YouSaid · the spoken record

Somavia

lines on the record: 426
first: 1996-01-12
most recent: 1997-12-18
sittings or episodes: 42
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

“We believe that this decisionvis not only in breach of international law, as reflected by this Council's resolutions, but that it also seriously endangers the precarious stability of the region. Indeed, the decision to proceed with these settlements touches the most sensitive nerve of the Palestinian people. These are disputed lands and this decision creates the justified perception of a policy of fait accompli aimed at maintaining total control over Jerusalem. Furthermore, this settlement virtually cuts off communications between Bethlehem and other surrounding Palestinian settlements. The last thing Chile wants is for the Security Council to have to meet regularly on Middle East issues.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“In this context, Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem has never been recognized by the international community as a whole. My country, as an integral part of this international community, recognizes the status established under resolution 242 (1967) of the Security Council as the only valid statusfor the occupied territories, including Jerusalem. This position has been reiterated over the years and recently in this very room, by several Foreign Ministers, including that of my own country, during the debate which took place last September. We consider East Jerusalem to be an occupied territory; consequently, we deeply deplore the approval by the Government of Israel of a plan to build 6,500 housing units in the Jabal Abu Ghneim/Heir Homa sector, in the south of East Jerusalem.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“Fortunately, in the end and at great cost, an understanding was reached that should now be fully implemented. As a result of the latest decisions taken by the Israeli Government regarding East Jerusalem, the Security Council is once again forced to take up the question of the occupied territories at today's meeting. Jerusalem, as other speakers have said, is a holy city ' _ for several cultures and religions. It is not just any city. This is a place that sparks great sensitivities and deep emotions. A delicate and precarious balance exists that must be not only maintained but strengthened until definitive agreements are implemented. This is the policy which the international community has considered most fair and correct.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“Nonetheless, from the barbaric acts of terrorism of last April, the closing of the borders and the bombardment of Lebanon, to the latest elections in Israel and the subsequent events with which we are all familiar, it would appear that the spirit of Oslo is gradually losing ground. This, in our opinion, is the most serious difficulty. In September, the Security Council met on an emergency basis to address the consequences of the opening of the mosque tunnel, which left more than 70 dead and hundreds wounded. At that time, Chile called for openness and a halt to the use of the tunnel. At the same time, compliance with the agreements was becoming more difficult, as was the continuation of the peace process, particularly regarding Hebron.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“The Madrid Conference and the Oslo accords, which were unthinkable just a few years ago, have shown us that nothing is impossible. Rarely have international agreements given rise to such hope and relief in the international community. Once again, the Govemment of Chile pays tribute to all those who made the start of this peace process possible, and in particular Yitzhak Rabin Fifty-second year 5 March 199? and Yassar Arafat, who were honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize for their contributions. This has not been an easy process, however. Many obstacles have emerged along the way and many more will certainly surface. But that is not what is of concern to us; it is not the most difficult aspect of the issue. History shows that complex processes have always been rife with great difficulties.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“Mr. Somavia (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): For many, the Middle East conflict has been an integral part of the cultural baggage of today's society. Over time, we have come to associate this region with hatred and violence and to believe that little can be done to avoid this. Nonetheless, events have proven those who think this way to be wrong and that, with political will and a sense of history, one could move towards initial solutions that would pave the way to a new era. This has been the inspiration of leaders of great moral stature, committed to their peoples and guided by bold politics. Over the past few years, the world has watched as vital steps have been taken towards the establishment of lasting peace and security for all in the Middle East region.”
