YouSaid · the spoken record

Shen Guofang

lines on the record

401

first

1998-03-27

most recent

2002-01-31

sittings or episodes

84

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

1. “Many people have been forced to leave their homes and become refugees, with no guarantee of their basic livelihood. Under such circumstances, the international community has the obligation to provide necessary humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of the refugees and displaced peoples so as to mitigate the difficulties facing them. However, as is stated in the report of the Secretary- General, owing to various factors, attacks against international humanitarian assistance operations and their personnel have been going on unabated. The question of the safety and security of international humanitarian relief operations and relief workers is a matter of concern.”

   1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source

2. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): First of all, I wish to thank the Deputy Secretary-General for her important introduction. In late May last year the Security Council conducted an open debate on the protection of humanitarian assistance and subsequently issued a presidential statement requesting that the countries concerned, especially the parties to conflicts, comply with the relevant rules of international law, guarantee that international humanitarian assistance operations could continue to be carried out without interference, and guarantee that the safety and security of relief workers be protected. In the various conflicts that have occurred in recent years, innocent civilians, especially women and children, have suffered the most and been the most affected.”

   1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source

3. “We hope that the various factions in Afghanistan will give a positive response to the appeal of the international community. At the same time, we also hope that the international community will make coordinated efforts to prevent arms and other war materiel from flowing into the hands of those factions, so as to create favourable external conditions for putting an end to the fighting within Afghanistan.”

   1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source

4. “After many years of war, the people of Afghanistan are longing for peace and stability. The resolution of the question of Afghanistan, in the final analysis, rests with the Afghan people themselves. We hope that the international community will respect the choice of the people of Afghanistan. Any action by the Security Council should help push the various factions in Afghanistan to reopen negotiations and to seek solutions for achieving peace and stability at an early date. On the basis of this principled position, the Chinese delegation participated in the consultations on the draft resolution before us. We wish to thank the sponsors for accepting the amendments made by the Chinese delegation. We will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”

   1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source

5. “The resumption of negotiations among all the factions in Afghanistan, under United Nations auspices, is the only way to a solution of the conflict in Afghanistan. China sincerely hopes that the various factions in Afghanistan will put their national interests and the interests of the Afghan people above everything else. We hope they will put aside their ethnic, religious and political differences and establish a broadly based, representative government so as to achieve peace and stability and rebuild their homes. The Chinese delegation appreciates the mediation efforts made by Mr. Brahimi, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan (UNSMA). We support the United Nations in its continuing to play a central and leading role.”

   1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source

6. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): As a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, China is deeply concerned about the latest developments in that country. The escalation of fighting has brought new suffering to the people of Afghanistan and has also jeopardized their national economy and security. We wish to express our deep sympathy and concern. We call upon the various factions in Afghanistan to reach a ceasefire immediately. Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic country whose ethnic disputes have deep historical roots. This, in addition to the involvement of outside forces, has made the situation in Afghanistan even more complex. We believe that any military advance is but temporary. Both the history and the realities of Afghanistan have demonstrated that military means are not helpful to finding a solution.”

   1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source

7. “We regret that the sponsors have not incorporated some other constructive proposals from our side in the text. Finally, I would like to repeat that there has been no change in China's reservations concerning resolutions 748 (1992) and 883 (1993) referred to in the text.”

   1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source

8. “The Chinese delegation hopes that the current positive development on the Lockerbie case will facilitate the early lifting of sanctions against Libya. The humanitarian consequences for the Libyan people of the protracted sanctions cannot be ignored. It is our hope that the latest development and the cooperation from Libya will make it possible for the Council to take an early decision on the lifting of sanctions. For these reasons, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us. We would like to thank the sponsors of the text for having incorporated some of our proposals. However, I would like to point out that some elements of the text could have been improved, so as to create a better climate for resolving this question.”

