YouSaid · the spoken record

Tatham

lines on the record

248

first

2011-07-27

most recent

2015-02-06

sittings or episodes

35

sources

un-security-council

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1. “Edmond Haxhinasto, which was circulated to Council members on 6 February and pledged to take all legislative steps necessary to institutionalize the Albanian Government's cooperation with EULEX. Those developments reinforce our confidence in the work of the EULEX Task Force and in its capacity, authority and jurisdiction to carry out a detailed and exhaustive investigation. I deeply regret the aspersions cast against the impartiality of that investigation by one Council member in an earlier intervention. Overall, 2011 was a good year for Kosovo, in which it further consolidated its independence, with, I understand, 85 countries now confirmed as recognizers. Furthermore, the European Union's General Affairs Council conclusions of 27 January represented a significant step forward in Kosovo's relationship with the EU.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

2. “The United Kingdom takes those allegations seriously and continues to offer its full support to Ambassador Williamson and his Task Force, who are undertaking a thorough and comprehensive investigation into those sensitive issues. We welcome the public commitments undertaken by the Governments of Serbia, Albania and Kosovo to cooperate with Ambassador Williamson's investigations. I note the welcome assurances given today by both Ministers for Foreign Affairs that their authorities will provide full assistance to the investigation. We are equally encouraged by the letter from His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

3. “That includes withholding support for any moves or initiatives that risk inflaming the situation, and it includes giving consistent and unequivocal backing to both the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in the exercise of their legitimate mandates - mandates that they have at all times been fully respected - to guarantee security and freedom of movement throughout Kosovo. The situation still merits close attention, as Assistant Secretary-General Mulet has emphasized. The tentative trend established in the past few months towards a more stable situation in northern Kosovo is clearly one that needs to be sustained and built on. We have heard today references to the allegations of organ trafficking in Senator Dick Marty's report to the Council of Europe.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

4. “As we have underlined on many occasions before, the dialogue remains crucial for building practical cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade, for improving the lives of their citizens, and for ensuring that both Kosovo and Serbia progress in a more stable fashion towards eventual EU membership. It remains the responsibility of all who exercise influence in northern Kosovo, including the Government of Serbia, to work to actively deter violence and reduce tensions.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

5. “The United Kingdom is making its own contribution to that process, notably in the historic centre of Prizren. Further efforts are also needed towards the strengthening of the rule of law and minority rights. There is no doubt that the government of Kosovo is committed to securing concrete progress on those issues, not least in the context of its commitment to prepare for eventual EU accession. We welcome the government's determination to engage more directly with Kosovo Serb citizens in the north. For that reason, it is important for both Kosovo and Serbia to remain engaged in the EU-facilitated dialogue.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

6. “We look forward to working with EU Special Representative Zbogar and his team as they help to guide Kosovo along the path to towards eventual EU accession. Kosovo continues to make particular progress in judicial reform and migration. The launch in January of a formal dialogue with the European Commission on visa liberalization was a result of much hard work on the issue by the Government of Kosovo. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom recognizes that, in other areas, significant challenges remain. We are concerned about the decline in the level of voluntary returns of displaced people and communities. The Government of Kosovo should continue to make every effort to facilitate the return of its nationals in the hope that long-term resettlement and reintegration can take place.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

7. “I welcome the assurances we have heard today from both Foreign Ministers of their continued commitment to the dialogue. The United Kingdom urges both sides to remain continually and constructively engaged in the process, and indeed to agree quickly on dates for further meetings. The positive steps taken since the Council last discussed Kosovo (see S/PV.6670) demonstrate how Europe, with valuable support from the wider international community, is able to tackle and achieve progress on complex and sensitive issues that arise within its borders. It is for that reason that we welcome the recent appointment of Mr. Samuel Zbogar as the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) to Kosovo.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