1997-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3745 (1997) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to insist on the advisability of the Council's initiating a discussion on the substantive issues which we have raised regarding new approaches to peacekeeping operations and the consolidation of achievements by giving effective support to development through the appropriate organs of the system. We believe that this is the most efficient way in which to meet the new challenges before us. We offer to the people of Haiti our respect for their democratic struggle, our solidarity in confronting those who wish to return to the past, and our friendship in cooperating for the human development of its people.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“Experience in this regard has very often been discouraging. Sustained financial crises affecting United Nations agencies and programmes in the economic and social fields prevent them from providing adequate support for recovery in countries that have suffered political crises. In Latin America, Central America is a good example of this type of problem. As a result, we often find a resurgence of conflict or a perpetuation of underdevelopment, in which we encounter a paradigm in which inefficiency in the management of resources is coupled with dangerous political tensions. Indeed, resources not invested in laying the groundwork for the development of these countries are later spent in new United Nations operations, at costs considerably higher than would have been needed to consolidate the progress already made. Somalia is a case in point.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“That is also why we have participated actively in negotiating the successive extensions of the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) and of the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (UNSMIH) and have endorsed their maintenance. We must ensure that the many efforts to consolidate peace will pave the way for the economic and social reconstruction of the country. It would be unfortunate if the United Nations, by failing to give Haiti all the attention it requires to consolidate its progress, found itself facing a new peacekeeping operation in that country. As has been repeatedly noted, it is essential that United Nations action continue once peace has been restored. The system must adequately respond to the need for support inherent in the phase of economic recovery and of laying the foundations for growth and sustained development.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“The countries of Latin America are well aware of the difficulties that must be overcome to restore democracy when people are burdened by a lack of the most basic necessities. It is extremely difficult for a country to maintain support for the political values of freedom when concern over basic material needs dominates the minds of its citizens. In this situation, good governance consists not only in ensuring the legitimate establishment and exercise of authority; good governance also entails the ability to create jobs in order to guarantee people their daily bread, a roof over their heads and a dignified place in society. That is why we decidedly endorse the support that the United Nations must continue to provide to Haiti, even beyond the current decision.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“To meet these new challenges, it has become necessary to develop instruments tailored to these new needs, which are complex and difficult, in the field of international law among others. This is why we have proposed - and we reiterate the need - that an in-depth discussion be held within the general context of the future role of the Security Council and the United Nations in maintaining comprehensive peace and security in these new situations. It is obvious that our region, while grateful for the support which the Council has given to a neighbouring country, is very pleased to have contributed to the restoration of peace, political stability and democratic practices in Haiti. We highly value the enormous efforts made by its two democratic Governments in conducting the process of political reconciliation and economic rehabilitation.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“As we have maintained on previous occasions, the emerging reality which the Security Council faces, a result of the far-reaching political changes that occurred at the end of the 1980s, places it in the position of having to neutralize threats to international peace and security arising from problems within States and not between them. This must be handled with great care, respecting the sovereignty of States while being mindful of humanitarian needs and of the clearly expressed aspirations of national majorities. The Council has begun to address new situations for which it lacks tradition and experience, since its role historically has been linked to the handling of international conflicts between States.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“As a Latin American, I should like to recognize a distinguished Venezuelan, Enrique ter Horst, and my fellow countryman, Cristian Ossa, who just completed in Haiti a successful 25- year career as a United Nations civil servant. We also wish to express our gratitude to the United States for its firm support for the process of democratization in Haiti. The decisive political and financial support of Canada, France and other countries has played a crucial role in the maintenance of successive missions in the field. Last but not least, I wish to mention the understanding and support of the delegations of China and the Russian Federation, as well as of others, which have made it possible to continue the work of the United Nations in Haiti.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“The United Nations has supported the people of Haiti, their democratic will and their political decision- making. Problems and threats persist, however, as almost all the speakers before me have noted. That is why today we will be adopting this draft resolution, which Chile fully supports. At this time, we wish to thank all of those who have made this United Nations presence in Haiti possible. First of all, allow me to express our gratitude to the Secretary- General for all his efforts, as well as those of his Special Representative and of the entire civilian and military team of the United Nations Support Mission in that country.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“Mr. Somavia (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): Only a few years ago Haiti was engulfed in one of its worst crises. In an extremely short period of time in terms of the history of a country, very significant changes have occurred that have put an end to a difficult period and have allowed the Haitian people to hope once again for a better future. We cannot fail to congratulate Haiti's authorities and its Permanent Representative, Ambassador Lelong, on these positive developments. The United Nations, and particularly the Security Council, must feel gratified at having facilitated democratic change and stability in Haiti by establishing and maintaining one of the most successful missions in the history of peacekeeping operations.”
