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

“Along those lines, I would fully support the proposal for a press statement that Ambassador Greenstock put forward, which I think rightly includes a call for Foday Sankoh and the RUF to fulfil their commitments. The second problem that we face there is the fact that the United Nations operation is not fully up and running. That is no one's fault in particular. It is just a long process. It takes several months for the United Nations to expand a mandate such as the one the Security Council gave it. I think we all need to do more within our own Governments, and in the region, to provide the resources so that they can get fully deployed. I think none of us want to see a repeat of the United Nations peacekeepers being disarrned by the RUF, as opposed to the other way around.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111Resumption1 (2000) · source
“But until he begins to live up to the commitments that he has made, as well as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the mission given by the Security Council to UNAMSIL is not going to be fulfilled. I would certainly join the Secretary- General and others in calling on Foday Sankoh to abide by his commitments. Looking at the Secretary-General's report, we see that he is very blunt about raising serious doubts about the commitment of Foday Sankoh to the faithful implementation of the peace accord. He is talking about the main obstacle to the extension of State authority being the continuing refusal of access by the RUF. I think it is important for us to be as blunt about this as possible, both in our private discussions with him as well as publicly.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111Resumption1 (2000) · source
“You cannot come back from a trip like that and not determine to do everything you can to try to help ameliorate the situation. I certainly share Ambassador Greenstock's view that the people of Sierra Leone are committed to achieving the peace that they so rightly deserve. I think it is incumbent on all of us to do what we can to give it to them. I would underscore what others have said, and certainly the Secretary-General's report and Mr. Annabi's briefing. But I think it boils down to two real problems in Sierra Leone. One is the failure of Foday Sankoh to live up to his commitments in the peace process. From that failure stems a myriad of problems that we are dealing with.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I want to thank Mr. Annabi not only for his briefing today but also for the amount of time and energy he and his staff have put into trying to give the United Nations operation in Sierra Leone the ability to carry out the mandate that the United Nations has given it. It is a very difficult Mission, and they certainly deserve our full support in their efforts. I think it is one of the most difficult missions out there today and one that deserves the full attention of the Council. I appreciate the holding of this briefing today, and I think we should all commend Ambassador Greenstock for taking the time to go to Sierra Leone. There is nothing like seeing the situation on the ground. I think it is informative. I myself was there about six months ago.”
2000-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4111Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We also favour an international fact-finding mission to support the work and proceedings of the Truth and Reconciliation and Human Rights Commissions. It is our hope that these Commissions can help bring healing and reconciliation to the people of Sierra Leone. Many have suffered for too long. With the assistance of the international community, we can help bring peace and reconciliation to Sierra Leone.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“We call on all parties to adhere to their commitments in the Lorne Agreement to provide unfettered and safe access to all parts of the country for humanitarian workers. We must not allow these innocent victims of war to be neglected, and insist that all parties adhere to United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. We want the Lome Agreement to succeed. The provisions for amnesty in the Agreement represent a difficult choice, taken by the signatories in order to end the fighting. We remain committed to justice and accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law. We are working to help the Government of Sierra Leone establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the Human Rights Commission that is called for by the Agreement.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“We urge the utmost efforts by all concerned to carry disarmament, demobilization and reintegration through to a successful conclusion while conditions on the ground are still conducive to success. The United Nations must move quickly to ensure the success of the DDR programme that will pave the way for the consolidation of the peace process. DDR is a crucial element in encouraging refugees and the internally displaced to return to their homes. We are especially concerned by the plight of the internally displaced, who outnumber the 500,000 Sierra Leone refugees and suffer many of the same vulnerabilities, but are often out of reach of effective humanitarian access. Roughly one third of the population of Sierra Leone is internally displaced.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration into society of the estimated 45,000 ex-combatants are progressing slowly; the process has taken much longer than all of us had hoped. Logistical problems, fear and mistrust are among the many obstacles. Helping the Government and people of Sierra Leone consolidate peace after eight years of civil war is a high priority for the United States. Our principal interests are in helping to ensure a durable peace, building a climate of respect for human rights and the democratic process, holding those responsible for atrocities accountable under agreed mechanisms, and providing humanitarian relief to the population. A peaceful Sierra Leone is important also in contributing to stability in West Africa.