   1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source

9. “We hope that all parties involved in the Lockerbie case will continue to act in a positive and flexible spirit and, through dialogue and consultations, will reach an agreement on all the details, with a view to starting the trial proceedings as soon as possible. China is strongly opposed to any form of terrorism. We must strengthen international cooperation to eradicate this scourge. We condemn the disaster over Lockerbie, which occurred 10 years ago, and we are deeply concerned about the long delay in resolving the case. We hope that the draft resolution before us will further promote cooperation among all the parties and facilitate the early determination of truth so that perpetrators will be punished in accordance with the law, international justice will be upheld and the families of the Victims will feel that justice has been served.”

   1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source

10. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): China has all along called for all the parties concerned to take a flexible approach and respond to the constructive proposals by the Arab League and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) so as to find an early solution to the Lockerbie issue. On the basis of this position, the Chinese delegation welcomes the latest positive development on the issue and the spirit of compromise displayed by all the parties concerned. We express appreciation to the Arab League, the OAU and the parties for their effective work over this long period. The facts prove that only by pursuing peaceful diplomatic efforts and cooperation can effective ways be found to solve international disputes.”

    1998-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3920 (1998) · source

11. “We look forward to the report and proposals to be submitted by Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi on the future role of the United Nations in Angola. Moreover, we are in favour of extending the mandate of MONUA until 15 September 1998. The Chinese delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council.”

    1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source

12. “The international community has invested great resources in that process, and many, including Maitre Beye, have lost their lives in the name of that process. The Security Council should do everything possible to keep the peace process on track. China calls once again upon UNITA to meet its obligations immediately and unconditionally, to demobilize the armed forces under its control, to put an end to the violence against the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) and against the Government and the people of Angola, and to commit itself to cooperation with the United Nations and with the Government of Angola to resolve the crisis in a peaceful manner. China welcomes the Secretary-Generals appointment of Mr. Issa Diallo as his new Special Representative in Angola, and hopes that Mr. Diallo will play a positive role.”

    1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source

13. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): When the Security Council adopted resolution 1180 (1998) nearly two months ago, my delegation expressed the hope that the new sanctions would make UNITA honour its commitments under the Lusaka Protocol so that the peace process in Angola, which has been under way for a number of years, could come to a successful conclusion. Regrettably, the anticipated result has not come about. To the contrary, the situation in Angola has of late continuously deteriorated, the peace process has come to a standstill, and the threat of all-out armed conflict has grown. We believe that UNITA bears the main responsibility for this situation. The peace process in Angola was not easily put in place.”

    1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source

14. “We believe that the establishment of the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) will be conducive to the stability of Sierra Leone and the surrounding region and that it will also facilitate the swifter achievement of national reconciliation and the beginning of economic reconstruction. The Government of China therefore supports the establishment of UNOMSIL and will give positive consideration to the dispatch of military observers to the mission. We hope that the Secretariat will work with the host Government and ECOMOG to finalize the arrangements at an early date so as to ensure the safety of military observers and other personnel of the Observer Mission. We also hope that UNOMSIL will take full account of the opinion of the Government of Sierra Leone, fully respect its sovereignty and cooperate well with ECOMOG.”

    1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source

15. “The Government of China expresses deep concern about this matter and hopes that it will receive the attention of the international community. In response to the request of the Government of Sierra Leone and other African countries concerned, the United Nations will dispatch an observer mission to Sierra Leone to assist the host Government and ECOMOG to restore stability in Sierra Leone and facilitate national reconciliation. This is the second time in recent years that the Security Council has deployed a peacekeeping mission in Africa, which demonstrates the will of the international community actively to support and assist the African countries in bringing about peace and stability.”

    1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source

16. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): Since last March, President Kabbah and the Government of Sierra Leone have adopted a series of effective measures to stabilize the general situation in that country. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) has played a positive role in this, and the Chinese delegation expresses its appreciation to it. However, the situation in Sierra Leone has not been fully stabilized. Some armed rebels from the former military junta are continuing to resist and to carry out atrocities against the civilian population. There are also signs that certain elements in Liberia are involved in the rebel activities against the Government of Sierra Leone.”

