YouSaid · the spoken record

Staehelin

lines on the record: 121
first: 1999-02-22
most recent: 2004-04-22
sittings or episodes: 18
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

“In our view, this aspect merits even greater attention. The long-term aim is, and must remain, the complete elimination of WMD. To achieve this aim, all States must fully meet their obligations under the relevant conventions.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Moreover, there needs to be consideration as to whether the subject matter dealt with in the draft resolution should not, at least in the medium term, be contained in an international instrument, which would be developed in a broader framework. This would allow all interested States to participate, on an equal footing, in defining and monitoring this non- proliferation regime. In the future, efforts to counter the proliferation of WMD must also focus more closely on strengthening verification procedures and instruments. It would be therefore be positive to see this aspect be given greater consideration in the draft resolution. Finally, Switzerland welcomes the fact that the preambular portion of the draft resolution explicitly reminds Member States of their obligations concerning arms control and disarmament.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“This is the case for example in the operative paragraph 2 of the draft resolution, where reference is made to "appropriate and effective laws". As for the monitoring of the implementation of the resolution, it must also be clearly defined. In our view, the fact that the draft resolution is based on Chapter VII of the Charter cannot be understood as a pre-authorization for States to resort to unilateral sanctions. In other words, the monitoring of the implementation must be carried out within a multilateral framework. In this respect, Switzerland welcomes the establishment of a committee of the Security Council. It is important therefore that the committee and the Security Council work closely with existing competent organizations in this area.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“As the draft resolution under discussion contains obligations that affect all Member States, it must be drafted with the greatest possible transparency. It is this concern for transparency that has led Switzerland to support the request for an open debate. Given the nature and scope of the draft resolution, the measures provided for should be understood as a provisional regime, and thus be subject to review after a certain period of time, in light of the experience gained. In addition, from the outset, there needs to be maximum clarity with respect to the scope of the obligations imposed on Member States. In this respect, Switzerland is of the opinion that a number of concepts contained in the draft resolution are not sufficiently precise.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the risk that non-State actors, in particular terrorist groups, could gain access to such weapons constitute one of the most serious threats of our time. Switzerland believes that there is an urgent need to contain that threat, which concerns the entire international community. In principle, legislative obligations, such as those foreseen in the draft resolution under discussion, should be established through multilateral treaties, in whose elaboration all States can participate. It is acceptable for the Security Council to assume such a legislative role only in exceptional circumstances and in response to an urgent need.”
2004-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4950 (2004) · source
“But members of those agencies are beginning to understand to what extent armed violence can thwart development programmes. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of such DDR strategies, United Nations system agencies and Member States should try to mainstream the problem of small arms and light weapons into their development programmes.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The parties to conflicts must undertake a political commitment to include DDR components in their peace agreements. Likewise, closer cooperation should exist between the Peacekeeping Best Practices Unit of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. This would be extremely beneficial. In conclusion, I would point out that DDR programmes are complex and require considerable financial resources, as do campaigns to collect and destroy illicit weapons. Switzerland contributes substantially to the World Bank Fund for disarmament in Sierra Leone and to the United Nations Development Programme Fund for Liberia. These programmes have aspects that are very closely related to the areas of work of national or multilateral development agencies.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“An arms embargo is a whole chain of action; therefore monitoring mechanisms should be included that can identify the weakest links in that chain - particularly since such mechanisms may, because of their very existence, have a deterrent effect on those who might be tempted to violate such an embargo. But such mechanisms require sufficient resources; otherwise, their effects will remain incomplete. It is therefore essential that States Members of the United Nations provide all the necessary technical and financial support to the various expert groups working in the area of arms sanctions. The report of the Secretary-General notes that the Security Council has focused in particular on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes in its peacekeeping operations.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“One issue that requires our full attention is the question of United Nations arms embargoes. The report of the Secretary-General underlines the fact that they have proved extremely difficult to enforce, which contributes to the prolongation of conflicts. In order to enforce embargoes and to bridge legal gaps, it is essential effectively to combine national, regional and international means of monitoring the arms trade. Switzerland believes that international cooperation can succeed only if each State introduces its own relevant national legislation.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Resolution 58/241 of 23 December 2003 on "The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects" provides for the establishment of an open- ended working group to negotiate an international instrument to enable all States quickly to identify and reliably to trace illicit small arms and light weapons and follow their movements. On 15 January, during informal consultations, the Swiss Ambassador, Anton Thalmann, was appointed to chair that group. The group intends to proceed in an open and transparent manner. The opening of negotiations on an international instrument to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons is an important step towards implementing one of the important commitments made in the United Nations Programme of Action. Switzerland encourages all Member States to participate constructively.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, and to thank you for having invited non-members of the Council to participate in this discussion. Switzerland commends the Secretary-General on his excellent report on ways in which the Security Council could deal with the question of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in situations under its consideration. The report shows that significant progress has been made in various fields of concern, even though there is still is a long way to go.”
