YouSaid · the spoken record

Türk

lines on the record: 621
first: 1992-11-16
most recent: 2023-08-17
sittings or episodes: 78
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

“Today the Security Council will take action on an important draft resolution which addresses one of the fundamental issues of international peace and security, the issue of nuclear weapons. Slovenia is a co-sponsor of the draft resolution, and we strongly deplore the nuclear tests recently conducted by India and Pakistan. By participating in the drafting of this resolution, we wish to add our voice to the overwhelming international concern at this unfortunate development. Slovenia is a party to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (N PT) and a signatory of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).”
1998-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3890 (1998) · source
“We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the delegation of Sweden for its leading role in the preparation of the draft resolution. For our part, we will continue to do our utmost for justice, reconciliation and peace in the region. Full support for the Tribunal is one of the means to achieve that goal. Slovenia will therefore vote in favour of the draft resolution, of which we are a sponsor.”
1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source
“Despite the increased number of persons in custody, my delegation is compelled to express its serious concern at the fact that the most prominent military and political leaders who have been indicted remain at large. It is imperative that they be brought to justice. This is an important condition for lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The creation of a third trial chamber, which is the object of the draft resolution before the Council today, is timely. It will ensure full utilization of the three courtrooms and will, as a final result, expedite the Tribunal's work. We note with satisfaction that the members of the Council are unanimous in their positive response to the request of the President of the Tribunal.”
1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source
“We further believe that the accused persons in custody are entitled to be tried without unnecessary delays, in accordance with the internationally accepted standards of due process. We are pleased to see that there has been significant progress in improving the procedures of the Tribunal. We have confidence in the ability of the Tribunal to continue managing its work efficiently so as to ensure optimal use of all its resources. The request by the Tribunal for additional judges, which was presented to the Security Council by its President, Judge Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, in February this year, is valid, especially since the workload of the Tribunal has recently intensified.”
1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source
“Moreover, the Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia is playing a pioneering role and, jointly with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, is setting important precedents in international criminal jurisprudence. Its existence has underscored the need for the creation of a permanent international mechanism to address human rights and humanitarian law violations. In this context, let me emphasize Slovenia's strong commitment to the establishment of an independent, impartial and effective permanent international criminal court at the Diplomatic Conference to be held in Rome in June and July of this year. It is our conviction that the Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia should be given all the necessary resources to efficiently deliver justice.”
1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source
“Any kind of hindrance of the Tribunal's statutory functions would have negative effects on the endeavours of the Security Council and the international community in building substantive grounds for a lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on security in the region. The International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia can therefore not afford to fail in its mission. In addition to its immediate purpose, the Tribunal also has a significant symbolic role of global importance. The Tribunal symbolizes the end of the culture of impunity and marks the advent of peace with justice rather than mere appeasement. This is a valid contribution of the Tribunal to the strengthening of real peace.”
1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source
“I wish to begin by expressing the support of our delegation for the statement made at the beginning of this discussion by the representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union and associated countries. The Security Council has, in resolution 827 (1993), entrusted the Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia with a historic mandate to prosecute persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia since 1 January 1991. In the nearly four and a half years of its existence, the Tribunal has established admirable credibility as an independent court. Furthermore, it has proved to be an important international judicial institution whose proper functioning is vital for the implementation of the Dayton peace accords.”
1998-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3878 (1998) · source
“We see such cooperation as a necessary complement to the strengthening of the International Tribunal. Slovenia shall vote in favour of the draft resolution before the Council today.”
1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source
“At the same time, we would like to reiterate our commitment to the principle of independence of the judiciary and our support for all the measures and proposals that could help improve the functioning of the Tribunal so that it can carry out its work in the most effective and efficient way possible. The draft resolution submitted for action by the Security Council today contains all the elements of the necessary assistance to the Tribunal. We wish to pay tribute to the delegation of Sweden for its efforts in preparing the draft resolution. It is also important that the draft resolution stresses the need for international cooperation to strengthen the courts and judicial system in Rwanda, with particular regard to the necessity for those courts to deal with the large number of accused awaiting trial.”
