YouSaid · the spoken record

Terzi Di Santagata

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73

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1997-04-15

most recent

2009-07-22

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10

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un-security-council

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1. “Our location in the Mediterranean leads us to see the African continent as a priority area for political and economic commitment. In this framework, development cooperation represents an essential instrument. Africa receives a prominent share of Italian aid, which is contributed both bilaterally and through the international organizations and also in the form of emergency relief for refugees. In its latest budget, my Government included a provision for the conversion of debt in developing countries into investments. We support the Secretary-General's appeal to reflect on the best response to African conflict situations.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875Resumption1 (1998) · source

2. “In particular, we need to promote the integration of African countries into the flow of international trade and investments at a time when there is a drive towards the liberalization of exchanges and when Africa is experiencing a decline in its export rates and in the flow of direct investments. On the basis of this premise, Italy's policy, outlined in September 1996 by our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lamberto Dini, aims to increase collaboration with African countries at every level in the prevention and peaceful settlement of conflicts and the promotion and affirmation of democratic processes and development. Pacification, economic development, the safeguarding of human rights, respect for minorities, inter-ethnic coexistence and the acceptance of religious and cultural diversity are primary aspects of this programme.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875Resumption1 (1998) · source

3. “The recent meeting in New York between the United Nations and the international financial institutions in the framework of the Economic and Social Council emphasized the idea that we must continue to join forces to eradicate poverty and open the road to future sustainable development. This is particularly true for the African continent. The international community, as the Secretary- General has underlined, should aim to help African Governments create an environment favourable to investment flows and alleviating the burden of debt. Development cooperation must aim more and more to create economic partnerships rather than economic dependency.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875Resumption1 (1998) · source

4. “Africa has experienced tragedies and conflicts, but the picture is changing, however slowly, and prospects look brighter today than in the past. The holding of free elections, the consolidation of democratic Governments and the increase in the growth rate contain the seeds of hope. Africa is once again at the centre of the international community's attention, as is proved by the initiatives of the United Nations, the Bretton Woods institutions and the G-8. We hope that this renewed attention leads to a greater awareness of the potentially harmful effects of what would be an unacceptable marginalization of the continent in the global economic environment. The social and human costs of poverty - the primary cause of conflicts - are high.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875Resumption1 (1998) · source

5. “First of all, I wish to associate myself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union. My authorities have carefully assessed the Secretary- General's report. Italy fully shares and supports the Secretary-General' 5 recommendations and conclusions. The report goes beyond easy rhetoric to realistically address the inextricably related problems of peace and development. The Secretary-General's recommendations and suggestions should be translated into concrete actions to foster full collaboration with African countries. In addition to the Security Council, other United Nations bodies, in particular the Economic and Social Council, should ensure that there is appropriate follow-up and that the significant economic implications that this report contains are implemented.”

   1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875Resumption1 (1998) · source

6. “This is why we welcome the reconnnendations contained in the Secretary-General's report, and have sponsored today's draft resolution to extend the mandate of UNPREDEP, in its present configuration, for nine months. In this respect, as part of the Coordinating and Consultative Process and of the Contact Group, my delegation would like to praise the spirit of flexibility and Security Council 3839th meeting Fiftyvsecond year 4 December 1997 compromise that has prevailed, thus allowing this extension. In fact, this nine-month period appears to be the minimum requirement for ensuring that, once the UNPREDEP operation terminates, proper successor arrangements will be put in place to guarantee the international community's ongoing commitment to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Italy stands by this commitment.”

   1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3839 (1997) · source

7. “While the situation in Albania has greatly improved in the past few months, thanks also to the prompt response of the international community, and especially the Security Council, which rapidly authorized the Italian-led multinational protection force in the country, there can be no doubt that tensions persist in the region. In our View, these circumstances would make any withdrawal of UNPREDEP forces at this stage premature, and risk sending the wrong signal. We should not forget that the original purpose of deploying a United Nations mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was to prevent it from being destabilized by conflicts elsewhere in the area. Therefore, the situation in the country should not only be considered by itself, but also in the broader context of regional developments.”

