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

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Mr. Tiirk: At the last briefing, on 6 August 2003, the Council was informed of the completion of stage II of weapons disposal in Bougainville. As a result, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) and the Bougainville Resistance Force (BRF) put more than 1,900 pieces of weapons into 16 containers and 68 trunks, each secured by two locks, with one key held by the relevant commander and the other by the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB), pending a final decision on the final fate of these weapons. The achievement of this important benchmark allowed the national Government to enact the constitutional amendment and the Organic Law on Peace-Building in Bougainville.”
2003-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4881 (2003) · source
“Only resolve, determination and full-hearted commitment to the process by the parties, the Quartet and key regional players can bring us to the goals we all share: a just and comprehensive peace based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 1397 (2002).”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“In conclusion, the situation in the Middle East as described is indeed fragile. As Mr. Roed-Larsen has stated repeatedly, "Peace processes, anywhere in the world, thrive on forward momentum". Both parties - Israelis and Palestinians - need courage and determination to stay the course. They must not allow themselves to fall back into the tragic and senseless cycle of violence and revenge. I appeal to the parties to continue to implement the steps called for in the road map, in the interest of attaining peace and security for both peoples. The challenges are also great for the international community, especially the members of the Quartet. We must do everything in our power to encourage Israelis and Palestinians to take risks for peace, and even consider new initiatives to energize the process.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“Roed-Larsen warned of the potential of this cycle for escalation and recalled the many times that the United Nations and concerned Member States have called on the Government of Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and to abstain from overflights. As he said last month, those calls have not been heeded. He also presciently warned of the dangers of anti-aircraft fire from the Lebanese side. Sadly, an innocent life has been lost. We again wish to stress the need for all parties to abide fully by their obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 425 (1978) and the recently adopted resolution 1496 (2003), as well as to respect the Blue Line in its entirety. The people of south Lebanon and northern Israel deserve no less.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“As we did during our last briefing to the Council, and as the Secretary-General did in his recent report on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we have continued to draw attention to the dangerous cycle of overflights and anti-aircraft artillery fire, some of which is not related to overflights. As the Council is aware, Hizbullah anti-aircraft fire caused the death of a young Israeli civilian and the wounding four others in Shelomi on 10 August. As has been stated on numerous occasions, one violation cannot justify another. The Secretary-General strongly condemned that action by Hizbullah and reiterated his call for restraint. In his briefing last month, Mr.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“The Secretary-General was very concerned by that incident and asked for all sides to refrain from actions that would increase tensions. I wish to remind all parties concerned that the Council has on many occasions repeated its position that attacks on the Shab'a farms are violations of the Blue Line. We again call on the parties to ensure that such violations cease. Also, consistent with Security Council resolutions, it is the duty and responsibility of the Government of Lebanon to ensure the return of its effective authority and presence in the south. Recent incidents make it imperative for the Government of Lebanon to deploy its forces in southern Lebanon to that end. Members of the Council may recall that for most of this year we have characterized the situation along the Blue Line as having an uneasy, fragile calm.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“Conversely, the Palestinian Ministry of Detainees' Affairs has indicated that since 1 June, 405 Palestinians have been arrested. I urge Israel to address this issue in genuine partnership with the Palestinians, and encourage a more broad-minded policy of release. Turning now to the situation along the Blue Line, I note with regret the violent disruption earlier this month of the relative calm that had prevailed in south Lebanon, where there had been no major incident since late January. The Council will recall from its briefing last week that on 8 August there was a heavy exchange of fire across the Blue Line when Hizbullah attacked Israeli military positions in the Shab'a farms area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“In Gaza, despite the new security arrangements, severe restrictions on movement continue to be applied to the Palestinian population living in some isolated areas. Restrictions on access and freedom of movement remain the single greatest impediment to any significant and long-term improvement in the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population. In fulfilment of Prime Minister Sharon's commitments to President Bush at the Aqaba summit, the Government of Israel has undertaken to release a number of Palestinian prisoners. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Detainees' Affairs, there are some 6,500 Palestinians being held in Israeli detention centres. As of 18 August, Israel had released 419 prisoners, according to Israel's prisoner services.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“The IDF removed several key roadblocks in July in the Ramallah, Bethlehem and Hebron areas, although some of those were replaced by manned checkpoints. Changes for the better were most felt in the Ramallah area, with the removal of the Surda and Ain Arik earthen-mound roadblocks, although so-called flying checkpoints on those roads are often in operation. However, most villages and towns continue to experience severe access problems, and the majority of Palestinians are forced to make long and complicated detours to reach their homes, workplaces, educational facilities and hospital services. Some 100 checkpoints - combined with another 300 to 400 roadblocks, earthen mounds, ditches and gates - remain in place in the northern West Bank alone.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“As noted previously, the continued creation of such facts on the ground calls into question the viability of an independent Palestinian State and contradicts the spirit and intent of the road map. There were some marked improvements in July 2003 in the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, although the situation of Palestinian civilians remains dire. The movement of United Nations and international staff into and within the Gaza Strip has eased considerably. Fewer access incidents were reported by international humanitarian organizations - 40 in July, compared with 302 in June - and delays and denial of access for ambulances were reduced by more than half - with 41 cases in July, compared with 113 cases in June. Most reported incidents continued to come from the checkpoints in the Nablus area.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“New bypass roads have been approved in at least three locations in the West Bank. On 31 July, the Israel Lands Authority announced that the Defence Ministry had approved the issuance of a tender to build a number of new housing units in Neveh Dekalim, a settlement in the Gaza Strip. That is in addition to significant expansion of the lands surrounding the Morag settlement, which is also in the Gaza Strip. As the Mitchell Committee noted in its report of 30 April 2001, "The kind of security cooperation desired by the Government of Israel [with the Palestinians] cannot for long co-exist with settlement activity". The building of the separation wall, the continued presence of settlement outposts and the policy of settlement expansion have caused many Palestinians to question Israel's intent in the peace process.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“According to an Israeli monitoring group, some 60 settlement outposts were established between March 2001 and June 2003. The Government of Israel dismantled eight of those outposts, one of which was rebuilt in mid-July. A further 12 outposts were built by settlers, of which five were dismantled. The result is that as of 13 August the sum total of settlement outposts remains at 60. That is to say that there has been no improvement in the situation since the start of the process. Since the last briefing to the Council there has been a significant rise in the number of reports of settlement activity. Settlement expansion plans - including significant incentives for potential settlers in the Jordan Valley, East Jerusalem and elsewhere - are being discussed by the Government of Israel.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“Clearly, the onus is on the parties to agree to the conditions by which they can commence security cooperation in all parts of the West Bank as soon as possible, so that the Palestinian Authority can resume full security responsibility in its areas. This week the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel will continue their discussions concerning the handover of security responsibility for the towns of Qalqilya, Jericho, Ramallah and Tulkarm. This is a difficult process, but its resolution is key to moving forward. One of the key challenges to the fulfilment of the road map's goal of a two-State solution is Israel's settlement policy. Phase one of the road map calls for the dismantlement of settlement outposts established since March 2001 and for a freeze in all settlement activity, including in the natural growth of settlements.