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

“Their failure to do so threatens the work of the United Nations and the impressive progress made to date. The Council for months has expressed concern about the situation in the refugee camps. Yet the situation continues to deteriorate, and UNHCR is threatened by thugs and blocked from doing its vital work. For months the Council has called on the Government of Indonesia to end cross-border incursions, to disarm and disband the militia and to prosecute those responsible for violence. But the situation does not change. The Indonesian Government and the security forces do not act, and violence and instability continue in West Timor. The death of Private Manning is the tragic result of these failures.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“The Secretary-General's report contains important benchmarks for UNTAET as it moves into the next phase of its work. It underscores that East Timor will require attention and assistance from the international community even after independence. And despite instability in the border area, the situation in the eastern part of East Timor is calm and the United Nations is correctly proceeding with a logical and gradual diminution of UNTAET's troop strength - which will result in a significant reduction by early next year, without sacrificing overall security. Despite UNTAET's great progress, problems remain along the border, fuelled by the intolerable situation in West Timor. The Government of Indonesia is abrogating its responsibility to maintain law and order in West Timor, especially in and around the camps.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“I note that New Zealand Permanent Representative Michael Powles is in the Chamber today, and I take this opportunity to convey to his Government and the people of New Zealand our sympathy and our respect. I am sure we all hope that UNTAET, New Zealand and the Government of Indonesia can work together to apprehend and bring to justice Private Manning's killers. As we heard from Assistant Secretary-General Annabi this morning, the United Nations is doing an important job in East Timor, and UNTAET's great progress is aptly described in the Secretary-General's report. As we heard from Sergio Vieira de Mello last month, UNTAET is increasingly "Timorizing" its administration, working with the East Timorese leadership to develop a timetable to draft a constitution, set elections and declare independence.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“Let me use this opportunity to praise your leadership, Madam President, and that of your team. As Ambassador Holbrooke told your Foreign Minister just two weeks ago, it has been a very busy and productive month - and for this we take our hats off to you. The Council authorized you on Tuesday to express its heartfelt condolences to the family of Private Leonard William Manning, who was killed earlier this week in the service of peace, the international community and the people of East Timor. Private Manning's untimely death reminds us of the risks of peacekeeping and of the courage of the men and women who make up the United Nations forces.”
2000-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4180 (2000) · source
“If there had been time limits on the Libyan sanctions, for instance, the suspects would never have been handed over to the Scottish court in the Netherlands. Finally, let me underscore the importance of the step the Council takes today. It places the Security Council firmly on the side of peace in Sierra Leone. We will vote for this resolution, and we urge those who continue to thwart peace in Sierra Leone to take due notice.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“In the end, time limits provide comfort only to those under sanctions and to those who, contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, believe that sanctions are not an appropriate tool of Security Council policy. We should target sanctions to protect civilian populations, but not to give rogues and criminals time off for bad behaviour when sanctions run out. By placing time limits on Sierra Leone's sanctions we are undermining the effectiveness of this important resolution and damaging the Council's ability to impose credible sanctions in the future. The only permissible criteria for ending sanctions must be compliance with Security Council resolutions. Otherwise, the security of the Council is undermined.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“The use of time limits in this resolution or in any others undermines the incentive for sanctioned States or entities to comply with the demands of the Security Council, unhelpfully encouraging them to believe that if they can simply outlast the patience of the Council or somehow divide its members, sanctions will be lifted without compliance or will simply expire. It is up to the Council to review, consider and modify its own sanctions. This resolution calls for an 18-month period of sanctions. Eighteen months is an arbitrary political compromise; it has no basis in fact or anything related to the situation on the ground in Sierra Leone.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“This draft resolution links the removal of sanctions to the arbitrary passage of time, rather than to fair and reasonable compliance with requirements established by the Council. We do not agree with time limits, but we have accepted the consensus View of other Council members on this issue, given the critical importance of imposing sanctions to end the illicit trade in diamonds for arms carried on by the RUF. The United States strongly believes its sanctions, to have meaning and force, must be tied to a change in the behaviour that prompts imposition of the sanctions in the first place, not to an arbitrary date on the calendar. In this case the change in behaviour is the end of the RUF's use of diamonds to fuel its war machine and human rights abuses, and the full control of the Government over its resources.