YouSaid · the spoken record

Solana

lines on the record: 84
first: 2000-06-23
most recent: 2008-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“The European Union will continue to be an active player with respect to Darfur, which I hope will ultimately enable refugees to return to their homes. The European Union will contribute to the financing of the Chadian Detachement integre de securite, whose members have been and will continue to be trained by MINURCAT. The Union will also contribute to the economic and social reconstruction programme in eastern Chad, which, along with a secure environment, will facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.”
2008-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5980 (2008) · source
“For those reasons, at the time of the midterm review which brings us together today, I believe it is of fundamental importance to stress three points: first, the vital need for an appropriate handover for EUFOR by the United Nations on 15 March 2009; secondly, it is necessary for this handover to encompass both Chad and the Central African Republic, because the two situations are geopolitically linked; and thirdly, a prompt Security Council decision is needed, making possible timely planning by the United Nations. We will do all we can to assist the United Nations in all areas to ensure that the transition is successful. The handover will not mark the end of the European Union commitment in the region.”
2008-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5980 (2008) · source
“The presence of EUFOR has helped to ease regional tensions; that is key, because what happens in Chad and the Central African Republic is linked to What happens in Darfur, and vice versa. Ongoing political efforts between Chad and the Sudan are on the 08-51755 right track. Those efforts must be pursued and consolidated. For now, the situation is calm, but it remains fragile. EUFOR will depart, as announced, on 15 March 2009. Our concern is to avoid a security vacuum on that date.”
2008-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5980 (2008) · source
“EUFOR has lend its support to the ongoing deployment of United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT), and I can say that cooperation between EUFOR and MINURCAT is exemplary, and we welcome that. All of this has taken place with the full cooperation of the authorities of Chad and the Central African Republic, and with full transparency vis-a-vis all countries of the region. The presence of EUFOR has undoubtedly contributed to stabilizing eastern Chad and the northern Central African Republic. Humanitarian personnel attest to that, as do refugees and internally displaced persons. Returns are under way as well; that is certainly encouraging.”
2008-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5980 (2008) · source
“It is a great honour for me to be here this afternoon, and I thank you, Mr. President, for the invitation. My greetings go to all members of the Security Council and, in particular, to Mr. Bernard Kouchner, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Under the mandate issued by the Security Council, the European Union-led military force in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR) has been deployed for six months. Today there are more than 3,300 troops on the ground. During this period, EUFOR has deployed a powerful and mobile force in a theatre far from Europe and difficult to reach. EUFOR has been patrolling a particularly extensive area; it has put in place protective measures for humanitarian organizations, which have clearly improved humanitarian access.”
2008-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5980 (2008) · source
“As for the second question, which is whether the lessons that we have learned from the EUFOR can be applied to other operations, whether in Africa or elsewhere, the answer is also "yes". The structure of force that we ourselves are organizing, as the Ambassador has said, is a concept that is well prepared for this type of rapid, efficient operation that can open a way for others to follow. In any case, I think that good lessons have already been drawn and more will follow in the future. I hope very much that these lessons will be useful in other parts of Africa where there will be much need in the foreseeable future, in particular in Darfur.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“Mr. Solana: I would like to respond to the two questions posed by the representative of the United Kingdom. I believe that these two questions can be answered very simply with a "yes" to question number one and a "yes" to question number two. But I would like to be a little more explicit. It is true that the vocation of the European Union is to act in coordination with others, and that has been our manner of action in general terms. Of course, sometimes we have to act on our own, but generally our vocation is to cooperate with others in any operation. We have done so with the African Union 16 with NATO and with the United Nations, in the first place. To my mind, that is the answer to the first question.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“Allow me, in closing, to say that we believe that MONUC and Special Representative Bill Swing have made decisive efforts on the ground in recent years and months. Those efforts will continue to be equally decisive in the future, both in assisting the new institutions and in further strengthening stability in the east of the country. Like the United Nations, the European Union will remain committed to that goal. 07-20483”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“In that connection, I should like to pay tribute to the Congolese people, those they have elected, the Independent Electoral Commission and national and international observers. Working together, they have made it possible to properly carry out the first democratic elections in the country in more than 40 years. However, we must still face significant challenges. The inaugural address made by President Kabila included the key principles on the basis of which the European Union is prepared to continue its commitment. Those include good governance, democracy, the rule of law, an opening to the opposition and, in particular, priority to security and security sector reform. With regard to security, the European Union has already launched military and police missions. We are currently considering ways to strengthen those missions.