Libyan people, I would like to thank the Council for its great, historic decision to save my homeland.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“More than 500,000 people would have died in Benghazi. In one hour, 95 people were killed in Benghazi by Al-Qadhafi forces. Two MiG planes bombed Benghazi, and that was not the act of NATO forces. In one month, Misrata, Brega, Ajdabiya, Zawiya, Fashloom and other towns were destroyed. Graves were opened and robbed. NATO did not do that. With respect to the rhetoric about Christians and Crusaders within the NATO forces, there were people from Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates who fought together with us. They were not part of a crusade; that was slander promoted by Al-Qadhafi. Al-Qadhafi referred to an older woman who was supposedly the mother of Shalgham - myself - and was reported to have said that she did not wish to recognize him any more. But my mother died more than 10 years ago. It was a lie. I have spoken frankly.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Secondly, there will be consultations with Ambassador Dirk Brengelmann, NATO Assistant Secretary General, who is currently in Libya and has begun talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs today. The new Libya is prepared to cooperate with any international investigating body under the auspices of the United Nations. We intend to establish a mechanism to indemnify victims with financial and moral support once we have obtained the results of the investigations. All investigation results will be made public. One of my assistants showed me orders to burn me and all the members of my family in my village. One of my nephews was found dead. One of my cousins was slain; another saw all his family members gunned down. Had it not been for the protection of the revolutionaries from the north and for NATO, my entire tribe would have been killed.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“As to the list of names, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, the Arab Association for Human Rights and the Public International Law Group came to see us in Libya. We opened the doors of prisons and hospitals to them and they undertook investigations, including of NATO activities. Two hours ago, I received a message from Tripoli concerning civilian victims of NATO. We have already established a commission to consolidate information and data from the National Transitional Council, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Ministers of Defence, Justice and the Interior, and the Human Rights Council, as Ms. Pillay has stated, so that information can be gathered from sites that were targeted by NATO.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“People say that they have opened empty graves and that there were no more bodies to put in them. On 25 February I said that by March, if NATO did not intervene, Benghazi would become the largest mass grave in the world. Al-Qadhafi had sent a 60-kilometre-long military column to destroy Benghazi. I hope that the accusations against NATO will not be used as an excuse to protect other tyrants. I hope that does not happen. We all know history. We all know how Poland and France were liberated from Nazism, and how Kuwait rid itself of Saddam Hussein. One of the physicians who was very close to Muammar Al-Qadhafi told me that NATO was so precise that if they wanted to cut off one ear they could leave the other one intact.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“This is under investigation. I have a memory I would like to share. There were 1,800 telephone calls between Al-Qadhafi and Mr. Al-Mahmoudi, the Prime Minister at the time, and Mr. Al-Mahmoudi asked the head of the Al Khadra Hospital to put the bodies of Al-Qadhafi's victims in locations that had been bombed by NATO. The head of the hospital responded by saying that the victims' families were refusing to do that. There was a conversation between a father and his son, and the father was saying that his son had been wounded by NATO when the mother's voice was heard from behind saying that that was a lie, and that her son had been injured in a car crash. I repeat, there were 1,800 conversations, which we will transcribe and send the Council a copy.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“More than 90 per cent of Libyan women are educated, as are 95 per cent of the men. We also have important natural resources at all levels. As to the NATO victims, there were four incidents. In Brega, NATO bombarded revolutionary tanks. The commander of the forces told me at the time that the revolutionaries had been conducting an unprogrammed manoeuvre and had thus become victim of the bombing. After another important incident, Al-Qadhafi said that NATO had bombed civilians, but he sent his troops into places such as schools and hospitals where there were civilians. There was also another incident, for which NATO apologized. As to the remainder, one of those responsible had stored weapons in a private home, and that home was supposedly bombed by NATO, even though we have information that it was Al-Qadhafi himself who bombed the house.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“In general terms, there is one overall positive aspect, which is the great freedom that is felt in Libya today, thanks to the new openness and the process of discussion. Democracy makes it possible to manage and handle differences in opinion. Dictatorship imposes agreement. This process of managing differences is something new for us. From its very beginnings, Libya has never had political parties or unions, not even under the king. Only for one year, when it was a British protectorate, did we have political parties. Things take time. Naturally, we have problems. However, freedom, democracy and openness are in full bloom, and the Libyan people yearn for progress. We are a nation of only 7 million. We have important resources, including human ones. More than 20,000 Libyans have studied in American universities.