YouSaid · the spoken record

Soderberg

lines on the record: 258
first: 1998-01-27
most recent: 2001-01-26
sittings or episodes: 37
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

“Do you have any insight on that matter, or if there is anything more we could do to try to move the refugees? Let me just say in closing that I think the year ahead is going to be an exciting one. Even though it is difficult to get back here to New York, I hope you will be a regular visitor - both of you - and I commend you for your tireless efforts.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“If one steps back and looks at what has happened in the last year, it is really stunning. I was lucky enough to see it on the ground, and I think it is important for the international community to note what is happening there. Your leadership, Mr. Vieira de Mello, has been key to showcasing what the United Nations can do and how to do it right. You deserve great credit for doing it right. There are still problems remaining, such as that of the refugees in West Timor. I know that is not your direct insight, Mr. Vieira de Mello, but when we were there before, you talked about the need to have a ship to be able to transport refugees back and forth. I know there have been meetings with some of the signatories of the letter to the Security Council President.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Holkeri, the President of the General Assembly, on recommendations that the Council, the General Assembly and other United Nations bodies look at ways to increase that flexibility are ones that we owe Mr. Vieira de Mello. We have given him a very difficult mandate, and we have to try to work with him to get the flexibility that we need. In closing, I think that it is important to step back and look at how much has been done in East Timor. A year ago, there was a real humanitarian crisis going on in East Timor, and it has now moved from a humanitarian crisis into the more political arena of trying to build an institution and a government. I think that it is largely to the credit ofthe United Nations and the international community that that has happened, not to mention the people of East Timor.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As our French colleagues have underscored, encouraging the international financial institutions, United Nations funds and other concerned countries to increase their activities there will be key to ensuring that the resources are available to help the East Timorese create the society that they need. We would appreciate any comments on what more we could do on that front by taking advantage of the expertise of the various entities involved in capacity-building, development, nation-building - anything more we can do that is going to be key to ensuring that the international community does its part. When we were in Dili in the fall, Mr. Vieira de Mello made it very clear that he needed some additional flexibility in how the assessed funds are used. I think that the comments made by Mr.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is worth noting that there are some important trials going on in Indonesia right now, particularly that of Eurico Gutierres, which is now under way. The international community will be watching that very closely, as it will the trial of the six who are responsible for the death of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) workers, a question this body has dealt with in the past. I think that is a very significant step forward on that front, and hopefully it will help to move forward the Whole process of reconciliation. With respect to the commitment of the international community, I think the presence here of the international financial institutions underscores the need for those agencies to continue medium-term planning for the development of the East Timorese society.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We would appreciate any feedback on what will happen with the serious crime investigations and the prosecution post-independence. I think that is something that we should begin to prepare for now. Is there anything else we should be doing to prepare for that issue? Because certainly establishing the rule of law is going to be key in the transition to democracy. That is definitely the message we got: that as long as there is a fair process, the chances of reconciliation are much, much greater. I think it is also vital to note the importance of cooperation with the Government of Indonesia on this front, and the American delegation, over the last few months, has been pushing very hard for the Government of Indonesia to deepen its cooperation with UNTAET on this as well as move forward on some of the high-profile cases.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Jose Ramos-Horta made an interesting recommendation on the reconfiguration of the civilian police as national contingents, as the peacekeeping forces are now. While civilian police officers are currently assigned to multinational contingents, switching to national contingents is an idea that needs further study. But it could well help move towards effective policing, and any other comments that either of you would have on that would be useful. Certainly one of the major points emphasized by the Security Council mission in which I participated, upon its return, was the need for an independent and objective judiciary and its link to the issue of reconciliation, as justice is needed for reconciliation and vice versa.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I hope that that will become the norm for peacekeeping operations in future - that they will not tolerate threats against their personnel. I think that lives were protected through the taking of that forceful stand, which we have been strongly supporting. Lastly, the coordination of the bilateral programmes assisting the creation of the East Timor defence force will be key to maintaining stability after the United Nations presence leaves and throughout the process of building up an independent country. I think we all took to heart your comments on how to move forward with that programme, and I think that the international community will be very much looking forward to working with you. Just a few other quick points.