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“That is particularly true for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the European Union deployed the full range of its political, civilian, military, financial and development resources in a consistent approach and in close cooperation with all regional and international stakeholders. In that regard, the relationship that has been built with the United Nations reflects the joint statement issued by the two organizations on 24 September 2003. I can today confirm that it is along those lines that the European Union is determined to continue to work with the United Nations. The Democratic Republic of the Congo can now look forward to its future with greater confidence. Credit for that goes to the international community, but especially to the Congolese themselves, who have chosen the path of reconciliation.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“Although a lessons-learned review is under way, some key elements for its success can already be identified: the definition of a clear mandate, both in scope and in time frame; highly professional troops, to whom I wish to pay tribute; a very high degree of interaction with MONUC, which I believe to have been fundamental; and an active communication policy, both towards the Congolese population and to key actors in the electoral process. In a wider context, transparency and information-sharing with African partners, the African Union and other African regional organizations invited to deploy liaison officers also facilitated the process. (spoke in French) Military intervention makes real sense only if it is part of a comprehensive commitment.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“That served also to increase the geographic spread of the force's deterrent effect. The incident with the greatest destabilizing potential occurred on 21 August 2006 with an attack on Vice-President Bemba's residence. EUFOR intervention, in close cooperation with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), was decisive in containing the potential spread of violence at a particularly sensitive moment in the election process. In addition to that, EUFOR confirmed its position of neutrality in the eyes of the Congolese population and reinforced its credibility. We can state today that the mission has been a success, both in the way it has been conducted and in its contribution to the overall positive conclusion of the transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“We deployed a military force with operational headquarters provided by Germany, a European Union presence in Kinshasa, and a force element in Gabon, ready to be deployed as necessary. I would like to draw attention to that structure. By keeping an over-the- horizon force in Gabon, we ensured simultaneously a deterrent capacity and avoided an unnecessary heavy military presence in Kinshasa. In fact, the deterrence effect of the European Union-led peacekeeping force (EUFOR) was a significant factor in limiting the number of incidents. Reinforcement by additional force elements from the over-the-horizon component in Gabon was undertaken on a number of occasions. In addition, a number of deployment operations to the geographically agreed points of application were undertaken.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“Mr. Solana: It is for me a pleasure to have been invited to participate in this important meeting about the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As has been said already, the request of the United Nations almost a year ago for military support 3 came at a crucial point in time. The transition period in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had entered its final phase, and it was essential to create the necessary conditions and security environment to ensure a successful outcome. The European Union had worked very hard for a number of years to facilitate the democratic transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Elections were the final success. We could not fail, and we responded positively to the United Nations request to put soldiers on the ground.”
2007-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5616 (2007) · source
“Following the statement made by my friend Said Djinnit, I want to underscore more clearly the close partnership that we have with our good friends in the African Union. I am certain that that cooperation will continue and that there will be other needs as great as the need to make the Darfur operation a success. We are ready to offer the African Union any assistance and cooperation that it may require. In conclusion, the challenges are enormous and we need to tackle them together. The EU is willing to do its utmost to make this world a safer and fairer place for all. I trust, and I am sure, that today's debate in the Council, which bears the highest responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, will assist us in continuing to make progress in that direction.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“It may well be that from the outset there has been a lack of such planning among the civilian and military aspects and this analysis will show that that the need for such coordination is imperative. The action taken by the European Union in recent years has as its prime objective the strengthening of effective multilateralism. Part of EU policy is to work effectively with the United Nations - the heart of this multilateral world and the framework within which we can work most effectively. Around this time last year, the European Union signed a Joint Declaration with the Secretary-General to make this cooperation yet more effective. The experience and resources of the European Union are ready to serve the international community.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is perhaps the case in which the EU's capacity for action is most plainly evident: along with the cooperation programmes being developed and the dimension of a relationship of close partnership with the country, is coupled the deployment of a police operation, replacing the one initiated by the United Nations. Soon we will be shouldering the responsibility for a military operation as well, replacing NATO. Also, in order to give a more comprehensive response to the need for civilian-military coordination, the EU has set up a civilian-military planning cell, which, in the case of a crisis, can encompass the planning of both aspects: civilian and military. If we do a little analysis of recent conflicts, who knows?”