   1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3839 (1997) · source

8. “While the Secretary-General's report underlines an improvement in the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, we cannot ignore the elements of precariousness that continue to exist. Italy has also noted the request of the Foreign Minister of the host Government, Mr. Blagoj Handziski, for a lZ-month extension of the UNPREDEP mandate, and was ready to support it. In his letter to the Secretary- General [8/1997/838, annex], Mr. Handziski expressed his Government's concern over the continued sources of destabilization in the region, and in particular the situation in Kosovo and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italy agrees with these assessments.”

   1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3839 (1997) · source

9. “UNPREDEP sets an important precedent in the preventive deployment of United Nations forces, and has been a success story whose results should not be wasted or jeopardized. The United Nations mission has promoted dialogue among the various political forces and ethnic communities, provided humanitarian assistance to the local population, and enhanced social integration and institution building. The operation is making a decisive contribution to the stabilization of the political situation in the country, sheltering it from the dangers of increased tensions that could stem from continued instability in the region. However, we also agree with the Secretary-General that peace and stability in the country continue to depend largely on developments in other parts of the region.”

   1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3839 (1997) · source

10. “Mr. President, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. There can be no doubt that under your wise guidance, this month's work will be successful. At the same time, [wish to compliment your predecessor, Ambassador Qin Huasun of China, for his exemplary leadership of the Council in November. Italy fully shares the Secretary-General's assessment, contained in his report of 20 November 1997 [5/1997/911], that over the past five years, the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) has successfully helped prevent the spillover of conflicts from elsewhere in the region into the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.”

    1997-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3839 (1997) · source

11. “As we proceed with the operation in Albania, we are exploring with our partners in the mission and with the Albanian Government ways and means to fulfil its primary objective, namely the well-being of the Albanian people. As the developments in Albania clearly demonstrate, humanitarian issues have an increasing and visible impact on the activity of the Council. In our fast-changing world they affect international peace and security in a number of ways. Therefore, while it is not easy to define the correct approach, respect for human life should always be the paramount consideration. It is clear that the international community is only now beginning to address these new and complex scenarios.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

12. “The multinational protection force operates in close coordination with governmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in humanitarian assistance. Their role in Albania is essential too, as is the contribution provided by international financial organizations. The close coordination of all these efforts is the key to the success of the international community in Albania. A strong commitment by the international community, in conjunction with the Albanian authorities and people, is now needed to finalize and implement a clear programme of political, economic and financial assistance, which is necessary to strengthen the democratic dialogue and the recovery of the Albanian economy.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

13. “It is in this spirit that the Government of Italy, confronted with the humanitarian crisis in Albania, proposed a limited multinational protection force to facilitate the delivery of basic goods to the population and to help create a secure environment for international organizations in Albania. To ensure the success of this operation, a number of practical steps have been taken. A steering committee has been created for guidance and for close cooperation with the participating States and with international organizations active in Albania. Cooperation with the Albanian Government, through such modalities as the presence of its representatives at the steering committee meetings, is of course, of the utmost importance.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

14. “We believe that the establishment of a permanent international criminal court remains the most adequate instrument to ensure the prosecution and punishment of these crimes. In all the episodes I mentioned, the response of the international community has been far from satisfactory. We acknowledge that the United Nations and its Member States are now confronted with a new type of conflict, one which often originates within a State. The consequences for the fabric of society and for the plight of civilians are even more disruptive because of the historical animosities and ethnic rivalries frequently involved. It is difficult for the international community to formulate a strategy to deal with situations of such complexity. However, human suffering and the danger of further deterioration exact a high price for inaction.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

15. “In the territories of the former Yugoslavia, violence against civilians, obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian assistance and harassment of relief workers have taken place on a large scale. In countries as far apart as Liberia and Afghanistan, Angola and Tajikistan - just to mention a few - similar episodes of targeting of civilians and humanitarian personnel by military factions has occurred. The presidency of the European Union stressed several points on which further reflection by the Council is needed. My delegation draws attention, in particular, to the necessity to hold personally accountable those who violate basic principles of international humanitarian law.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