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“The Palestinian Authority should do all in its power to apprehend the instigators of those attacks. The Israeli army has also reported increased incidents of Palestinian fire against its positions in Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF), on the other hand, launched military operations that have resulted in Palestinian casualties. On 8 August, the IDF targeted a suspected bomb-making facility in the Askar refugee camp in Nablus. The IDF incursion resulted in the death of two Hamas activists and two civilians. On 14 August, an IDF operation in the West Bank resulted in the killing of the head of Islamic Jihad in Hebron. The terrible cycle of violence and revenge must not be allowed once again to gather momentum. I urge both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to resist the urge to respond to provocation.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“There were 21 Palestinian fatalities and 60 injuries since 1 July, compared with 68 fatalities and 111 injuries for the month of June. On the Israeli side, during the same period, there were five fatalities and 21 injuries, compared with 33 fatalities and 111 injuries in June. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that there has been a significant decrease in the number of Palestinian house demolitions, with eight cases reported in July, compared with 57 in June. However, there has been a disturbing increase in violence in August. Tragically, on 12 August two Israeli civilians were killed and some dozen injured in separate suicide bombings in Rosh Ha'ayin and the West Bank settlement of Ariel. Such terrorist attacks are in clear violation of the ceasefire.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“Israel must also recognize that its settlement policy in fact undermines the possibility of a future viable and contiguous Palestinian State. That also means that Israel should reconsider the construction of the separation barrier, and its route. We recognize that Israel has a legitimate right to security. However, the barrier is a unilateral act not in keeping with the road map, and we call again on the Government of Israel to halt its construction. At this fragile time, each party must do more towards the re-establishment of trust and continue to explore mutual confidence-building measures. Since the declaration of the 30 June ceasefire, there has been a noticeable reduction in the numbers of casualties on both sides.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“As was reported last month, the Palestinian Authority resumed security responsibility for the Gaza Strip and Bethlehem in early July, and violence in those areas has significantly decreased. Until now, however, and six weeks into the ceasefire, the parties have been unable to agree on the conditions under which the Palestinian Authority would resume security responsibilities in the remaining seven West Bank Palestinian cities. Both parties must deepen their commitment to security cooperation: it lies at the heart of further progress. For its part, Israel should help to strengthen the Government of Mahmoud Abbas - Abu Mazen - and should take additional steps to improve the lives of ordinary Palestinians. Without such steps, the Palestinian people lack adequate incentives for peace.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“However, there are no miracle fixes or easy shortcuts for the strategic actions that both parties must take in parallel to ensure the realization of the road map's ultimate goals: an end to terrorism and violence, an end to the occupation and a resolution to the conflict, leading to two States, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security side by side. The Palestinian Authority must intensify its efforts to achieve full security control in its areas. That is a primary obligation under the terms of the road map. The Palestinian Authority should also continue the reform process in order to streamline and professionalize the cabinet and the civil service and to secure full accountability and transparency.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“It is noteworthy, however, that the overall level of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, compared to previous months, has dropped considerably, although, tragically, lives continue to be lost. Despite setbacks, progress in some areas continues with the implementation of the Quartet's road map. At the end of July, President Bush hosted Palestinian Prime Minister Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Sharon for talks on road map implementation, reflecting the United States Government's deep commitment to the process. The international community should be actively supportive, and should work with the parties to seek ways to maintain momentum in this difficult process.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: Before proceeding to the item on the Council's agenda and offering my briefing on the situation in the Middle East, I would just like to say how very much we in the Secretariat appreciate the statement which you, Mr. President, have just made regarding the tragic events in Baghdad, resulting from a terrorist attack on the United Nations office in Baghdad. Undoubtedly, the Council will come back to this tragedy. But in the meantime, and in accordance with the agenda, I would like to proceed with the following briefing on the situation in the Middle East. Since the last briefing to the Security Council, on 17 July, the situation in the Middle East has remained fragile. The recent violence on the Israeli-Lebanese border and in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is testament to that.”