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“Efforts are already under way to help the Government of Sierra Leone establish a certification system. We are working in cooperation with the United Kingdom and others to support this endeavour. We will vote to adopt this resolution, but we do so with reservations on the time-frame. We are concerned about the negative implications of putting in place time-limited sanctions. Sanctions are difficult for Member States to impose within their own national legal systems. They become more difficult to implement if turned off and on. We believe the diamond boycott should stay in place until the control of the Government of Sierra Leone over the diamond regions has been fully established. We favour the establishment of benchmark criteria to be met before sanctions can be lifted.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“Diamonds and their illicit procurement and sale by the RUF rebels fuel the conflict in Sierra Leone. The rebels have used the sale of diamonds to fund their operations and to procure weapons, as well as to enrich their leaders. I commend the leadership of Sir Jeremy Greenstock and the United Kingdom in putting forward this draft resolution. The United States, Canada and others have also been in the forefront of the efforts to find ways to prevent the illicit transfer of diamonds from fuelling conflicts, particularly in Africa. The illicit trade in diamonds is closely linked to illicit trade in small arms. We remind all States of existing sanctions on arm shipments to the RUF. We believe the resolution is a necessary and critical step to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in re- establishing authority over its diamond-producing regions.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“Thank you very much, Madam President. It is a special pleasure to say "Madam President", which does not happen very often. Thank you very much for today's meeting. Sierra Leone has weighed heavily on the world's conscience for the past two years. We have all watched in horror as the civilian population endured unimaginable suffering and hardship. The brutal tactics of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) of indiscriminately cutting off the limbs of hundreds of men, women and children have shocked us all. We have a responsibility to help the people of Sierra Leone return to the quiet, peaceful and productive lives they all deserve. Today the Council takes an important step forward toward that goal. In banning the sale of illicit diamonds, we take a strong stand against war and for peace.”
2000-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4168 (2000) · source
“In the end, any effort to rebuild Somalia must be an all-inclusive process that enjoys the support of existing regional entities and that is based on a legitimate participatory process that derives from Somali civil society and rejects the predatory violence of the warlords.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“In line with this approach, and in recognition of the positive and peaceful evolution taking place in some regions, we have focused our assistance on the areas of relative stability, including Somaliland and Puntland. Also, our humanitarian assistance strategy is evolving. Unconditional food aid distribution is increasingly being replaced with food-for-work activities, and our disaster assistance projects are placing greater emphasis on the activities that have a mitigation focus and a transitional nature, as opposed to pure relief. We applaud the efforts of President Guelleh and the Government of Djibouti, and we will watch the unfolding of the current initiative with the utmost interest and encouragement.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“Once the Somalis have demonstrated through solid achievements on the ground that they are making this process work, the international community will want to review how best to support their efforts. Given the previous failure of overly ambitious efforts to rebuild Somalia, the United States is committed to an incremental, long-term approach that seeks to rebuild the Somali polity from the bottom up through support for regional entities that emerge from participatory processes. These efforts offer, in our view, the best hope for the creation of a stable, durable and democratic Somalia. They should be seen as complementary to the work done by the Somalis convened at Arta.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“Indeed, the discussions that have been taking place since 2 May, which have brought together leaders of civil society, women's groups, clan representatives and faction leaders, would have seemed impossible only a short while ago. While some basic steps have been taken, there are still many hurdles ahead. Even if the current discussions in Djibouti produce a blueprint for an interim Government, we must remember that this is only the first step, and perhaps the easiest step, towards the rehabilitation of Somalia. The task of transforming that structure into a functioning, effective, permanent, representative Government will be far more difficult. The United States intends to remain fully engaged in those efforts, but only the commitment of the Somali people themselves can ensure its success.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“I commend your leadership, Mr. President, in holding this open meeting today. I think Somalia has been on the agenda of the Council for many years. The more international attention that we can bring to the ongoing difficulties there, the better. Last August, the Secretary-General appealed to the international community to engage actively in resolving the crisis in Somalia. Djibouti and President Guelleh took up that challenge. He and a broad range of Somali leaders worked diligently to promote the cause of peace and reconciliation in Somalia. What they have already achieved in terms of re-establishing a dialogue is impressive.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“It is a tribute to the people of UNTAET and the people of East Timor that the conversation is shifting towards those types of day- to-day activities and away from the crises that we were dealing with just a few months ago. Once again, I commend the United Nations for its efforts.