YouSaid · the spoken record

Strommen

lines on the record: 117
first: 2001-01-23
most recent: 2004-06-14
sittings or episodes: 23
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

“That is why we are supporting the ideas presented by OCHA for partnership arrangements between new donor countries, the United Nations and traditional donors to facilitate increased contributions of humanitarian personnel, financial support, logistical services, emergency food aid and other in-kind contributions.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990 (2004) · source
“We urge other parts of the United Nations system and Member States to take this work into account in the planning and implementation of international operations. The objective must be to create complementarity and avoid confusion and duplication of effort in United Nations operations. Complementarity must be built in from the early stages of planning and be reflected in clear mandates. The Security Council has a particular responsibility to ensure such clarity of mandates. In addition to short-term measures, we need a broader approach to sustaining and increasing the protection of civilians. Norway believes that more needs to be done to promote the awareness and ownership of humanitarian principles and to broaden support for humanitarian action worldwide.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990 (2004) · source
“Within the United Nations context, the need to achieve a clear division of labour between humanitarian actors on the one hand and political and military actors on the other is of particular relevance in the ongoing debate about integrated United Nations missions. Norway supports the goal of achieving greater coherence and effectiveness in United Nations crisis response. However, while striving for greater coherence, we must not compromise humanitarian integrity. Liberia is a case in point where this issue deserves careful attention. We wish to commend the work done by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in cooperation with other United Nations departments, to elaborate generic and conflict-specific guidelines for civil-military relationships in complex emergencies.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990 (2004) · source
“The prevalence of sexual violence and abhorrent human rights abuses against women and children in armed conflicts are extremely worrying. In addition to the immediate suffering caused by those appalling crimes, they have long-term impacts on society and on reconciliation processes. It is also very disturbing that the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a means of warfare has been increasing. We agree with the Secretary-General that sexual violence is one of the most complex issues confronting the international community and that the time has come to address it comprehensively.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990 (2004) · source
“I would like to mention some issues that are of great concern to us. Norway is deeply concerned about the increased targeting of humanitarian personnel in situations of armed conflict. We are being forced to rethink our approach to the security of United Nations and other personnel in humanitarian crises. It may be necessary to rely more on armed guards and other protective measures in extreme cases, but that cannot be our only recourse. In fact, such measures may prove counterproductive as they create greater distance from the civilian population, at the cost of legitimacy and local support. We must avoid a situation where strengthened security measures prevent the United Nations from acting effectively on the ground in complex emergencies.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990 (2004) · source
“Like others, we are grateful to Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland for his most useful introduction this morning. Important progress has been made since the protection of civilians in armed conflict was first put on the agenda of the Security Council five years ago. However, there is still much to be done, and the challenges have become increasingly complex. Norway welcomes the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/431). We strongly endorse the candid review of implementation of the ten-point platform that was presented by the Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs in December 2003. We agree with the proposed way ahead and are looking forward to the outline of an enhanced monitoring and reporting framework. We support these and other efforts to promote risk management.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990 (2004) · source
“However, it has been underlined that before any debate can be launched, the specific challenges to be addressed should be clearly defined, taking due account of the mandate of the Working Group as well as the mandates of other relevant bodies in order not to duplicate efforts. This preparatory work is currently ongoing, and the Working Group might therefore wish to revisit it under its new Chair. The Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations is a standing organ under the Security Council mandated to consider both generic and mission-specific aspects of peacekeeping operations. As the outgoing Chairman, I take the view that the Security Council would benefit from continued input from the Working Group in both these areas as a means to strengthen United Nations peacekeeping capacity.”
2002-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4673 (2002) · source
“I would therefore encourage close contact and consultations among Council members, troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat with a view to organizing further meetings of the mechanism when this is deemed appropriate. This will, not least, serve the important purpose of strengthening the much-needed partnership between those who design and those who implement the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Towards the end of the year, the Working Group informally discussed possible topics which should form the basis for future elaboration, with the overall aim of improving practices within United Nations peacekeeping. In that regard, challenges relating to command and control in peacekeeping operations, lessons learned, and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation have been raised by members.”