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“They must permit the United Nations forces to carry out their mandate in Sierra Leone without confrontation or violence. We also call upon United Nations officials to address this problem quickly and effectively. The mandates of Security Council resolution 1270 (1999) and of the draft resolution on which we will vote today grant United Nations troops Chapter VII authority in the discharge of their mandate to take the necessary action to ensure the security and freedom of their personnel. While much progress has been made, the peace process in Sierra Leone is now at an especially sensitive stage. The ceasefire is generally holding; over 13,000 combatants have entered demobilization sites; and some 7,000 have disarmed. But the situation remains volatile.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“We welcome the Nigerian Government's agreement with that proposal and urge the United Nations and the Nigerian Government to work closely together to ensure an efficient and effective transition with adequate logistical support. The former rebels still hold sway in much of the countryside and there are deeply disturbing reports that they have been intimidating UN AMSIL soldiers and seizing their weapons, placing the United Nations troops in the bizarre situation of being disarmed by the rebels, rather than the reverse. We are deeply alarmed by these reports and strongly condemn all such actions. We call on the leader of the Revolutionary United Front Party (RUFP), Foday Sankoh, and the leaders of the ex-Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) rebels to bring an immediate halt to these dangerous and reprehensible actions.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“We regret that decision but acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices and contributions of the troops of Ghana, Guinea, Mali, and especially Nigeria, made in support of peace and democracy in Sierra Leone. With ECOMOG's decision to withdraw its forces, it is imperative to avoid a security gap. The peace process in Sierra Leone remains fragile and it is in all of our interest to help ensure its success. Therefore, the United States supports the Secretary- General's recommendation to expand the mandate of UNAMSIL to take on the functions of the departing ECOMOG forces, and the United States will vote for the draft resolution before us today. To ensure there is no gap in security, we support the "rehatting" of two battalions of Nigerian ECOMOG troops remaining in Sierra Leone.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“Last October the Security Council adopted resolution 1270 (1999) to establish the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). That resolution authorizes 6,000 military personnel to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in the implementation of the Lorne Peace Agreement, including the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. It was envisioned that United Nations troops and ECOMOG forces would each play a critical role in restoring peace and stability in Sierra Leone. In December, the members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that they no longer would be able to sustain its Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) forces in Sierra Leone.”
2000-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4099 (2000) · source
“Lastly, I think the international community has made an enormous investment in East Timor, and with continued leadership and international engagement, the people of East Timor will be assured of a secure, peaceful and prosperous future.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We certainly look forward to reading the report of the international commission of inquiry. I think it is important to support that Commission as well as the Indonesian commission of inquiry, and that their investigations bring out the facts of what happened in the violence that took place in East Timor. The need for accurate information about conditions in East Timor is crucial, as is complete and safe access by international workers. I believe that it is important that the facts come out in this case, not just on the conditions but also with respect to any additional evidence of the killings that have occurred in East Timor. I think that certainly we would all want those responsible to be held accountable for this.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“It is important, I think, that the United States remain an active partner with East T imor and with the international community and other donors, and that it remain engaged in the ongoing reconstruction efforts. That said, there are concerns that we continue to have about the situation on the ground. Certainly we are deeply troubled by the information provided by Mr. Annabi about the failure to achieve an increase in the return of the inhabitants of East Timor. We certainly had hoped that that would move forward in a more timely fashion, and this is something that the United Nations and the international community must keep as a priority. We also believe that it is time for the Government of Indonesia to resettle from the camps those East Timorese who opt to remain primarily in Indonesia.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“I think that these are both significant developments that will help to stabilize the situation on the ground. The transition to the Blue Helmets will occur early next year, as Mr. Annabi told us in his briefing, and I think all indications are that that will go quite well. We are also quite pleased with the results of the Tokyo pledging conference. To date the United States has provided $34.9 million to the international humanitarian effort, and we have also provided $30 million to the United Nations appeal to assist refugees and displaced persons. The United States also hopes to provide additional assistance in development and capacity-building for the people of East Timor, as well as assistance to small farmers.