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

“Slovenia deeply regrets the fact that the Security Council was unable to adopt today the necessary decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in Macedonia. It is regrettable that the Council is once again paralysed by the negative vote of a permanent member. The present situation may have a negative effect on developments in and around Macedonia and on the functioning of the Security Council as the principal United Nations organ entrusted with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The situation in and around Macedonia is fraught with instability and potential threats, which call for an array of international responses, among them the preventive deployment of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Macedonia.”
1999-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3982 (1999) · source
“At the same time, the Council will have to ensure better implementation of its own basic functions in the maintenance of international peace and security, such as those to which I referred in the first part of my statement. I hope that today's discussion will represent a real contribution in that regard.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“These include the tasks which will make the future International Criminal Court an effective institution, and the development of mechanisms of cooperation among States which will enable the realization of the idea advocated by, among others, the Secretary-General of the United Nations of holding combatants financially liable to their victims. Such practical ideas, which may require new, ambitiously conceived forms of international cooperation, should be among the priorities of a possible study by the Secretary-General. Such mechanisms will inevitably require long-term and sustained action and will to a large extent involve the Security Council in the future.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“However, some norms need to be strengthened, such as, for example, the prohibition of recruitment into armed forces of children below the legal minimum age for recruitment, or the norms related to the prohibition of military action against areas declared safe havens for the civilian population. Norms which require strengthening are not too numerous but they are essential, and efforts in that regard are necessary. On the other hand, measures intended to give effect to substantive norms of humanitarian law require further elaboration and practical implementation.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“We believe that such a study need not repeat the analysis of already well-researched questions relating to the legal structure of international humanitarian law, but it should focus on the basic existential problems of international humanitarian law today and should help the Security Council in devising policies for the future. The basic premise here should be that current humanitarian law already comprises all the necessary principles and basic rules. Additional norm creation need not be a priority. It is necessary to avoid the temptation to redefine already defined war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“This situation of what the Special Representative has called "ethical vacuum" has the potential of undermining the entire edifice of international humanitarian law. This problem must be of the utmost concern to the Security Council. What can we do? At present, I believe that we need to understand the problem more fully. Therefore we support the proposal for a report by the Secretary-General, containing specific suggestions and proposals, to the Security Council, acting in its sphere of responsibility, with the aim of improving the physical and legal protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“On the other hand, there is a need for the Security Council to address a basic, and I should say existential problem of international humanitarian law today. The Security Council has been reminded many times that the gap between the rules of humanitarian law and its application has never been wider. Deliberate attacks against civilians have become a basic feature of many contemporary armed conflicts. The fate of children as victims of war is particularly appalling. The basic rules of humanitarian law are being deliberately violated. In some situations described by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, even the most basic ethical norms and value systems traditionally respected in all societies are disregarded.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross reminded us of article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, which reads: "The Il88] High Contracting Parties undertake to respect and to ensure respect for the present Convention in all circumstances." Article 13 of Protocol II Additional to the Geneva Convention, which relates to the protection of victims in non-international armed conflicts, expressly prohibits all attacks against civilians. These are important and basic obligations that have to be given specific meaning. I do not wish to attempt a systematic legal analysis of the current problems in international humanitarian law. The Security Council is certainly not the most appropriate forum for such an analysis.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The preceding remarks were made in an effort to maintain the focus on the role of the Security Council while addressing a variety of issues relating to the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including those pertaining to the implementation of international humanitarian law. Respect for humanitarian law is essential and an obligation of all States.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“In some military conflicts it is necessary for the Security Council to be able to build the resolve of the international community to use Chapter VII measures in order to protect civilians, including those measures that require the use of force. On the other hand, when deciding on comprehensive economic sanctions, the Security Council must provide for the necessary humanitarian exemptions. Careful and timely use of the instruments and powers which the United Nations Charter has made available to the Security Council is the most effective contribution the Council can make to conflict prevention and limitation and consequently to protecting civilians. The Security Council is a unique body with unique powers which have to be used wisely and effectively.