YouSaid · the spoken record

Tiirk

lines on the record: 245
first: 1994-04-21
most recent: 2016-11-22
sittings or episodes: 18
sources: un-security-council

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“This is also a moment to take stock of what has been achieved so far and to take a hard look at the road before us. Despite dire predictions about the evolution of the internal situation, Iraq has been able, with the support of the United Nations, to meet each benchmark of its political transition so far. Most important, Iraq has regained its sovereignty and has a newly elected Government now in place following last January's successful elections. We know from experience how difficult it is for any society with a history like Iraq's to go through such a fundamental transition. To be sure, there have been inevitable setbacks along the road, and today's problems cannot be addressed through quick fixes.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: I am pleased to present the fourth report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 30 of Security Council resolution 1546 (2004) (5/2005/373). The report provides an update on United Nations activities in Iraq since the Secretary-General's last report, of 7 March 2005 (8/2005/141 and Corr.l). I will therefore focus my remarks on the political process that has developed since the convening of the Transitional National Assembly and the formation of the Transitional Government and on the implications for the work of the United Nations in the coming months. One year after the adoption of resolution 1546 (2004), this report comes at what may be a critical moment for Iraq - internally, regionally and internationally.”
2005-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5204 (2005) · source
“We are very close to the successful completion of this process, but we have not completed it as yet, and the Security Council would be well advised to pay further attention in the future to the peace process in Bougainville.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“That is the magnitude that we have to keep in mind. Every effort must be made to ensure the successful completion of the current stage of the peace process. In that context, a particularly important aspect will be placing increasing emphasis on long-term assistance. You yourself, Mr. President, referred to that aspect, and so did many other members of the Security Council. We have taken careful note of that and will give further thought to it. We will continue to appreciate the work being done and assistance being offered by the countries in the region. There may be new ideas that we will be able to discuss with the Security Council in the coming period. Obviously, the work is not yet done.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: I would like to express appreciation for the comments made by the members of the Security Council who have expressed support for the work of the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville. I would like to assure members that the content of this discussion will be conveyed to the Mission in all of its aspects, including those that relate to some of the recent difficulties. We will be continuing our efforts to complete the work of the Mission successfully. I would also like to mention that today, when we find ourselves in a situation of successful continuation and when we are close to the completion of our work, we have to be aware that this work relates to a past conflict of considerable proportions: almost 15,000 people were reported to have been killed during the armed conflict in Bougainville years ago.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The cooperation between UNDP and UNOMB in consolidating their offices in Buka has led to a reduction of their operational costs. In conclusion, I would like to commend the parties for their commitment to the steady implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and for increasingly assuming ownership of that process. It has already become a success story - a triumph of cooperative actions on the part of the successive Governments of Papa New Guinea, of the people of Bougainville, of regional partners and of a very small - but also very efficient - United Nations Mission. We call on the parties to maintain the momentum, and we urge them to redouble their efforts to finalize the Bougainville constitutional process, opening the way for the election of an autonomous Bougainville Government as soon as practicable this year.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The Mission has facilitated the expansion of UNICEF's programme on Bougainville by providing political, administrative and logistical support to that agency. A delegation from UNICEF recently visited Bougainville for 10 days of workshops and meetings. UNICEF is expected to establish an office in Arawa and to employ a locally hired programme manager. The UNDP has nearly completed preparations for the implementation of its second-phase rehabilitation programme for Bougainville, which would include assistance in agriculture, capacity-building and other areas. The UNDP is scheduled to begin recruitment of an international programme manager, who would direct the implementation of the second phase of its Bougainville programme.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“Ona, the United Nations Observer Mission has been informing him of the most recent developments in the peace process and has been expressing its readiness to resume regular contacts with him. On the whole, we believe that progress with regard to Francis Ona has been significant and that his influence continues to be reduced. Before concluding, I would like to say a few words about the coordination between the United Nations Observer Mission and United Nations agencies with regard to Bougainville. The Mission has continued to work in close cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF and other United Nations organizations on the practical aspects of peace-building in Bougainville.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“Ona's Me'ekamui Defence Force - has joined the peace process, and in April 2004 it completed destruction of its weapons. The "A" company has also been very active in conducting peace awareness meetings in the so-called no-go zone. However, other elements of the Me'ekamui Defence Force have not contained their weapons. UNOMB has been informed that the zone's inhabitants are dissatisfied with restrictions on the freedom of their movement caused by the continued manning of the roadblocks, which inhibits access and the free flow of services and goods to the no-go zone. Regrettably, Francis Ona continues to avoid engaging in dialogue with the Bougainvillean leaders and with the national Government on this matter. In its communications with Mr.