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“But Islam does not mean slavery, nor does it mean mutilation or stoning as punishment. We want the values and precepts of Islam. The Koran stipulates tolerance, forgiveness, kindness towards the family and orphans, and punishment for those who commit murder or who deprive others of their lives or prosperity. Those are the values that we need, not the rhetoric of vengeance. In Bani Walid, for example, there were several incidents. There is, of course, the whole background with pro- and anti-Qadhafi forces. Some members of my delegation are from Bani Walid, and yes, after 42 years of a closed society and of repression and spilled blood, there were certain internal incidents.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“That is not part of Islamic law. Islam does not leave women out or discriminate against them. Progress cannot be achieved through discrimination. We need at least 30 per cent representation of women, but if we deny the role of women, then we will not see development. In Egypt, in Libya and in Tunisia, women say that they will not vote for someone who does not hear their voice. Vote and voice are actually the same word in Arabic: "saut". So we have to address this issue of women, and we must do so courageously and loudly. Progress and freedom cannot begin by looking backwards. There was a religious movement in Europe after the Second World War. After such developments, people look to religion and values. That is positive. What we are seeing here are the basic principles and values of Islam - tolerance, co-existence, forgiveness.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“The role of reconciliation can be assumed by religious leaders, elders and experts, following the examples set by South Africa or the Kingdom of Morocco. Reconciliation is extremely important. We must reject any exclusionist policy in that process. Turning to the question of women, statistics show that women account for more than 53 per cent of Libya's population. A reference was made earlier to the 10 per cent rate of political participation by women. I believe that those quotas have been eliminated. In the African Union, we have a gender-based decision that substantially increases the quota for women's legislative and political participation to 50 per cent. We have therefore done away with that 10 per cent quota. If we want to build a modern society, we cannot leave women out of it, nor can we disregard their role.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Martin the day before yesterday and told him that it was possible for him and his team to look into those issues and into administrative preparations in Libya. Armed combatants must not be forgotten. They are the ones who launched the revolution. They are the ones who made the sacrifice. Either we establish a consultative council for them, or some of them can become members of the National Transitional Council. Some are doctors, university professors and lawyers. We cannot exclude or marginalize them. That would be unthinkable. We cannot manage Libya with a single group of people who have lived outside our country for more than 30 years and who are unfamiliar with it. We have said as much in all frankness to our Libyan brothers. In terms of reconciliation, that is an extremely important issue.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“The Tuaregs, who originated from black Africa, remained near Misrata following the abolition of slavery. They were not targeted because they were black, but because they supported Al-Qadhafi and took part in rape and other crimes in Misrata. I attempted to bring about reconciliation, but ran out of time. We have asked the religious leaders to intervene for the purposes of reconciliation in Benghazi and Tripoli, and hope that a solution will be found in the near future. In terms of administrative issues in Libya, I personally believe that we have been slightly off the mark. The country was not divided into governorships or even into states, which creates complications in terms of organizing elections. There is some confusion in that regard. I spoke with Mr.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“We have spoken to our brothers there and have said that all individuals who did not commit a crime or who did not participate in any massacres can obtain their passports without delay, but be placed under surveillance. The 17 February revolution was launched in order to protect laws and human rights. In Benghazi, the revolution was sparked by the Abu Salim prison massacre. It was a revolution for justice and human rights. Ms. Pillay and Mr. Martin did not distinguish between the Tuaregs from near Misrata and those from Algeria; the two groups are quite often confused. The Tuaregs are Libyan citizens who were not affected, but Al-Qadhafi did call on the Tuaregs of Mali and Niger to serve him. We requested that the latter return to their homes. The Libyan Tuaregs, however, are respected people and will remain at home in Libya.