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“At the stage when conflict prevention is still possible, cooperation among States requires the ability to develop a unified approach and bring the necessary pressure to bear with the aim of making peaceful solutions more realistic and military options less likely. In situations characterized by humanitarian problems resulting from existing military conflicts, a variety of actions that are sometimes termed "medium alternatives" may be necessary, such as providing police and other personnel to guarantee security in refugee camps and developing appropriate peacekeeping mandates, to mention just two of the possible options.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“I am reiterating these principles not only for conceptual clarity but also, and above all, because of their practical relevance to the way the Council deals with various situations on its agenda and to the topic being discussed today. The second implication of today's discussion is the need for a full understanding of the importance of protection of civilians in contemporary armed conflicts. The protection of civilian populations requires action, and action is very often a matter of necessity. For the Security Council, this means that its powers must be used adequately. Furthermore, protection of civilians in armed conflict requires a variety of forms of cooperation among States and their cooperation with the Security Council and with humanitarian organizations.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“In other words, the Council's task is to prevent military conflicts and, if they occur, to make a meaningful contribution towards their resolution. Furthermore, the Council has a responsibility after military conflicts end, to enable the transition to post-conflict peace-building. The primacy of these essentially political and military tasks of the Security Council must always be borne in mind. When addressing humanitarian issues, the Security Council must avoid the trap of using humanitarian action, or humanitarian discussions, as a substitute for the necessary political or military action. Above all, the Council must always be aware that preventive action is preferable to any kind of cure.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“It is appropriate today, therefore, to mention the initiative of a group of like- minded States, under the leadership of Canada and Norway, which is determined to give full meaning and specific practical expression to the concept of human security. Slovenia will continue to participate in that initiative to the best of its ability. We hope that time will bring concrete results in addition to those already achieved in such areas as international mine action and international criminal justice. Today's Security Council discussion is focused on the question of protection of civilians in armed conflict. This, in my opinion, has at least two important implications. First, it involves the responsibility of the Security Council, which, according to the United Nations Charter, has the primary responsibility for international peace and security.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Active participation of all the interested United Nations Members could help the Security Council in the effort to develop appropriate policies for the future, and we hope that that participation will be there when we move on with our tasks. The basic aim of United Nations humanitarian action should be human security, with the key to security being physical rather than only legal protection. The current spirit of resolve in the Council to make progress in that direction should lead to real improvement. A variety of new efforts are needed, both within the United Nations framework and in other settings.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, I wish to begin by expressing our appreciation to you and to the delegation of Canada for the creativity and work which made the present briefing possible. I also wish to express our gratitude to Mr. Cornelio Sommaruga, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund, and to Mr. Olara Otunnu, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for their introductory statements. Indeed, the quality of these statements is such that one would wish them to initiate not only an open briefing of the Security Council, but a full-fledged open orientation debate, which would allow all interested Member States to participate.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“This is, in my opinion, one of the basic political challenges to the Security Council these days and something which should not be overlooked, even when we talk primarily about the humanitarian aspects of our work. Let me conclude once again by quoting Vaclav Havel: "We must not be afraid of dreaming the seemingly impossible if we want the impossible to become a reality." The Security Council must not allow paralysis. It must show the ability to act in a meaningful way at the political level.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“The Security Council must be able to distinguish between the genuine protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and the use or abuse of these principles as quasi-justification for the commission of crimes against humanity and other atrocities which, in addition to being an evil in themselves, threaten the international peace. In such situations, the Security Council must be able to determine when and where the threat to international peace actually starts. Action should be early and that action, in our opinion, should even include the possibility of authorizing the use of force in order to prevent the threat to peace from developing further into an open and broad conflict and from producing a humanitarian catastrophe.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“A threat to the peace must be addressed at an early stage. I firmly believe that the Security Council should not allow itself to be paralysed, should not allow national interests to paralyse its action in an early effort to address an emerging threat to the peace. Sometimes, the paralysing effect of national interests is hidden behind the rhetoric of protection of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. The principles of protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States are important principles, but they are not absolute.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“This does not in any way diminish the importance of the humanitarian dimension; at the same time, when contemplating humanitarian action, the Council has to be aware of the need to address the political issues. In this context, two thoughts come to mind. First, the Council should, in my opinion, put into focus preventive action in all situations, when possible. The Council should more often engage itself at an early stage of a conflict or an emerging conflict and, perhaps, more often invite or encourage the Secretary-General to exercise his role as an actor of preventive diplomacy to prevent conflicts. Prevention, of course, is not always possible and sometimes far-reaching decisions have to be taken by the Security Council. Here again, I think, the basic political requirement is that these decisions be taken on time.