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“I think that overall the United Nations operations and the multinational Force are going well and are working quite well in a unique arrangement. I think one must give due credit to the very stellar leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. He has displayed command and control and laudatory leadership in what is a very difficult situation on the ground, and I think he deserves the applause and credit of this body. There has been substantial progress on the ground, due in large part to the leaders on the ground in East Timor but also to the very direct engagement of the international community. I would like to welcome in particular Mr. Gusmao's meeting with the former pro- integrationists as well as the militia's subsequent decision to lay down its weapons.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“First I wish to commend you, Mr. President, for holding this open session today. Quite often when crises fall from the front pages of the newspapers, the Council's attention can get swayed to other crises, and I think, particularly with respect to East Timor, that it is crucial that the international community remain engaged. I also appreciate the update from Assistant Secretary-General Annabi. I think that overall one would have to say that great progress has been made over the last year, starting with the United Nations leadership in organizing the consultation, the international community's mobilization to ameliorate the circumstances following the disturbances that occurred in the wake of the consultation, and the swift move of both the multinational Force, led by the Australians, and the United Nations leadership.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Finally, I should like to reiterate that we - the United States and, more broadly, the international community - stand ready to help the people of Sierra Leone rebuild their shattered lives. But it is important to remember that this cannot be possible without the strong commitment of all parties to the peace process. It is their responsibility to live up to their commitments, which we can help them do, but which ultimately they must do themselves.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“The annual ECOWAS summit provides an opportunity for the leaders in the region to underscore that message. It is important for all parties to cease hostilities and guarantee safe, free and unhindered access to the United Nations and international personnel in all parts of Sierra Leone. The report of the abduction of several doctors from Medecins sans Frontieres this morning is deeply troubling. We join in the international community's call for their immediate release as well as the release of all abductees who are being held captive. We think it is important for all States in the region to support reintegration and to provide humanitarian development assistance. The international community has a crucial role to play in consolidating the peace process.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“There has been some progress on the disarmament programme, albeit with a very slow start and difficulties regarding the participation of the RUF. But I think the programme is finally producing some positive results in showing the all-important progress on the ground which will help consolidate the progress. It is crucial that the international community underscore the need for all ex-combatants to uphold their commitments under the Lome Agreement and to disarm as soon as possible. That certainly involves the leadership of the combatants, and the role of Mr. Foday Sankoh will be crucial. We hope that all leaders in the region will maintain pressure on Sierra Leone's factional leaders. Certainly some neighbours have direct responsibility in trying to push things forward, to move swiftly to disarm and demobilize as quickly as possible.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“It is also important to commend the very courageous and able efforts of the ECOMOG troops in what is one of the most difficult areas of the world. They have performed ably in extremely difficult circumstances. Overall, one must say that the United Nations is doing its part, but it is important to remember that United Nations troops cannot impose peace in Sierra Leone or, for that matter, anywhere else. It is up to the parties to uphold the peace process by complying with the terms of the Lome Agreement. Some progress has been made on that. Certainly the formation of the Government of National Unity, including the Revolutionary United Front of Sierra Leone (RUF) and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) representatives, announced on 20 October, is an important and crucial step forward in that process.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“We worked closely with him in the Central African Republic and are confident he will do an excellent job in Sierra Leone and continue the very able efforts of his predecessor, Francis Okelo. The role of the United Nations in monitoring the ceasefire and assisting in the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme is crucial to the success of the peace process, so we are pleased that things are under way in Sierra Leone. It is also important to finalize the arrangements to "re-hat" up to four battalions of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) troops mostly from Ghana and Nigeria, who will be a key element in the United Nations force.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“We are especially pleased that today's session is in an open forum, and commend you, Mr. President, for the initiative, which demonstrates the commitment not only of the Security Council, but also of the broader international community, to assist the people of Sierra Leone to achieve the peace that they so richly deserve. The United Nations has taken a number of important steps to assist in the peace process in Sierra Leone. We appreciate Under-Secretary-General Miyet's briefing on those efforts this morning and commend the endeavours of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone to consolidate the peace process on the ground. The recent deployment of the Kenyan and Indian troops is most welcome. We also welcome the appointment by the Secretary- General of Ambassador Adeniji as the new Special Representative.”