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“We will make changes. There is an electoral law, on which Mr. Abdel Jalil has said that 14,000 comments had been made. I have a number of comments myself and I have shared them with Mr. J alil. The question of exclusion has been completely rejected. We have simply said that those whose hands have been stained with Libyan blood and those who have stolen money from the Libyan people will face justice. As an Ambassador and Minister under Al-Qadhafi, I will be the first to subject myself to any such judicial proceeding. We have an interim justice law, which is not yet in full force. There are approximately 8,000 prisoners being held in Tripoli.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“In one family, the father, grandfather and daughter were raped on Al-Qadhafi's orders. In Zuwara, young girls, aged 14 and 15, were raped, their bloodied and naked bodies thrown into the streets. That was truly a tragedy. The situation is not bright. There are complications and problems. There is an interim Government and a National Transitional Council (NTC). There is power without legitimacy and legitimacy without power. There are armed young people who need structure and leadership. There are detention centres that we are unaware of, and not subject to, State control. We do not accept and condemn the use of such detention centres. However, the key point is that we will not accept mistakes, nor will we attempt to hide them. Errors have been made and there have been transgressions and complications, but we do not condone or accept them.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Mr. Shalgham (Libya) (spoke in Arabic): I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting so that we can follow the developing situation in Libya. I would like to welcome Mr. Ian Martin and to thank him for his efforts in Libya. I can say that he has been able to build a strong relationship with the parties concerned. Every time he visits Libya, I meet and speak with him. I believe that his approach will produce optimal results. I would also like to thank Ms. Pillay for her presence here and for her efforts to assess the situation in Libya. All Council members are aware of what happened in Libya. We experienced an atrocious war, in which acts were committed that run counter to the nature of Libyan society and our Arabic and Islamic culture and precepts. Massacres and rapes were carried out on the orders of Muammar Al-Qadhafi.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Humankind seeks to overcome its economic obstacles to achieve greater cooperation and prosperity, and people today have made enormous progress in science and communications. Humankind realizes the dangers of confrontation, wars and destruction. Humankind is capable of dealing with problems through dialogue and compromise because there is no victory in war. Profiteers may try to attain greater benefits, but in the Arab Spring of liberty people want peace, freedoms and progress. They believe in coexistence on the basis of justice, respect for human rights and the rejection of oppression, occupation and authoritarianism. We are prepared to work with the Security Council to bring about the goals of the United Nations for the sake of the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Israel, its people and its Government must realize that free Arabs, who have put an end to oppression and overthrown despots, are not going to accept that their brothers in Palestine should continue to suffer the pangs of oppression, persecution and despotism under the yoke of Israeli occupation. Israel must therefore adopt a peace policy. It must reject the annexation of Palestinian territory and the establishment of settlements; it must give up the Judaization of Jerusalem and racist extremism, because those will not bring us peace; they will only incite to further hostility and confrontation and lead to political and military escalation, which would be very prejudicial to world peace and the global economy.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The Council needs to assume its responsibilities and to take strict practical measures to put an end to these crimes. The Arab world is experiencing a historic revolution that marks a decisive turning point in the life of our peoples. It is a revolution of freedom, democracy and progress against tyranny and authoritarianism. This revolution will restore to the Arabs, who seized their liberty as free people, the right and the power to make decisions. Now we are able to usher in true and bold peace. Despots are incompetent; they are not capable of building peace. Despots yield only to occupation. They close their eyes to reality and attack their own people, but the revolution of liberty embodies in the Arab Spring is democratic and will pave the way and open the door to liberation. It will allow us to embark on a path of peace.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Their aim is to Judaize the Palestinian territories, and we all know that. The Council does not see what is happening on the ground. The Council does not see settlers taking over Palestinian land or restrictions being imposed upon Palestinian citizens, including Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, and the Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council. But the question we must ask is whether the Council does not see, does not want to see, or does not want to do anything. Does anyone in this Council approve of the practices of the occupying Power, which contravene all international covenants and instruments? The prevailing suspicious silence could even be construed as approval of the crimes that Israel is committing in full view of the world.