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“We need to make use of all the synergies that exist and avoid clashes owing to miscommunication. The European Union takes the position that reconstruction teams should be set up before a conflict is resolved, covering all the necessary aspects, both military - acting in their security capacity - and civilian, to be used in policing and, as I said earlier, in order to secure the rule of law in the country requiring assistance. For its part, the European Union, with the wide array of instruments that it possesses and its particular nature as an institution, is particularly well qualified to tackle these challenges.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“As the Secretary- General has said, obtaining qualified civilian personnel for deployment in crisis-management operations is more difficult than in the case of military personnel. Thus, the international community must build up mechanisms to have civilian personnel properly trained and ready for rapid deployment. Our societies need to rethink the criteria used for the recruitment of properly trained staff, and be ready to deploy them rapidly in the civilian component of crisis management operations. As the discussion paper prepared by the presidency of the Council rightly recognizes, we also need to develop new mechanisms - and I would even venture to say a new culture of coordination - between the civilian and military aspects of such operations.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“Over a very brief period we in the European Union have developed concepts and established structures capable of sustaining the deployment of civilian elements. The member States of the European Union have committed capacities in various areas - in the civilian area, 5,000 police officers, more than 200 specialists in the strengthening of the rule of law, among others. We have carried out expert-training programmes, as noted in the statement just made by the Secretary-General. Indeed, we have been making considerable efforts. In the past three years, the six operations that the European Union has undertaken have shown an operational capacity. Three of those six operations are civilian, and a seventh operation - also a police operation - in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still at the planning stage. But much remains to be done.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“But it also requires - and this is a key point - the establishment of institutions in which the population can have confidence. Guaranteeing security is necessary for a State that has been ravaged by a conflict to move forward on the path towards development, making it very clear that security and development are two concepts that go hand in hand. The European Union is convinced that it can and should make a significant contribution to this very important task for the international community. The European Union's security policy from the outset set out to give the European Union the means to enable it to deploy not only military but also civilian instruments, in order to help to substitute for, assist or strengthen - depending on the case - the capacities of the recipient country.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“Let me at the outset thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this public meeting on such an important issue in current times. I should like to express my gratitude for the presence of the Secretary-General and extend my thanks to the members of the Council. Civilian aspects in recent years have taken on primary importance in crisis management. Until recently, conflicts were of an inter-State nature, and that was the main concern of the international community. Today internal conflicts are the most frequent. Although the deployment of forces may still be necessary in some cases, the objective is broader and more complex: restoring a legitimate Government and the defence of the rule of law, as was so eloquently stated yesterday by the Secretary-General. The rebuilding of a State has a political as well as a security dimension.”
2004-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5041 (2004) · source
“I would like to restate the firm intention of the European Union to step up its efforts to give the new Congolese Government the political, economic and financial support it needs successfully to complete the complicated transitional process, put an end to the suffering of the Congolese people and guide the country towards democracy.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“With the establishment of the Government of National Unity in Kinshasa, I think that a window of opportunity has been opened in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes region as a whole. This fundamental step in the peace process has been made possible not only as a result of the desire for peace of the Congolese people and of their leaders - beginning with President Kabila, to whom I pay tribute - but also because of the unfailing commitment of the international community, which has been able to speak with one voice and bring the necessary pressure to bear on the warring factions to defeat the resistance put up by the enemies of peace. That commitment must be maintained and, indeed, reinforced now that the new Government of National Unity is setting out on the difficult road of transition towards elections.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Progress in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its positive effects throughout the central African region have made it possible to envisage organizing a regional conference on the peace, security and development of the Great Lakes region. The European Union has been calling for such a conference for many years. The Secretary- General has entrusted its preparation to Mr. Ibrahima Fall, whose already considerable work is to be applauded. The holding of such a conference clearly depends on the consolidation of the peace processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Burundi, where, regrettably, the situation is still deteriorating and where there is still a considerable way to go. The conference should, however, remain a priority objective for all of us.