2003-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4810 (2003) · source
“The alternative is a continued cycle of violence and of economic and social dislocation. The road map remains the best prospect for achieving the vision of two States - a secure and prosperous Israel and an independent, viable, sovereign and democratic Palestine - living side by side in peace and security. The United Nations has participated very actively within the Quartet to draft the road map and looks forward to its imminent presentation to the parties. The Quartet has placed before the leaders and the peoples of the region the possibility of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the next few years. We hope that they will grasp this opportunity and that they will make peace a reality.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“The international community should give this initiative its full, consistent and impartial support in order to help the parties successfully navigate the challenges ahead. A number of observers have suggested that the road map is far from a perfect document, and that it does not meet all of the needs of the parties. Of course, no plan is ideal. In the heated environment of the Middle East conflict, with trust between the parties virtually non-existent, it is easy to argue that any steps on the path to peace carry with them potential hazards. That may be true. It is also true that the absence of a negotiated settlement has led neither to peace nor to security for the peoples of the Middle East. The path to peace along the road map will be difficult and strewn with obstacles.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“The path ahead charted by the Quartet represents the only realistic hope for ending the current cycle of violence and counter-violence. The road map, which provides parallel responses to security, political and economic or humanitarian issues, entrusts responsibilities to each of the actors involved in its implementation. Each of those actors must embrace the road map - as drafted on 20 December 2002 - and work for its implementation, and each should take particular early steps. The Palestinian Authority must take immediate and effective action against terrorism. The Government of Israel must ease the humanitarian plight of Palestinians by lifting the internal closure and curfew regime.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“Hezbollah has reacted with anti-aircraft fire, some of it aimed across the line - an action which threatens the current calm. These hostile acts from both sides could lead quickly to deterioration on the ground. It is incumbent upon both Lebanon and Israel to prevent any escalation along the Blue Line, and important for the international community to use its influence to this end. We appear to be on the verge of restarting a Middle East peace process through the Quartet's road map, which is to be presented to the parties once the Palestinian Cabinet has been confirmed. At this point, in the face of the grim reality on the ground, with terrorist attacks on Israelis continuing and the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip deepening, the process is at this point only a promise.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“The Lebanese authorities have maintained a visible security presence in south Lebanon, conducting patrols and setting up mobile checkpoints throughout much of the area of operation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Lebanese army has further fortified earthworks and other obstacles along the Blue Line. We are very concerned, however, by the number and location of new Hezbollah anti-aircraft guns near the Blue Line. Several days this month saw a pronounced increase in Israeli air violations of the Blue Line, with Israeli aircraft seen over Lebanon in the greatest numbers since the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon in May 2000. This disturbing development stands in contrast to Israel's stated intention.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“Israel's early embrace of the road map and active implementation of the process would seem to be an essential manifestation of the support expressed by Mr. Sharon. I will now turn briefly to the regional situation. Since our last briefing to the Security Council, the situation along the Blue Line has remained calm. The level of tension, however, remains high. In recent days, this tension has been amplified by dozens of Israeli air incursions into Lebanon and the ensuing Hezbollah anti-aircraft fire. Both sides have assured their United Nations and other interlocutors that they intend to maintain a calm environment during this time of regional instability.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“Crucial first steps would include helping to facilitate the reform process and acting to minimize the effects of security measures on the people of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The removal of internal closures and the lifting of curfews would be welcome developments. Of course, the terrorism that has beset Israel, to which Israeli men, women and children have fallen victim, presents the Government of Israel with enormous challenges. But such steps could help empower the Palestinian Authority and Abu Mazen to take action against terrorists. Recent statements by Prime Minister Sharon in support of a peace process in which he acknowledges that Israel might need to make what he called "painful concessions", including the removal of some settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, are to be welcomed.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“In his work, Abu Mazen should receive the active cooperation and support of the international community, in particular the Quartet. The Governments of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, all of which have endorsed the road map, have played particularly constructive roles since Abu Mazen's appointment, as well as before, and the Quartet will remain in close touch with them in the coming months. President Arafat, who decided to appoint a Prime Minister, and the Palestinian Legislative Council, which concurred, deserve once again to be commended for their actions. The Government of Israel has an important part to play in ensuring the success of the new Palestinian Government.