    1998-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3902 (1998) · source

17. “The delegation of China appreciates the Angolan Government's insistence upon completing the peace process through political means and strongly urges UNITA to heed the demands of the Angolan people and the voice of the international community, to seize this final opportunity to fulfil its commitments swiftly and fully and, working together with the Angolan Government, to achieve national reconciliation. The delegation of China will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”

    1998-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3891 (1998) · source

18. “On many occasions, UNITA has gone so far as to engage in violent actions, attacking Government authorities and MONUA personnel and harming large numbers of innocent civilians, thereby causing a deterioration of the situation in Angola. None of us wishes to see such developments. Faced with this situation, the Security Council has no alternative but to take further sanction measures against UNITA to make it cooperate with the Angolan Government and fulfil its commitments promptly and unconditionally.”

    1998-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3891 (1998) · source

19. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China)(interpretation from Chinese): First of all, the Chinese delegation would like to welcome Vice-Minister Carneiro, who is attending the formal meeting of the Security Council today. We should also like to thank him for his statement. The peace process in Angola has been in progress for several years, with efforts being made on all sides, including by the Angolan Government and the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA). The vast majority of the provisions of the Lusaka Protocol have been implemented, and the completion of the Angolan peace process is now in sight. The international community is encouraged by this fact. However, it is unfortunate that, because of repeated delays by UNITA in fully implementing its commitments under the Lusaka Protocol, the peace process has been greatly hindered.”

    1998-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3891 (1998) · source

20. “At the same time, we call on the international community to respond positively to the Secretary-General's recommendations on increasing financial assistance to Tajikistan and supporting its economic rehabilitation. We believe that only rehabilitation and development will ensure durable peace and stability in Tajikistan. In conclusion, I should like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Gerd Merrem for his contribution to promoting the peace process in Tajikistan during his term as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Tajikistan. At this crucial juncture for peace in Tajikistan, we look forward to the early appointment by the Secretary-General of a new Special Representative to ensure the continuation of efforts to bring about definitive peace and reconciliation in Tajikistan.”

    1998-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3879 (1998) · source

21. “We hope that both sides will be able to maintain the spirit of reconciliation and will endeavour to take measures to enhance mutual confidence with a View to the early completion of the tasks under the General Agreement. China welcomes the new timetable formulated by the Commission on National Reconciliation. We hope that the effective implementation of the timetable will help reinforce mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides. China's assessment of the regional peacekeeping efforts of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Tajikistan is positive. We believe that the international community, including the United Nations, should support these efforts.”

    1998-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3879 (1998) · source

22. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The delegation of China will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us. China supports the peace process in Tajikistan, advocates an active role for the United Nations in promoting peace and reconciliation in Tajikistan and is in favour of further extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT). As a close neighbour of Tajikistan, China has always been very concerned about the situation there. We appreciate the commitment of both sides in Tajikistan to the implementation of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord.”

    1998-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3879 (1998) · source

23. “Over the last five years the situation in the territory of the former Yugoslavia has undergone tremendous changes. This makes it even less appropriate to invoke Chapter VII now.”

    1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source

24. “We encourage the continuation of this cooperation so that the Tribunal can complete its work as early as possible, in accordance with the provisions of the Council resolution. We appreciate the efforts made by the Tribunal to improve its efficiency, and we understand the difficulties it faces. We hope that the decision to be taken by the Security Council today will help speed up the work of the Tribunal. In view of the current requests and needs of the Tribunal and of the requests of all sides concerned, China will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us. However, we wish to express our reservation about invoking Chapter VII of the Charter in the draft resolution. When the Security Council was adopting resolution 827 (1993) we expressed a similar reservation.”

    1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source

25. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): China has always attached great importance to humanitarian questions in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, and it always opposes actions violating international humanitarian law. On the basis of this political consideration, China voted in favour of Security Council resolution 827 (1993) on the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We note that, since its establishment, the Tribunal, thanks to the cooperation of all sides concerned, has made earnest efforts and certain achievements. In particular, recently all sides concerned have been cooperating even more actively with the Tribunal.”

    1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source

26. “At the same time, I wish to reiterate that China's position with regard to the creation of international tribunals remains unchanged. I also want to point out that the reference to Chapter VII of the Charter in the draft resolution is only a technical reaffirmation of the content of resolution 955 (1994) and does not constitute any precedent.”