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“In addition to the delegation of police powers, the law and justice programmes of Australia and New Zealand have further strengthened Bougainville's policing and judicial institutions. It is hoped that the programmes will, over time, help to build capacity for Bougainville's police, justice and correctional institutions. Furthermore, the Australian Federal Police plans to deploy 19 officers to Bougainville as part of an enhanced cooperation package with the Government of Papua New Guinea. So there has been significant progress in that domain as well. There has also been some progress, however incremental, concerning the involvement of Francis Ona and his supporters in the peace process. On the positive side, the so-called "A" company - the dominant force in Mr.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The Provincial Government recently took another step towards autonomy by establishing a ministry for peace and autonomy. The new ministry will act as the Bougainville counterpart to the national Government's Bougainville Peace and Restoration Office. The ministry is also expected to ensure awareness of the peace process throughout Bougainville and to facilitate reconciliation ceremonies on the island. I shall now say a few words about the Bougainville police. The National Executive Council delegated police powers and functions to the Bougainville Interim Provincial Government on 17 December 2003. In a further step towards autonomy, the Governor appointed the former leader of the Bougainville Resistance Force as Bougainville's first Minister of Police.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The earliest possible time frame for the elections would then be the end of November or the beginning of December 2004. Following the completion of all constitutional phases, UNOMB will continue to consult closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea and with the parties in Bougainville regarding their intention to proceed to elections as soon as practicable. The Secretariat will come back to the Security Council to report on that matter and on progress made during the next briefing, in June 2004, prior to the expiration of UNOMB's mandate. The Bougainville Interim Provincial Government has also begun to make preparations for the next steps in the electoral process by determining a timetable for the completion of the constitution and for elections for the autonomous Bougainville Government.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“That also provides additional incentive for progress in the area of constitution-making. I would like to make a few references to the constitutional process. At the Peace Process Consultative Committee meeting held on 25 February 2004, the Papua New Guinea Government provided the Bougainvillean leaders with its comments on the second draft of the Bougainville constitution. The Bougainville Constitutional Commission is working on incorporating those comments into the third and final draft of the constitution, which is expected to be produced by the end of this month. The draft would then be submitted for approval by the Bougainville Constituent Assembly in June 2004. Following its adoption by the Constituent Assembly, it would be submitted to the national Government for endorsement, which is expected to take place by the end of July.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“UNOMB has already certified that five of ten Bougainville districts have completed the weapons disposal programme. The destruction of the weapons has been accompanied by ceremonies that have been used as opportunities to promote awareness of the peace process across the island. We would like to note that the actual destruction of weapons has been carried out by the Bougainvilleans under UNOMB supervision. The implementation of the weapons disposal programme represents significant progress for the people of Bougainville, who have suffered enormously as a consequence of the fighting, which ended several years ago. Their decision to make Bougainville weapons-free is a courageous act that deserves our highest praise and support, as are the specific steps taken recently that gave full meaning to that decision.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The stage III decision on the final fate of the weapons contained a provision that allowed ex- combatants, unit commanders and communities themselves to decide on the exact date and method of destruction. The United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville made full use of that flexibility by decentralizing the process of weapons destruction. As a result, the Mission has succeeded in greatly expediting weapons destruction. In its publicized messages to the communities of Bougainville, UNOMB emphasized the full implementation of the Peace Agreement as the way to autonomy and lasting peace in Bougainville. To date, 1,588 pieces of contained weapons - 81 per cent of the arsenals of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and the Bougainville Resistance Force - have been destroyed.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“The Mission is also expected, in accordance with its mandate and the amended Papua New Guinea Constitution, to verify and to certify that the level of security is conducive to holding elections. Before I update the Council on this and other recent developments, I would like to express our satisfaction that the new Mission - the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville, headed since 1 March 2004 by Mr. Tor Stenbock - is working in close cooperation and consultation with the national Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville leaders. I would also like to use this opportunity today to commend the excellent work done in the position of Head of the Mission by the former Director, Mr. Noel Sinclair. I would like to proceed to the update on weapons disposal.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: At the last briefing, on 15 December 2003, I informed the Council that the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and the Bougainville Resistance Force agreed on the destruction of all contained weapons. I am pleased to inform the Council today that at the meeting of the Peace Process Consultative Committee held on 17 December 2003, that agreement was transformed into a binding resolution. At the same briefing of 15 December, the Council supported the Secretary-General's recommendation to downsize the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville and to name its successor the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB). UNOMB has been given a mandate to monitor, among other things, weapons destruction and the Bougainville constitutional process.”