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“He will need to work hard to bring the judicial sector's performance up to that of the financial sector. The new Prime Minister will have two main tasks in the area of security. He will need to restore law and order in Palestinian areas and reverse the breakdown in internal security. Simultaneously, he must take immediate steps to curb terrorism and to bring to justice those involved in carrying out terrorist attacks. He must ensure that Palestinian areas are not launching pads for attacks on Israelis. We hope that Abu Mazen will be empowered to continue and extend the Palestinian reform process. He must prove to be a leader who will provide the Palestinian people with the transparent and effective Government they deserve. He must also provide the Israelis with the partner in peace that they need.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“Others are allowed to cross only by foot or donkey cart, making it difficult to transport machinery and produce. The unilateral nature of the Government of Israel's planning of the wall, and its placement inside the West Bank, encircling such towns as Qalqilya and Tulkarm, could have a negative impact on the Quartet's efforts, through the road map, to establish a viable Palestinian State. This description of conditions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip highlights the challenges facing the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Abu Mazen. He will need to build on the impressive progress already achieved in reforming the Palestinian Authority. Abu Mazen has firm ground on which to construct his administration because of his considerable success in establishing financial accountability and economic reform.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“The all-donor Local Aid Coordination Committee recently commissioned a report on the socio-economic impact of the wall. This report will be released soon, but some preliminary findings are available. The projected path of the wall's first phase in some places cuts as far as 6 kilometres into the northern West Bank. It cuts across roads and water networks and will form a barrier between Palestinians on each side of the wall and their agricultural lands, wells, markets and public services. It may constrain the delivery of basic social services to Palestinian populations on the western side of the wall and inhibit their commercial exchanges if it does not feature a sufficient number of access points for the movement of persons and goods. Some Palestinian landowners have already been denied access to their property.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“While it is difficult to predict the effects of this trend on Palestinian society as these children become adults, it is not difficult to imagine traumatized children becoming traumatized adults if the situation is not changed. There is also a reported increase in domestic violence - a phenomenon that tends to rise in societies under severe stress. It is not difficult to imagine that similar pain and trauma have been inflicted on Israelis, especially Israeli children, who have been living with the fear of terrorism. Both peoples, Palestinians and Israelis, need to be relieved of the terrible burden of violence that they have borne for far too long. Additional concern is raised by the continued construction of the separation wall in the West Bank.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“That can happen only with a change in the Israeli security approach that entails the removal of internal roadblocks and the lifting of curfews. This would enable the resumption of a predictable business environment, free from the restrictions that have such a negative impact on investor confidence. I should add that the recommendations made last August by the Secretary-General's Personal Humanitarian Envoy, Mrs. Catherine Bertini, still remain to be implemented; there is still a way to go. We should note that the damage done to Palestinian society would likely be more difficult to reverse. The latest research reports indicate that over half of the children of the Gaza Strip are suffering from acute post-traumatic stress disorder, due to exposure to violence and destruction.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“We again call on the Israeli authorities to abandon the use of excessive force in densely populated areas and to protect the safety of civilians, in keeping with Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law. We also restate our opposition to extrajudicial killings, and we call on the Government of Israel to immediately desist from such provocative acts. Israel, of course, has a right to self-defence, but it must exercise that right within the boundaries of international law. We have regularly informed the Council about the deteriorating socio-economic situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It should now be clear to all that no amount of donor assistance will alleviate the crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory. The only solution is to allow the Palestinian economy to operate in a normal fashion.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“The groups responsible for such acts should immediately cease all forms of violence. In the month of March, 103 Palestinians were killed - the highest monthly death toll among Palestinians in the past 12 months. On three occasions this month, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out extrajudicial killings of alleged terrorists in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These operations have resulted in the killing and wounding of dozens of Palestinians. In addition, on ll April, a British peace activist, Tom Hurndall, was shot in the head by IDF gunfire, and he remains in a coma. This is the third incident in the past four weeks in which a foreign peace activist has been injured or killed by IDF operations.