8. “The United Kingdom endorses a central theme of the report of the Secretary-General before us (S/2012/72), which is that the Government of Kosovo continues to make progress towards normalization both within Kosovo and within the region. I am sure that all Council members will agree that that is firmly in the interests of long-term peace and stability in the Balkans. We wholeheartedly agree with the Secretary- General's observation that the European Union- facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina shows that it is possible for the parties to reach practical agreements in order to improve the daily lives of the people of Kosovo, and where those agreements have been reached, I congratulate the negotiators on both sides for their efforts.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

9. “I would like to start by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Mulet for his briefing. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his participation by video teleconference. The use of video teleconferencing is one of several recent useful innovations that, in our View, improve the efficiency of the Security Council and of United Nations operations in the field, and I welcome the fact that Special Representative Zarif is amongst the many Special Representatives now using it. I am also pleased to welcome to the Council His Excellency Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, and His Excellency Mr. Vuk J eremie, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia.”

   2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source

10. “We urge both Kosovo and Serbia to work intensively and creatively towards achieving further agreements. Compromise and commitment will be essential. Kosovo's progress as a viable independent State is irreversible. Its future belongs in the European Union along with all other countries in the Western Balkans. My Government will continue to work tirelessly towards that goal.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

11. “Serbia must demonstrate that it is making progress in normalizing its relationship with Kosovo if EU member States are to be able to grant Serbia candidate status in December. That means, among other things, implementing fully those agreements already reached in the dialogue, engaging constructively with a View to securing agreements on other issues already under discussion, and taking concrete steps towards resolving the current tensions and restoration of freedom of movement in the north of Kosovo, including through cooperation with EULEX. I referred a moment ago to the centrality of the dialogue to both countries' futures. I echo the call by the Secretary-General in his report for both Pristina and Belgrade to continue to show confidence in the dialogue. It is important that further progress be made at the next round of talks tomorrow.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

12. “That is why the United Kingdom welcomed the European Commission's emphasis on the importance of normalization of relations with Kosovo in its recent opinion on Serbia's application for EU membership. The United Kingdom is a firm supporter of Serbia's EU accession; we will do all we can to support that ambition. There is much to welcome in the capture and extradition of Mladie and Karadzie, which served as historic moments for international justice and for the region and a testament to firm leadership. Serbia's legislative reform programme has been impressive. But it is how Serbia chooses to respond to the Commission's recommendations on Kosovo that will determine the next steps on its path towards the European Union.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

13. “The EU-facilitated dialogue is crucial to the European futures of both Kosovo and Serbia, and for the well-being of their citizens. Regional cooperation such as this is essential to the future stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans. Many of the challenges that Western Balkans countries face today, such as organized crime, can be effectively addressed only through close cooperation at both the technical and political levels. The 21 November meeting of the dialogue was a welcome incremental step forward. Agreement was found on the mutual recognition of university diplomas, and constructive discussions were held on customs arrangements and Kosovo's participation in regional forums. Regional cooperation is an integral part of the EU accession process.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

14. “The Special Representative of the Secretary- General referred to the steps taken to investigate allegations of organized crime, including organ trafficking, in Kosovo. The United Kingdom welcomes the appointment of United States war crimes Ambassador Clint Williamson as head of the EU Special Investigative Task Force investigating allegations of organized crime, including organ trafficking, in Kosovo. We are also pleased that Ambassador Williamson has already been able to visit Pristina, Belgrade and Tirana. He and his Task Force have the United Kingdom's full support and confidence as they take forward their investigations in a thorough and professional manner. We are clear that EULEX has the appropriate authority and jurisdiction to take this important work forward.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

15. “We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks on NATO peacekeepers on 27 September, 23 November and, most recently, 28 November near Zubin Potok, where protesters used explosives and small arms against Kosovo Force (KFOR) troops. Two soldiers received gunshot wounds and more than 20 others were injured as a result of Monday's violence. It is the responsibility of all who exercise influence in northern Kosovo, including the Government of Serbia, to work actively to deter violence and restore freedom of movement. They must also give consistent and unequivocal backing to both KFOR and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in the exercise of their legitimate mandates to guarantee security and freedom of movement.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