16. “In this regard, the issue debated today is of crucial importance. It does not only address a fundamental moral imperative - to assist human beings in need, while protecting them and the providers of help - it also represents an essential component for the peaceful settlement of a conflicts. In the past few years, the principles which should inspire the response of the international community to the threat posed to civilians by the spread of conflicts have been called into question. Reports of the mistreatment and even the killing of refugees and the threats to humanitarian workers in the Great Lakes region are a matter of the greatest concern. But they are not the only events of this nature.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

17. “Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency, and to compliment your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Portugal, Ambassador Monteiro, for his excellent leadership of the Council during the month of April. The Italian delegation fully endorses the statement made by the representative of the Netherlands on behalf of the European Union. We welcome the Security Council's decision to hold a formal meeting on the issue of protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations. We believe that the Council cannot fulfil the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security entrusted to it by the Charter without focusing on the underlying elements upon which peace and security are built.”

    1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source

18. “In closing, let me reiterate Italy's determination to participate in the search for a compromise solution that will allow a gradual stabilization of the country, a greater flow of humanitarian assistance, and a much-needed improvement in the living conditions of the people.”

    1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source

19. “We look forward to the conference on coordinating humanitarian assistance activities to be held in Geneva on 21 April. It is of the utmost importance that this coordination be implemented in a way that allows the assistance to be equitably distributed to the entire Afghan population. Italy is particularly concerned by the growing dimensions of drug production in Afghanistan. This is not a new phenomenon, but the disintegration of any semblance of central power and the economic ruin of the country have led larger segments of the population to undertake this harmful activity. The action that the factions take to cut back on the cultivation of drug crops is a litmus test of their will to participate constructively in the rebuilding of a new State that is fully entitled to be part of the international community.”

    1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source

20. “Italy fully supports the mediation activities of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan, and is also convinced that close coordination between all the negotiating efforts is needed. We hope that these initiatives can bring about significant improvements and register concrete results. In this perspective we believe that the Secretary-General's useful initiative to convene a new meeting on Afghanistan of the countries most directly interested in the Afghan crisis can help lead to innovative proposals and to indications of ways to find a solution to the crisis. In view of its traditional friendly relations with Afghanistan, Italy has continued over these years to provide an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance to the country through contributions to the specialized agencies and other United Nations structures.”

    1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source

21. “These countries are indeed the most interested in finding a stable and lasting solution to the Afghan crisis, as a political settlement would also allow the return of the refugees to their homes. In recent months the Taliban movement has gained control over an ever wider swath of the country, including the capital. The decisions made thus far by the Taliban leaders in Kabul have certainly been cause for alarm in the international community, especially in terms of respect for the human rights of women. It is worthwhile to repeat forcefully that these rights are the common heritage of all humanity, and must always be respected. We also note that the international community knows very little about the structure of that movement, and can only base its judgment on the decisions and behaviour that have raised such alarm.”

    1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source

22. “But if there is a lesson that can be learned from recent history, it is that a lasting solution to the Afghan crisis cannot be found on the military level but must instead be the fruit of a consultation process and of political mediation, not only between the main faction leaders, but also among the various components of Afghan society. For many years the neighbouring countries have born the burden of millions of Afghan refugees in their territories, at a high cost. The number of refugees has gone down recently but still poses considerable problems for the host countries. We must appreciate the efforts made by these countries and be grateful for the welcome they have extended to the refugees.”

    1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source

23. “The Italian delegation fully endorses the statement made by the Netherlands on behalf of the European Union, and would like to add some comments on particular aspects of this issue. Afghanistan is a country that in its long history has been afflicted by recurring tensions, heightened at times by the interference of foreign countries. But this interference has always been repelled by the deeply independent character of the Afghan people. This is both ancient and modern history. Events of the past 15 years have left Afghanistan torn asunder by clashes between the various factions and prey to a civil war to which no end is in sight. Sadly, all available indications point to a probable resumption of hostilities in the coming days and weeks, with the arrival of spring making the mountain passes that dot the countryside once again viable.”

    1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source