2004-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4896Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In recent years, disturbing tensions have appeared between security and freedom. However, Switzerland is convinced that it is not necessary to compromise fundamental freedoms in order to ensure effectiveness in the fight against terrorism. In conclusion, Switzerland must congratulate the Counter-Terrorism Committee on the remarkable work accomplished in two years. We invite it to pursue, in a spirit of tried-and-true consultation, close dialogue with Member States and to increase its cooperation with regional organizations and specialized technical bodies such as Interpol, the World Customs Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Within the framework of its participation in the Group of Eight Action Group - established to fight terrorism and to assist other countries in that area i Switzerland will continue its commitment with regard to technical assistance. Finally, Switzerland is participating actively in negotiations with a view to adopting a comprehensive convention against terrorism. It has played a facilitating role on certain points during the ongoing negotiations in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly and hopes that those negotiations will conclude swiftly. Preventing and suppressing terrorism is a long- term fight. The international community must remain firm in its resolve to carry on that struggle. It must also see to it that, in doing so, it does not sacrifice respect for human rights and for the rule of law.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Switzerland is also cooperating closely with other countries and with the Counter-Terrorism Committee in implementing Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). My country has already submitted three reports to the Committee detailing the measures undertaken. With regard to technical assistance, Switzerland has provided various forms of support to other countries in the fight against terrorism and its financing. Such technical assistance includes the training of legal experts for the drafting of new legislative texts. It also aims to train banking executives or representatives of financial administrations to recognize suspicious operations involving money-laundering or the financing of terrorism.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Those legislative modifications permitted Switzerland to ratify, last 23 September, the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing. Switzerland therefore is now party to the 12 main United Nations conventions on terrorism whose ratifications were requested by resolution 1373 (2001). Regarding measures decided by the Security Council against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, Switzerland has applied them integrally from the start. By decree, the Swiss Government has adopted and rapidly updated the measures necessary to implement the sanctions set out in resolution 1267 (1999) and in subsequent resolutions.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“I would like to take advantage of this open debate, briefly and for the first time here before the Security Council, to outline the steps taken by my country to prevent and suppress terrorism. First, in the area of police and judicial cooperation, Switzerland cooperates closely with various countries in the pursuit of terrorist groups and in the identification of their sources of funding. Switzerland has also strengthened its legislative arsenal. Changes have been made in the penal code to increase the means for combating the financing of terrorism. Banks and financial intermediaries have been obliged to increase their vigilance.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In the face of the worsening of the terrorist threat, it was imperative that international cooperation be intensified. Switzerland welcomes the role played by the United Nations in this matter, particularly through the use of instruments of multilateral cooperation and by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001). The United Nations is also taking preventive measures by working to combat those injustices that form the breeding ground from which certain terrorist groups fill their ranks. In the long term, the fight against terrorism will succeed only if we can reduce those injustices and inequalities, defend human dignity and develop dialogue between different cultures and religions.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ambassador Arias, Chairman of the Security Council Committee created under resolution 1373 (2001), for his statement on the work already accomplished by the Committee and for the programme of work for its ninth trimester, submitted this morning. Terrorism did not come into being on 11 September 2001. But on that day its face took on particularly odious and murderous features. In earlier years, terrorists assassinated monarchs and politicians but hesitated at striking innocent civilians in such great numbers. Today, however, terrorist groups no longer have any moral or religious scruples. They are deliberately targeting civilians and can have access to modern technologies with unprecedented destructive power.”