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“I am mentioning this because all too often in the past few years, the Council has ended up with humanitarian action being seen as a substitute for political action. It may be recalled that Secretary-General Kofi Annan has often referred to this problem and explained that humanitarian action can be only a palliative and no substitute for action aimed at tackling the root causes of different crises. A commentator in today's issue of the International Herald Tribune emphasizes that humanitarian action must not be the only response of the political bodies to the tragedies resulting from armed conflicts. Certainly, the Security Council is primarily a political body, so therefore it has to think seriously and hard about its basic approaches to various armed conflicts and crisis situations.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“It is very important that the Council pay special attention to the problem of child soldiers - another problem to which several speakers have referred this morning - especially in the context of the eventual demobilization and reintegration of children after the conflict. One would hope that the situation in Sierra Leone would be one in which one could start meaningfully to dream about the demobilization and reintegration of children. Finally, as many have said, the protection of humanitarian personnel should be a very important priority for the Security Council. All these tasks belong to the important work of the Security Council, but, in addition to these, I believe that it is worth keeping in mind what Mr. Vieira de Mello told us today: humanitarian action can never resolve conflicts that, in essence, have political origins.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“I believe that this is an important challenge for the Security Council and one which we should dream of as something which is seemingly impossible but which, in time, may become a reality. Many speakers have referred to specific tasks of the Security Council in contemporary situations, and I do not propose to deal with these in any detail. I would like to mention, however, that the nature of contemporary conflicts is such that most often they produce very serious humanitarian consequences. There are very good reasons to insist, in all situations, on humanitarian access to populations in need, such as, for example, the present situation in Angola. It is necessary to include assistance through humanitarian action in the mandates of the United Nations military forces. One could quote several examples from previous years.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“In that regard, the Security Council must be consistent and must show the ability to persist. Consistency means that it has to pay due attention to humanitarian law in all situations and that it must be aware - and here comes the persistency element - of the non-applicability of statutory limitations for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Even in those cases in which crimes have been committed years earlier, there is still very good reason to insist on full investigation of crimes and on punishment, because this is the only way to prevent the culture of impunity from prevailing and the only way in which a meaningful and systematic combating of violations of humanitarian law can be pursued.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“But I would like to dwell for a short while on an example provided by Mr. Vieira de Mello, who placed, at the beginning of his statement, an important emphasis on international humanitarian law. He explained that the problem of respect for the norms of international humanitarian law in contemporary conflicts has become dramatic. The body of applicable international humanitarian law is impressive and a great achievement of civilization, but - as we learn and as we know from too many situations - much too often the norms of international humanitarian law are unknown, ignored or deliberately violated. I believe that the Security Council must always insist on the responsibility of all the parties to all conflicts for respect for international humanitarian law and on the punishment of all violations of humanitarian law.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“I wish to start by thanking you, Sir, for organizing this open meeting of the Security Council on this very important and difficult subject. I also wish to thank Mr. Vieira de Mello for his extremely interesting and thought-provoking briefing. Mr. Vieira de Mello ended his statement with a quotation of Vaclav Havel. Let me repeat it, because I think it is very relevant to our work: "We must not be afraid of dreaming the seemingly impossible if we want the impossible to become a reality." Now, let me reflect upon the implications of this important thought. Let me first ask myself what can be defined as the "seemingly impossible". There are many illustrations which can be given and many examples from the current work of the Security Council can help us in discussing this.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“The executions which have taken place in the recent past require critical consideration by the Security Council. We do not think that executions lead to national reconciliation and this has to be given proper attention, especially in light of future developments, including the fate of Foday Sankoh, which may be an issue to be kept in mind by the Security Council's members. In conclusion, I would like to say once again that we shall come back to the situation in a more detailed way when the Council takes up the report. But at this stage I would like to conclude by saying that the present format of briefing and consideration of these issues by the Security Council is very useful.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“Therefore, we very strongly support all the efforts mentioned by Ambassador Dahlgren to seek a peaceful solution. I would like to mention that we certainly support the efforts by Reverend Jackson and by the leaders in the region, and, above all, we support the efforts of the International Contact Group on Sierra Leone, which met in London on 5 November. We would like to encourage the continuation of those efforts. Now, international efforts in themselves will not be enough and the true path to a solution is national reconciliation in the country. Many who have spoken before me emphasized in this context the importance of the fate of children and we certainly associate ourselves with all their points. We would like to add only one additional point.