1996-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3721 (1996) · source
“Although we have only modest means, we nonetheless wish to make a humanitarian contribution to the implementation of the draft resolution before us because we believe that our contribution is a symbol of our sense of closeness with the region. It also indicates how we understand our responsibilities in the Security Council.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“There can be no doubt that the international community wants to help the Great Lakes region, but it can help only those who wish to take history by the hand and lead it forward - not reliving the misgivings, anxieties and mistrust of the past, but believing in the possibility of envisaging a Great Lakes region in which there is peace for all. That would not be a mere continuation of the current situation. It would require a level of courage that we have not yet seen from the leaders. In conclusion, I should like to say that Chile feels close to Africa and to the countries of the Great Lakes region, as we have shown through our interest in Burundi. Despite our geographical distance, there is no distance in our feelings, no distance in our solidarity and no distance in our political interest in seeking a regional solution.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Along with the aspiration, desire and will for a useful regional conference, question comes to mind. When we note the internal situations in the countries, we can legitimately wonder whether the faction leaders want a political solution to the problems in the region, or whether they are simply talking about peace while preparing final solutions through force and violence. I believe that a genuinely political solution will be found only if the leaders have the courage to shake the hands of their so-called enemies. Without moral courage on the part of the leaders fighting within each country, there will be no political solution. That is what history teaches us, and without such moral courage discussion on the issue will continue in the Security Council.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“A lasting solution to the situation of the refugees will be possible only when the political and security conditions - in Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire or other countries where they may choose to stay - are such that they can return to their places of origin. This makes it necessary for all the regional leaders, together with the international community, to study jointly the various problems in the region and find a means of achieving a definitive and agreed solution. This will be possible by convening an international conference on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region, as proposed to the international community by France some time ago. One of the most urgent tasks of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General is to determine, together with the OAU and regional leaders modalities for convening it.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“We should recall that resolution 1078 (1996) has some very important provisions in this connection, which supplement those we will be adopting today. It calls upon the Secretary-General, in consultation with his Special Envoy, to draw up a conceptual framework of the operations and structure of a humanitarian task force with the objective, among others, of assisting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin, including through the establishment of humanitarian corridors. It is well known that the current crisis in eastern Zaire is not an isolated event, but is intrinsically connected to situations in other countries of the Great Lakes region. The problem of refugees may be the main element linking them together.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“It will thereby enable the humanitarian agencies - those of the United Nations and of non-governmental organizations - to help these people meet their most essential needs. However, as previous speakers have said, it is obvious that the massive presence of refugees in eastern Zaire is one of the main causes of the crisis in the region. That is why the draft resolution also seeks the further objective of facilitating a voluntary, orderly repatriation of refugees. If, as the representative of Rwanda said, this has already begun under conditions of security, so much the better. That can only satisfy the goals of the international community. In that way, the citizens of Rwanda can begin to come together again, which is what we all want.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Furthermore, in adopting this draft resolution we will be responding to the request made to the Security Council by African leaders meeting in Nairobi under the leadership of President Moi of Kenya. Accordingly, its implementation should be carried out in close coordination with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Governments of the countries of the Great Lakes region. For us, the Government of Zaire's agreement with the mission that is being authorized has been especially decisive, as it will be deployed on its territory. The delegation of Chile reiterates that the most urgent part of the mission will be to prevent the humanitarian situation from deteriorating further and provide security to the thousands of people who are in flight so that they can have access to protected areas where they can find food, water and medicine.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“The draft resolution, we will adopt today could have been adopted earlier - not only last Friday, but even last month or last year. The draft resolution is timely and necessary today because of the crisis being experienced now. However, this is a tardy draft resolution, which demonstrates again the international community's great difficulty in dealing preventively with the items on the Security Council's agenda. My delegation believes that it is very important to reiterate the references in resolution 1078 (1996) to the costs of the operation. They will be met by the participating States and through other voluntary contributions. This, together with a trust fund of voluntary contributions, will enable the African States to participate in the multinational force, participation that Chile considers absolutely indispensable.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“The truth is that today we do not know how many are dead and wounded, or whether, as the Secretary-General said a few days ago, we are confronting a new genocide, this time provoked by starvation and disease. After welcoming the offers of Member States concerning the establishment of a multinational force for humanitarian purposes, the draft resolution that we are to adopt states that, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council authorizes Member States cooperating with the Secretary-General to carry out the humanitarian operation. This draft resolution has the potential to be a historic one. It tries not to repeat the past inaction of the Council with regard to Rwanda or the errors made in the case of Somalia.