    1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source

27. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): Since its establishment, the International Tribunal for Rwanda has done quite a lot of work and has played a certain positive role for the stabilization of the situation in the Great Lakes region as well as that of Rwanda. China fully understands the request of the Rwandan Government and other concerned African countries that a third Trial Chamber be established so as to expedite the trial of the indicted. China hopes that this will help further stabilize the situation in the region and promote the national reconciliation process. In view of the above, China will vote in favour of this draft resolution and hopes that the International Tribunal will take effective measures to enhance its efficiency.”

    1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source

28. “We should carefully listen to and respect the views of the Angolan Government on the future presence, size and organizational structure of MONUA, as well as the future presence and functions of the United Nations in Angola. In this regard, we look forward to the recommendations of the Secretary-General to be submitted to the Security Council after consultations with the Angolan Government. In View of these considerations, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution.”

    1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source

29. “To ensure the smooth realization of this goal, the Chinese delegation is in favour of extending the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) until 30 June and calls on the parties concerned effectively to guarantee the safety of MONUA personnel. We are deeply concerned at the attacks carried out by UNITA personnel against MONUA and hope that such incidents will not recur in the future. China endorses the recommendation of the Secretary- General on the phasing out of military personnel from Angola. The international community and international financial institutions should provide more assistance in the post-conflict peace-building of Angola.”

    1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source

30. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The peace process in Angola has lasted for several years. Most of the tasks contained in the Lusaka Protocol have been completed through the untiring efforts by all parties, especially the Government and people of Angola. There is finally hope that peace can be realized in Angola. The Chinese Government is deeply encouraged by this development. The draft resolution before us once again urges UNITA to take effective measures to fulfil its obligations so as to bring about the normalization of national administration throughout Angola as soon as possible.”

    1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source

31. “We will continue to enhance economic cooperation and trade with African countries and support their efforts to eradicate poverty and realize sustained economic development at an early date. To solve the problems facing Africa is a challenge not only for Africa but also for the whole international community. The aspiration for stability and peace and the pursuit of development and progress are shared by all African countries and peoples. We stand ready to meet the challenge together with the African countries and peoples so as to usher in an even better tomorrow.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

32. “To adapt to the changing situation, China has reformed its ways of providing aid and has adopted additional methods, such as augmenting governmental assistance with the involvement of financial institutions and companies. We have also provided preferential government loans to Africa and set up joint ventures or cooperative projects with local enterprises for the execution of assistance projects. The purpose of this is to help the recipient countries develop productive projects based on local demand and resources, enhance the efficiency of assistance, boost local employment and, at the same time, train African technical and managerial personnel. We signed framework agreements with up to 20 countries in Africa, and over 10 such projects are already in operation. China does not attach conditions to its assistance.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

33. “The principles are as follows: first, to foster a sincere friendship and become each other's reliable "all- weather friend"; secondly, to treat each other as equals, respect each other's sovereignty and refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs; thirdly, to seek common development on the basis of mutual benefit; fourthly, to increase consultation and cooperation in international affairs; and fifthly, to look into the future and create a more splendid world. These principles define Sino-African relations. To date, China has provided different categories of assistance to all 53 African countries and has completed more than 600 projects in Africa. Last year alone, we signed new assistance agreements with 41 African countries.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

34. “China has always maintained close friendship and cooperation with African countries. Chinese leaders have paid numerous visits to Africa. During his visit to Africa in 1996, Chinese President Jiang Zemin proposed five principles for the development of a long-term and stable relationship of all-round cooperation with all African countries, a relationship oriented towards the twenty-first century.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

35. “We are of the view that the United Nations system should focus more on African issues. We support the Secretary-General's proposal for a biennial ministerial meeting of the Security Council on the question of Africa and a summit meeting at an appropriate time. Other bodies of the United Nations system and the Bretton Woods institutions should all play a more active role. Other proposals of the Secretary-General, such as instituting mechanisms like groups of "Friends" or special conferences to handle conflicts, protect the humanitarian interests of the African people, strengthen Africa's peacekeeping capacity and assist regional efforts in Africa deserve in-depth consideration. We hope that these proposals will be translated into concrete action on the basis of extensive discussions with African countries.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