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We would want to play a role in that process to ensure that participation is as broad as possible in that process, so that the outcome has the strongest possible support among the people. The third point concerns the continued threat of militia incursions and the potential for internal instability between now and the foreseeable future, but particularly in the period leading up to the elections. For that reason, we would support maintaining the current ceiling on the troop numbers for UNTAET, and we also support the mandate, which, we would remind everyone, includes the robust Chapter VII authority. I commend Mr. Vieira de Mello and the United Nations leadership for their interpretation of the authorities there. The use of forceful action by UNTAET in protecting itself, I think, has saved an enormous number oflives and took some courage.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is always important to be cautious in coining a new word, but the Timorization process, I think, is well under way, and the Council is strongly supportive ofthe authority that Mr. Vieira de Mello has transferred to the day-to-day governance of the East Timorese government, as well as of the involvement of the people of East Timor in that effort, which is a very difficult one. I do not think that people pay enough attention to how much has been done in this respect and to the priority that has been put on that. The second is the holding of free and fair elections, which will be open to a wide range of parties and candidates in East Timor's successful transition to independence. I would anticipate that a large involvement of the international community would be requested in that respect.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I think it is one that we will work on side by side with you. I found the trip we went on as part of the Security Council's second mission out there just fascinating - watching the country being rebuilt from the ground up. I would certainly hope that the Council and the various United Nations agencies stay very much engaged. I think that there are going to be some key benchmarks along the way. Let me just put them for your consideration and discussion over the next year. There are four main ones, and I think that both of you are very well aware ofthem. The first is the progress that has been made to incorporate the East Timorese into the transitional government.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We certainly take notice of the Secretary-General's View recommending an integrated mission under a special representative, mandated by the Council and funded from assessed contributions. That is something that we will have to discuss in depth over the next month. I hope that you will stay very engaged in that issue. It is one that we will certainly take under advisement. The United States, for its part, has its own troops there. We are assisting in the efforts and continuing to strongly support UNTAET and the people of East Timor. As you go through a really fascinating transition, I think that you are pursuing a very ambitious calendar that you have defined together, which the United States will certainly remain quite focused on. To actually engage in the creation of a nation and to watch that occur is a rare privilege for all of us.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I think that both Mr. Vieira de Mello and Mr. Ramos-Horta can take a clear message back to the people of East Timor that the international community's attention to East Timor will not end with UNTAET's mandate, when it closes down towards the end of this year. I think that one of the hardest problems will be to keep the international community engaged in East Timor. Once it has the impression that the crisis is over, attention tends to go elsewhere, and I think everyone who has spoken here today is committed to ensuring that that does not happen. I hope that that message will be strongly conveyed to the people of East Timor. Obviously, any plan that is developed would have to be developed in close consultation with the people of East Timor, the first elected government and the United Nations.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This meeting and the wide range of participants - which I think is unusual for a meeting of this sort - and the various troop-contributors' meetings - thanks to the leadership of our President, these were some ofthe highest-level discussions - and very frank discussions - that we have had with the troop contributors - underscore the commitment of the United Nations as a family to support East Timor and the people of East Timor as they move towards independence and a secure a stable environment. The involvement of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the international financial institutions and particularly the General Assembly, with the President of the General Assembly having been out to the region, is, I think, an encouraging sign that we all realize that we have to work together for East Timor's future.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First let me commend you, Mr. President, for holding this meeting, and I thank Sergio Vieira de Mello for coming all this way. It is a long way to come, and I think it symbolizes his own commitment to working closely with the Council, but also his personal stamina - having to travel so far and then sit so still all day long. We appreciate it, and I think this is a very useful dialogue. Similarly, I think it is a pleasure to have Mr. Ramos-Horta here. He has become a well-known figure to us all, and I hope it will stay that way.”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Thank you very much for that very touching comment. I see there are more speakers than even I have years, so I will be very brief and merely again express my very profound thanks for the extraordinary gesture on the part of Security Council members, who - all of them out of order - applauded, which was even more enjoyable, and I certainly do not raise a point of order to it. Thank you again. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in East Timor Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (S/2001/42)”
2001-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4265 (2001) · source