1999-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4078 (1999) · source
“Through the efforts of MIPONUH, its predecessors and the International Civilian Mission in Haiti, the international community has helped Haiti to advance in areas critical to any just and democratic society. But the job is not yet done, and today we take the next step in our partnership with Haiti.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4074 (1999) · source
“We must also be candid in our assessment of the current situation in Haiti and recognize that the justice system has failed to keep pace with the progress of the police. In fact, unless addressed quickly, the weakness of the judicial sector could undermine our long work with the Haitian National Police. Additionally, the flaws in the administration of justice present a long-term threat to the protection of the basic human rights of the Haitian people. Therefore, it is appropriate that the pillar of support that MICAH will provide to the Haitian police will also be joined by separate, but nevertheless mutually reinforcing, efforts to strengthen the judicial sector and improve respect for human rights in Haiti over the long term.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4074 (1999) · source
“The difficult work of creating a professional police force is now behind us, as the nearly 6,000 recruits of several years ago have matured into seasoned officers. We must now focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Haitian National Police. To do this, the international community needs to concentrate on deepening the mid-level to senior-level management capabilities of the force, helping it to better manage programmes, funds, equipment and personnel. In this new role, the armed and uniformed international civilian police currently in Haiti will be replaced by technical advisors - typically, in their home countries such advisers are senior police officials - who will work in Port-au-Prince and in each of Haiti's nine de'partements to develop a competent cadre of Haitian police commanders and managers.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4074 (1999) · source
“The United States strongly endorses this proposal to continue the Civilian Police Mission in Haiti (MIPONUH) until 15 March 2000. This action gives the United Nations the valuable time needed to recruit the technically skilled personnel required to fulfil the mandate of the follow-on mission, the International Civilian Support Mission in Haiti (MICAH). The creation of the new mission represents a new stage in the international community's partnership with Haiti. It carries forward the work of MIPONUH and its predecessors to build a highly professional police force, begun after the 1994 restoration of democracy. But it also moves this partnership in new directions. The transition over the next several months from MIPONUH to MICAH reflects the changing realities in the type of international help most suitable for today's Haiti.”
1999-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4074 (1999) · source
“The United States urges the Security Council to call for the resumption of negotiations, with a facilitator acceptable to those Burundian parties that have entered into the process; affirm the Arusha process as the basic framework within which all-party negotiations should continue, recognizing that the process is best served by a flexible, efficient approach acceptable to the Burundi parties themselves; condemn continuing violence and appeal to warring parties to come to the negotiating table; affirm the urgent need for States of the region to do everything possible to halt all cross-border insurgent activity and to ensure that refugee camps are not used as training and resupply bases for insurgent forces; call for the dismantling of the recently established regroupement camps and demand full and unhindered access of international humanitarian workers and human rights observers while this is taking place; and, finally, recognize Burundi's desperate economic situation and call for the donor community to expand economic assistance and deliver needed help as soon as possible.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“We all mourn his passing, and in his memory we must recommit ourselves to his goal of peace in the Great Lakes region. The Security Council must condemn the violence that undermines the negotiations. The United Nations must reassert its leadership in protecting the rights of individuals, and should provide guidance and direction for non-govemmental organizations operating in Burundi. However, United Nations field operations should not resume without the necessary guarantees. It is absolutely essential that all sides in the conflict respect the neutrality, freedom of movement and security of United Nations and other international workers.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“Counter-insurgency efforts now include the so-called regroupement of 340,000 people near the capital, an act we consider to be a major human rights violation and a matter of serious humanitarian concern. We share the shock and the grief of the Secretary- General and the international community over the recent killing in Rutana Province of the head of the United Nations Children's Fund in Burundi and of a World Food Programme logistics officer. This outrageous act has dealt a severe blow to humanitarian efforts carried out by the United Nations and other agencies. Some agencies have suspended operations in the wake of this incident. We urge that those responsible be brought to justice. The Security Council should endorse the immediate resumption of the peace process under a successor to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“The United States Government is gravely concerned over the delays in the peace process in Burundi. We have seen an upsurge in attacks on civilian targets and increased suffering of the civilian population. Attacks in and near the capital have taken place, and hard-liners who oppose the peaceful resolution of Burundi's conflict are trying to derail a broad-based negotiating process that offers the country's best hope for lasting peace. There is a sizeable constituency for peace in Burundi, and we need to use this opportunity to ensure that the peace process goes forward. We commend the peacemakers for their good will. The United States shares the international community's concern about the violence and its effect on the Government and civilians and on the overall peace process.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067 (1999) · source
“The draft resolution also establishes a Committee to monitor the implementation of sanctions. It is important to remember that these sanctions are limited and that they are targeted very specifically to limit the resources of the Taliban authorities. These sanctions in no way harm the people of Afghanistan, and we will work with the sanctions review Committee to implement them in a way that does not hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. It is the earnest hope of the United States that the Taliban will cooperate with the international community in bringing bin Laden to justice within this period and that we will not need to implement these sanctions. The choice between cooperation and confrontation with the international community rests with the Taliban.”
1999-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4051 (1999) · source
“On 5 July President Clinton issued an executive order imposing economic sanctions on the Taliban because of the threat to our national security posed by their actions and policies. Today the Security Council is sending another strong message to the Taliban: "Your continued harbouring of Usama bin Laden poses a threat to international peace and security. The international community demands that he be brought to justice." The draft resolution gives the Taliban a clear choice. It has 30 days to turn over bin Laden. If the Taliban do not turn him over within that period, the sanctions will take effect. Those sanctions will restrict foreign landing rights on aircraft operated by the Taliban, freeze Taliban accounts around the world and prohibit investment in any undertaking owned or controlled by the Taliban.”