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The Commission's first task will be to conduct a census on which future electoral rolls will be based. We are all aware that that is a huge task, given the country's large size and limited infrastructure and communication links. That is why it is necessary to begin that operation immediately, even though the elections may not be held for another two years. In that context, the logistical support of MONUC will be indispensable. Here the model used in Mozambique, where the United Nations Operation in Mozambique (UNOMOZ) made its logistical and transportation resources available to the national electoral commission, could serve as a precedent. (spoke in English) Before concluding, I would like to make a final point.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“The European Union undertakes to firmly support the demobilization and reintegration programme. As members are aware, the European Union has also begun discussions on support for the peacekeeping forces of the African Union, which have just resulted in the adoption of a financing mechanism, announced by the European Union at the Maputo Summit. The holding of elections within the timetable set by the Peace Agreement is a further challenge that the transitional Government will have to face. President Kabila has again put to me his request for assistance, which he has already made on several occasions. I can inform members that the European Union, for its part, is in the process of examining arrangements for providing aid, which could include significant support for the Independent Electoral Commission.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Throughout this period, the Union will strive, through the use of every means at its disposal, to make a substantial contribution to funding for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of the Democratic Republic in the Congo in all areas, in accordance with the priorities set by the recently established Government of National Unity. In that context, I am pleased to announce the adoption on 9 July of a programme of strategic support amounting to 205 million euros. Among the priorities of the new Government will be the creation of the integrated and restructured National Republican Army and the start of a demobilization and reintegration programme for all combatants who have not been integrated into that army. The international community will have to give its determined support to these complex priority projects.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“That involves technical and financial support for the Ituri Interim Administration and the Ituri Pacification Commission, as well as for the process of disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating combatants into the Ituri district. The European Union also commits itself to supporting programmes for the socio-economic rehabilitation of Ituri and the local reconciliation process. We are also prepared and committed to continue supporting the transitional process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo until the elections are held.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“In our view, efforts to stabilize the military situation must be accompanied and supported by a process of political normalization through the consolidation of the interim institutions set up by the Ituri Pacification Commission; the return to the rule of law; the observance by the various militias of the ceasefire agreement signed in Dar es-Salaam last May; the control, and, ultimately, the abolition of those militias; and an end to external interference. We believe it essential that MONUC succeed in setting up a political unit in Bunia that is capable of administering this particularly delicate and complex process. The European Union, for its part, is determined to use every means at its disposal to support the political process now under way.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“We believe that that point is of capital importance if we wish to avoid further difficulties being created by the European Force's departure at the end of its mandate. The commander of the Artemis operation has done everything necessary to ensure that the transition to the strengthened MONUC force will take place under the best possible conditions. At the same time, strong pressure should be brought to bear on the warlords who are leading the militias. The European Union resolutely backs the proposal for an embargo on arms aimed at North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. The European Union intends to promote initiatives aimed at preventing those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from enjoying impunity.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“For that reason, as the 27 May report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/566) emphasizes, a strengthened presence of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) must be deployed in Bunia within the planned time frame. That force must, in our view, have a mandate and rules of engagement similar to those of the European Union Force - in other words, a mandate under Chapter VII. It must also have the equipment and the military resources needed for the mission's functioning and for the implementation of the mandate and the rules of engagement. If we wish to be able to re-establish security in the region beyond the limits of the capital city, we shall also have to deploy greater forces.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“Humanitarian organizations are now able to leave Bunia to visit peoples that they could not reach before. A constant flow of refugees - 1,000 to 1,500 people daily - is returning to the city, and the Ituri Interim Administration can again carry out some activities. On my trip to Bunia, I was able to see that improvement for myself. I saw the smiling faces of the children in the refugee camps, despite conditions that remain precarious, and the warm thanks expressed by the members of the interim administration of Ituri and the gratitude of non-governmental organizations for the action of the European Union force are a tribute to what has been accomplished. But it is essential to preserve the achievements made so far.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“An important role was also played by the International Committee in Support of the Transition, which paved the way for the agreement on the military issue. The European Union's mission to Bunia has been going smoothly thus far. After the minor incidents that marked the beginning of the operation and led the Force to use its weapons, the situation stabilized rapidly. The Force was able to secure the airport and the refugee camps, to prohibit the open bearing of arms in Bunia from 24 June onwards, and to establish checkpoints at the city's entrances. The Force reached its full deployment at the beginning of July, one week ahead of schedule. Thus, the objectives set for the force have been attained. The improvement in security conditions is obvious; there are many positive indicators, as I saw a few days ago on the ground.