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“They confiscate land, disperse families, establish settlements and commit acts of physical violence against Palestinian citizens. I will not go on at length about the number of Israeli settlements and settlers in the West Bank or about the rise in violence committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, because a few days ago, before this body, Ms. Valerie Amos, Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs, took the floor to describe very forcefully Israeli practices in the West Bank. Those facts and figures are undeniable proof that Israel does not want peace and that all its proposals on negotiations are simply stalling tactics intended to allow them to annex Palestinian lands and to swallow them up fully. Israel's expansionist policies are systematic.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“First of all, on behalf of the Arab Group, I would like to express our great thanks for the convening of this debate on the Middle East. Also on behalf of the Arab Group, which it is my honour to chair this month, I would like to warmly thank all members of the Council for their ongoing interest in events in the Middle East, and in particular the cause of the Palestinian people and the Israeli occupation of their territory. The suffering of the Palestinian people under the yoke of the Israeli occupation requires no further explanation or discussion. The international media continually transmit images, sounds, figures and facts that bear witness to the actions of the Israeli occupying army and settlers in their repression of unarmed Palestinian citizens.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Omar Mukhtar said it best: "We will not surrender. Either we achieve victory or we die." We will not surrender. Victory, or death. When I was a member of the Security Council, representing my country, I talked openly about the murders we saw in Gaza. Muammar Al-Qadhafi said they were followers of Bin Laden. I ask my brother, "Is a six-month-old child who was killed a follower of Bin Laden?" Libya was established by a resolution of the United Nations. Please, United Nations, save Libya. No to bloodshed. No to the killing of innocents. We want a swift, decisive and courageous resolution.”
2011-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6490 (2011) · source
“I regret being in this position. The first time I heard Muammar Al-Qadhafi, he was addressing a secondary school, in the south, in 1959. He was talking about how he wanted freedom for the Congo. In 1960, I listened to him denounce the French nuclear tests in Algeria. In 1961, I listened to him speak out against the separation of Syria and Egypt. Today, I listened to him telling his people "Either I rule over you or I destroy you." Fear not, Libya is united. Libya will remain united. Libya will be a progressive State. But I say to my brother Al-Qadhafi, leave the Libyans alone. However many of these steadfast people you kill - these people that offered up half of their own numbers 11-24388 to fight Mussolini and Graziani, and this when they were barefoot, hungry and poor - they will not surrender. Libyans will not surrender.”
2011-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6490 (2011) · source
“These tens of thousands of people would need mountains of such pills to lose their minds in such a way. One million turned out in Benghazi yesterday. A pile of pills the size of the Akhdar Mountains would not be enough for that many people. Muammar Al-Qadhafi and his sons are telling Libyans: "Either I rule you or I kill you". That much is clear this evening after dozens of our brothers were killed in Tajura and in eastern Tripoli. He gave a speech to a crowd of children who were brought in from asylums and soldiers dressed in civilian clothes. He told them "I will burn Libya; I will distribute arms to the tribes. Libya will run red with blood". Is this for glory, or is it for the people? Muammar Al-Qadhafi cannot give a single weapon to any person in Libya, because they will not be used for him, they will be used against him.”
2011-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6490 (2011) · source
“On 15 February, a group of peaceful civilians protested, calling for the release of a lawyer named Tarbel who was representing the families of 2,000 prisoners who were killed in the Abu Salim prison in 1996. This group faced gunfire aimed at their heads and chests, as if the soldiers who opened fire did not know that human beings have heads, hearts and legs, or that there are other parts than can be shot at, that there are such things as tear gas bombs or roadblocks that can contain demonstrations. Libyans are asking for democracy; they are asking for progress; they are asking for freedom; and they are asking for their rights. They demonstrated peacefully. They did not throw a single stone. They were killed. What did Brother Muammar Al-Qadhafi say? He said that these people were using hallucinogens.”
2011-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6490 (2011) · source
“Mr. Shalgham (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me, at the outset, to express our gratitude to you, Madame President, for calling this meeting on the situation in my country and the events unfolding there. I would also like to commend the Secretary-General for his concern about the situation in my country. Pol Pot, head of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, was asked why he executed one third of his people. He said he did it because of the people. Before invading the Soviet Union, Hitler recalled Rommel from Libya and told him, "General, I intend to invade the Soviet Union". Rommel told him, "Operation Barbarossa will cost us 2 million lives". Hitler responded, "What does it matter if 2 million Germans die in service to the glory of the Fuhrer?" What is taking place in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya is indeed very dangerous.”