2002-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4673 (2002) · source
“As Chairman of the Working Group, Iam pleased to note that the meeting was generally appraised in positive terms by Council members and troop contributors alike. It was pointed out that the meeting gave rise to a more substantive debate compared to the consultation meetings under resolution 1353 (2001), and that the smaller format and the specific, well-defined agenda item contributed to a fruitful exchange of views among Council members, troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat. The experience gained so far suggests that such meetings are not likely to overburden the Council or to interfere with its prerogatives. On the contrary, in my view, the new format has its merits, and efforts should be made towards its further improvement.”
2002-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4673 (2002) · source
“The response by the Working Group, adopted in the note by the President (S/2002/964) of 27 August, was an attempt to establish a coherent and inclusive practice in this field. The note outlines that actors listed in annex II.B of resolution 1353 (2001), which do not have an automatic right to participate in the mentioned meetings, should make a request for participation to the President of the Council, and that the President, following consultations with Council members, should extend an invitation as appropriate and instruct the Secretariat accordingly. It now rests on all actors involved to implement that new procedure. I will now turn to the meeting of the so-called new mechanism for cooperation with troop- contributing countries held on 28 August. As Council members will recall, this was the first meeting held in this new format.”
2002-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4673 (2002) · source
“Following the adoption of that note, the Working Group was not given any immediate tasks by the Council. Consequently, no meetings were held before the end of May this year. The Working Group then met to discuss two non-papers, introduced by the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation respectively, on how to improve military advice to the Security Council. The need for enhanced and improved military advice to the Council was acknowledged by members of the Group. However, it was not possible to reach any agreement on the recommendations put forward in the non-papers. Given a couple of incidents relating to actors wishing to participate in troop contributors' meetings in accordance with resolution 1353 (2001), the Working Group was tasked to elaborate an approach aimed at avoiding such incidents in the future.”
2002-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4673 (2002) · source
“Mr. Strommen: The Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations conducted a total of eight formal meetings in 2002, including one meeting with troop-contributing countries to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) - commonly known as the new mechanism - which was held on 28 August. By means of a note by the President of the Security Council of 14 January this year (S/2002/56), the Council adopted the mandate of the new mechanism for cooperation with troop-contributing countries, set out as an integral part of the mandate of the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping. This represented the culmination of a year-long process aimed at strengthening cooperation and consultation between the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop-contributing countries.”
2002-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4673 (2002) · source
“Finally, Norway urges the parties to the conflict and to the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to maintain the momentum created over the past weeks and months. We believe that full commitment to the Peace Agreements and the inter- Congolese dialogue is vital in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in the region and for ways to stop the illegal exploitation that is so obviously taking place.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“As an absolute minimum, various institutional reforms call for Governments to ensure that companies and individuals under their jurisdiction observe agreed standards of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and a further monitoring process related to the exploitation activities must be agreed upon and put in place. As we are all aware, some of the actors accused in the report - most notably, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe - have presented their comments and replies to the report. Most of the Panel's findings have been challenged, and we will probably see further discussion between the Panel and those parties. We have noted with interest that steps have been taken by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo against one of the companies mentioned in the report.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“Norway has noted with keen interest the various recommendations provided by the Panel of Experts. Those recommendations are put forward with the View to bringing to an end the illegal exploitation of natural resources and to breaking the link between the exploitation and the continuation of the conflict. The fact that the exploitation continues despite recent troop withdrawals is alarming, and the Security Council must explore all possible avenues to bring the exploitation to an end. Norway will contribute to that objective in the Council's further deliberations by supporting concrete measures.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“In September, a special report on MONUC was submitted that included recommendations for strengthening MONUC's capacity, especially in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Norway would have liked to see more cross-references between the current report of the Panel of Experts and the reports on MONUC. An analysis of the link between economic interests and security aspects would be useful. The report recommends the creation of forceful incentives and disincentives in order to minimize illegal exploitation. Legal utilization benefiting the population at large should be encouraged. However, we agree that it is necessary to find measures to deal with the parties involved in illegal exploitation and their fears of losing revenue.