2004-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4962 (2004) · source
“As we said last month, there is an urgency to address this problem. Violence continues to take too many lives. It is in the interest of all of us - Israelis, Palestinians and all members of the international community - to work quickly and earnestly to implement the road map to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003).”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“We hope that Israel will take up that opportunity. It is important that the parties soon begin to work towards a peace agreement based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1515 (2003). At the last briefing, Mr. Roed-Larsen spoke of the parties' having another chance for peace. I reiterate his call for seriousness of purpose in implementing the road map on the part of the parties as well as of the international community. We in the international community, in particular the partners that make up the Quartet, must do everything in our power to assist the parties to move back to the negotiating table. We hope that the Gaza Strip withdrawal initiative, which earlier this week was approved by Israel's Knesset, is the bold step necessary to restart the peace process.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“The problem of the Iraqi Kurdish migrants temporarily accommodated at the Naqoura crossing was resolved earlier this month by the Kurds agreeing to a voluntary transfer to another location inside Lebanon, there to await possible repatriation to Iraq. The relocation was effected by the Lebanese internal security forces in consultation with UNIFIL, the Secretary-General's Personal Representative and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Major General Alain Pellegrini assumed his position as UNIFIL Force Commander on 18 February. We welcome him and look forward to working with him to fulfil the mandate from the Security Council in south Lebanon. The situation in the Golan Heights remains calm. At this point, President Assad continues to hold out his offer to resume peace negotiations with Israel.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“UNIFIL and the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for southern Lebanon are continuing to pursue this matter with the Lebanese authorities. Israeli air violations of Lebanon's airspace also continue to be of concern. On 10 March, the Secretary- General's Personal Representative issued a statement critical of those acts, after six air violations were recorded. Seven rounds of anti-aircraft fire emanating from the Lebanese side of the Line were also recorded. Both parties must be urged to refrain from these activities, which can provoke incidents and, in the case of the live fire, also pose a risk to human lives.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“Three gates, including one agriculture gate in Zayta, were taken down, allowing freer access for farmers to land in the area. We welcome this development, but reiterate our call to the Government of Israel not to build the barrier on Palestinian land. In south Lebanon, we remain concerned about the improvised explosive device planted by Hizbullah along the Blue Line near Ramyah, which the Israeli Defence Forces attempted unsuccessfully to remove in January. The placement of improvised explosive devices along the Blue Line poses a threat to international peace and security. These devices are dangerous and can disrupt stability in the area. They also pose a direct threat to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers and to the local populations on both sides of the Line.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“Last week, however, the Israeli High Court of Justice extended a freeze until 17 March on construction of a section north-west of Jerusalem to examine petitions brought by eight Palestinian villages. This week, the Court ordered the Government to respond to petitioners' claims that the Barrier harms Palestinian villagers. The Government agreed to modify certain plans and to negotiate with villagers regarding others. Members of the Security Council are also aware of the current proceedings before the International Court of Justice, which is considering an advisory opinion on the matter of the barrier. Israeli authorities started on 22 February to dismantle the eight kilometres of barrier that isolates the villages of Baqa al-Sharqiya and Nazlat Issa from the rest of the West Bank.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“In January, according to the Authority, domestic revenues declined to less than $12 million, which is considerably lower than the annual monthly average for the year 2003. Donor funds made up for the shortfall in revenues. As we have previously pointed out, donor support was initially envisaged as development assistance in anticipation of the establishment of a Palestinian State. Donors did not contemplate providing long-term budgetary assistance to maintain the Authority. However, the ongoing conflict has significantly altered those initial expectations. During most of the reporting period, West Bank barrier construction and related land levelling continued at a rapid pace in sections around Jerusalem and Ramallah.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“While the crisis continues unabated, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), may soon be obliged to severely cut back its emergency activities due to a sharp drop in its emergency funding. Of the $193 million in emergency funding requested for 2004, only $45 million has been pledged so far, and the prospects for further contributions are uncertain. The Agency's extensive emergency work to date has been essential to the 1.6 million Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory, of whom 1.1 million have been receiving emergency food aid from UNRWA. Any further drop in its delivery of food and other emergency aid would quickly cause already depressed socio-economic indicators to further fall dramatically. The Palestinian Authority's financial crisis continues.