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“I think that that small story represents just how far individuals have been able to make a difference in East Timor, and the United Nations should be rightly proud in noting its accomplishments. In closing, I would just add that the people of East Timor are now actively discussing with the international community, the World Bank and possible investors how to develop their own country. I think it is up to the international community to remain engaged in East Timor - just because it is not on the front pages any more does not mean that there are not broad needs there, including for the sustained, continued engagement of the international community, albeit in the more traditional senses of trade, economic policies, investment and judicial functions.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“UNTAET is now beginning to establish a functioning judiciary, and this is an area that we have been following with particular interest. I will repeat one story just to show how far things have come. There is now a new East Timor judicial system and a newly trained judge presiding over a hearing about the legality of continued detention of a Falintil member who is accused of killing a militia member on 22 September. This hearing was attended by 50 people, local and international, journalists and family members. To us it was a normal judicial function that would happen in any normal situation. Jose Ramos Horta noted that this was the first case of an East Timorese judge presiding in an East Timorese courtroom in nearly 500 years.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“We have called for the immediate release of the hostages and certainly urge all the people of Fiji to resolve this crisis in a peaceful manner and in accordance with Fiji's Constitution. On the issue of civilian police, I think that in East Timor they need to have the means to carry out their responsibilities effectively. In some areas, including in Dili and the western districts, the civilian police are currently armed, and we continue to believe that this policy should be considered throughout the territory of East Timor. I know that this is something that the United Nations has under discussion; I think it is important to have a consistent policy throughout the territory, particularly in areas where there are special needs on the ground.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“The Security Council acted very quickly in endorsing the need for UNTAET to assist in the floods in West Timor, and I think our actions there are a model for international cooperation to help in a humanitarian situation that assisted a number of refugee families in their decision to return to East Timor. The decision to send these UNTAET helicopters, I think, was a concrete way that the UNTAET operation could assist all of the people of East Timor, and it enabled us to work in a very cooperative effort with Indonesia that will assist in developing further ties and cooperation. Also, I would commend the Secretary-General's decision to ask Mr. Vieira de Mello to travel to Fiji to deliver a strong message of concern over the situation there. That is obviously a situation that we are following very closely.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“I think it has to be said that the Indonesian armed forces (TNI) have subsequently made efforts to end cooperation with the militias. We remain concerned about the need to permanently resolve the situation of the remaining refugees and to break up the militias definitively. It is worth pointing out that progress has been made on that. We commend that progress and want to continue to see it reinforced and made a permanent situation. Any backsliding into the previous concerns would obviously be of major concern to the Security Council. There are still militias on the ground, however, and I think that we have to continue to watch the situation so that it does not evolve into a threat in future that would cause many of us difficulties.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“We have been trying to create temporary bilateral programmes to fill an immediate need while working to get the comprehensive United Nations and World Bank employment-generating projects on line. I encourage other Governments to look at ways that they could help in that. I think, as Ambassador Eldon mentioned, the World Bank review conference in Lisbon and the subsequent donors' conference will be a major point of reference for discussing these issues, but they will also hopefully bring tangible resources that certainly are much in need. In previous briefings we have been fairly blunt in some of our concerns about the security situation on the ground with the militias and the failure of the Indonesian Government to appropriately rein in some of them.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“The more the international community and the United Nations can do to ensure that the situation in East Timor moves in that direction as quickly as possible, that will certainly help the people of East Timor rebuild their society. I think the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) has made very substantial progress in establishing elements of a civil administration. There are obviously very frustrating delays in initiating projects from the UNTAET and the World Bank trust funds and in ensuring that the necessary personnel with the appropriate skills are in the field. In our briefing on 27 April, Assistant Secretary-General Annabi specifically mentioned the positive effect of our Government's temporary employment projects through the Agency for International Development.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“I think the simple nature of that shift in a discussion is a tribute first and foremost to the people of East Timor, who are pulling together and trying to move their country forward after a number of very difficult decades. I think the United Nations is working with them hand-in-hand in trying to move that forward in a way that we all need to commend. The Nobel laureate Jose Ramos Horta, who has been working on behalf of the people of East Timor for many years, is here in the United States. We had the honour of speaking with him this morning, and I was struck by the nature of that conversation, talking about the normal functions of a government as opposed to a people in crisis. He deserves great credit for moving things forward.