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“We encourage the continuation of the use of panels of experts to assist the Security Council in its work. As is highlighted by the current discussion on the exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Panel not only presents its findings and recommendations, but triggers useful discussions involving all relevant actors. It is our belief that this is a contribution towards finding good and sustainable solutions to the problems we are facing in the region. The Secretary-General recently submitted the twelfth report on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) (S/2002/1180).”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“We share the View that the political resolution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including progress in the inter-Congolese dialogue and the establishment of effective governing structures, is the main key to preventing the exploitation of natural resources. We agree with the Panel that "The main purpose should be to enable the legitimate transitional government to control the country's natural resources and borders without foreign intervention". (S/2002/1146, para. 163) In this regard, we are encouraged by the latest news on the progress in the power-sharing talks between the parties to the inter-Congolese dialogue. Norway would like to underline its support for the methodological approach that the Panel of Experts takes.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“Norway urges all the parties to the conflict to prove that this is not the case by demonstrating that further results can be reached in the peace process without delay. It is imperative that the recent progress made on the political level be translated into improved conditions on the ground, with increased security for the local populations, in particular in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the Ituri region. Beyond the immediate short term, permanent Government structures must be established on the basis of an all-inclusive political dispensation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, allowing for the natural resources to be utilized to the benefit of the local population in an equitable manner.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“Despite the positive developments in the Great Lakes region over the past months, such as the Pretoria and Luanda peace accords and the rapid withdrawal of troops from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the systematic exploitation of the natural resources of that country seems to continue unabated. According to the report, a large number of actors, Governments, individuals, armed groups and companies are in some way involved in the exploitation of natural resources. To the extent that an important motive for the continuation of the conflict is the exploitation of resources, as indicated by the Panel, there might be reason to question whether all parties to the conflict are negotiating in good faith.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“I congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Council. We wish you every success for the month of November. Our thanks go to Ambassador Belinga-Eboutou of Cameroon for the way he steered us through the month of October. Let me also wish a warm welcome to New York and the Security Council to the Foreign Minister of Uganda. Norway welcomes the final report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I thank Ambassador Kassem and the other members of the Panel for their most commendable efforts in this regard.”
2002-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4642 (2002) · source
“Through membership on the Council, Norway has consistently sought to raise the Council's attention to the Somalia problem. The country has been without a central Government for more than 10 years and the arms embargo established by the Council in 1992 has hardly been enforced. The steps taken by the Council this year have thus been long overdue. These steps must be further built upon in order to restore the United Nations credibility Vis-a-Vis that wartorn country. The ongoing efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to bring peace and order to Somalia, through the conference facilitated by Kenya on 15 October, has wide support from the international community. Importantly, the United Nations must stand ready to do its part to assist fully and actively in Somalia's return to normalcy.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“At the same time, cognizant of the concerns related to costs raised by some non-members of the Council, we would be favourably inclined to reduce the size of such missions to a representative core consisting of some six to eight members. Thirdly and finally, the Council, in July of this year, mandated a panel of experts to provide independent information on violations of the arms embargo on Somalia with a View to improving its enforcement. Panels of experts can in certain instances provide independent and authoritative information, alerting the international community to activities that undermine the quest for peace. As such, the panels may play an important role in forcing actors to pay a political price for actions that run counter to the objective of peace.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“The border decision was subsequently embraced by both sides and is currently being implemented in close cooperation with the United Nations. In May, under the leadership of Ambassador Levitte, a full Council met with leaders of the Great Lakes region in order to promote peace in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. Recently, we have seen steps in the right direction taken by several of the involved parties, in accordance with the encouragements provided by the Council. The Council continues to be actively engaged on these issues. The missions to Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Great Lakes have illustrated that Council missions are a useful tool for engaging the parties to certain conflicts. Based on these useful experiences, we fully support the concept of Council missions.