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Finally, I cannot fail to recognize the heavy burden that Zaire has had to bear in recent years as a result of the number of refugees in its territory for reasons beyond its control. The Security Council is today shouldering its responsibilities. With resolution 1078 (1996) and the draft resolution that will be adopted today, the Security Council is moving from being an interested observer to becoming a direct participant, using its powers under the Charter to deal with a humanitarian crisis of great magnitude, for which it has the means to act. Those means are now being put into action. The tragedy faced by the displaced persons and refugees who have fled the camps and the confrontations in eastern Zaire obliged us to act as soon as possible.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Also bestowing honour upon Canada is the Secretary-General's appointment of Ambassador Raymond Chretien of Canada as Special Envoy to the region. We also wish to thank all the countries that have clearly shown interest in contributing to this mission - important countries with means, some of which have operational capabilities not possessed by all Members of the United Nations. It does them honour that they are ready to risk their people - officials and soldiers - in this operation. Countries that have indicated the desire to participate in the mission include those from Latin America and the Caribbean, such as Argentina and Brazil, a fact that I should like to highlight.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Ogata, who only three weeks ago, as the Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau has reminded us, visited the Council and, just before leaving, spoke a few words that still echo in my mind. She said, "Do something. Do something so that my people will not have to leave eastern Zaire." We thank the Government of Germany, which initially proposed that the Security Council discuss this subject, and the Government of France, which submitted a concrete initiative and was a sponsor of resolution 1078 (1996). Most especially, my Government wishes to thank the Government of Canada for taking the initiative of coordinating the efforts leading to the creation, deployment and conduct of a multinational force for humanitarian assistance in Zaire.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“Mr. Somavia (Chile)(interpretation from Spanish): First of all, I wish to welcome the representatives of Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi to the Council as it considers an item that affects their national realities so directly in a debate that I am sure they would all have preferred to be unnecessary. Faced with a humanitarian tragedy like the one unfolding in eastern Zaire, the decision the Security Council is about to adopt is, as others have said, of the utmost urgency. It seems important to begin by expressing thanks. My delegation would first like to thank the Secretary- General, who has kept us constantly abreast of the situation in the region and has even proposed the formula we will adopt today. We would thank Mrs.”
1996-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3713 (1996) · source
“All of them must bear one thing in mind: whatever action the Security Council takes in representation of the international community - action that we hope will be reflected in the nearest possible future - has as its sole objective to create an opportunity for the children, the parents and the families of Burundi to grow, live and, above all, to coexist, in a climate of peace, security and development. Those children, and history, will pass judgement on the parents who held political or military responsibility in the Burundi of today. At present the international community is holding a hand out to Burundi, offering cooperation and understanding if Burundians reach agreement; but at the same time it is telling them that if they do not do so, it will not leave Burundi all alone.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“There are many people of good will and many countries trying to contribute on the ground to the achievement of a return to democratic processes. In Burundi there are many who are responsible: the leaders of the various parties and factions, military officials, those who have access to lesser or greater shares of power. Among them, Mr. Buyoya and those who control the military regime have a special responsibility, stemming from the fact that they decided to carry out the coup d 'etat on 25 July. Having decided to take that measure, they have the primary responsibility to see to it that the country progresses towards peace.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“He is the person who has the political weight, the moral stature and the regional and international respectability needed to achieve a comprehensive political settlement in Burundi. Whatever the Security Council does must be in support of his endeavours. We also want to thank the European Union for its latest statements of support for the African initiatives, and in particular we thank Mr. Aldo Ajello for his tireless efforts for peace in Burundi. Our appreciation also goes to Mr. Howard Wolpe, who, on behalf of the United States, is trying to contribute to a meeting in the country at an early date. We also thank the Government of Belgium for its traditional presence in the region. We give our support as well to the Secretary-General and to Mr. Faguy for their efforts.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“This is the time for the international community - through the Security Council in this case, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) at the regional level, and all Governments concerned that are taking steps to help Burundi make real progress - to act with resolve and with the same objectives. I believe that the main task that lies ahead for all of us is to see to it that the international community speaks in unison and that it promote solutions tending in the same direction, so that Burundi will receive a single message from outside with regard to the positive aspects and the risks involved if a positive agreement is not achieved. In conclusion, I want to emphasize that we give our most whole-hearted support to former President Nyerere for the tasks that lie ahead.