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“While in the past few months, and certainly in the difficult months of last summer before and after the referendum and the violence that ensued, we were dealing with crises in life-saving situations, the question of militias and intimidation and all the problems that have resulted from difficulties surrounding last fall's events, today the events are shifting to the more normal tasks of how to rebuild a country, how to get the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in there and how to get investors in there to begin to trade and integrate the economy of East Timor into the normal trading systems and normal economic systems.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“I want once again to commend Assistant Secretary- General Annabi and his team, particularly the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Sergio Vieira de Mello, for a historic job that they are performing under very difficult circumstances in East Timor. This has been one of the very difficult challenges the United Nations has undertaken, and I think by all accounts they are doing a stellar job under very difficult circumstances. So we pay tribute to them once again. I think the nature of the discussion today is in sharp contrast to what we were discussing only a few months ago here. The task of the United Nations is often to give the people of the world what President Clinton has often referred to as the chance to live the quiet miracle of a normal life, something many have been denied.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“Each party to a conflict has an obligation under international law towards civilians, and each Government has a responsibility towards its citizens. Each Government must do all in its power to live up to the tenets of international law I referred to at the beginning of these remarks and to protect the civilians under its authority against threats to their lives, their dignity and their personal rights.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other development agencies can also help make the transition from the initial phase of demobilization to the longer-term phase of reintegration into society. In closing, I want to reiterate a point of paramount importance: civilians cannot be adequately protected by the international community alone. The authorities of the State in which armed conflict is occurring must cooperate with the international community and humanitarian organizations in ensuring access to the civilian population at risk, and by ensuring the safety and security of the United Nations and humanitarian personnel involved in operations designed to assist civilians.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Already, peacekeeping troops receive military training; civilian police receive training in patrolling and investigations; civilian administrators receive training in management techniques; and relief workers are trained in the logistics of delivering assistance. However, they also must be fully aware of the rules of international humanitarian law and of the special protection needs of the most vulnerable populations, including those of women, children and victims of disabling or communicable diseases. The United Nations has a role to play in helping make such training available, as do Member States. The United Nations also has a role in helping with the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration of former combatants, including child soldiers. But it cannot do these things alone. The host Governments must do their part.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“At times, encouraging diplomatic talks between the parties may be the proper response. At other times, the Council may need to dispatch monitors or impose targeted sanctions or even deploy civilian police or peacekeeping troops. In other situations it may be appropriate to establish temporary humanitarian corridors or safe zones, or to choose an entirely different course of action altogether. Badly devised actions risk raising the dangers for the very people that we are seeking to help. We also need to be sure that the United Nations personnel in the field are trained and equipped to get the job done right.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Whether they have fled their homes or remained in an unstable area, whether they have crossed an international border to relative safety or sought refuge nearby, their lives or their basic human needs may be at risk. They may face danger from the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of landmines or the uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons carried by too many of their fellow citizens and, many times, by their fellow child citizens. Clandestine radio broadcasts inciting genocide add another evil dimension to an already dangerous situation. And camps for displaced persons and refugees, which should be a temporary haven, may be infiltrated by armed elements who then hold the most vulnerable among them hostage. There is a variety of options that we can consider.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The United States appreciates the opportunity to exchange ideas on this difficult topic during the long and painstaking negotiations that have resulted in the draft resolution we are to adopt today. We support this draft resolution and will work with the other members of the Council to implement its provisions as appropriate in different circumstances. The best way to protect civilians, of course, is to prevent conflict before it erupts, and the Security Council acknowledged this when it discussed the matter last November. We recognize the importance of early warning and early preventive actions, and we also recognize the many serious risks civilians face during armed conflict: they are often subjected to armed attack, or rape, or abduction.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The Secretary- General's report now before us sets out more than three dozen recommendations for steps that can be taken by the Council, by Member States and by other organs in the United Nations system to do a better job of protecting civilians from falling victim to armed conflicts. In fact, in various situations we have already put into practice many of the steps the Secretary-General recommends. While we support the ideals and the general goal of his report, we believe that every specific situation of armed conflict must be dealt with individually, in its own context, and bearing in mind the global standards set by the applicable provisions of international humanitarian law.