2003-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4845Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Whenever States actually fulfil their responsibilities, the International Criminal Court does not have jurisdiction. Resolution 1422 (2002) clearly undermines a historic development. The fight against impunity must become more universal, with the support of everyone. The more it is pursued in a cooperative spirit, the more effective it will be. That is why Switzerland deplores the adoption and, even more, the prospect of renewing resolution 1422 (2002). Incidentally, any kind of automaticity would be contrary to the Statute. In conclusion Switzerland reaffirms its full support for the International Criminal Court.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“Far from contradicting each other, the Court and peacekeeping operations complement each other. Article 16 of the Rome Statute enables the Security Council, if necessary, to allow for a peace process by deferring criminal prosecution. However, it is conceived to be applied on a case-by-case basis. Article 16 cannot be used as a basis for granting blanket immunity to all participants in peacekeeping operations. Such a step presupposes that the International Criminal Court is in itself an obstacle to peace. We do not agree with that reasoning. In any case, the preamble to the resolution notes that "States not Party to the Rome Statute will continue to fulfil their responsibilities in their national jurisdictions in relation to international crimes" (resolution 1422 (2002), fifth preambular paragraph).”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“Allow me, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to wish you every success. I also wish to thank the members of the Security Council for agreeing to hold an open debate. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established by a treaty, not by a Security Council resolution. The Rome Statute is a major achievement in the codification of international law today. It is very worrying to see the Security Council adopt a resolution that limits the scope of a treaty that is in force, when that treaty is in full conformity with the Charter. Switzerland disagrees both with the principle and the modalities of resolution 1422 (2002). Resolution 1422 (2002) opposes, repeatedly, international criminal jurisdiction with respect to peacekeeping operations. That approach is mistaken.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“Such sovereignty must be re- established both at the political level, according full respect to the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and at the economic level, acknowledging that the resources of the country are the property of the people of Iraq and theirs alone. Hence, Switzerland solemnly appeals to the members of the Security Council to overcome their differences and together to reassume their principal responsibility, which is to maintain international peace and security.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“The Swiss authorities are concerned about the direct consequences of the conflict on supplies to civilians and encourage the Security Council to continue today's efforts to reactivate the oil for food programme without delay in a form that takes due account of the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. The United Nations must assume its indispensable role in reaching a settlement - without delay - to the Iraq crisis, one that is acceptable to the whole international community. The United Nations must not be used as a tool or marginalized in this task. It must resume its central role at the earliest opportunity. The United Nations has an essential mission to fulfil, in particular in the coordination of humanitarian aid and in the restoration of the full sovereignty of Iraq.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Switzerland also stresses that efficient coordination must be ensured between the coalition forces and humanitarian organizations. Switzerland appeals to the parties to the conflict to ensure access by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) to people in need of protection and aid. The impartial and neutral activities of the ICRC must be facilitated. Furthermore, my country demonstrated its commitment and its concerns with regard to the humanitarian consequences of this conflict even before hostilities broke out by organizing a humanitarian meeting on Iraq in Geneva on 15 and 16 February this year. Given the events on the ground, Switzerland has taken the initiative to convene on 2 April in Geneva the first meeting of the Humanitarian Issues Group Iraq.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Moreover, it urges the parties to the conflict to abstain from any use of weapons of mass destruction. Switzerland strongly supports the appeal of the United Nations Secretary-General to the parties to the conflict to do everything within their power to allow United Nations humanitarian personnel to return to the regions affected by the conflict. This demand is an essential condition for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of vulnerable people. In the immediate future, it is incumbent on the States directly active in the war effort to take responsibility for the urgent needs of the civilian population. Switzerland underlines the importance of a clear separation between military and humanitarian activities. It is imperative that the latter be guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Although neither Iraq nor the United States are parties to the Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, many obligations contained in the first Additional Protocol reflect customary law and apply on that basis. The main distinction between civilians and combatants and the principle of proportionality are especially important. It is prohibited to use civilians as human shields. Prisoners-of-war must be treated humanely at all times and must be protected in particular against all acts of violence or intimidation, as well as against insults and public curiosity. Switzerland emphasizes that international humanitarian law sets limits to the methods and means of conducting hostilities and that the use of arms that cause excessive injury is prohibited.