1999-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4051 (1999) · source
“We have reliable evidence that his network seeks to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons. The United States has consistently expressed its concern with the policies of the Taliban. As this draft resolution makes clear, the Council shares our deep concern over the continuing violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights, particularly discrimination against women and girls. We are also disturbed by the significant rise in illicit opium production under areas of Taliban control and the deplorable treatment of Iranian diplomatic personnel and journalists. The Taliban's actions pose threats to their neighbours and to the international community at large.”
1999-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4051 (1999) · source
“The United States attaches the highest priority to disrupting Usama bin Laden's terrorist organization and bringing him to justice for his involvement in terrorist activities. Today's action brings new pressure on the Taliban to turn over Usama bin Laden to authorities in a country where he will be brought to justice. The Taliban in Afghanistan continue to provide bin Laden with safe haven and security, allowing him the necessary freedom to operate, despite repeated efforts by the United States to persuade the Taliban to turn over or expel him and his principal associates to responsible authorities in a country where he can be brought to justice. Our information confirms that his organization, working with other terrorist groups, continues to actively plan attacks on Americans and others.”
1999-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4051 (1999) · source
“On 7 August 1998, operatives of Usama bin Laden bombed United States embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing 224 citizens of America, Kenya and Tanzania and wounding thousands more. Usama bin Laden continues to threaten the safety not only of Americans all over the world, but also of other citizens in countless countries who may become victims of his terrorist policies. With the adoption of the draft resolution today, the United Nations - indeed, the world community - will be taking a courageous step in combating international terrorism. It will send a direct message to Usama bin Laden, and terrorists everywhere: "You can run, you can hide, but you will be brought to justice." I commend the Security Council for this milestone against international terrorism.”
1999-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4051 (1999) · source
“We welcome this opportunity to discuss the measures that we can take collectively to end this ongoing tragedy and appreciate the scheduling of this important meeting.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“If, in defiance of Security Council resolutions, the Taliban fail to end their protection of terrorists, the international community should bring increasing and certain pressure to bear on them. The United States condemns all acts of terrorism regardless of motive or target, and we deplore the recent truck-bomb attack on Mullah Omar's compound and offer our condolences to the victims. The perpetrators of this cowardly act must be brought to justice. Our goal for Afghanistan remains a broad-based, multi-ethnic, representative government that accepts international norms of behaviour on issues such as terrorism, narcotics and human rights, including the rights of women, girls and minorities. We believe that only this kind of government can bring to Afghanistan the peace it so dearly needs.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“Equally vital to restoring Afghanistan's place in the international community is ending its support for terrorism. We are deeply concerned by the continuing use of Afghan territory, particularly that under Taliban control, for the sheltering and training of terrorists and the planning of terrorist acts. Last month, by executive order, my Government imposed economic sanctions on the Taliban until they extradite or expel Osama bin Laden to a place where he can be brought to justice. The Security Council has on many occasions expressed its grave concern over the continued Afghan conflict, including the Taliban's harbouring of international terrorists. Last December, in resolution 1214 (1998), the Council expressed its readiness to consider the imposition of measures with the aim of achieving full implementation of its resolutions.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“It is essential that the political process move forward, and we urge the factions to return to the negotiating table. External interference in Afghanistan is also eroding the human rights of the Afghan people. Mr. Kamal Hossain, United Nations Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has noted that the Afghan people are becoming hostages in their own land or refugees while externally armed forces seek to rule Afghanistan without the effective participation or consent of its people. Other human rights abuses, including the Taliban's deplorable practices towards women and girls, must also end. The denial of basic human rights in Afghanistan is simply unacceptable. If the leaders of the Taliban, or any faction in Afghanistan, want international recognition, they must respect the rights of their people.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“We support the continuing efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and the group of "six plus two" to help shape this outcome through a ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners and the resumption of negotiations. On behalf of my delegation I certainly wish to join Ambassador Fowler's wishes for a speedy recovery to one who is really one of the world's treasures: United Nations Special Envoy Brahimi. To end the cycle of violence, support to the warring factions by some neighbouring countries must stop. The Secretary-General has noted that, in addition to liberal quantities of arms, ammunition and other war-making materials that have been supplied to the warring factions by their respective supporters, there are now thousands of non- Afghans engaged in the fighting.