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“He spoke about a very tense situation, about the widespread guerilla warfare and about problems that are very serious and to which solutions will not be easy to find. I would like to recall in this connection that the Security Council has always insisted on a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I would just like to quote from paragraph 3 of resolution 1132 (1997) - the basic resolution on this issue, adopted by the Security Council on 8 October 1997. In the specific context of that time, that resolution insisted on support "for the peaceful restoration of the constitutional order" in the country. Nothing that has happened subsequent to the adoption of that resolution has changed that fundamental insistence of the Security Council and the fundamental principle of the Security Council's approach.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“I think that this is a very valid point, a central point in the operation of the sanctions regime under resolution 1132 (1997), and I think that this basic point relates to all sanctions regimes currently in place. I think the Security Council should give proper consideration to the issue of the implementation of sanctions later on, when the discussion on the working paper by the Chairpersons of the sanctions committees - which was referred to earlier in the debate today - is taken up again by the Security Council. Finally, a few points on the political situation in Sierra Leone in general. Again I would like to thank Ambassador Dahlgren for providing us with very valuable insights.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“The practice of the Chairmen of sanctions committees Visiting the target countries or areas is very valuable. We believe that it requires more careful consideration. The experiences gained in this context should be given proper consideration. This practice is still at an early stage. I think that we are beyond the experimental stage, but not at the stage where the practice is fully established and applicable to all the sanctions committees. So I think that some further reflection is necessary. We understand that the sanctions Committee has discussed some of the detailed issues relating to the operation of sanctions. I would like to mention just one point in this connection. Ambassador Dahlgren rightly emphasized the importance of cooperation by all States in the proper implementation of the sanctions regime.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“Moreover, the important feature of the report - namely, the one related to human rights - is something that deserves our full support, and we hope that, during the detailed discussion that the Council will have at a later stage, we will be able to speak about these issues in some more detail. Today, however, I would like to limit my remarks to some of the points made by Ambassador Dahlgren, who Visited the country recently. I would like, as others have, to thank Ambassador Dahlgren for his presentation and join in the opinion voiced by Ambassador Amorim a short while ago when he characterized Ambassador Dahlgren's mission as an embodiment of the wishes and aspirations of many members of the Security Council. I think that his presentation today provided useful insight into the situation.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“I would like to join the preceding speakers in expressing our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for having organized the briefing and the discussion today in the present format. My remarks will be brief since time is precious. I would like to say, first of all, that we are grateful to the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report and to Mr. Miyet, the Under-Secretary-General, for the introduction. We studied the report, which details the military and security situation and the political aspects of the situation, and we can certainly say that, like others, we value very highly the role of the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL), and we support the expansion of its mandate.”
1998-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3957 (1998) · source
“It is necessary to explore all possible ways to continue to address the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. We wish to welcome the Secretary-General's readiness to play his part in this important task.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3955 (1998) · source
“We particularly regret that the Iraqi leadership themselves have prevented that review by failing to live up to their latest unequivocal commitment of 14 November 1998 to full and unconditional cooperation. It should have been clear to them that the perpetuation of crises could sooner rather than later lead to a forceful action. They should have understood better the repeatedly and unanimously stated position of the Security Council that hindering the disarmament work is not acceptable. We have reached the point where it is difficult to predict how the Council could best deal with Iraq in future. At this moment, we wish to emphasize that we share the Secretary-General's concern for human lives and for the fate of humanitarian relief efforts.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3955 (1998) · source
“That was a clear message of the seriousness the Council has attached to the disarmament work in Iraq. It was also but one in a series of opportunities provided by the Council to Iraq to de-escalate tensions and to proceed with the unfinished business of disarmament. Unfortunately, Iraq failed to take full advantage of those opportunities. It is deplorable that we find ourselves today in a situation characterized by military action against Iraq. We would have preferred instead to be in a position to proceed immediately with a comprehensive review, for which the Security Council was patiently and diligently working in the past few months.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3955 (1998) · source
“Tonight's meeting is a sombre occasion to reflect on a development that we had all been trying to avoid for quite some time. This year alone, the Security Council was repeatedly confronted with crises in its relations with Iraq. Laudable efforts by the Secretary- General, by the Security Council as a whole and by several of its members more than once created hope that full implementation of Iraqi obligations under the Security Council resolutions would be achieved by peaceful means. On the other hand, already earlier this year, at the time of endorsement of the Secretary-General's Memorandum of Understanding reached with Iraq, the Council made it clear, in its resolution 1154 (1998) of 2 March 1998, that any violation of its obligations would have the severest consequences for Iraq.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3955 (1998) · source