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“We call on the Palestinian Authority to take up its security responsibilities under the road map. It is imperative that those who plan, carry out and facilitate terrorist acts be brought to justice. We urge the Palestinian Authority to address the challenges to security. Reform of the Authority security services, as called for in the road map, is essential for peace. The humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory continues to be seriously negatively affected by Israeli security measures. Living conditions of Palestinians, including their access to health, education, food and employment, have been seriously diminished by ongoing movement restrictions, military incursions and house demolitions, particularly in Rafah, where almost 10,000 Palestinians have been made homeless.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“Thus, in the aftermath of an operation carried out on 7 March in a densely populated part of the Gaza Strip that resulted in the deaths of 14 - including several children - the Secretary-General called on the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties and to desist from the use of disproportionate force in densely populated areas. We wish to restate that such acts must cease. The reporting period has also seen a continuation of terrorist attacks targeted at Israeli civilians. On 22 February, a suicide bomb exploded on a bus in Jerusalem, killing eight and wounding more than 60. On 14 March, a double suicide bombing in Ashdod killed at least 10 and injured 16. We repeat our condemnation of such attacks in the strongest terms. No cause can justify such acts.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“This brings the death toll since September 2000 to 946 Israelis and 3,245 Palestinians. The toll from Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip has grown in the past several months. Especially disturbing is the number of civilians, including children, who are killed and wounded in such actions. In addition, Israel carried out extrajudicial killings during the reporting period. We wish to restate our opposition to such unlawful acts and call on the Government of Israel to cease this policy, which too often results in the death or injury of civilian bystanders. Israel has a duty to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks that emanate from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. It has a concomitant responsibility under international law to protect the lives of the civilians in the territory it occupies.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“At this juncture it would be important that the Government of Israel provide a timetable for the withdrawal. For their part, Quartet envoys met on 10 March in Washington, DC, to discuss the possible Gaza Strip withdrawal and other relevant issues in the region. They agreed to work to plan a Quartet principals' meeting in the next few months, and considered ways to revitalize the Quartet and its road map process in the current situation. The Quartet's revitalization is important, as is the contribution of countries of the region. We applaud the untiring efforts of Egypt in that regard. All these efforts are taking place while violence continues unabated. Since the last briefing to the Security Council, 101 people have lost their lives to the conflict - 80 Palestinians and 21 Israelis.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“To garner the broad support of the international community and strengthen its chances for success, the withdrawal should have four main features. First, it should be carried out as part of the Quartet's road map, which remains, despite a lack of implementation, the only plan to which the parties and the international community subscribe. Secondly, it should occur in consultation and in partnership with the Palestinian Authority - the only partner for such an action. Thirdly, the withdrawal should be full and complete. Finally, it should be considered by all as a first step towards the fulfilment of the United Nations call on the Government of Israel to end its occupation, as set forth in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002).”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“It is important for both parties to recognize that the aim of those who carry out attacks as repugnant as the recent suicide bombings is to ensure that their agenda of Violence, rather than an Israeli-Palestinian peace process, dominates the scene. Those who would end decades of conflict between Palestinians and Israelis have little choice but to carry on in the face of violence and terrorism. Despite the rise in violence, the possibility of peace remains open. Prime Minister Sharon's welcome announcement of his decision to withdraw the Israeli presence from the Gaza Strip has attracted substantial attention during the period under review. That proposed initiative could be a positive contribution to the search for peace.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: Since the Secretariat last briefed the Security Council, the Middle East has seen an increase in Violence, death and suffering. At the same time, the small window of opportunity for restarting the peace process, described last month by Mr. Roed-Larsen, remains open. In the aftermath of last Sunday's suicide bombing, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon called off his planned meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Qurei. We urge the two men to meet. The bloody stalemate that has characterized the peace process for too long will be broken only when the parties meet at the highest level and begin to work together to implement the Quartet's road map. Their partnership is the essential base on which the peace process must be built. We hope that the meeting will be rescheduled in the very near future.”