36. “Only they can decide upon their course of development in the light of their specific conditions. To impose a given model on them will be counterproductive. China is pleased to see the growing trend among African countries towards unity and self-strengthening, or pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) and subregional organizations in Africa are playing an increasingly important role in both international and regional affairs and have scored commendable achievements in dealing with African conflicts and hot spots. We support the continuous strengthening of contacts and coordination between the United Nations and the OAU, as well as relevant subregional organizations. We hope to see an even greater role played by African countries on the world stage.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

37. “Africa's economic difficulties are one of the root causes of its instability. Therefore, it is a task of the utmost urgency for African countries to overcome economic difficulties and realize and accelerate economic growth. We are in favour of the Secretary-General's proposal to establish aid levels, which we hope will result in more aid to Africa. We should all realize that assistance to Africa contributes to global development and prosperity and is in the common interests of the international community as a whole. It is by no means one-way charity to Africa. International assistance should be based on actual conditions in Africa and truly benefit the African people, without any conditions being attached. African countries are the masters of Africa. They know best their problems and needs.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

38. “We are of the view that conflicts and disputes should be resolved through peaceful means such as negotiations. We highly appreciate the untiring efforts to this end made by African countries and regional organizations and the marked achievements they have scored. We support a greater role for the Council in solving African issues and timely deployment of peacekeeping operations in accordance with the United Nations Charter and at the request of the African countries concerned. In seeking solutions to Africa's problems, it is essential to respect the Views of the African countries, as well as their sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to follow the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Peace and development are inseparable. Without development, peace cannot stand on solid ground.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

39. “Without peace and development in Africa, there will be no genuine world peace and development. It is therefore vitally important that Africa be a truly equal partner for development. It is the unshirkable common responsibility of the international community to give strong support and help to the efforts of African countries in maintaining peace and pursuing development. The African continent has long been plagued by conflicts and hot spots. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report, since 1970 more than 30 wars have been fought in Africa, and in 1996 alone, 14 African countries were afflicted by armed conflicts. Conflicts in Africa can be traced to deep-seated historical causes and have a complex background. Therefore, the defusing of tensions and peacekeeping and peacemaking are formidable tasks.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

40. “This open debate should also serve to enhance our understanding of the relevant issues involved. In this context, special attention should be given to the opinions of African countries and regional organizations. We hope that follow-up actions in line with the realities of Africa and the interests of the African people will be taken, on the basis of a full exchange of views by all sides, especially African countries. Africa is a vast continent, rich in resources and full of Vitality. The African peoples are industrious and courageous. They have made tremendous contributions to and sacrifices for the world's development. African countries account for nearly one third of the United Nations membership and represent an important force in international affairs. We must View Africa from a strategic standpoint of global peace and development.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

41. “It contains not only an analysis of the sources of conflicts in Africa and their consequences and an overview of the experiences and lessons of the Council's response to these conflicts, but also the Secretary-General's Views on Africa's economic and social development, as well as his hopes and expectations for African countries. The Secretary-General has also put forward proposals regarding peacekeeping, the promotion of socio-economic development and the role of the Council and other international bodies. We believe that the report will help draw the attention of the Council, the United Nations system and the entire international community to the importance of solving the problems faced by Africa. This is highly necessary. The Chinese delegation would like to express its appreciation for this.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

42. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The Chinese delegation is very pleased by the holding of the Security Council's open debate today on the Secretary-General's report on Africa. At the ministerial session of the Council last September, the Vice-Premier of China, Mr. Qian Qichen, comprehensively laid out the Views of the Chinese Government on the African situation and China's policy towards Africa. On this basis, I would like to share with you China's preliminary comments and some ideas on the report. The Secretary-General's report covers a wide scope.”