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“As the Chair of this mechanism, I encourage all major troop-contributing countries to fully explore this vehicle for engagement with Council members, as well as with the Secretariat. Importantly, the new mechanism allows for troop-contributing countries themselves to raise emerging issues, as they see fit. We saw this being played out in full in August when the mechanism was utilized on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone. Secondly, the Council has on two occasions in 2002 visited areas of conflict or areas emerging from conflict in Africa. In February, under the leadership of Ambassador Kolby, a full Council met with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea. The meetings took place on the eve of the border decision, in accordance with the Algiers Agreement.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Rather, I will focus on areas in which the Council has taken important steps through the use of three particular mechanisms at its disposal. First, to enhance the cooperation with troop- contributing countries, the Council regularly convenes consultation meetings prior to mandate considerations, in accordance with resolution 1353 (2001). Importantly, the troop-contributing countries assume the political and personnel risk associated with United Nations operations and must therefore be consulted fully by the Council. It is imperative that this include early consultations at the stage where plans are made and proposals formulated in the system. To this end, the Council in January of this year established a new mechanism for more such informal consultations.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“This also implies that the working methods of the Council may need a certain degree of flexibility in order to facilitate creative approaches suited to the challenges at hand. During the past year the Council has dealt with a vast number of issues. To a considerable degree, public meetings have been used as a means of sharing information and views on those issues. However, Norway continues to believe and argue that an even larger proportion of the briefings and material prepared by the Secretariat could and should be made directly available to the wider membership. The positions of the Government of Norway on the various issues on the Council's agenda are well known through our earlier specific deliberations. I will not spend our valuable time repeating those positions here today.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Let me congratulate you, Mr. President, on convening this meeting regarding the annual report of the Security Council to the General Assembly. Norway continues to attach the highest importance to transparency in the working methods of the Security Council. The full sharing of information and views with the wider membership of the Organization on the issues before the Council is a pivotal aspect of the Council exercising its mandate. In this regard, let me also pay tribute to the delegation of Singapore for its effort to enhance technical aspects of the work of the Council, including the annual report. Norway fully supports the draft report as presented. Above all, the Security Council is a political organ at the disposal of Member States to resolve conflicts representing a threat to international peace and security.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Finally, I should like to applaud the leadership and people of East Timor for the impressive progress achieved thus far and to assure them that my Government will continue to support their efforts to consolidate the foundations of a stable and fully functioning democratic State.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the short-term measures undertaken by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to reduce the current backlog in the appeal court. In the longer run, however, the international community will need to work to support much-needed capacity-building in the justice sector. I should like to conclude by congratulating Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and by expressing Norway's appreciation for the outstanding way in which he has led the Mission since 1999. We would also like to welcome the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, and to wish him every success in his assignment.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Hilde Johnson, intends to sign a memorandum of understanding during the donors conference to be held in Dili in May. Justice, reconciliation and effective accountability are essential elements of East Timor's long-term stability. Norway attaches great importance to the work undertaken by the Serious Crimes Unit and the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. Accordingly, my Government provides both human and financial resources to those institutions, and we support the Secretary-General's proposal to accord efforts within the justice sector high priority, including after independence. Nevertheless, the lack of qualified personnel continues to be a matter of concern.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Another urgent matter is the completion of border demarcation and normalization in the border areas. We therefore welcome the recent launch of the border demarcation survey. We share the Secretary-General's assessment that, in addition to the support provided by the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) and the United Nations development agencies, bilateral development assistance will be crucial for the establishment of sustainable Government structures and institutions. My Government hosted the donors meeting for East Timor in December 2001. We now stand ready to fulfil our assurances of continued assistance, and we urge other countries to do the same. To facilitate future development cooperation, the Norwegian Minister for International Development, Ms.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“Needless to say, revisions should be made in close cooperation with the East Timorese authorities. Finally, the need to prioritize training of personnel to fill the large gaps in the staff of the administration is urgent and cannot be overemphasised. Peaceful and constructive relations between East Timor and Indonesia are crucial for the stability and prosperity of the region. We are therefore pleased that bilateral relations between the two nations continue to improve. The bilateral meeting in February was a positive step in that regard. Notwithstanding this, there are still pending bilateral issues. We would here like to underscore the importance of the ongoing negotiations on judicial cooperation to permit the prosecution of alleged perpetrators of serious crimes committed in 1999.