2004-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4927 (2004) · source
“We have heard various comments made in that regard, including the comment by the Ambassador of New Zealand, who emphasized that the ongoing United Nations political presence should be structured to ensure that the voices of all Bougainvilleans are heard. That is indeed a very important principle. Finally, we are strongly encouraged by the understanding expressed in the discussion, for the need to pursue the finalization of three principle objectives in Bougainville - autonomy and elections, weapons destruction, and development and commitments which were made to the development of Bougainville and to the assistance necessary in the future. All of that bodes well for the future of United Nations work in that area and we hope that work will be successful.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: There were no specific questions that I need to answer at this point, but I would like to say how much we in the Secretariat appreciate the positive comments that were heard in this discussion. We shall not fail to convey to Mr. Noel Sinclair the words of appreciation which Security Council members and others have expressed. We are gratified that the Security Council appreciates the sensitivity of the current situation with regard to strengthening peace in Bougainville. We are equally encouraged by the support that we have heard, for the proposal of the Secretary-General regarding the follow-up to the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB), and I would like to again stress that this will be a very small mission and one which will continue to be an example of the effectiveness of United Nations work.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Meanwhile, the Department of Political Affairs has already started consultations with the UNDP office in Port Moresby regarding the sharing of office space in both Buka and Arawa. If successful, it could further reduce the operational cost of the new office. In parallel, UNDP is working on the second phase of its rehabilitation programme for Bougainville, which would include assistance in agriculture, capacity-building and other areas. In conclusion, I would like to express our hope that the Council will support the recommendations of the Secretary-General regarding the establishment of UNOMB for a period of six months, starting on 1 January 2004. Should the Secretary-General's recommendations be endorsed, the Secretariat will continue to report to the Council on this matter in the first half of next year.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Since the observer mission is expected to play a more limited role in the ongoing peace process, we suggest that UNPOB's substantive staff be reduced by 50 per cent. Currently, UNPOB comprises a head of mission, two political advisers, one military advisor and two support staff. The proposed downsized successor to UNPOB would comprise a head of mission, one political advisor and two support staff. The new staffing structure and modified mandate are expected to result in substantial savings. In addition, the mission would continue to work in close cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other United Nations bodies on practical aspects of peace-building in Bougainville. However, it should preserve its independent status, since the mission's mandate would have a clearly defined political character.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“In light of the above, the Secretariat is of the view that a successor to UNPOB, a United Nations observer mission in Bougainville (UNOMB), should be set up in order to carry out the following functions: first, chairing of the Peace Process Consultative Committee; secondly, reporting on security and the subsequent destruction of the contained weapons; thirdly, monitoring the constitutional process leading to the adoption of the Bougainville constitution; fourthly, verifying and certifying substantial compliance by the parties with the weapons disposal plan, thereby making it conducive to holding elections; and fifthly, performing other good offices as appropriate or when requested to do so by the parties.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“It would give the autonomous government that will be established a fair chance of starting out in an environment that provides a reasonable prospect for the continued strengthening of peace, security and stability on the island. On this basis, we are proposing a new mission.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“This time, we believe that the maturity of the peace process and the limited scope of the tasks that remain to be completed warrant a significant down-sizing of the United Nations office in Bougainville. We strongly believe that this could send a very potent message of encouragement to the parties and support for the Bougainvilleans to increasingly take over the handling of their own affairs. Given the withdrawal by the end of the year of the Bougainville Transitional Team comprising personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu, a continued political presence by the United Nations would also contribute to building confidence among the parties in the peace process and consolidating the considerable investment that the Organization and the international community have made to the process.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“That is why we share the view of the Papua New Guinea Government, as expressed in the letter of the Foreign Minister Rabbie Namaliu, dated 11 December 2003, addressed to the Secretary-General, and of the Bougainville parties in general, that a United Nations political presence in Bougainville is still required. At the same time, we are mindful of the need expressed by the Council to not keep the United Nations mandate in Bougainville open-ended and of the need to tie this mandate to specific benchmarks. We fully appreciate the support of the Council for the Secretary-General's recommendations in the past to extend the Bougainville mandate without major staffing or budget modification.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“The expected decision on the final fate of the contained weapons within the stage III framework should justify the termination of UNPOB's current mandate, which expires on 31 December 2003. Its termination would also comply with the Council's decision last year on the matter. The United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) is mindful of the date set by the Council for its closure and withdrawal. However, by 31 December 2003, the peace process will not have reached its logical and complete conclusion, that is, the establishment of an autonomous government.