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Putting aside differences of views concerning the conditions under which the operation of the coalition forces was launched, the emergency situation that is currently prevailing in Iraq now demands a responsible and united effort on the part of the international community to restore peace, meet humanitarian challenges and assure the well-being and future of the Iraqi people, as well as the reconstruction of their country. As a High Contracting Party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and in light of its humanitarian tradition, Switzerland reminds the parties to the conflict of the empirical necessity to respect and insure respect for obligations set forth in those instruments.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): My country notes with profound disappointment that, despite the efforts to disarm Iraq within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1284 (1999) and 1441 (2002), a military intervention has been launched against Iraq without the explicit authorization of the United Nations Security Council. The withdrawal of the weapons inspectors and United Nations personnel working in connection with the oil for food programme in Iraq has left a gaping hole and provoked numerous expressions of concern which Switzerland wishes to echo here today.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Finally, Switzerland once again strongly urges the Iraqi authorities to cooperate fully, actively and unconditionally with the United Nations inspectors. In view of the fact that the inspections cannot be continued indefinitely, a resolute and immediate commitment by Iraq is absolutely indispensable in order fully to shed light, in the near future, on the still- unanswered questions concerning disarmament.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“Moreover, Switzerland recalls the paramount importance it accords to the humanitarian aspects of the crisis which has affected the Iraqi people for the past 12 years, and it reiterates its concern about the potentially destructive effects of a possible military conflict, in particular in the humanitarian and social spheres. The dependence of some 60 per cent of the Iraqi population on food and medical supplies through the oil-for-food programme; the worrisome moral and physical condition of millions of Iraqis, in particular of women, children and the elderly; and the run-down state of medical and sanitation infrastructure in Iraq also argue in favour of the continuation and strengthening of the inspections, with a view to achieving the disarmament of Iraq by peaceful means.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“At this stage, Switzerland can only support initiatives that aim to grant the UNMOVIC and IAEA inspectors a reasonable amount of time to complete their work of inspection, verification and destruction of arms which have been proscribed by the relevant Security Council resolutions. If all attempts to disarm Iraq by peaceful means fail, Switzerland invites the members of the Security Council to see to it that any decision taken on the basis of Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations includes the unconditional demand on all parties to a possible conflict to respect, and to ensure respect for, international humanitarian law.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“Concerning the provisions of Security Council resolution 1284 (1999), which continues to guide a considerable part of the inspectors' work, Switzerland welcomes the proposal of the UNMOVIC Executive Director to submit to the Security Council, within a very short time, a list of all outstanding questions concerning disarmament, as well as a programme of work aimed at achieving, within a reasonable time- frame, the objectives of Security Council resolution 1441 (2002). In current circumstances - that is to say, for as long as, according to United Nations experts, the inspections continue to yield results - Switzerland considers that priority must be given to disarming Iraq by peaceful means.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“The process of destroying the Al Samoud 2 missiles, which has just begun, under the supervision of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), is a concrete result of the diplomatic and military pressure currently being exerted on the Iraqi Government. Furthermore, Switzerland notes that UNMOVIC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) do not have, at this moment, conclusive information about Iraq's continued possession or production of weapons of mass destruction.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I should like to take this opportunity, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of March and to wish you every success in your work. I wish also to thank Ambassador Pleuger for the excellent work he did last month. Switzerland has taken note of the report presented by Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei to the public meeting of the Security Council held on 7 March. It can be concluded from this interim report that, despite undeniable gaps with regard to the cooperation between the Iraqi Government and the United Nations, real progress has recently been recorded in the identification and destruction of prohibited arms in Iraq's possession.