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“I believe that the rapid deployment of the European Multinational Force halted that dangerous downward spiral in the process and made it possible to relaunch negotiations, which had been bogged down for weeks. The agreement related to the staff of the armed forces has finally been concluded, thus creating the conditions for the establishment of a Government of National Unity and transitional institutions that involve all Congolese parties. That was a fundamental step made possible by the commitment of, among others, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Mr. Moustapha Niasse, and the delegation of facilitators from the Republic of South Africa. Here, I should like to pay tribute to them on behalf of the European Union, which, through its Special Representative, assisted them throughout the negotiation period in Pretoria and Kinshasa.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“They have not succeeded, thanks to the determination of the Congolese people and their leaders, who wanted peace, and thanks to the vigilance and resolve of the international community. However, they have not given up completely on their objectives. The escalation of the Ituri crisis gave those forces a new opportunity to jeopardize the peace process: the capture of Bunia by the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC), the reaction of the Kinshasa Government and the offensive launched against Beni by the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD), with the risk of a direct intervention by Uganda and Rwanda, led, inevitably, to the undermining of the Sun City agreements.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“(spoke in Spanish) In fact, the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been characterized from its outset by a fundamental anomaly: the coexistence of the political option and the military option. On the one hand, the belligerent parties negotiate and sign ceasefire agreements, while on the other, those same persons or groups continue their military operations on the ground in the hope of achieving a military victory. That ambiguity has been perpetuated by what we have called "negative forces", present in all the components and armed units, for whom maintenance of the status quo seems more desirable than implementation of the peace agreement, since that would result in the loss of their personal power. Those "negative forces" have done everything possible to defeat the peace process several times.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“I am taking the floor before the Council after having just completed the mission to the Great Lakes region, which enabled me to speak with Presidents Kabila, Kagame and Museveni and to visit Bunia, where the Interim Emergency Multinational Force, Artemis, is deployed under European Union auspices. I should like to share with you some thoughts, some European Union commitments and some concerns. In response to the Secretary-General's appeal, the European Union decided to deploy a multinational force to Bunia. That operation - a first for the European Union, which had never before sent military contingents outside Europe - made it possible to stop the massacres at Bunia and helped to relaunch the peace process, which had stalled at Kinshasa.”
2003-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4790 (2003) · source
“We have offered the prospect of, and concrete assistance in, the progressive integration into European structures. But alone our commitment, our determination, our vision is not enough. We need from the Bosnian people and politicians a similar degree of commitment, determination and vision. It is time for us all to fulfil our responsibilities, and thus to allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus on the decade that lies ahead.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“It will thus result not only in a demonstration of cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations in this area but also - and this is our shared hope - bring added value to the efforts of the United Nations in general. A little more than 10 years ago it seemed inconceivable to many of us that a conflict as bitter and as brutal as that in Bosnia and Herzegovina would ever break out again in Europe. Many painful lessons have been learnt in the intervening period. Ten years after the war began, the European Union has proved its commitment to the future stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the wider region. We are absolutely determined to play our part in the establishment of peace, security and stability.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Both the European Union and the United Nations are aware of the need to establish practical arrangements to ensure a smooth and seamless transition between the IPTF and the European Union police mission. The European security and defence policy strengthens the Union's contribution to international peace and security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. It also increases the range of instruments available to the international community in response to crises. Given the many commitments that the United Nations is facing, the follow-on to the IPTF by the European Union will help the United Nations to allocate resources elsewhere.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“I very much welcome the fact that this very first mission of ours serves to emphasize at least two things: first, the openness of the European security and defence policy and, secondly, the willingness and ability of the European Union to work closely with the United Nations. We have decided to invite 20 countries to make offers of contributions to the European Union police mission. Moreover, the transition from the IPTF to the European Union police mission appears to me to be a concrete example of the kind of cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations that is now feasible, desirable and in line with the Brahimi recommendations.