“The Afghan people deserve peace and a chance to rebuild their lives under a broad-based, representative government that respects their culture and traditions. We applaud the efforts of the Secretary-General's Personal Representative, Francesc Vendrell, to promote a peaceful settlement. The people have suffered for too long. But until that day, the international community must stand firm against terrorism. With this important action today, the Security Council sends an unequivocal message to the Taliban: end your support for terrorism. Let us hope that they will at last heed our call.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“The United States takes the Taliban threat to humanitarian aid workers very seriously and is taking a range of measures to hold the Taliban leadership responsible for their proper treatment. The Council must not allow the Taliban leaders to blackmail it by threatening international personnel, the Afghan people's benefactors. Let me be perfectly clear: the Taliban has an obligation to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and all United Nations personnel at all times. These dedicated individuals are in Afghanistan working for the welfare of the Afghan people, under extremely difficult circumstances. The Taliban must ensure that these individuals are able to carry on their work in safety and security, providing vital assistance to the Afghan people. That is the responsibility of the Taliban.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“We all share a deep concern over the deplorable plight of the Afghan people, but it is important to remember that the cause of that misery is war, drought and the draconian policies of the leadership, not a ban on Taliban aircraft and assets. The Taliban policies have aggravated the already abysmal economic and social conditions of the people of Afghanistan. The Taliban violates international humanitarian law and human rights, particularly by discriminating against women and girls. The United States is doing its part to address this crisis. We are the biggest donor to Afghanistan, with our aid this year to the people totalling $113 million. We also continue to S/PVAZSI help meet the Afghan people's humanitarian needs, while targeting their leadership.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“As long as the Taliban leadership continues to harbour terrorists, in particular Usama bin Laden, and to promote terrorism, it remains a threat to international peace and security. We must be mindful that terrorists are criminals, whatever their ethnic, religious or other affiliations. We oppose their crimes, not any religious or moral cause they purport to represent. It is in the common interest of all nations to fight terrorism. Any country that provides refuge or other support to terrorists operates outside the values of the international community. These sanctions are tough, but they are targeted. They do not cut off trade with Afghanistan. We have taken care to ensure that trade in food and medicine is not affected. These sanctions are targeted at the leadership of the Taliban, and not at the Afghan people.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“Today the Security Council takes a strong stand against terrorism and for the maintenance of international peace and security. As we speak, the Taliban leadership harbours the world's most wanted terrorist, Usama bin Laden. Over a year ago, this body enacted sanctions with a single, simple demand to the Taliban leadership: turn over Usama bin Laden, without further delay, to appropriate authorities in a country where he will be arrested and effectively brought to justice. Yet to date the terrorists remain in Afghanistan, and let no one misunderstand: they remain a continuing threat to us all. The Taliban cannot continue to flout the will of the international community and support and shelter terrorists without repercussions.”
2000-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4251 (2000) · source
“Those States that have not ratified the existing conventions should consider doing so urgently. Those States that are parties to the conventions must seek to cooperate to give them full force and effect. Unrelated issues must not be allowed to prevent progress on key conventions. For instance, the work on the draft conventions currently before the Ad Hoc Committee must be carried forward, and not be taken as an opportunity to attempt to resolve issues more properly considered in the First Committee as a kind of quid pro quo for agreement on the all-important convention on nuclear terrorism. No one can justify terrorism. We must all make the fight against terrorism a priority. We welcome the opportunity for us all to be reminded of what has been accomplished, of how our accomplishments must be given effect, and of what remains to be done.”
2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source
“Whether it be the very real threat from groups that provide safe-haven and comfort to those who attack embassies, or other groups that harbour individuals who attack civilian aviation, we must all stand ready to cooperate and make use of the opportunities provided by the United Nations to eliminate the threat of terrorism. The tools we have to combat terrorism must have the strong support of all members of this body. Our primary tool against terrorism is that of sanctions. We have imposed sanctions against those who have carried out acts of terror and against those who provide haven to terrorists. We must recommit ourselves to supporting such measures and ensuring that Member States follow through on the commitments imposed on them by the Security Council. In addition to this, we have various conventions against terrorism.”
2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source
“We commend the Russian presidency for doing so. As resolution 1269 (1999) makes clear, the suppression of acts of terrorism is essential if international peace and security are to be maintained, which is one of the priorities of the Security Council's mission. The suppression of terrorism is crucial to our own mandate to maintain international peace and security. Mr. Corell has provided us with a crystal-clear analysis of the roles of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Secretariat, as well as of their respective responsibilities and of the need for continued action by all concerned to cope with the scourge of terrorism.”