1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source
“We should keep in mind that we are talking about the gravest of crimes - genocide and crimes against humanity - and that the performance of this Tribunal also effects the ongoing preparations for the establishment of the international criminal court. The International Tribunal for Rwanda cannot afford to fail in its mission, and the same can be said for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. In the light of what I have just said, Slovenia supports the establishment of the third Trial Chamber for the International Tribunal for Rwanda, consisting of three judges.”
1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source
“The waiting periods in pre-trial detention have become too long. There is a danger that international standards of due process may not be fully observed. In this connection, we wish to stress the importance of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provides in article 14, paragraph 3 (c) for the right of everyone to be tried without undue delay. This is an international standard of universal importance. The Tribunal has to be given the opportunity to render justice fairly and swiftly in order to meet international standards, as well as the expectations of Rwandans and of the international community.”
1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source
“The International Tribunal for Rwanda was established by the Security Council to bring to justice persons responsible for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The Tribunal cannot undo what was done, but it can have an important preventive effect by ensuring that there is an end to impunity. The work of the Tribunal is crucial for national reconciliation in Rwanda and its liberation from the traumas of the past, and is also important for the stabilization of the whole Great Lakes region. The Tribunal should be provided with appropriate means to fulfil its mandate in its entirety. In resolution 955 (1994), the Security Council expressly kept open the possibility of increasing the number of judges and Trial Chambers should this become necessary. We believe that the current situation calls for such action by the Council.”
1998-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3877 (1998) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Slovenia supports the draft resolution before us today and will vote in favour of it.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“The planned withdrawal of the military component of MONUA should not leave the observers on the ground without the option of relying on emergency United Nations military protection. We also look forward to the Secretary-General' s recommendations regarding the future role of the human rights component of MONUA. Before concluding, I wish to emphasize that Slovenia is aware of the fact that progress in the peace process thus far has been to a large extent the result of spirited leadership on the part of the Secretary-General's Special Representative. We would therefore like to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Alioune Blondin Beye for his untiring efforts to ensure a lasting peace in Angola. We would also like to pay tribute to Ambassador Mahugu for his recent successful mission to the region.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“After four years of promises and missed deadlines, it seems that peace in Angola is finally in sight. Successful completion of the peace process should allow the Angolan leadership and the people of Angola to focus all of their energies on rebuilding their shattered country. In this crucial period, sustained international efforts to maintain a productive dialogue between the Government and UNITA, to foster national reconciliation and to promote confidence-building measures are essential. We therefore support the extension of MONUA's mandate for another two months and endorse the planned formation of a small specialized unit, as envisaged in paragraph 9 of the draft resolution.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“We therefore endorse the call on the Angolan Government to give priority to peaceful actions in its efforts to consolidate its authority in the country. Tension between local populations and members of the Angolan National Police can only complicate the process of administrative normalization and unnecessarily undermine the modicum of mutual trust between the two parties to the peace process. We would also like to emphasize our support for the Secretary-General's recommendation to strengthen the civilian police component of MONUA. We believe that the deployment of 83 additional civilian police observers and an increase in the current police sites from 46 to 51 represent an important ingredient of the transition to post- conflict peace-building.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“Savimbi's return to Luanda is not addressed in the Lusaka Protocol, we believe that such a move by the leader of what is now officially the largest opposition party on the Angolan political scene would represent a powerful symbolic boost to the peace process. The peace process in Angola has been a protracted one and characterized by continuing procrastination. We believe that this regrettable development is due to a large extent to UNITA's tactics of persistent postponements and last- minute conditions. However, the delays in the implementation of key provisions of the Lusaka Protocol are also the result of the general political climate in Angola. And, as the Secretary-General has pointed out, this climate is still characterized by lingering mistrust and insecurity.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“We also expect UNITA to assist the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) in the investigation of these incidents. They must be resolved so that the remaining steps of the Lusaka Protocol can be completed in good faith. These outstanding steps include the disarmament of civilians and the extension of State administration to the remaining UNITA-held areas. Although UNITA's area of control has shrunk considerably, it still wields power over some 60 districts in the central and southern Ovimbundu heartland of Angola. We are therefore disappointed by the fact that, at a meeting on 17 April, UNITA failed to reach an agreement on handing back this territory, particularly its headquarters at Bailundo and its main air supply base at Andulo. We would also like to note that, even though Mr.