16. “It is imperative that all actors refrain from taking any actions that threaten the stability and security of those living in northern Kosovo. As the Secretary-General's report notes, the two northern crossings authorized by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo in 2001 remain effectively closed by illegal roadblocks. Those who have erected those roadblocks are undermining the welfare of their fellow citizens and should remove the roadblocks immediately. Let me be clear - there can be no excuse for any attempt to restrict freedom of movement in northern Kosovo. Nor can there be any place for violence. We deeply regret the injuries and loss of life in recent months, and express our sympathies to the families of those affected.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

17. “I welcome the Kosovo Government's commitment to securing concrete progress on these issues, and its commitment to the task of preparing for eventual EU accession. The Secretary-General's report notes the continuing challenges in northern Kosovo, and the briefing by Special Representative Zarif highlighted very worrying events over recent days. Many citizens there are still unable to lead normal lives. They face high levels of crime, unemployment and insecurity. We encourage the Kosovo Government to intensify efforts to demonstrate its commitment to its citizens in northern Kosovo, and the concrete benefits - for example, in the rule of law, education and unemployment - it is able to bring. I urge Mr. Hoxhaj and his colleagues to pursue this with vision and energy. But others also share the responsibility for addressing current challenges.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

18. “In his report, the Secretary-General notes the positive trend of the Kosovo authorities' increased efforts to fight organized crime, notably through coordinated actions against human trafficking, smuggling, money laundering and drug trafficking. The European Commission's offer of a formal dialogue on visa liberalization is testament to much hard work by the Kosovo Government with respect to judicial reform and migration. I also commend Kosovo's constructive engagement in the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue with Serbia. But major challenges remain. The Commission's report correctly highlights that the rule of law and minority rights are areas where further effort is needed.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

19. “I would like to start by thanking the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I am also pleased to welcome to the Council His Excellency Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, and His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremie, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. The United Kingdom is grateful for the Secretary-General's report (S/2011/675), which tallies with much of the European Commission's own assessment of progress in Kosovo. A central theme of both reports, with which we agree, is that while Kosovo has made progress, substantial reforms are still required. Areas where Kosovo has made particular progress this year are judicial reform and migration.”

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

20. “Any such attempt would, in our view, be neither warranted nor a responsible course of action, and we welcome German proposals for further discussion on the matter.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

21. “The United Kingdom supports High Representative Inzko's assessment that EUFOR Operation Althea continues to reassure the Bosnian people of their security and it welcomes the agreement reached in October in the EU Foreign Affairs Council to continue to fulfil EUFOR's executive mandate. In light of the ongoing political instability and stagnation, it is our belief that international safeguards against instability remain essential alongside the strong EU presence. We look forward to the Council's agreement to an extension of EUFOR later this week. Finally, to pick up on a point made by some colleagues, this year's attacks on decisions made by the High Representative come against the backdrop of talk from within Bosnia and Herzegovina of pursuing legal action against former High Representatives.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

22. “It brings a prospect of long-awaited justice for some of the victims and their families, which have suffered and continue to suffer. It was an important moment for the region and serves as a strong statement of the international community's commitment to international justice. We warmly welcome the European Union's revised strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina that was agreed in March. We offer our full support to the new EU Special Representative and the new EU Head of Delegation, Peter Sarensen. Special Representative Sorensen has made an excellent start in the role and we commend the positive and collaborative relationship that has been forged between him and High Representative Inzko.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

23. “It has a clear perspective for European Union and NATO membership, which provide a proven framework for peace, security and intensified regional cooperation. However, that perspective requires a commitment to reform and functionality that Bosnia and Herzegovina's politicians have yet to demonstrate. The United Kingdom urges Bosnia and Herzegovina's politicians to focus on delivery of the reform progress that will carry their country forward. Their responsibility is to realize the country's potential, not stifle it. I referred a moment ago to the suffering experienced by the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the conflict of the 1990's. The arrest of Ratko Mladic' earlier this year is a very welcome step.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