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“In addition to that, former President Nyerere was making mediation efforts, which obviously suffered setbacks with this serious event. Secondly, the regional community in Africa has reacted, as we know. Chile favours regional solutions and listens principally to what regional leaders think on African topics. Furthermore, it is a historical fact that there has again been a strong condemnation of a military coup in Africa by African leaders themselves, and this is something that cannot be overlooked. We cannot and must not send a signal that is at odds with the line of action being imposed in Africa. Thirdly, this is an opportune moment. The coup d 'e'tat in Burundi is a negative milestone, but it cannot be disregarded; it is a fact.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“If the parties do not begin negotiations within 60 days, which is a reasonable period of time, then the Security Council must be prepared to consider measures, under the United Nations Charter, aimed at those leaders who continue to promote violence and who obstruct peace agreements. It must be understood, once and for all, that when the agreements are not implemented, those who are mainly responsible are the leaders who are not leading their peoples towards the necessary agreements. I want to conclude by saying that the military coup d 'etat introduces a new situation, and there are three reasons why we must act decisively, now. The first is that although it was impossible to put it into practice, there was before the coup d 'etat a governmental understanding that was derailed by the military coup.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“The message that must come out of the Security Council is that there are many ways through which the international community can support the spirit of cooperation and understanding between the parties in Burundi. The Security Council wants there to be agreement between the parties in Burundi. Once such agreement exists, we will be willing, and the international community must be willing, to lend support in all areas - economic, political, judicial and others - in order that Burundi may once again be able to stand on its own two feet and face its future with dignity.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“From the reports of the Secretary-General and from what we have been told by Burundians themselves, that African country has many needs to meet, and the international community must seek a way to cooperate towards that end in order to support a political agreement. Together with the economic problems, there are important structural reforms pending, such as those in the judicial, educational and public institutions. Furthermore, if in due course all the parties in Burundi, following political agreement, so agree and so request, it might be possible to approve a conventional peace-keeping operation that would contribute to consolidating a cessation of hostilities, help maintain stability during the negotiation process and, later, provide guarantees to all parties during the implementation of a comprehensive political agreement.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“Although we are aware of the serious consequences that certain sanctions adopted in the region may have on the population of Burundi, we feel that it is essential to establish humanitarian corridors that ensure free access to humanitarian assistance for the entire population of Burundi, and that the Secretary-General report to us on the humanitarian implications of the sanctions. The Security Council must call for an immediate initiation of negotiations whose objective would be a comprehensive political agreement. Once that is done, the next step is to call for effective international cooperation for Burundi.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“We consider it urgent that political negotiations without conditions begin and that all political parties and factions, including civil society, participate in the quest for a comprehensive and sustainable political agreement. It is also necessary that the parties - beginning with the military regime in Bujumbura - begin to display their good faith. This can be accomplished through a unilateral cessation of hostilities and through guarantees for the protection of international humanitarian personnel and the officials of the former constitutional Government. We must help put an end to the spiral of violence and impunity in Burundi.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“They have displayed their capacity for immediate action and a commitment to democracy which contrasted strangely with the vacillations of those who have rightly preached the benefits of democratic systems. The underlying foundations of Chile's position in this matter are the following. First, we condemn the coup d 'e'tat and all those who incite violence and genocide, regardless of the source: factions, groups or parties. The violence in Burundi is not going to resolve that country's political problems. We give our fullest support to the African regional leaders, to the Organization of African Unity and especially to former President Julius Nyerere and his commendable efforts to reach a peaceful political settlement in Burundi. We support in particular the Arusha decisions of 31 July.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“It is obvious that this is a very complex and difficult situation for which there are no obvious solutions. Nevertheless, it is clear that inaction is becoming the worst possible course of action. Governments and international public opinion expect the Security Council to take a clear position and to exercise its authority under the Charter of the United Nations to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Burundi, to put the country back on the path of democracy and to contribute to the stability of the Great Lakes region. The Security Council must meet this challenge. Towards that end, a great lesson in political determination has been given us by the African leaders of the Great Lakes region.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“Problems such as the one that we are dealing with in Burundi cannot, however, be resolved in the long run only from a humanitarian perspective, although this does make it possible for us better to understand such situations. We also need capability, resolve and, above all, political will. Unfortunately, this political conviction on the need to act with determination on behalf of the people of Burundi has not been fully present thus far in the Security Council. We hope that this attitude will soon change. In the light of the coup d 'etat in Burundi and of the actions adopted by the African countries at Arusha on 31 July, the Security Council is faced with the need to act decisively to turn events in the right direction. The indecisiveness of the past year, as we see it, cannot go on.