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“The source of our greatest worry at this important and sensitive juncture is the discrepancy between the positive political atmosphere and the situation on the ground. We are especially disquieted by the acts of violence and by the reports of remining operations, particularly in Malange, Benguela and Huila Provinces. The Secretary-General has referred to these and other armed activities as "a low-level insurgency" [5/1998/333, para. 12], in recognition of the fact that they are being carried out in an organized fashion. This situation obviously raises serious questions, since incomplete demobilization was one of the most important reasons for the previous breakdowns of the peace process in Angola. We therefore fully subscribe to the call on UNITA to see to it that such attacks are brought to an end.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“The peace process in Angola has entered a new phase. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his recent report, most of the tasks under the Lusaka Protocol have now been carried out. Although a full month behind schedule, UNITA's Radio Vorgan closed down on 1 April, thus bringing to an end its anti- Government transmissions. In another important move, a number of senior UNITA members have arrived in Luanda. The Angolan Government, for its part, has appointed three governors and nominated six ambassadors from the ranks of UNITA. Mr. Savimbi's special status has also been promulgated and the issue of his 400 armed bodyguards successfully resolved. Progress on the road to peace in Angola is undeniable. There are, however, still some obstacles that are cause for concern.”
1998-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3876 (1998) · source
“We especially support his recommendations regarding the strict implementation of arms embargoes. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the range and variety of issues addressed in the Secretary-General's report on Africa require careful consideration. The wealth of ideas and recommendations must be utilized. We therefore support the suggestion that consideration of this report be continued not only in the Security Council, but also in the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. This process should, most importantly, enable United Nations organs to make the right decisions as the consideration of the report proceeds.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Sanctions, as the Secretary-General points out in paragraph 25, have a way of inflicting costs on unintended victims. We share his opinion that greater use should be made of targeted sanctions and that more attention should be paid to the adverse effects suffered by neighbouring countries. Moreover, a comprehensive and widely accepted approach to managing humanitarian exceptions to sanctions is needed. The contemporary practices of the imposition of sanctions at the regional or subregional levels need careful examination. The lessons learned have been diverse and not always positive, and they must be borne in mind in any future decision-making. At the same time, we agree with the Secretary-General's emphasis on the need to ensure more serious enforcement of sanctions by the international community.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Priorities, including national reconciliation, respect for human rights, the resettlement of refugees and displaced persons, the promotion of national unity, democratization, and economic recovery, are sensitive, but are Vital for a successful transition to lasting peace. Some situations require specific approaches and specific measures, including sanctions under Chapter VII of the Charter. It is indicative of the tragedy of Africa that the majority of sanctions imposed by the Security Council so far have been targeted against Member States or specific groups in Africa. This makes the Secretary- General's recommendations regarding the improvement of sanctions regimes in the context of the promotion of durable peace in Africa all the more appropriate and timely.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“When a peacekeeping operation passes into the stage of peace- building, it assumes a multifaceted character and acquires new dimensions. Emergency assistance on the one hand, and reconstruction and development on the other, are both necessary and interrelated. A partnership between them is needed so that the diverse expertise, capacity and approaches to problem-solving are brought together in a consistent and well-coordinated manner. As the Secretary-General aptly pointed out in paragraph 62 of his report, the passing of the baton from relief to development assistance cannot lead to progress or durable peace. We agree that there is a need for peace- building elements to be identified with precision and integrated into the mandates of peacekeeping operations at an appropriately early stage.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Rational allocation of resources between humanitarian relief and development assistance is needed. We fully agree with the Secretary-General's strong insistence on the protection of civilians, especially refugees and internally displaced persons. It is particularly important that effective measures be taken to separate the civilian population from combatants whenever necessary. Slovenia also supports a further search for appropriate methods, both at the international level and at the level of countries which host the refugees, to maintain the security and neutrality of refugee camps and settlements. Peace is always fragile at the beginning. Peace- building structures were therefore developed in all situations in Africa where peace was established.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“In addition, we are also in favour of cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity and other regional and subregional arrangements. We believe that such cooperation should be based on the framework established by Chapter VIII of the Charter. Slovenia fully supports the principle that humanitarian assistance should be treated not as a substitute for political action, but as its supplement. The provision of assistance is a moral obligation which addresses the symptoms of conflicts. It does not deal with their causes, however, and should not be used as an excuse for not taking proper political action. In other words, humanitarian assistance should not present a diversion from other critical priorities of the host country and its people.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“In order to ensure the credibility of the United Nations, the international community must be willing to act with a view to advancing the objectives of peace and security in Africa. We agree with the Secretary-General's statement that United Nations peacekeeping will not always be the best answer to every problem in Africa or elsewhere. At the same time, it is our belief that the peacekeeping potential of the United Nations should be strengthened. This potential should be based on a credible deterrent capacity, backed by sufficient political will on the part of the international community and by cooperation on the ground. Each situation has to be considered on its own merits by the Security Council.