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“At the same time, we are pleased with the report's indication that UNTAET's presence will be reduced from the current level and that the report offers a sensible schedule for reducing the international presence while transferring responsibilities to the East Timorese. Sustainable transition will require the effective Timorization of all public institutions. Under the current circumstances the establishment of a well functioning public administration continues to be the greatest challenge for the United Nations in East Timor. This is also a key prerequisite for the new State's long-term stability. The proposed downscaling should therefore be undertaken on the basis of an in-depth assessment of the challenges faced by, and of the corresponding capacity within, the national administration.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“In our view, this is an outstanding example of mission planning. Moreover, the consultative planning process and the Integrated Mission Task Force have clearly contributed to the comprehensive nature of the recommendations, including the call for coordination to ensure a smooth transition towards a framework for medium- and long- term development assistance. Norway supports the mandate, structure and overall timetable for the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) as set out in the Secretary General's report. We fully concur with the view that a peacekeeping presence is necessary until the national police and armed forces gain the capacity required to enforce the law and ensure internal and external security.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“At the outset I would like to thank the Secretary-General, President-elect Xanana Gusmao, Mr. Annabi and Mr. Alkatiri for their statements to the Council this morning. Allow me also to congratulate Mr. Gusmao on his election as the first President of an independent East Timor, as well as the East Timorese people and the United Nations for the excellent manner in which the presidential elections were carried out earlier this month. This is indeed a promising sign for the future of a democratic and stable East Timor. Norway commends the Secretary-General for his report of 17 April 2002. It contains recommendations as to a clear and achievable mandate for the successor mission to United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), and it provides an exit strategy with benchmarks for the gradual downsizing of the mission.”
2002-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4522 (2002) · source
“We therefore welcome further efforts to strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation between Kosovo, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and neighbouring countries, including with regard to the fight against organized crime.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Norway firmly believes that close cooperation between UNMIK, the provisional self-governing institutions and the authorities in Belgrade is of the utmost importance for the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). This relationship must be further strengthened, including through further progress on the issues covered by the Common Document. Norway welcomes Belgrade's recent transfer of Kosovo Albanian detainees. We now expect all those involved to intensify efforts to trace the large number of missing persons. As regards the wider, regional context, Norway would like to reiterate that developments in Kosovo cannot be seen in isolation from developments in neighbouring countries.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Its efforts to resolve property disputes will greatly facilitate returns, and it deserves financial and political support from the international community. Norway welcomes Belgrade's adoption of a law on cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We expect the necessary measures to implement the law to be taken as quickly as possible. Reconciliation and mutual tolerance depend on a willingness to face the past. The recent presentation in Belgrade of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe report, As Seen, As Told, represents a positive step in this respect. This report documents crimes and violations of human rights committed in Kosovo from October 1998 to October 1999.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Sustainable security, freedom of movement and a multi-ethnic society can in the final instance be created only by the people of Kosovo themselves. Norway fully supports the measures taken by Mr. Steiner in order to more efficiently combat organized crime in Kosovo. Such crime, including trafficking in human beings, narcotics and weapons, continues to be a source of considerable concern, not only as regards Kosovo, but for the region and Europe at large. The return of displaced persons and refugees remains an important challenge. Necessary conditions for sustainable return have yet to be created. This is also a question of political leadership and courage. Norway would like to emphasize the importance of the work carried out by the Housing and Property Directorate in Pristina.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Concerted efforts are needed to overcome these obstacles. Norway condemns the recent violence in northern Mitrovica and the attacks on representatives of UNMIK police and KFOR. The situation in Mitrovica is complex. Extremists cannot be allowed to undermine cooperation among the people of Kosovo and the international community. UNMIK and the Kosovo institutions should strengthen cooperation with democratically elected moderate forces on the Kosovo Serb side. Belgrade can play a constructive part in this regard. Respect for law and order in Kosovo must be enhanced. This is not only a minority issue, but a civic issue affecting all segments of the population. We urge Kosovo's elected leaders to publicly reject hate speech and other incitement of ethnic intolerance and violence.