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“Unfortunately, throughout history, in all parts of the world, without exception, there have been atrocities, barbarities, acts of genocide and crimes against humanity. We are therefore not moved to action by a moral judgement, but rather by a profound humanitarian sensibility. We believe, in spite of all historic precedents, that the atrocities of the past in various regions cannot justify the atrocities of the present. We are discussing this issue today in the Security Council because the situation in Burundi affects international peace and security. It is necessary to develop progressively certain shared rules and standards that represent the collective feeling of a universal conscience, one that rejects and repudiates certain aberrant acts. It is essential that violations of international law not continue to go unpunished.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“One of the most tragic signs of these killings is that the military are killing primarily civilians of the opposite side. Both the regular Army and the armed bands are killing primarily civilians; they are not fighting each other. Every weapon that reaches Burundi is intended primarily to kill an unarmed civilian. This is why we believe it is necessary to establish a truly effective arms embargo, applicable to all the factions in Burundi. We see this much more as a way of saving human lives than as a political measure. We are not passing moral judgement in referring to the genocide and the killing of civilians in Burundi. In this respect, no one - and I really wish to stress, no one - can cast the first stone.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“We are concerned that the international community does not yet consider it timely to affirm that a genocide of major proportions is taking place in Burundi and to act accordingly. What can be considered genocide? Is it when 15,000 persons die, or 30,000, or 60,000 or 120,000? How much longer must we wait? Over 150,000 persons have already died in Burundi: in other words, approximately 3 per cent of the total population of that country. If we were to make a proportional calculation, this would represent about 1.5 million persons in France or in the United Kingdom, 7.5 million persons in the United States or 450,000 persons in Chile. This is the magnitude of what has already happened in Burundi, and we do not yet consider it appropriate to call it genocide.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“Mr. Somavia (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): Chile has felt particularly concerned over the tragedy the people of Burundi are experiencing. During recent months we have repeatedly emphasized the need for the Council to move towards more resolute action in order to save lives in Burundi and to help all the parties find peace and reconciliation. This feeling has intensified since the coup d'etat of 25 July 1996, which put an end to the constitutional order and overthrew the legitimate Government of Burundi. We are deeply troubled by the silent genocide that for years has been developing in Burundi, and we want to help put an end to it and stabilize the political situation through Security Council action.”
1996-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3692 (1996) · source
“President, and the German delegation for having convened a formal meeting to consider this item; this enables us to give great political impetus to the process of demining, particularly in the context of peace-keeping operations, which fall within the mandate of the Security Council. The elements requiring further effort, study, coordination and political will are many. With this meeting the Council sends a clear signal about the relevance of the item, an item to which my country attaches the greatest importance, both within the Security Council and in the General Assembly.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“I do not want to repeat the other practical proposals made in the course of our debate this morning by other representatives, relating to such areas as the return of refugees, the restoration of agriculture, the rebuilding of roads, the sharing of demining technology and the development of national capabilities. I would suggest that following this debate, which has attracted broad participation and during which we shall hear many non-members of the Security Council, the President could summarize the proposals; this would enable the Council to improve its consideration of the item, which is the point of this meeting. I wish in conclusion to thank you, Mr.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The third proposal by which the international community has expressed its growing concern at the scourge of land-mines was the International Meeting on Mine Clearance convened by the Secretary-General in compliance with General Assembly resolution 49/215 of 23 December 1994. It was aimed at bringing together experts and possible donors with a view to promoting United Nations endeavours and international cooperation in this area. Chile participated in that important international meeting and is pleased that it achieved success and constituted a historic landmark in the international community's activities to address the land-mine crisis. I mentioned these three elements, which were discussed outside the Security Council, because they have a direct impact on the Council's work.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“Chile has participated in the ongoing consideration of this subject in the United Nations, and has supported relevant proposals in the General Assembly. We have participated in demining operations in Nicaragua and El Salvador and have been invited to participate in similar operations in other Central American countries. We broadly support demining programmes adopted in the regional framework of the Organization of American States (OAS), most recently the OAS resolution on support for demining in Central America, adopted at the recent OAS General Assembly session in Panama. We have also been invited to participate in demining activities in Angola.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source
“The second was the convening of the Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects. Failing the complete and permanent elimination of anti- personnel mines, the Conference sought at least to restrict and monitor the use of such weapons with a view to reducing their indiscriminate effects. My country generally supports instruments of humanitarian law, and, as we know, the Conference, the first of its kind, was intended to bolster the humanitarian aims of Protocol II on the use of anti- personnel mines. That intention, unfortunately, was not fully realized owing to deep-seated differences on the scope, application and other aspects of the Convention.”
1996-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3689 (1996) · source