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“In all likelihood, the road map implementation process will not be easy, but its goal - a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region - is too important for the parties to be deterred by early difficulties. Some of those obstacles are apparent. Since the most recent briefing to the Security Council, 69 people - 64 Palestinians and 5 Israelis - have lost their lives in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. That raises the total death toll since September 2000 to 2,566 Palestinians and 766 Israelis. On 30 March, a suicide bomber struck a cafe in the city of Netanya, injuring dozens. The Secretary- General has consistently condemned such terrorist acts. The Palestinian Authority must bring to justice those involved in planning and carrying out these attacks.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“We hope that Abu Mazen and his Government will soon be confirmed by the Palestinian Legislative Council. As soon as possible after that confirmation, the Quartet will present the road map to the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority and will ask for their contributions as to how to move forward with the implementation. It is then that the crucial period of implementation will start, with the Quartet playing an active and impartial role. The parties, with the full support of the Quartet and the international community, will have to take the painful steps necessary to end the current cycle of violence and suffering. The parties and the international community must be prepared to stay the course charted by the road map, however tortuous or strewn with obstacles that course may be.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: In the period since the last briefing on the situation in the Middle East on 19 March, the attention of the international community has been focused on the crisis and war in Iraq. At the same time, there is also a growing realization of the urgent need to address the Middle East conflict. In this regard, I welcome the recent reiteration by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair of their commitment to achieve progress through the implementation of the road map. At the March briefing to the Council, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, spoke of a window of opportunity that had opened following the establishment of the post of Palestinian Prime Minister and the nomination of Mr. Mahmoud Abbas - Abu Mazen - to that post.”
2003-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4741 (2003) · source
“President, have spoken of the need to pay particular attention to the question of further support by the donors and to development aspects. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is already fully engaged. The mission that recently visited the island has come with additional ideas, which will be discussed, and the office of the UNDP in the island is in daily contact with UNPOB regarding various activities for post-conflict stabilization. We have also noted the wish of Council members to present in due course specific, further information about the process of disarmament and other related aspects. We shall certainly brief the Council in due course about specific timetables, benchmarks and levels of achievement. We hope that the process which is now under way will be completed successfully.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“There are various specific ideas that are being discussed and which will be developed further as the time of withdrawal approaches, including the possibility of establishing a trust fund to finance the extra activities and expertise that will be required, and which will go beyond what the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) can provide. Such specific ideas, of course, will have to be further discussed. We shall report on them to the Security Council in due course. Finally, we are very pleased to hear renewed commitments regarding the future sustainable development of Bougainville, which is becoming a more and more important aspect as the process of disarmament and demobilization and reintegration continues. You yourself, Mr.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“Francis Ona and his group, as well as the view very broadly shared in the Security Council that this group should not be allowed to derail the process of normalization, and especially the constitutional process. We shall convey that broadly expressed view to Mr. Sinclair and invite him to take it into account in his further consultations with the parties in Bougainville. Questions were asked regarding the thinking for the period after the withdrawal of the Peace Monitoring Group. I am very pleased to hear from the representatives of the Governments constituting the Peace Monitoring Group about their own ideas in that regard and the fact that they remain committed and will find new forms of support which will be adjusted to the expected needs of the time in assisting the process to move forward.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“We thus have mutually re-enforcing activities that are now being intensified. These two aspects are also relevant to the process of verification of weapons disposal, which consists of declarations - and those declarations of the completed stage II of weapons disposal have started to be made - and consultations with community leaders, which are equally important. We believe that the approach which is currently in place, namely the approach which is based on the district-by-district process - the bottom-up approach that the Ambassador of Papua New Guinea mentioned - something that promises further success, and we hope that that success will be achieved. I have noted the remarks made by participants in this discussion regarding the role of Mr.