2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source
“I commend your leadership, Mr. President, in setting aside today to discuss an issue of enormous important not only to every country represented around the table, but to all the members of the United Nations. I think the briefing we heard from our Legal Counsel, Hans Corell, lays out the challenges before us, as well as the opportunities. I think we should all pause and review our own priorities in dealing with this very difficult but crucial and important issue. My country has certainly been the Victim of terrorism, including quite recently at some of our embassies in Africa. We have all been awakened by the shocking news of a sudden terrorist attack on our citizens or a hijacking. I think that taking some time out of our busy schedule to look at how we S/PV.4242 can move forward on this problem is a crucial priority.”
2000-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4242 (2000) · source
“In a subregion fraught with many challenges and interlocking crises, the United Nations must likewise continue to do its part in assisting the Government and the people of Guinea-Bissau to build a strong foundation for peace.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“We should also take note of the fact that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are represented here today as an expression of their willingness to do their part. Thanks to international encouragement and intervention, Guinea-Bissau has taken the first critical steps towards the re- establishment of a society based on national reconciliation and democratic values. We must continue to support those efforts. The United States remains committed to supporting Guinea-Bissau's recovery from two years of upheaval and disruption. We will continue to engage President Yala's Government to support the ongoing process of civil and economic reconstruction. As a member of the Group of Friends for Guinea-Bissau, the United States stands ready to do what it can to help.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“We call on General Mane and his entourage to refrain from interfering with the legitimate, popularly elected Government of President Yala. We encourage the Government of Guinea-Bissau to develop a plan for the integration of former soldiers into the national economy, within the framework of the rule of law. The international community would react negatively should Guinea-Bissau return to military rule under any guise. Guinea-Bissau is just beginning to recover from civil conflict. It needs peace, reconstruction and development. Nothing could hinder that more than renewed military intervention in governance. To that end, the people of Guinea-Bissau need and deserve the support of the international community.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“The United Nations Office represents a good example of the critical role the Organization can play in conflict resolution and post- conflict institution-building. A continued United Nations presence will serve to promote the continued viability of Guinea-Bissau's democratic institutions and to turn its attention to reconstruction and economic development. The United States support for the United Nations operation remains strong. We are pleased that the Council has given it a continuing mandate through March 2001. While we applaud these signs of progress, recent disturbing developments in Guinea-Bissau have sounded some alarms. The fractious and ambiguous role played by General Mane and his loyalists has posed a major obstacle to reconstruction efforts since President Yala's inauguration last February.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“We are also very grateful to have Vice-Prime Minister Imbali and the delegation from Guinea-Bissau here. We also welcome the presence of the representative of the World Bank, Mr. Madavo, as a welcome testament to the importance of development in conflict prevention. The United States commends the people of Guinea-Bissau for their commitment to peace and for their sustained efforts to work together to build a stronger society. We also applaud the work of United Nations personnel serving with the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau under the leadership of Secretary-General Annan's Representative, Mr. Samuel Nana-Sinkam, for their efforts to strengthen democratic values, promote the rule of law and encourage the protection of human rights in Guinea-Bissau.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“It is certainly a pleasure to be able to say "Madam President". I wish there were more madams around the table. I want to express our great appreciation for your presence here today. We also want to let you know how ably you have been represented by Ambassador van Walsum and his team during a very difficult month in the Council. We are grateful for you Government's leadership during this month. I think today's meeting is a testament to your Government's commitment to international intervention and the importance of resolving conflict and restoring order. The commitment of the Government of the Netherlands to post-conflict assistance to civil society in Guinea-Bissau is commendable, as is its support for economic recovery. I think it sets an example for all of us.”