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Prevention, however, is not always possible. This applies to the entire range of efforts for the maintenance of international peace and security. There is, therefore, a Vital need to strengthen the mechanisms of peacekeeping, peace enforcement and post-conflict peace- building. In his report, the Secretary-General offers a realistic analysis of United Nations experiences in Africa. We would like to express our regret over the fact that some of those experiences have hobbled the capacity of the United Nations to respond swiftly and decisively to crises. We hope that experiences which cannot be described as positive will not continue to dominate the international community' s perception of peacekeeping. The lack of success in one of the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa has had a disproportionately negative effect.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“We share his view that what is needed is the creation of an environment where individuals and their human rights are protected, where civil society is able to function freely and where governmental responsibilities are carried out in a proper manner. We also agree with him that such an environment needs to be supported by adequate institutional mechanisms. The central concepts here are respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. The autonomy, integrity and independence of the courts must be respected. Indeed, good governance and a society based on fair and impartial enforcement of the law are essential both for the creation of a development- friendly economic environment and for the implementation of human rights. It is common wisdom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Despite recent progress, the situation in many African countries is still characterized by a lack of adequate basic infrastructure and by severe fiscal problems. Such a setting can be detrimental to the inflow of private capital and thus nullify efforts at furthering the openness to trade, accountability and the protection of property rights. International assistance is therefore required. This involvement should also address the need to remove unsustainable debt overhang. Action in this area would contribute significantly to the restoration of macroeconomic stability and investor confidence. Slovenia appreciates the clarity with which the Secretary-General approaches the issue of good governance.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“The Slovenian experience also supports the View that accelerated economic performance requires better use of existing resources. Globalization of world markets notwithstanding, a build-up of domestic savings and the establishment of a savings culture should be one of the priorities of any effective development policy. We also agree with the Secretary-General that investment in human capital, especially through education, must be recognized as a driving force for economic growth. After all, the people themselves are the first and foremost resource of development. On the other hand, it has to be recognized that while mobilization of existing resources is crucial, the international community has an indispensable role in creating and maintaining an enabling environment for investment in Africa.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“One of the lessons learned by Slovenia in the process of general reform is the need for enhancing and improving macroeconomic management. We therefore highly appreciate the Secretary-General's specific recommendation in paragraph 76 that a vital prerequisite for stable economic performance is a strong central bank capacity. An independent central bank not only ensures low and stable rates of inflation, but through its autonomy from governmental interference in monetary policy also contributes to a healthy division of power in the economic sphere. It thus acts as an important safeguard against corruption and other ills which accompany development and adjustment to the competitive international economic environment.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Fostering growth and development requires the political will to implement certain basic and universally valid principles of sound economics. It is these principles that must guide the formulation of economic and social policies and decision-making for development. As a country in transition, Slovenia is fully aware of the difficulties involved in structural adjustment to a highly competitive and market-based world economic system. Our own experience supports the view that all countries in transition and development, including those in Africa, that wish to participate fully in the global economy, must, as the Secretary-General stresses in paragraph 81, carry out the necessary political and economic reforms.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“Moreover, the report builds on the experiences of the United Nations in recent years, both expertise gained in dealing with specific situations and understanding resulting from consideration of broader topics, such as the "Agenda for Peace" and the "Agenda for Development". One of the most powerful messages of the Secretary- General's report is expressed in the title of chapter IV, which emphasizes the intrinsic link between the construction of durable peace and the promotion of economic growth. We agree that such a link is essential. Moreover, we believe that growth and development are among the most effective guarantees to prevent conflict. They must, as such, be accorded priority, and I therefore wish to address them in some detail.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“I wish to begin by commending the Secretary-General for his excellent report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. The report deals with some of the most important issues on the United Nations agenda today. By analysing the entire range of factors affecting peace and security in Africa, the report actually addresses some of the basic aspects of the current and future relevance of the United Nations. In paragraph 7 of the report, the Secretary-General explains the challenges of Africa as those of a vast and varied continent. The Secretary-General succeeds in developing a systematic approach which brings together penetrating analysis and imaginative proposals for the search for solutions.”