24. “Political stagnation is also having a negative impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina's economic situation, and the United Kingdom shares the High Representative's concerns over worrisome unemployment and investment figures. Recent decisions by rating agencies to downgrade Bosnia and Herzegovina's outlook provide a clear indication of how political statement damages economic confidence. That situation is made worse by endemic corruption at both the State and entity levels. We urge elected officials to take determined action to tackle all manifestations of corruption. Bosnia and Herzegovina has had a difficult and tragic recent past. It is hard to overstate the suffering inflicted upon the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the period of conflict. But Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that should now have hopeful prospects.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

25. “The prolonged stalemate over State-level Government formation strikes us as a disappointing neglect of that responsibility. We need to focus not just on formation of a State-level Government but also on establishing a clear reform momentum. Until reforms such as the adoption of State aid and State census laws are enacted, Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to fall further behind its neighbours on the path towards European Union accession. Constitutional reforms will also be necessary to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina into line with its international legal obligations, meeting the minimum criteria for European Union membership, as well as providing a workable basis for the country's future.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

26. “We call on political leaders from all parties and ethnic groups to refrain from using divisive rhetoric that undermines State sovereignty and the authority of State institutions. It is clear that some politicians remain unwilling to put the needs of the country and its citizens above their own nationalist agendas. We therefore echo the calls of the Peace Implementation Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina's elected politicians to fulfil their obligations to the Bosnian people to form a stable Government capable of taking forward Bosnia and Herzegovina's essential reform agenda without delay. Delivery of effective Government is the most basic of responsibilities owed by elected representatives to those who have voted for them.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

27. “We also share High Representative Inzko's concerns over the intensification of nationalistic rhetoric and challenges to State institutions, the negligible progress made in reforms for the European Union and NATO accession and the failure to fulfil any further elements of the 5+2 conditionality necessary for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. We note with concern the details set out in the High Representative's report of actions taken by the Republika Srpska authorities, challenging Bosnia and Herzegovina's State-level institutions, competences and laws and challenging the High Representative's authority under the Dayton Agreement. Those actions simply serve to obstruct Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in the reform process. They offer no benefit to any segment of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

28. “Some of my colleagues have pointed out that the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been broadly stable. Perhaps so, but it has certainly not been moving forward. More than a year after the elections held in October 2010, elected politicians are still failing to deliver an agreement on the formation of a new State- level Government, delays in the formation of the Council of Ministers are preventing the passing of legislation, and no agreement has yet been reached on a 2011 budget.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

29. “I would like to join previous speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko to the Council. I thank him for his detailed, accurate and objective report (S/2011/682, annex). The United Kingdom would like to express its gratitude to the High Representative for his ongoing efforts to uphold and ensure implementation of the Dayton Accords and to encourage reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina in what has been a difficult year. High Representative Inzko has a demanding job, and we appreciate the principled and committed manner in which he carries it out. Like others, I would like to acknowledge Bosnia and Herzegovina's contribution to the work of the Council since the beginning of 2010. The United Kingdom shares the High Representative's serious concerns over the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

30. “I would like to close by reiterating the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to the Security Council's fight against terrorism, as well as our ongoing commitment to the work of the 1989, 1373 and 1540 Committees.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

31. “As we work together in combating terrorism, we do not forget the challenges posed to our collective security by proliferation. All countries, regardless of whether they hold chemical, biological or nuclear materials, have a responsibility under resolution 1540 (2004) to take action to prevent proliferation. We were encouraged that most States have provided initial reports to the Committee, but it is important that all States provide updates as they make progress in implementing the resolution. States should also recognize that action undertaken, for example, when improving border security, is relevant to resolution 1540 (2004), and making such linkages will enable more effective reporting to the Committee.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

32. “Most notably, it further strengthened the Office of the Ombudsperson by introducing the power to make recommendations on de-listing, by urging States to provide information, including confidential information, and by encouraging individuals challenging their listing in courts to submit their cases to the Ombudsperson. The United Kingdom also welcomed innovations in de-listing processes, particularly through the introduction of two so-called smart sunset clauses. We believe that these changes have helped the Al-Qaida sanctions regime maintain its relevance. Nimbler and more transparent de-listing procedures mean that the regime is better placed to respond to the evolving terrorist threat, while protecting the rights of individuals. We believe that the procedures the Council introduced will lead to a more targeted and focused tool.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