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The traditional tools of diplomacy are not always completely effective, but as members of the Security Council with a responsibility to maintain international peace and security, we must identify means to address the outrages being perpetrated against civilians. All of us here in the Council face a dilemma. We are aware of, and wish to promote and uphold, the ideals that motivated the founders of the United Nations. However, as we all know, we are constrained by various political realities. Our job is to walk a fine line and find a balance between what is ideal and what is feasible.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The Geneva Conventions stipulate that, at a minimum, civilians shall be treated humanely and not be murdered, tortured, mutilated, taken hostage, cruelly treated or made to face humiliating outrages against their dignity. This focus on the impact of war upon civilians has been at the heart of the United Nations since its beginning. Unfortunately, ever since the founding of the United Nations and the conclusion of the Geneva Conventions, we have continued to see what the Secretary-General has termed a "civilianization of conflict" - as conflicts increasingly involve actors who blithely disregard the fundamental protections afforded civilians under international humanitarian law and are indeed often ignorant of, or indifferent to, fundamental rules of armed conflict.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“To the Deputy Secretary-General and Foreign Minister Axworthy, we are delighted that you are here. I also understand we have some Model United Nations students in the gallery, so welcome - I hope you are inspired today to follow us all. This morning we are here to discuss a very difficult, but a very important topic, one that was at the forefront of the minds of the founders of the United Nations and of many other statesmen and political leaders before them. The United Nations founders set up this Organization "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war", and to limit the human suffering and death that are the inevitable result of war.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“President, and our other colleagues who have taken the lead on this issue. The United States looks forward to working together to put into practice the ideas and plans we discuss here today.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Sustainable reintegration of former combatants is a prerequisite to the prevention of future conflicts, and women are often excluded from this process. In a broader context, we rarely consider the powerful role women can play in reintegration, peace-building and conflict resolution. Women's involvement as leaders, mediators and teachers can have a critical impact on the success of reintegration efforts and their involvement is essential for maintaining peace and security. In conclusion, the Council's task of maintaining international peace and security requires that we pay close attention to the important issues we discuss here today. As the United Nations develops methods and means to address post-conflict peace-building requirements, our ability to undertake successful and complete DDR programmes will grow. I commend you, Mr.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“I am happy to note also the consensus agreement reached in January on the addition of an optional protocol on involvement of children in armed conflict to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. By addressing forced recruitment and the conduct of armed rebels, this agreement strikes at the heart of the problem of child soldiers. In discussing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, we often overlook the special needs of women ex-combatants. As correctly underlined in the Secretary-General's report, female ex-combatants and their children are especially vulnerable in post-conflict situations. DDR plans should seek to assist women and girls who have suffered sexual abuse, have been forced to participate in violence or have had to bear children for their victimizers, and who may risk rejection by their communities.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“We agree with the Secretary-General that there can be problems in identifying adequate funding for DDR activities and, with the implosion of societies that is occurring in today's conflicts, it is critical that we strike the right balance between assessed and voluntary contributions to address these issues. The Secretary-General's report highlights the special needs of child soldiers during all phases of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, including the special needs of girl soldiers due to their roles as fighters, messengers, spies, labourers and sexual slaves. We applaud the efforts of the United Nations Children's Fund and others to meet these critical needs in existing operations and their plans to do so in future DDR programmes.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Disarmament and demobilization are under the purview of the Security Council and often part of peacekeeping operations, although implementation of these activities has at times been shared by humanitarian agencies. Reintegration, however, must be viewed as a post- conflict peace-building or development activity. The Secretary-General's report notes the complexity of reintegration activities and the number of organizations and actors that can contribute to their success. We welcome improved coordination among implementing agencies - including World Bank support for reintegration in Sierra Leone - and note the need for further progress. We also concur with the Secretary-General that involving commercial interests in peace efforts can support the processes and encourage further exploration in this area.