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“We are gravely concerned about continuing reports from Afghanistan that the Taliban have adopted what amounts to a scorched earth policy in those areas where recent fighting has taken place. There are reliable reports that the Taliban have intentionally burned houses; there are also claims that the Taliban have burned villages, destroyed crops and forcibly separated adult males from families trying to flee the violence. This most recent Taliban offensive - and the subsequent Taliban retreat - has again demonstrated the futility of any side's attempt to impose a military solution in Afghanistan. Only by the formation of a broad-based government that represents the interests of all Afghans can we achieve a lasting resolution of the conflict.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“The Security Council's first open meeting on the Afghanistan conflict comes at a critical moment for that nation. The people of Afghanistan have been subjected to yet another round of fighting and human suffering. The latest crisis began with the Taliban's 28 July offensive against opposition forces of the United Front, and followed by mere days the signing of the "six plus two" group Tashkent declaration, which urged that the conflict in Afghanistan be settled by peaceful political negotiation. The humanitarian impact of this offensive has been appalling. In the last month, hundreds of Afghans have become casualties, and tens of thousands have been driven from their homes.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039 (1999) · source
“It is time for the Iraqi leadership to respond in kind and finally start putting the welfare of its people ahead of its own narrow interests. Undoubtedly, and unfortunately, we will hear more bombast on this subject, perhaps even tonight. But the truth of this sad situation is for all to see in the Secretary-General's most recent report to the Council and its strong appeal to Iraq to implement fully the existing humanitarian programmes that the Council has already mandated.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“On the contrary, it seems determined to promote policies to deny the Iraqi people the full benefits of the Council's mandated humanitarian programmes, perhaps so as to be able thereby to continue making the specious argument that sanctions are to be blame for the suffering that the regime itself perpetuates. We agree with the Secretary-General's conclusion that despite the Iraqi leadership's best efforts to subvert the Council's humanitarian effort, the oil-for-food programme continues to provide essential support in the current situation. The programme has delivered more than $7 billion in food, medicine, medical supplies and a wide range of humanitarian goods. The Security Council and the United Nations are doing their part to help all of the people of Iraq.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“At the same time, in the north, where the United Nations is implementing the programme, mortality figures actually declined to levels that were better than they were before the Gulf war - in other words, there has been a marked improvement where the Iraqi Government is not in charge. Despite being presented with this evidence, the Government of Iraq refuses to order nutritional supplements specifically for mothers and children, refuses to order all the foodstuffs necessary to complete the food basket, refuses to release critical medicines from overstuffed warehouses and refuses to significantly increase spending on needed pharmaceutical items. The United States and other members of the Council support UNICEF's recommendations to improve the quality of life for Iraqi women and children. The Government of Iraq clearly does not.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Council members are aware that $241 million in medicines and medical equipment is bottled up in warehouses, unavailable for use by children, mothers or any of the general population. That means that almost 40 per cent of all medicines and medical supplies that have arrived in Iraq through six phases of the oil-for-food programme are gathering dust in Iraqi Government warehouses. If that were not enough evidence of a Government not working for its people, we all recently became aware of the results of the UNICEF surveys on child and maternal mortality. What these surveys clearly showed was that where the Government of Iraq is responsible for the population, mortality markedly increased since 1991.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It has ordered only about 11 per cent of the total allocation of 15 million of these critical supplements for children and mothers. Worse than that, it has actually reduced, not increased, the value of the high-protein biscuits and therapeutic milk that it was supposed to order for vulnerable populations. As the Secretary-General noted in previous reports, the Government of Iraq continues to under-order, or not order at all, key food basket items such as pulses and dairy products. The Secretary-General concluded that the lack of these items, some of which have not been ordered at all by the Government of Iraq, has reduced the caloric value of the food basket available to the Iraqi people.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Iraq would have members believe that it is committed to the welfare of its population, particularly its children, the subject of our discussions today. All available evidence will lead members to the opposite conclusion. The current Iraqi leadership, by its actions, shows that it has nothing but the utmost contempt for its own people. Colleagues will recall that the Secretary-General has recommended for over one year that the Government of Iraq purchase targeted nutritional supplements for children - I repeat, for children - and mothers. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) again joined that appeal with the release of its survey on child and maternal mortality in Iraq. Clearly, the Government of Iraq does not concur with the assessment by the Secretary-General or UNICEF.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source