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“The European Union police mission, supported by the European Community's institution-building programmes, would therefore contribute to overall peace implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to the achievement of the European Union's overall policy in the region, notably the stabilization and association process. The Secretary-General has stressed on many occasions that a regional actor should assume the follow-on to the IPTF, to preserve what has been achieved and to continue monitoring and assistance. The rapid development of the European security and defence policy and the work done by European Union member States on capabilities, including on police capabilities, have made it possible for the European Union to assume that follow-on.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“The European Union police mission will seek to establish sustainable policing arrangements under Bosnia and Herzegovina ownership in accordance with best European and international practice, thereby raising current Bosnia and Herzegovina police standards. The European Union police mission, entrusted with the necessary authority to monitor, mentor and inspect, should achieve its goal by the end of 2005. Its strength would be around 480 police officers and 70 civilians, as has already been mentioned by Jacques Klein. Our aim is a broad approach to the whole range of rule of law needs, including police activities.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“This is the first crisis-management operation undertaken by the European Union in the civilian crisis management field. First, it will build on the remarkable achievements of the IPTF under the leadership of Jacques-Paul Klein and Mr. Coeurderoy. The mission will follow, but not replace, the IPTF. It will be a different mission, but it will draw extensively on IPTF's experience - and not least on Jacques Klein's help and advice - reflecting what the IPTF will have achieved by the end of the year and what else needs to be done in the coming year. It will also draw from the very good and important cooperation established on the ground with the Stabilization Force (SFOR).”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“While the Dayton/Paris Accords were designed to guide the country away from war, the prospect of an eventual stabilization and association agreement offers a clear route towards a European future. But the pace of progress towards that European perspective is entirely in the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. One needs only to consider the relative progress of other States in the region to understand what I have just said. If a determined effort is not made soon by Sarajevo and Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be left behind. The European Union is preparing to take on an important new responsibility as part of the international community. Let me take this opportunity to say a few words about the new European Union police mission, which will be ready to take over from the International Police Task Force (IPTF) on 1 January 2003.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“The International Community must also meet its responsibilities. Here, the European Union is playing an increasingly important role: first, in terms of financial assistance; secondly, in terms of providing a longer-term political perspective; and thirdly, in terms of a concrete contribution to peace and stability. The European Union has provided, and will continue to provide, an important amount of financial assistance. In total, the European Union has provided more than 3 billion euros in financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1991. This year alone the European Union is likely to contribute a further 200 million euros. The European Union has provided Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region the prospect of eventual integration with the European Union. A new phase has begun, and a new perspective has been opened.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“I look forward to the confirmation of his appointment by the Security Council. The new High Representative will inherit a situation where, despite the enormous progress to date, much more remains to be done. The European Union expects the authorities at all levels to cooperate fully with the new High Representative. Let me add that, as has been mentioned before, there also needs to be decisive progress as regards the war crimes indictees. I am convinced that the painful chapter in Bosnia's history that began a decade ago will never be properly closed until justice is done, and is seen to be done. That means that all indictees must answer the charges made against them. State and entity Governments must therefore cooperate fully, in deed as well as in word, with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“Indeed, a number of very important and significant achievements can be recalled: the adoption of important pieces of State-level legislation, an increase in minority returns and the steady strengthening of the country's institutions. All of these are very important steps forward, and constitute proof that real progress is possible given the political will. That progress has been due in no small part to the outgoing High Representative, my friend Wolfgang Petritsch. I would like, on behalf of the European Union, to pay tribute to him, his skills and tenacity, and the encouraging progress he has made. The European Union very much welcomes the fact that, last week in Brussels, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board designated Lord Ashdown as successor to Wolfgang Petritsch.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source
“I have closely followed the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina in different capacities during that period of time. Today I believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crossroads. Fundamental choices have to be made, and responsibilities assumed, by its people and by its politicians. On the one hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina could make a positive choice to make a determined effort rapidly to implement reforms and join the path that leads towards the European Union. Alternatively, the country could choose the path that will, I believe, lead to ever-greater isolation, to missed economic opportunities, and to a political wilderness where it will be left behind by more ambitious and more far- sighted neighbours. Progress has no doubt been made during recent years.”
2002-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4484 (2002) · source