2011-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6490 (2011) · source
“Sadly, I have to say, in conclusion, that this has been a bitter experience for us. We have witnessed injustice, oppression and inequity destroy truth and justice. The poor Palestinians, the Arab system and the official Arab order could not take a solid stance to face these challenges and our rights have, therefore, been wasted and our position has been weak.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“When one single Israeli soldier is taken prisoner, that is considered to be an unpardonable condemnable crime, whereas the detention of more than 11,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of women and children, seems to be considered standard procedure, both legal and not requiring mention. These are double standards. Some members have given endless speeches on human rights, and yet their true stance was revealed at the moment of truth when they voted in the General Assembly on General Assembly resolution 64/10 on war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel in Gaza (see A64/PV.39). Things will become clearer in the next few months when United Nations bodies endeavour to follow up on the Goldstone report on war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Netanyahu said, in his book "A Place Among the Nations,", published in 1996, that the West Bank belonged to Israel, and he affirmed that Israel would not leave the West Bank. Anyone can read this in his book. So there are contradictions that destroy his credibility. Unfortunately, as far as any evaluation is concerned, we can say that we are convinced that for certain members of the Council Palestinian lives do not 6 count and their massacre will not be punished. Yet if a single Israeli is killed by a Palestinian rocket, it is considered an unpardonable crime, While the massacre of hundreds of Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, seems to be almost a legal Israeli right.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“When the Council talks about a Palestinian State - I am also addressing the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General - where will that State be created? In a vacuum, in the air or on the ground? Now I shall display some maps: this was Palestine in 1948; this is Palestine since 1967; these spots are all settlements. The second map shows the 1947 partition, with two States: Palestine and Israel. And after 1967, the West Bank and Gaza can be seen marked in yellow. I have a question about this map, which resembles a tiger skin. There are settlements and infrastructure throughout the area, and when Mr. Netanyahu says he is going to freeze settlement building for 10 months in a very limited number of places, I am not at all convinced. Mr.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“This is a young Palestinian tied up, surrounded by Israeli soldiers, and suddenly, an Israeli soldier attacks and kills him. He was tied up and blindfolded, yet he was killed. Even worse, the occupation forces invaded his home and took these photographs inside his home. Then, there is talk of Shalit. Is Shalit a Boy Scout? Had he gone where he was captured for a picnic, or had he gone there to kill? There is talk of Rwanda and Burundi and the rape, murder and Violence against civilians and pregnant women. What about the thousands of pregnant Palestinian women? When the Council discusses a Palestinian State, I ask it to show photographs of settlements, such as the ones I am displaying now.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“We now hear talk of the West Bank as a prosperous paradise compared to Gaza, which is governed by "terrorists", as the members of Hamas are called - even though they were elected by the Palestinian people. If the Palestinians elect a militant 5 group, they are called terrorists. But if the Israelis elect terrorists, they are called democratic. That is not fair, because if any State tries to bring Israelis to justice for the crimes committed in Gaza, the Council seems to be trying to change the law so that criminals will not be prosecuted. Three days ago, a photograph was published, which I am now displaying to members, and I urge them to look at it. It shows a young Palestinian tied up and blindfolded in the midst of a group of Israeli soldiers.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Last year, in 2008, after Israel had carried out a widespread attack on Gaza - Operation Cast Lead - and used white phosphorus, banned under international law, killing some 1,500 civilian and destroying United Nations facilities, the Council adopted resolution 1860 (2009). What happened after that? The siege continues. At the request of the Secretary-General, the Board of Inquiry went to Gaza to draw up a report. What has happened with that report? Nothing. There has been an advisory opinion (see A/ES- 10/273) of the International Court of Justice on the apartheid wall built by Israel, and no one even mentions it. The entire world acknowledges that what is happening in Gaza is a crime in the true sense of the word. What have we done? Even in resolution 1860 (2009), Israel is still above the law and beyond accountability.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“Mr. Shalgham (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (spoke in Arabic): After two years as a member of the Security Council, I wish to take the floor at today's meeting, as it is the last on the Palestinian question that my delegation will be participating in as a member. I wish to assess the way in which the Security Council has dealt with this issue. We have participated in the work of the Security Council with good intentions and a positive attitude. Sometimes, we have even given up our positions of national principle in order to make progress in the Council's work because of words we often hear in the Council: "peace" and "final solution". However, let us stop to consider the situation in Palestine and Israel.”