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“In this regard, Switzerland supports the activities to create awareness and to integrate children's rights in United Nations activities as a whole and encourages the Organization to pursue and intensify them at all levels. My country welcomes the implementation of guiding principles for conduct for all United Nations staff, which are essential to ensuring that the behaviour of humanitarian personnel vis-a-vis its beneficiaries is beyond reproach, and to prevent abuse. We further invite the Security Council to continue including child protection advisers in its peacekeeping operations. They play a key role in ensuring that the rights and specific needs of girls and boys be taken into account and respected.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Include on the list all other countries and conflict situations which the Council may deem necessary. Establish an ongoing dialogue with those Governments named in the list and promote the relevant instruments among the armed non-State actors. Identify other criteria, in addition to the recruitment and use of children, for developing the list, keeping in mind the magnitude of the impact of armed conflicts on children. At the conceptual level, the work accomplished by non-governmental organizations on this matter could constitute a particularly valuable contribution. To conclude, I wish to recall the commitments made by the international community in the document "A world fit for children", adopted at the General Assembly's special session on children (resolution S-27/2).”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Switzerland emphasizes the innovative and welcome contribution that resolution 1379 (2001) represents, particularly the establishment of a list of parties to armed conflicts that recruit or use children in violation of the international provisions meant to protect them. The political importance of this list is undeniable, and it should certainly be maintained. However, its true value will become apparent only when the Security Council has defined the actions it plans to undertake in this respect. In this regard, Switzerland invites the Security Council to consider the following recommendations. We suggest that this list be updated on a regular basis. Include in the list all countries and situations of armed conflict which involve the problem of recruitment and use of child soldiers and which appear on the Security Council's agenda.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Switzerland welcomes the steps taken by the Secretary- General's Special Representative to ensure that the International Criminal Court, as well as the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone, include particular considerations regarding juvenile law into their regulations and procedure. Switzerland shares the Secretary-General's opinion that the current major challenge resides in the implementation of these international instruments, which, by the standards they set, propose new prospects for action. In this respect, it would have been desirable for the report to formulate suggestions for concrete actions to be taken by the Security Council itself as well as by the United Nations system as a whole, and by each of its Member States individually.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“As underlined in the Secretary-General's report, 2002 saw the entry into force of two major international instruments: the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflicts, and the Statute of the International Criminal Court. Switzerland, which ratified the Optional Protocol last June, is committed to pursuing its efforts with a view to ensuring its universal ratification as soon as possible. It hopes that all States that have not yet done this will follow its example by depositing a declaration, as stipulated in paragraph 2 of article 3, indicating 18 years as the age limit for voluntary recruitment. The entry into force of the Rome Statute represents a major step towards an end to impunity.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Children are particularly vulnerable, and the impact of conflict on their rights and well-being can be felt at many levels and in various ways: attacks on their rights to survival and development, attacks on their physical integrity, attacks on their rights to education and health, and the destruction of their family structures and of their social and community ties. Far too many of them also find themselves refugees or internally displaced, orphaned or unaccompanied. In the face of such situations, Switzerland particularly recalls the importance of respecting the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their two Additional Protocols of 1977, in which specific provisions for the protection of and assistance to children are incorporated.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund for their respective presentations. Switzerland expresses with conviction its solidarity with the recommendations formulated by Austria on behalf of the Human Security Network and is convinced of the Security Council's essential role in their implementation. Switzerland reiterates its support for the international community's numerous current efforts to reinforce the protection of the civilian population in times of armed conflict.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): May I begin by congratulating France on assuming once again the presidency of the Security Council and wishing you and the new members of the Security Council every success in carrying out the tasks awaiting you. Switzerland welcomes this annual Security Council debate on children and armed conflict, as it represents one of my country's priorities in matters of human security. Switzerland takes note with satisfaction of the Secretary-General's report (S/2002/1299) and considers it to be a valuable reference document on action undertaken in the United Nations over the last year to respond to challenges with regard to the rights of the child in armed conflicts.