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“The goal of demobilization activities is to remove ex-combatants from military organizations and structures as quickly as possible - to free these populations to return to lives as productive citizens and to contribute to the development of their societies. To advance demobilization, sufficient resources and political support must be provided to peacekeeping operations. As the Secretary-General correctly notes, a mission that has been perceived as strong from its beginning is far less likely to be tested than one that is perceived as vulnerable or ineffective. We see much reintegration work as distinct from traditional peacekeeping activities of disarmament and demobilization.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Effective disposal - and preferably destruction - of small arms, light weapons and ammunition must be part of any peace process. In addition, the Council must be prepared to consider measures to limit the flow of small arms and other weapons into DDR zones, including sanctions, if necessary and appropriate. As Ambassador Fowler has so ably demonstrated, more effective enforcement of existing sanctions can also play a role, including in the prevention of new arms flows into a region. The United States looks forward to participating in next year's United Nations conference here in New York on illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“This point is being made very clearly in Sierra Leone, where the commitment to the peace agreement of the Revolutionary United Front, and especially of its leader Foday Sankoh, remains in doubt. One key indicator of the problem is the low number and quality of weapons that have been turned in thus far under the DDR programme currently under way in Sierra Leone. Moreover, far too few combatants have presented themselves for disarmament and demobilization. Similarly, the disturbing outbreak of violence in the Congo discussed yesterday by this Council gives weight to the point that the international community cannot fulfil its obligations if the parties fail to meet their own commitments. With regard to disarmament, surplus small arms and light weapons in post-conflict situations all too often fuel renewed fighting and banditry.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“These include explicit reference to DDR programmes in peace agreements; ensuring adequate technical and financial support for such activities in all operations; and improving institutional coordination among the bodies of the international community that address these needs. It is essential that the Council underscore the point that successful DDR activities depend upon the political will of the parties involved to commit themselves to peace. The success of such activities requires the cooperation of entire populations, former combatants and civilians. The international community can support this process, but it cannot provide the will required to bring it to a successful conclusion.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Today's meeting will help the Council remain engaged on this important matter, and I hope that we take up the Secretary-General's call this morning to address the issue with renewed determination. When peace agreements are successfully reached, it is essential that steps be taken to promote the transition of war-torn societies from conflict to normalcy. Key to this transition is the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the ex-combatants into the fabric of civil society. The Secretary-General's report of ll February underscores this point. As the Secretary-General recommends in that report, the ability of future peacekeeping operations to advance disarmament, demobilization and reintegration goals can be enhanced in several ways.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“I applaud you, Mr. President, for holding this meeting today, and we are particularly pleased by the presence of the Secretary- General. The key role of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) is one that is far too often overlooked. Yet it is an essential element to many post-conflict peace- building efforts. Today's meeting will help ensure that we all stay engaged in the effort to build peace - not just stop war. Today's meeting builds on our open debate last July under the presidency of Malaysia. We thank Ambassador Hasmy and the delegation of Malaysia once again for their continuing effort to focus the Council's attention on these issues.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“I think we need to reiterate our commitment there, and I would perhaps underscore that in the press statement, if others would agree, in order to remind Member States that there are travel bans on some of these leaders. Lastly, I will just underscore the situation on human rights in Sierra Leone, particularly with regard to women, girls and child soldiers. It is one of the more horrific situations with respect to abuses of human rights, and I think we should remember that when we look at trying to contribute to the Trust Fund or help the United Nations mobilize. It is a very serious situation. As Ambassador Greenstock said, the world is focused on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the real test of the moment is whether or not Sierra Leone is going to work. It is one that we all have a responsibility in helping the parties fulfil.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I therefore commend the British Government for calling the donors' conference at the end of this month. I certainly hope that the Deputy Secretary- General will be in a position to go there. I think that until we have a full peacekeeping force on the ground there, it is going to be very difficult to have it carry out its mandate, much less overcome the continuing problems going on there. I would also second something that others have said. I think we need to look at the travel restrictions on the RUF leaders. It is our strong View that such leaders should be able to travel only upon prior consent of the sanctions committee. The recent travel schedule of Mr. Foday Sankoh is one that surprised our delegation at least, and I think a number of other members of the delegations on the Security Council.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111Resumption1 (2000) · source