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“While some progress has been achieved in the area controlled by Francis Ona, he continues to refuse to contain the weapons of the Me'ekamui Defence Force. His position on this issue could have an impact on the pace and timing of the implementation of the BRA/BRF decision to destroy their weapons. The supporters of Francis Ona still maintain roadblocks that prevent the delivery of Government services and development assistance to the so-called no-go zone. We believe that the Bougainvilleans will be able to reconcile their differences on this matter. It is a process that will take some time. Meanwhile, the United Nations should stand ready to provide its good offices with respect to the initiatives in this area. Now I would like to briefly refer to the outstanding issues of the peace process.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“The process of creating the climate which is necessary for the holding of elections is reinforced by police-related developments which will enable Bougainvilleans to take legal control over law and justice. The National Executive Council decided to delegate police powers and functions to the Bougainville Interim Provincial Government. The formal handover ceremony is expected to take place in Buka in the coming days: on 16 or 17 December 2003. Meanwhile, arrangements are being finalized for further strengthening the law and justice capacity of Bougainville through the deployment of 30 Bougainvillean police from the mainland and the recruitment among Bougainvilleans of the first 50 of 100 cadets for police training. I would like to say a few words about the so- called "no go zone".”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Nevertheless, despite the need for consultations on this matter among all the parties, the way is now cleared for those individuals, or entire districts, that wish to do so, to begin destroying weapons at their discretion. However, the destruction of the bulk of the contained weapons seems unlikely to take place until next year. In that connection, the United Nations Political Office is grateful for the offers of technical support pledged by regional partners for facilitating the destruction process. The BRA/BRF weapons-related decision is an important first step in the process of creating a weapons-free Bougainville, and in fostering the kind of climate which the Peace Agreement contemplates for the holding of elections. I would like now to brief the Council on the issue of delegation of police powers.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“In accordance with the Peace Agreement, a decision on the final fate of the contained weapons - as I said, about 1,900 pieces of weapons - should be made before 21 December 2003. Since the national Government favours destruction, it is not expected that there would be disagreement on points of substance. Where implementation of the eventual decision is concerned, UNPOB has prepared, for the benefit of the parties, a statement of the administrative and technical issues that need to be addressed before that process of destruction can begin. Those factors are expected to have an impact on the timing and implementation of the decision.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“The components or conditions include the coming into force of the Bougainville constitution, the resolution of outstanding issues with the Me'ekamui Defence Force (MDF) and reconciliation between MDF, and BRA and BRF, the two Bougainvillean armed factions. The achievement by BRA and BRF of a unified position on weapons destruction bodes well for the next meeting of the Peace Process Consultative Committee, on 16 and 17 December 2003. At that meeting, the Papua New Guinea Government and the Bougainville leaders are expected to meet or modify some of the conditions enunciated by the Bougainville factions, thereby facilitating the adoption of the stage III decision on the final fate of the weapons.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“I would like now to move to the question of weapons disposal and report on the joint position on stage III of weapons disposal by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and the Bougainville Resistance Force. At their inter-factional meeting held on 30 November 2003 at Nissan Island in Bougainville, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and the Bougainville Resistance Force adopted a resolution which declared that the final fate of the contained weapons should be their destruction. According to that resolution, the destruction should take place "as soon as the essential components of the peace process have been finalized".”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“It is expected that in the very near future the Papua New Guinea Government will provide to the Bougainvillean leaders its comments on the second draft of the constitution. After overcoming the remaining constitutional differences, the way will be cleared for the Bougainvilleans to pursue the task of developing the third and final draft of the constitution. It is expected that the Bougainville constitution could be officially adopted around February or March 2004 and endorsed by the national Government by July or August 2004. Immediately after that, the constitution would enter into force. Following the Government's endorsement of the constitution, it is estimated that six months would be needed to complete preparations for elections.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“In the wake of quite harsh criticism of the delays caused by the Papua New Guinea Attorney- General, the Attorney-General finally presented in October his long-awaited comments to the national Government on the second draft of the Bougainville constitution. Officials of the two sides are currently engaged in resolving their differences relating to consistency between the second draft of the Bougainville constitution and the Papua New Guinea constitution. On 5 December, the National Executive Council - the cabinet of the Papua New Guinea Government - reaffirmed its firm commitment to honour the letter and the spirit of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and to implement the corresponding laws.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“This also expedited consultations among the parties on the making of a Bougainville constitution, the delegation of police powers and functions to the Bougainville Interim Provincial Government, and other arrangements needed to be put in place prior to elections for a Bougainville autonomous government. The completion of stage II moved the parties closer to making a decision on the final fate of the contained weapons, that is stage III of weapons disposal. Today we are happy to report progress in most of the aforementioned areas, and I wish to update the Security Council on recent developments. I would like to start with the constitutional process.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source