33. “Much has been achieved by the Counter- Terrorism Committee over the last 10 years. This includes building counter-terrorism legislation, strengthening law-enforcement bodies and helping to create units to tackle terrorist financing. The United Kingdom supports the Counter-Terrorism Committee's continuing cooperation with Member States as they build their capacity to deal with terrorism in all its forms. Let me now turn to the Al-Qaida sanctions regime. The adoption of resolution 1989 (2011) in June this year was an important step in our collective endeavour to ensure that sanctions against Al-Qaida remain effective, responsive and fair. Resolution 1989 (2011) introduced important changes in how the regime works.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

34. “I would like to thank the Chairs of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), and of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), Ambassadors Wittig, Puri and Sangqu, for their comprehensive briefings today and for their effective leadership of those Committees. We have passed an important milestone since we last met in this format. In September we marked the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent adoption of resolution 1373 (2001). The attacks of 9/11 changed the way we viewed terrorism. It was the first time we had faced such a global terrorist threat, and it provided an essential impetus to strengthening international cooperation.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

35. “To that end, we would like to request that the Secretary- General report to the Council before the end of May next year regarding opportunities for improved information-sharing among the AU, LRA-affected States and United Nations missions, and outlining the role of UNOCA in coordinating activity against the LRA. Finally, I thank Council members for their support for the presidential statement which the United Kingdom delegation has prepared and which we will shortly be adopting.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

36. “Tackling the LRA is primary among those, but it is also welcome to see efforts to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, efforts which have the clear and strong support of the Security Council. I am also pleased to see that upstream conflict prevention will be central to UNOCA's work. I hope that best practices from the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) will be adopted by UNOCA in its efforts to pre-empt tensions in the region and mediate between parties. So I am highly encouraged by what Special Representative Abou Moussa has said about his close cooperation with his colleague, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of UNOAU. In order for the Council to effectively review and support the efforts of the United Nations, AU and affected countries, we must be well informed.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

37. “Facilitating high-level liaison among heads of the affected States, heads of United Nations missions and the AU's Special Envoy for the LRA, and collecting and disseminating data would help United Nations missions to protect civilians against LRA atrocities. Turning to UNOCA's wider role, I am pleased to note that UNOCA's first six months have seen it put on a sure footing. I join Special Representative Abou Moussa in thanking the Government of Gabon for its support in facilitating the launch and operations of UNOCA. The Secretary-General's report (S/2011/704) rightly points out the financial constraints under which UNOCA will need to operate. It is therefore essential that UNOCA delivers against a limited number of prioritized objectives, particularly while in its early stages.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

38. “And it is essential that the protection of civilians is a clear component of any military operation - a point already emphasized by the Permanent Representative of Gabon. I am pleased that the Secretary-General's report has highlighted the many ways in which United Nations peacekeeping operations have worked with the affected countries to protect civilians from this ongoing threat. I believe that the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) could enhance its effort by promoting regional programming by United Nations agencies and missions in support of humanitarian operations and the reintegration of combatants.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

39. “Tackling the threat posed by a group that, as the Special Representative has pointed out, has no obvious political agenda is a particular challenge that requires strong commitment and effective coordination among all of those acting in the region: the United Nations and its missions, the African Union (AU) and the Governments of the affected States, supported by the international community. I recognize the significant efforts that the militaries of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic have undertaken to pursue and apprehend the remaining LRA fighters. It is important, of course, to record that all action against the LRA should be conducted in compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

40. “Abou Moussa has just reminded us, the LRA continues to pose a substantial threat to regional security in Central Africa. The atrocities that they commit have serious humanitarian and human rights consequences. The United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms their continued violations of humanitarian law and their human rights abuses, which have resulted in the displacement of 440,000 people across the region. The LRA's campaign has the potential to cause further instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, and to hamper the efforts of those countries to progress towards peace and security. Removing the threat of the LRA is important in terms of creating and consolidating a secure and stable environment in the affected countries.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

41. “Thank you, Sir, for scheduling this important briefing. Let me begin by thanking Special Representative Mr. Abou Moussa for his briefing and, moreover, for the valuable contribution he makes to peace and security in the Central African region. I also thank His Excellency Mr. Antonio, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, and General Sylvain-Goma, Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of the Republic of South Sudan and the Central African Republic. As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/693) makes clear, engagement by the Governments of countries affected by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is Vital to addressing the threat presented by the LRA. As Mr.”