1998-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3875 (1998) · source
“The Commission's recommendations relating to the illegal flow of arms in the Great Lakes region will provide essential input for further action by the Security Council. The appeal to other United Nations bodies, other organizations and interested parties to collate information in their possession relating to the Commission's mandate and to make this information available are therefore necessary.”
1998-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3870 (1998) · source
“The memories of massacres of civilians, including refugees, and acts of violence in the Great Lakes region are still fresh. The recurrence of violence in Rwanda is contributing to the persistent instability in the Great Lakes region as a whole. It is necessary that all efforts be made to put an end to all forms of insurgency and violence. Recovery from the consequences of genocide, restoration of stability and security in the country and in the region, national reconciliation and democratization are fundamental for economic development and, in particular, for the creation of a climate conducive to the harmonious reintegration of the refugees in order to encourage their return in safety and dignity.”
1998-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3870 (1998) · source
“Slovenia supports the draft resolution submitted to the Security Council for action today. It is a timely and necessary draft resolution. The situation in the country and in the Great Lakes region as a whole continues to give rise to concern. Furthermore, the work of the International Commission of Inquiry on arms flows, established by Security Council resolution 1013 (1995), has not yet been finished. We would like to commend the delegation of the United States for the good work done in preparing the draft. The reactivation of the International Commission of Inquiry on illegal arms flows to Rwanda reflects the willingness of the Government of Rwanda and of the international community to prevent Violence in that country.”
1998-04-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3870 (1998) · source
“It is known from recent experience that the political message of an arms embargo may not be properly understood and that the application of the embargo may leave much to be desired. Therefore, the Security Council should remain actively seized of the matter in an effort to help resolve the situation and to maintain peace and security in the region.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The success of the draft resolution submitted for action today should be assessed on how it will, together with other measures and actions by other international and regional institutions, succeed in leading to serious progress in negotiations on the final status of Kosovo; deterring the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from using force again in Kosovo and encouraging it, rather, to make use of peaceful means to solve the problems; and giving the Albanians much-needed confidence in the efforts of the international community. The present draft resolution can be a step in the right direction. The Security Council should very soon be ready to evaluate its real effects and those of the specific measures envisaged in it.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“A solution to the Kosovo crisis can be found only by the parties themselves - but not by themselves alone. The animosities between them and tensions in the broader region are already too high. The international community should help the parties by applying pressure and by providing mediation during the forthcoming negotiations. The efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Personal Representative of the Chairrnan-in-Office are supported also by the Security Council in this draft resolution.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“It provides clear conditions for the lifting of the embargo, as well as additional measures in case of failure to make constructive progress towards a peaceful resolution. The draft resolution also notes that possible concrete progress to resolve the crisis in Kosovo could improve the prospects for participation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in international institutions. It goes without saying that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia could participate in the work of those institutions only in accordance with the rules and decisions of those institutions, including the ones applicable to new members. It should be recalled that the current non- participation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in international institutions is largely a consequence of its unwillingness to apply for membership.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The draft resolution should demonstrate the determination of the international community that this is the time to act and to prevent a massive humanitarian tragedy and the outbreak of war. The draft resolution condemns the recent Violence in Kosovo, which resulted in numerous fatalities among innocent civilians. The draft resolution calls upon both sides - namely, the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the leadership of the Kosovar Albanians to enter without preconditions into a meaningful dialogue on an enhanced status for Kosovo, which would include a substantially greater degree of autonomy and meaningful self- administration. The draft resolution imposes an embargo on the sale and supply to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - including, but not only, Kosovo - of arms and related materiel of all types.