2009-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6248 (2009) · source
“I wish our successors on the Committee great success. In conclusion, I reiterate my thanks to you, Sir, and the other members of the Council.”
2009-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6238 (2009) · source
“The Committee's report notes that while the Government is trying to achieve a considerable level of transparency in exports, imports and taxation, it is facing logistical difficulties that it cannot fully overcome. 09-64650 The report of the Group of Experts contains recommendations that I consider to be practical, and we call on the members of the Council and the Committee to voice their opinions on these recommendations. I believe the report's recommendations to be objective and operable. The report is comprehensive, long and detailed, and we have transmitted it to the President for distribution. I wish to thank him and all the members of the Council for the confidence they have shown in my country by inviting it to chair the 1521 Committee. I also wish to thank the Secretariat for its assistance to us.”
2009-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6238 (2009) · source
“The Group created an accurate position and framework of reference for all those tracks. With regard to forestry, for example, there has been progress in the bidding on thousands of hectares of lumber and rubber for investment. There is some discrepancy in the numbers, but it does not represent a significant problem. We are all aware of the situation in the region. The neighbouring States C6te d'Ivoire and Guinea remain unstable and subject to the movement of illicit arms initiated not by Governments but by individuals. With regard to certain frozen assets, I can say that they are generally under control, while the Committee has effectively followed up and monitored the movement of persons. I can also say that the team of experts has gathered accurate information in that regard.”
2009-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6238 (2009) · source
“Mr. Shalgham (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (spoke in Arabic): Permit me to take this opportunity to share with the Council some observations relating to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003) on Liberia and the relevant sanctions regime. Libya has had the honour to chair the Committee over the past two years. We are all aware of the sensitive situation in Liberia following a period of instability, war, confrontation and destruction. In May, we visited the United Nations forces in Liberia and witnessed first- hand the difficulties, changes and challenges they are facing. The Group of Experts entrusted to follow up on the sanctions on Liberia specified a number of tracks to assess and monitor: the diamond trade, the arms embargo, forestry, trade and investment, frozen assets and the movement of persons.”
2009-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6238 (2009) · source
“In countries where significant numbers of the population depend on the cultivation of drugs - such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Laos - there is a need for the international community to continue providing support to farmers and to urge them to take on legitimate and peaceful agricultural activities that are economically sound and sustainable. In that way, the production and supply of narcotics and drugs throughout the world will be reduced while food security would be strengthened and poverty reduced. In conclusion, we commend the important role of UNODC, under the leadership of Mr. Costa, and we value his role in promoting and strengthening the capacity of Member States to confront illicit drug trafficking, crime and terrorism. We urge that UNODC be provided with the necessary financial resources to support its work.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“In the expansive Sahel region of Africa, there is a concern that drug trafficking might be a principal source of financing for terrorist groups that are rampant in those desert areas and that continuously threaten the lives of the populations and of tourists. Those groups seek to destabilize the States of the region. The current situation in West Africa and the Sahel region requires international financial and technical support to the efforts of States in the region to promote cooperation among themselves in controlling their borders and in combating organized crime. We wish to express our gratitude to UNODC for their efforts in that area.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source
“It is also an important tool in the hands of those who seek to spread instability by promoting corruption and proliferating small arms, which are the most important component in fuelling conflicts in Africa. Recent reports point to a disturbing increase in cocaine trafficking across West Africa, as well as heroin trafficking in East Africa. That is due to the precarious security situation in several States in those regions. That creates a serious threat to the security and the stability of those States and creates obstacles to sustainable development in them. It also constitutes a serious threat to all the States in the region.”
2009-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6233 (2009) · source