2000-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4238 (2000) · source
“Rather, it reminds us that the sooner we see the withdrawal of foreign forces, the transformation of armed insurgencies into armed political parties and the creation of accountable government institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the sooner the Congolese people will be able to take care of themselves. In closing, we believe that achieving the political objectives of a viable framework for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its region remains the key to resolving the humanitarian crisis. Until we achieve a peaceful settlement, we must all work together to support the life-saving work of OCHA and other organizations that are trying to protect the innocent victims of this conflict.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“Neither the United Nations nor any of its Member States can impose a solution to the crisis. A solution must come from the political leadership and be respected by all of the combatants, foreign and Congolese. The point of humanitarian assistance is to sustain vulnerable civilian life until such time as the political leadership can reach agreement. Until the parties can do so, we must continue to support the humanitarian community in its efforts. Those who facilitate and protect the entry of humanitarian assistance are to be commended; those who impede or divert such aid must be condemned for their actions. The courageous work of Carolyn McAskie and OCHA and the other humanitarian organizations does not detract from the urgency of our own tasks.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“This Council is united in its support and admiration for the work of the humanitarian agencies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Under difficult conditions, at great expense and often at considerable risk, the men and women of the United Nations and of the non-governmental organization and private voluntary organization communities have tried to alleviate the suffering caused by callous political leaders. We know that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is working here in New York and in Geneva to improve the humanitarian assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We support those efforts, under the overall authority of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Kamel Morjane, and we will continue our own engagement on behalf of the innocent victims in this conflict.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“At the time, that proposal was not accepted, but after 11 months it deserves to be reconsidered. We call on Presidents Kabila and Museveni, as well as Movement for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC) leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, to work together to implement a viable ceasefire that should include the reopening of the Congo River to civilian traffic. The well-being of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as their neighbours in the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, is at stake. We make this appeal as part of a wider call on all parties to facilitate the operations of the humanitarian community, bearing in mind the fact that the Congo River and its tributaries are an essential lifeline for most of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“Thus far the Governments involved have failed to demonstrate the political will, the international community has failed to marshal the necessary resources, and the lack of a functioning peace agreement has meant that the time for recovery continues to be delayed. A solution will also require combating the deadly combination of three factors that have brought the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its present state. These three factors are foreign aggression, internal armed rebellion and unaccountable Government. We must work together to address all three. During our January 2000 Security Council presidency, Ambassador Holbrooke, working with our Ambassadors in the region, asked Presidents Museveni and Kabila to cooperate in the reopening of the Congo River to civilian traffic.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“The withdrawal of foreign forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1304 (2000) and, let us not forget, the Lusaka Agreement, which all these parties signed, would greatly benefit the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Governments have to be held accountable to their people and responsive to their needs. It is our view that responsive Governments resting on broad bases of support are necessary for the resolution of humanitarian crises. The solution to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo involves political will, resources and time.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“It is important to remember that this crisis, this disaster - and I think that by all accounts it has to be termed a disaster on every human level - is entirely man-made, and that means it can be entirely solved by men, and of course by women as well. As Ambassador Levitte pointed out earlier, we do not have the choice of giving up. We must continue to address this issue. If one looks at this man-made disaster, the only conclusion one can draw is a broad indictment of those who seek to win or retain power by the force of arms.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“I think one has to admit that the Governments of the region - of the Congo, and particularly of Rwanda, Uganda and, obviously, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the various armed Congolese and other foreign rebel factions - all share responsibility for this humanitarian crisis that we have just heard described here today. I hope that if there is one unequivocal and clear message to both the Governments involved and the rebel sides involved it is that they should all hear today's programme of the international community and recommit themselves to the search for peace. To do otherwise is simply unconscionable.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“We admire her tenacity in continuing to address what is by all accounts a very depressing and discouraging situation. After looking at the situation and listening to Ms. McAskie's briefing and reviewing the notes that she passed out, I think that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demands the continued attention of the international community and continued pressing by the international community on all sides to do more. The people about whose suffering we have just heard certainly deserve no less.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“I commend your vision, Mr. President, in having this important meeting today. As we discussed this morning regarding East Timor, when other crises divert our attention we tend to let fall by the wayside some of the urgent crises before us, and I commend your vision in scheduling this meeting today despite the other pressing business that is occurring around the world. I would also like to pay a special tribute to Carolyn McAskie for her leadership on this issue, as well as for her briefing on the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - as depressing as that situation is. As the Emergency Relief Coordinator for the United Nations she has a somewhat Sisyphean task in trying to address all these issues.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4237 (2000) · source