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“This is certainly something that belongs to the most important aspects of his current work, which requires the support of the international community. That support was expressed in a unified and strong way today, and we are very grateful for that. This is the final phase of the process that was started with the Lincoln Agreement and given a firm framework in the Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2001. The discussion today has clearly shown the centrality of the task of weapons disposal at the present stage. I should like to say that the weapons disposal has two aspects. One is technical - the disposal and containment of weapons themselves - and the other is political - the need for extensive consultations, establishing a sense of security, promoting reconciliation and creating an atmosphere conducive to further weapons disposal.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“Mr. Tiirk: I would like to start by expressing our appreciation to members of the Security Council for this very constructive and rich discussion, which clearly expresses support for the efforts of the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) and the Secretary-General. We are particularly pleased by the views expressed by the Ambassador of Papua New Guinea, who gave us a very detailed presentation of his Government's efforts, which are essential for the success of this final phase of our joint effort. We are equally pleased to hear renewed expressions of commitment of the Government's of New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Fiji and others in the region to support the process in its final stage. We shall convey all these expressions of support and specific ideas for further work to Mr. Sinclair and UNPOB.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“As the formal peace process draws to an end, it will be particularly important to demonstrate to the people of Bougainville that peace will bring rewards in the form of concrete assistance to rebuild the island and facilitate the reintegration of former combatants into society. Progress in those areas will help to ensure that peace is being built on firm foundations.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“After living through a decade of suffering and destruction, the people of Bougainville are working diligently to achieve a brighter future. This yearning for peace gives us confidence that despite the serious obstacles that remain and the existence of potential spoilers, particularly Francis Ona, the Bougainville Peace Agreement can be fully implemented before the end of this year, allowing UNPOB to withdraw, as requested by the Security Council. I can assure you that UNPOB will spare no effort to ensure that its mandate is completed on time. In the critical months ahead, the support of the international community and of the regional countries that have participated in the Peace Monitoring Group will be more critical than ever.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“Its logistical and technical support for weapons disposal has contributed immensely to the progress achieved in this area, and its very presence has had and continues to have a stabilizing effect. We hope that by the end of June 2003, when the Peace Monitoring Group is expected to leave the island, most of the weapons collection process will have been completed. However, at this point we cannot yet be certain that this will be the case. Therefore, it would be helpful if, prior to the Group's withdrawal, the parties to the Agreement reviewed the progress of weapons disposal and, if necessary - I emphasize, if necessary - considered the feasibility of establishing a stand-by arrangement that could continue to provide technical and logistical support to UNPOB to enable it to fulfil its mandate and start withdrawing by the end of 2003.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“The functioning of this mechanism and the introduction, as early as possible, of a weapons regulation and control regime will significantly contribute to the achievement of that level of security and confidence. I wish to also address the assistance of the Peace Monitoring Group. Given the announced withdrawal of the Group from Bougainville by 30 June 2003, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the contributing countries - Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu - for their essential role in the peace process. The Bougainville parties are highly appreciative of the valuable contributions of the Peace Monitoring Group. The Group has played a crucial role in facilitating the political talks that led to the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. It continues to support the peace process in numerous ways.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“Assuming that the required certification could be made by UNPOB by the time the work on the Constitution is complete, the Bougainville Constitutional Commission expects that elections could be held before the end of 2003. In order to enhance the level of security and confidence required by the Peace Agreement and to facilitate the constitutional process, the National Government and the Bougainville parties have signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a mechanism for consultation between them on all aspects of implementation of the autonomy arrangements. This involves the transfer of powers - including the police - functions and resources, as well as the settlement of disputes.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source
“We are encouraged by the work done so far by the Bougainville Constitutional Commission, which on 1 February 2003 released for island-wide consultations an official first draft of the Bougainville Constitution. A second draft will soon be prepared and reviewed by the corresponding bodies of the Papua New Guinea Government and Bougainville. Provided the Bougainville Constitutional Commission is able to complete the required internal consultations, the draft Constitution could be finalized by the end of April 2003 and submitted for adoption by a constituent assembly of Bougainville. However, the constituent assembly cannot be established until Stage II of weapons disposal has been verified as completed.”
2003-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4728 (2003) · source