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source

42. “Finally, listening to the Force Commanders this morning, I was reminded once again of the enormous value that we get from the direct view from the field. I would like to thank them very much for taking the time from their annual conference to speak to the Council. I hope we will be able to hear from them in the future on a regular basis.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

43. “There are situations where this makes good operational sense, and the asset-sharing between UNMIL and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) is an important example. I think the potential for this needs to be fully explored. My final observation is on clear mandates. I think it was my Indian colleague who spoke about the importance of clear mandates. We have all referred to the risks and hardships that our peacekeeping operations have to endure. I think the least that we can do is to provide the peacekeeping missions with clear mandates. It is all too easy for us around the Council table to try and bridge differences through ambiguity or elaborate wording. We always need to be mindful of the problems this can pose to peacekeeping operations in the field as they carry out their important work.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

44. “I would be interested in General Prakash's view as to whether there are useful general principles for this balance that can be identified for wider application, or whether this is something that needs to be determined very much on the ground. General Prakash also gave some useful guidelines about implementing conditionality, in particular that it is easier to implement at the start rather than downstream. I think that is an important consideration in the light of the new peacekeeping operation under way in Southern Sudan. My third observation is about inter-mission cooperation, where I would briefly like to echo my Nigerian colleague once again, and my United States colleague, in expressing strong support for the principle of inter-mission cooperation.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

45. “I am aware that the Secretary-General has referred to UNAMID's robustness as having contributed to a reduction in attacks on the Mission, and I think that is an important point. Second is the impact of conditionality policy. I listened to General Prakash's remarks on conditionality with great interest. Conditionality is a requirement to ensure that peacekeepers are not supporting activities that fall outside international humanitarian law. The application of such a policy must, obviously, be rigorous. But we have to also keep an eye on operational effectiveness. General Prakash spoke about the balance between the desirable and the feasible. I am interested in the concept of that balance - how to strike it - if there is time, but I appreciate the fact that we are running against the clock.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

46. “It will be important that we can hear in due course from the new Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. In the light of what I have heard from the Force Commanders and from colleagues on the Council, I would like to make observations on four brief points. First is the protection of civilians. I took from the presentation of General Nyamvumba a clear message about the importance of the responsibility to protect civilians under attack or threat of attack. That is fundamental to peacekeeping responsibilities. I am interested here in the linkage between that and the use of a robust posture - a concept which is well understood among UNAMID senior leadership. I am aware that for some this is a controversial issue, but I join my Nigerian colleague in expressing robust support for robust posture.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

47. “I join others in condemning the attack earlier this week and in wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured. The United Kingdom very much supports the ongoing initiative, which has become something of a tradition now, to ensure that force commanders and police commissioners have an opportunity to brief the Council during their annual conference in New York. It is important to ensure that we do as much as is feasible to improve the Council's understanding of the operational demands placed on troops and police by the peacekeeping resolutions we write. As we demonstrated during our November presidency of the Council, we have access to new technology to ensure that we can hear from operational commanders more frequently, and we believe that we should take up that opportunity on a more regular basis.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

48. “I will try to be very brief. I thank Ambassador Wittig for inviting Under-Secretary-General Le Roy and the Force Commanders from the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to brief the Council. I would like to thank them for their insights this morning, and more importantly for the work of the Force Commanders and police commissioners and the hard work of all the women and men who are under their command, frequently, as we know, in very challenging circumstances and at great personal risk. These risks were highlighted by the recent attacks on UNIFIL.”

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source