    1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source

43. “China hopes that this draft resolution can lead the Commission, on the basis of its investigations, to make effective and feasible recommendations to the Security Council so as to ensure that the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions can be effectively implemented. The successful implementation of the Commission's mandate depends to a large extent on the support and cooperation of the countries concerned. We hope that the Commission can conduct close consultations with the countries concerned and also hope that the countries in the Great Lakes region, along with other interested countries, can provide information and the necessary assistance to the Commission. Curbing the illegal flow of arms requires the adoption of effective measures by the countries concerned and an integrated approach.”

    1998-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3870 (1998) · source

44. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The illegal flow of arms has already seriously undermined the security and stability of Rwanda and the whole Great Lakes region, and also created a tragedy in which many people were killed. The international community should adopt precise measures to curb this flow. The reactivation of the International Commission of Inquiry is one measure for prohibiting the provision of arms to the former Rwandan government forces. Given the interests of the parties concerned and the need to maintain security in the area, China feels positively about the resumption of the work of the Commission. The Commission did a great deal of work in the past and put forward some recommendations. We express our appreciation for this. The draft resolution before us today is very important.”

    1998-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3870 (1998) · source

45. “Furthermore, it is neither appropriate to bring before the Council the differences between the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as well as the human rights issues in Kosovo, nor proper to link the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's return to the international community with the question of Kosovo. The Chinese delegation has stated its principled position repeatedly in the Council's consultations. Since the contents of the draft resolution do not conform to our principled position, we have no choice but to abstain in the voting. The Chinese delegation requests that its position be placed on record.”

    1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source

46. “Ethnic issues are extremely complicated and sensitive, especially in the Balkans. On the one hand, the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic groups should be protected; on the other, secessionist activities by various extremist elements should be prevented. Many countries in the region are multiethnic. If the Council is to get involved in a dispute without a request from the country concerned, it may set a bad precedent and have wider negative implications. Therefore, the Council should be cautious when addressing these issues. The priority issue in solving the question of Kosovo in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is for the parties to start the political talks as soon as possible. However, the draft resolution before us would not help move the parties to negotiations.”

    1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source

47. “Mr. Shen Guofang (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The Chinese delegation is concerned about the current situation in Kosovo, in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Kosovo is an integral part of the territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The question of Kosovo is, in its essence, an internal matter of the Federal Republic. It should be resolved properly through negotiations between both parties concerned on the basis of the principle of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We have noted that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has taken a series of positive measures in this regard and that the situation on the ground is moving towards stability. We do not think that the situation in Kosovo endangers regional and international peace and security.”

    1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source

48. “We believe that MINURCA will follow the good practices of MISAB, will fully respect the Government of the Central African Republic, will, responding to the specific situation in the country, continue to promote communications and dialogue among all sides and will accomplish the tasks set forth in the draft resolution. A journey of 1,000 miles starts with the first step. The country has already taken its first step on the road towards national reconciliation and the restoration of the national economy. Basically, the stability and the progress of the country depend on its people and its Government. We hope that the adoption of this draft resolution will actively promote national reconciliation and economic reconstruction and help the country move gradually towards peace, stability, development and prosperity.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

49. “The draft resolution before us will authorize the establishment of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA) to replace MISAB, so as to help the Government and the people of that country realize their ultimate goal of national reconciliation. The Chinese Government supports this operation. For us, the draft resolution before us is a rather good document. On the one hand, it has accommodated the specific requests of that country and of other African countries. On the other hand, it has made reasonable and proper provisions for the mandate, functions and time-frame for MINURCA.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source

50. “The officers and men of MISAB have done their duty in most difficult circumstances: recovering weapons, promoting dialogue, maintaining security and providing humanitarian services. Their excellent performance has created conditions in which the country can stabilize the situation and achieve national reconciliation. China highly appreciates the work of MISAB, which has shown once again that through efforts by African countries themselves, and with full and timely support by the Security Council, the stability and development of the countries involved can be gradually secured. China has always maintained and supported the view that the Council should pay attention to the problems faced by Africa. In resolving these problems, the reasonable demands of the African countries should be respected and the necessary support rendered.”

    1998-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3867 (1998) · source