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“This is essential to the successful implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), which presumes both a possibility and a willingness of all communities to participate in the Kosovo structures. The agreement securing the Povratak Coalition's participation in the institutions is another example of the benefits to be gained through close cooperation between UNMIK and Belgrade. We commend the efforts of Mr. Steiner and Mr. Covie in this regard. A democratic and efficient government structure in Kosovo also requires a multi-ethnic civil service. But the recruitment of minorities remains hampered by security concerns. It is unacceptable that the lack of security for minorities should continue to have negative implications for the normalization of everyday life, as well as for the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his frank report, and the Special Representative for his interesting briefing on the situation in Kosovo. We have been looking forward to this first meeting with Mr. Steiner in the Council. The presence of Deputy Prime Minister Covie and his presentation here today are also greatly appreciated. Norway would like to reiterate its full support for the Special Representative's mission priorities related to economic development, the fight against crime and violence, and the creation of a fair and safe society for all communities. Furthermore, we commend his efforts to develop the benchmarks, as circulated today. We welcome the progress made on the formation of the political and administrative structures of the provisional self-government institutions.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“UNITA must stop its violent activity, hurting so many innocent civilians, and it must seize the existing opportunity for dialogue. Dialogue is the tool for finding a lasting political solution. Let me, in this regard, also express my Government's support for the efforts made by the United Nations, and especially the Special Adviser for Special Assignments in Africa, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“Having stressed those points, it is important for me to emphasize that Norway stands ready to respond quickly to help meet the great humanitarian needs in Angola. We urge the rest of the international community to do the same. Let me conclude by saying that humanitarian emergencies in Angola have reached an unacceptable level. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing military activities. Humanitarian problems emerge faster than it is possible to solve them. There is no military solution to the conflict in Angola. Everyone concerned must realize this and act accordingly. In this regard, it is important to point out that the main responsibility for ending human suffering in the country rests with UNITA and Jonas Savimbi.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“These priorities include preparation for access to places with internally displaced populations by opening roads and airstrips, improving and increasing humanitarian assistance in areas not accessible to international humanitarian partners, extending State administration to areas controlled by the Angolan Armed Forces, preparing return and resettlement plans for displaced populations, establishing reception and registration centres in areas with large influxes of internally displaced persons, in accordance with Government regulations issued on 15 January this year, and improving health assistance and the supply of essential medicines, personnel and drug kits in provincial capitals and rural municipalities to address the critical health and nutritional situation of newly arrived internally displaced persons.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Oshima for his informative briefing this morning. Let me also welcome to this meeting the Vice-Minister for External Relations of Angola. Norway recognizes the positive steps taken by the Government in connection with the joint strategy for humanitarian assistance. Particularly important is the adoption of a rights-based strategy in the 2002 United Nations Consolidated Appeal. This is to ensure that assistance is provided in accordance with core principles of the Angolan Constitution and on the basis of international standards. We would like to encourage the Government to continue its positive efforts. It is now essential that the Government elaborate an agreed monitoring mechanism for the implementation of priority actions set out by the Government.”
2002-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4472 (2002) · source
“The fact that many of these Liberians have been displaced several times and that some were repatriated to Liberia only a few years ago, after having been forced to live abroad as refugees, illustrates fully the tragic human aspects of these issues. It also illustrates the importance of ensuring security for refugees after they have been helped to return home. I hope that UNHCR can now go ahead with the planned voluntary repatriation of refugees to Sierra Leone and that appropriate steps will be taken to prepare for their homecoming. Finally, we welcome the High Commissioner's update on the situation in Eritrea and Ethiopia, which is particularly valuable in view of the forthcoming Security Council mission to these countries. We will keep his remarks in mind.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“If we are to succeed, we must begin to regard refugees and internally displaced persons not only as victims but also as a resource and give them their legitimate voice in the running of their own lives. Empowerment of women is a special challenge. We place much trust in UNHCR's ability to do its part of the job and coordinate its efforts with those of all other relevant international actors. A word on West Africa: with regard to Liberia, we are glad that the security situation appears to have improved in the areas where displaced Liberians and refugees from Sierra Leone last week fled the intensified fighting between rebels and Government forces.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Even though the prospects for repatriation are better than they have been for years, we see how decisive the security situation will be for successful repatriation. In fact, as Chair of the Afghan Support Group, Norway is keenly aware that all humanitarian and reconstruction efforts of the international community will fall short if the security situation is allowed to deteriorate. We must underpin the political process and the authority of the Interim Administration in Kabul and do our utmost to provide a stable security environment for the enormous rehabilitation and reconstruction tasks ahead. The return of Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons is a huge task for UNHCR.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source