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“As such, it favours a two- stage approach that would permit the Council to assure itself, on the basis of the report of the inspectors, that Iraq has fulfilled its obligations and, in the event that this should not be the case, to take all necessary measures with full knowledge of the facts. Switzerland attaches great importance to respect for Security Council resolutions. While recognizing the specific nature of each conflict, it will continue to strive to ensure the implementation of all Security Council resolutions in the name of the credibility and effectiveness of international law. There is undeniably a need to act, and to act with determination, in order to ensure the implementation of United Nations resolutions, but action must be taken jointly within the framework of the United Nations.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“It also welcomed the willingness shown by President Bush on 12 September 2002 to seek a solution to the current crisis in the framework of the Security Council. It also welcomed both the Iraqi Government's announcement of its decision to conform to the pressing demands of the international community by accepting the return of disarmament inspectors, as well as the constructive results of the talks in Vienna. Switzerland considers that all procedures provided for in the Charter of the United Nations must be respected and that recourse to the Security Council is indispensable when the use of force is envisaged. In particular, it points out the risk of a precipitous interpretation of the notion of legitimate defence from a preventive perspective that extends beyond the scope provided for in the Charter.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“Finally, it considers that the inspections must be thorough and lead to the effective elimination of any illegal weapons that may be found. Switzerland believes that all peaceful means should be exhausted in order to achieve these aims. The possible use of force should not be considered without account being taken of all the potential short- and long-term consequences at the political, security, humanitarian and economic levels. Switzerland is particularly apprehensive about the risks facing the civilian population. It is equally concerned about the impact that an armed conflict could have on regional stability. Switzerland believes in this context that the primary objective to be pursued by the international community is the elimination of any illegal weapons that may be discovered in Iraq.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“It notes that the policy of armament pursued by that Government in recent years gives rise to serious suspicions. It believes that the only way to allay these suspicions is for the latter to accept unconditionally the presence and the inspections of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) on its territory. Switzerland supports without reservation the efforts of the Security Council, of the Secretary- General and of the head of UNMOVIC. It has communicated to the head of UNMOVIC that it would be willing to play an active part in the UNMOVIC mission should its assistance be required. It is of the opinion that all so-called presidential sites must also be listed and made accessible to the inspectors without restriction.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, and the other members of the Security Council for the opportunity to speak on the issue of Iraq. Switzerland stands firmly against all forms of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, whether this concerns the production of or efforts to produce such weapons. These weapons first and foremost present a threat to civilian populations. Switzerland also shares the concern that such weapons could fall into the hands of international terrorist networks. It will continue working to promote comprehensive disarmament that is verifiable and well-balanced at the regional and global levels. Switzerland should like to see the Iraqi Government respect the obligations incumbent upon it in accordance with the Security Council resolutions regarding inspections.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“For some years now, Switzerland has supported, together with other States, the Small Arms Survey project in Geneva, which led, earlier this year and for the second time, to the publication of a yearbook which we consider very useful: Small Arms Survey 2002: Counting the Human Cost. Switzerland will continue in the future to support this essential work. I have the pleasure of announcing that, following what was done in English in Johannesburg, the French version of the yearbook will be presented to the public in New York on 24 October.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In the same vein, recommendations 7 and 8 seek to extend the mandate of United Nations peacekeeping operations to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, as well as to specific measures concerning the collection and destruction of illicit or surplus small arms. Switzerland has already undertaken intensive activities in this respect, for example in Mozambique and Sierra Leone. Finally, recommendation 5 refers to an aspect of the problem which Switzerland considers a priority. The Secretary-General underlines the role of information on small arms and invites Member States to pursue their efforts in this context.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In that context, I also wish to recall the work of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Tracing Small Arms and Light Weapons. Switzerland expects that it will provide a useful contribution to the elaboration of a binding international instrument in this field. For Switzerland, the issue of small arms is an important aspect of integrated conflict-prevention strategies, peace-building and development cooperation. One of the great challenges in implementing the United Nations Programme of Action will be to make the issue of small arms a theme cutting across other political questions. Switzerland welcomes the Secretary- General's insistence on the necessity of an integrated approach, in particular in recommendation 4.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source