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Such action is necessary since the situation in Kosovo has already developed into a threat to international peace and security in the region. This is the reason for action based on Chapter VII of the Charter, as envisaged in the draft resolution. Slovenia supports the draft resolution as proposed by the sponsors and will vote in favour of it. The draft resolution contains important elements, including the prevention of the flow of arms to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The draft resolution represents an additional piece in the mosaic of international pressure on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to start immediately and without conditions serious negotiations on the final status of Kosovo.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Permit me now to make a few observations on the text of the draft resolution submitted to the Security Council for action today. The situation in Kosovo has been giving rise to legitimate international concern for quite some time now. Thus, it can no longer be described as an internal affair. Serious violations of human rights have been reported for years, and the use of force in recent weeks has triggered a wave of expressions of concern from the neighbouring States and the international community at large. Slovenia shares the concern expressed at the meetings of the Contact Group in London on 9 March 1998 and in Bonn on 25 March 1998. Moreover, we generally agree with the decisions taken at those meetings, including the decisions regarding action by the Security Council.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“There is a clear need to avoid the trap set by those who use the label of terrorism for reasons of political convenience and without proper factual foundation. It is clear that violent acts, such as the taking of hostages, attacks against the safety of civilian air traffic, terrorist bombings and other attacks against civilian targets are properly defined as terrorism. And it is clear that terrorism has to be condemned and combated. On the other hand, however, there are forms of struggle that, albeit undesirable, are not terrorism and ought not to be labelled as such. This is particularly relevant to the situation in Kosovo, where the characteristics of an armed conflict have, unfortunately, already assumed serious proportions.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The attempts to obscure that threat by various techniques of what commentators call "an even distribution of guilt" - techniques that were amply on display in international discussions on some other situations in the recent past - would again bring only harm and suffering and would delay the solutions. The techniques of "an even distribution of guilt" say little about the actual facts of the situation concerned and speak volumes about the lack of agreement at the level of the international community. What is needed is the clear identification of facts and a responsible judgement regarding their consequences. In this context, I wish to refer to a specific question that requires attention at this stage, namely, the issue of terrorism and the danger of political misuse of the word "terrorism".”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The degree to which the issues are used for other political reasons besides the search for solutions needs to be conscientiously reduced to the minimum. In the past, the unilateral dismantling of Kosovo's autonomy represented one of the major sources of political deterioration and instability in the region. At present, the use of force against the Albanians of Kosovo represents the most important source of instability and a threat to international peace and security. Consequently, efforts must be directed towards the elimination of that threat.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“A range of recent instruments on the rights of persons belonging to various kinds of minorities does not seem particularly useful in the process of searching for a potential political solution for Kosovo, except, of course, to the extent that the parties directly involved recognize them as useful. Let us not forget that not long ago Kosovo enjoyed a degree of autonomy that far exceeded the limits set out in some recent instruments on the rights of minorities - that is, instruments that were developed for situations different from and easier than that of Kosovo. Thirdly, it is essential to ensure that intellectual and moral accuracy prevail in the international efforts to help resolve the situation. It is extremely important that the problems at hand are defined accurately and honestly.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“These solutions will have to include arrangements that will satisfy the needs of both the Albanian majority population and the Serb population in Kosovo. While the path to success could be long and exhausting, it is important that the right steps be taken from the beginning. Secondly, the principles upon which the solutions are sought should be sufficiently broad and sufficiently fundamental. It is essential that the political process be started on the basis of broad and fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act of 1975. These principles include everything that is essential. Moreover, they are not constrained by the specificities that are meant for other types of situations and that characterize some of the more recent international instruments. Let me give an example.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source