“Vieira de Mello has some additional information on what is happening on that front. I think all of us came away with the sense that the back-and-forth discussions on development of working relationships so that there is mutual understanding on both sides would be key to moving forward, and certainly these various committees are essential in order to accomplish that. Let me thank you again for a very useful visit, Mr. Vieira de Mello, but, most importantly, for the work that you are doing on behalf of all of us to let the people of East Timor achieve their independence.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“I will leave one or two questions on the table for the Special Representative. One of our key discussions in Jakarta was to try to urge that the Joint Border Commission meet as quickly as possible. We are pleased that the Commission will be meeting on Thursday and urge that the meetings be regular and at the senior level. One of the clear impressions that we came away with was the need for very regular and constant discussions and the need for better sources of information. Clearly, the Border Commission is key, so we should do anything we can to help on that front. The other issue concerns the joint commissions that are dealing with some other key bilateral matters, in particular the pensions, which are of key importance for the return of the refugees. Perhaps Mr.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“There have been some encouraging developments on this front in recent weeks with the ad hoc return of 400 former TNI and civil servants (MILSAS), in addition to the discussions going on with the militias that had written to the President of the Security Council. Those discussions and returns could potentially trigger other significant returns, which I think we would all welcome and View as a Significant way to address the problem. They do not, however, in any way mitigate the need for the international community to be present in West Timor under appropriate security conditions. During our visit we had good discussions on trying to enable a classic United Nations security staff to go and review the situation, and we are hopeful that that will occur so that the international community can return to West Timor in full force.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“As we wrote in our report, I think it is useful to recall here that we all stress the need for decisive action to deal with the remaining militias, and, in particular, the leaders, to put an end to their activities once and for all, inter alia, through ongoing disarmament operations, the separation of militia leaders and of those engaging in intimidation from refugee communities and the expeditious prosecution of militia leaders for the serious crimes they have committed. Progress on these issues is crucial for the success of all that the United Nations is trying to do in East Timor. Lastly, the issue of return is one that has been a large focus of the international community and the Government of Indonesia as well. There must be a credible, apolitical, internationally observed refugee registration and return programme.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“We all hope that the Government of Indonesia will fulfil these responsibilities with appropriate urgency. The second issue I wish to highlight is that of disbandment of the militias. This is a crucial process of justice, and the Government must fulfil its responsibilities in that respect. We were in several of the camps, and I think that the militias' continued presence in those camps, their hold on the camps and some of the decisions of the people are impeding the process of return.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“The principal points relating to justice are still germane. Further decisive action is necessary to deal with the remaining militias. Those responsible for the murders of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees staff, as well as for the killing of two United Nations peacekeepers, must be brought to justice; and there must be a process of accountability to address the human rights violations of 1999. While we were in Jakarta, we had very productive meetings with a number of Government officials, and they briefed us on the progress. We all urged strong action in Jakarta to establish the ad hoc tribunals, which are critical to ensuring that the process ofjustice moves forward. It has been over a year since the violence of 1999, and the international community has a responsibility to help ensure that justice is done.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“We are already reviewing it, and I certainly hope that we will be able to look favourably on your request for the SWAT teams of assistance, as well as staff and equipment. Unless you can have a functioning judicial system, all of the other wheels of progress will be much squeakier. As we look at this issue, I think we have to make sure that we do not have bureaucratic inertia that could cause some of these resources to be underutilized. I think we need to continue to work within the United Nations system to make sure that these requests can be dealt with urgently and efficiently. In addition to ensuring that the UNTAET process and the East Timorese process work, it is equally fundamental to make sure that the Government of Indonesia fulfils its responsibilities on these issues, as outlined in Security Council resolution 1319 (2000).”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“Rumours and misinformation created legitimate fears within the community. Having just been to East Timor, we were able to reassure them that we were convinced that the people of East Timor would welcome the refugees back, that they would be treated well and with respect, as long as there was a process of justice to ensure the people of East Timor that their need for justice was taken care of. Without this process of justice, we will not get the appropriate reconciliation to solve the problems. One of the most important aspects we came away with was the need to make sure that UNTAET and the East Timorese system have the capability to investigate crimes and to conduct prosecutions. The plan that you brought with you here, Mr. Vieira de Mello, and presented to us on the process of justice is, I think, very important and timely.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source
“The other point I wish to make from the United States standpoint, and which is most important to us, is the process of justice and reconciliation. All of the post-independence questions will be greatly affected by how well the process of justice and reconciliation is addressed today. I think I speak for my colleagues who were with me on the mission in saying that the key to ensuring UNTAET's success, as well as the success of the independence of the people of East Timor, is to put the dual track of reconciliation and justice on a progressive path that achieves both in a symbiotic fashion. In West Timor, we certainly heard repeated concerns from the refugees about the conditions on the ground in East Timor. They had sent their families back and had not heard from them.”
2000-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4236 (2000) · source