“The annual consideration by the General Assembly of the situations in Central America and in Bosnia and Herzegovina are cases in point. The open debate in the Security Council today is part of a broader cooperative scheme of international efforts in situations of post-conflict peace-building. We hope that the views expressed in this debate will help in advancing the effectiveness of post-conflict peace-building and thus the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Most importantly, perhaps, it has demonstrated that the complexity of the tasks requires a genuinely cooperative attitude of a variety of international agencies and organizations - global and regional, governmental and non-governmental - and the active involvement of United Nations Member States. The experience of past years has also confirmed the need for all the relevant United Nations organs and agencies to take part in a cooperative manner. Several speakers before me referred to the role of the Economic and Social Council, and I agree with those opinions. I wish to add a point on the General Assembly, which, in my opinion, also has a role. The value of the Assembly's role in providing the broadest political framework for international efforts to consolidate peace and post-conflict peace-building has been reaffirmed in recent practice.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“The projects of reforming or establishing national and local police forces should include human rights training and education, emphasize the relations between the police and the local community and focus on long-term sustainability of the police function. Judicial systems often require reforms intended to ensure their adequacy and their compatibility with generally accepted international standards. A particularly important task is to address the issue of impunity and to ensure that amnesty laws are in accordance with international law. The experience of the United Nations and other international organizations over the past few years has confirmed the validity of the views expressed in "An Agenda for Peace" in 1992.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“That book showed that while the facts of each situation varied, in each there has been a need to give a proper meaning to peace through the efforts to strengthen human rights and to address the violations and war crimes of the recent past. The International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia are of vital importance for building real and durable peace. Various truth commissions established in recent years in some countries have also had beneficial effects. A particularly important task relates to institution- building, which characterized several operations recently authorized by the Security Council. While most post- conflict missions start with monitoring the situation of human rights, monitoring is often not enough and has to be complemented by international support for institution- building.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Often the credibility of justice demands that past violations be properly addressed. This may require that retributive justice be accepted as an essential ingredient of peace-building. Justice is a value in itself. Additionally, it is a basic condition for durability of peace. The international community has gained important experience in pursuit of these tasks in the preceding years. The situations concerned range from those in Central America to South-East Asia and from Europe to the Great Lakes region in Africa. Earlier this year some of the main experiences in this regard were systematically analysed and presented in a book published by the Aspen Institute, entitled Honoring Human Rights: From Peace to Justice.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“At later stages, it may become necessary that the number of those involved in the mine action increases and that the cooperation projects of post-conflict peace-building called for in "An Agenda for Peace" are taken seriously. Slovenia is aware of these needs in all post-conflict situations, including, for example, those in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is actively involved in mine action, especially through its international trust fund for demining and mine victims assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Demining, rehabilitation of mine Victims and mine awareness become parts of a longer-term effort for stabilization of the situation after the conflict and for promotion of durable peace. Another set of priorities relates to the need to stabilize peace through justice and protection of human rights.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“For all these reasons mine action must be considered as early as possible in the peace settlement process. Short- term priorities should therefore be carefully designed so as to reinforce the process of long-term mine action. It is important that mine action be integrated into the negotiation of peace agreements and that mine action take place as soon as possible. Ideally, humanitarian concerns on mine action should be part of the peacekeeping function itself. Close coordination between peacekeeping and humanitarian activities is needed so that mine action can start as an immediate priority of post-conflict peace-building.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“This is necessary not only to thwart the recurrence of a conflict, but also to minimize the land whose use is restricted by infestation and to expedite the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to both their zones and their livelihoods. Rehabilitation of mine victims is an important condition of normalization after a conflict and, perhaps most importantly, the way to restore both the productivity and the human dignity of those most severely affected. Mine awareness needs to be created and supported as part of the effort to mobilize the population for post-conflict activities. Peace cannot be sustained and development cannot thrive in an atmosphere where an explosion could wound any one at any time. Successful mine action, namely an action successful in all three main areas, strengthens both peace and development.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Which projects require practical contributions by Governments in the region concerned and beyond, and which require sustained political support? When such questions are asked, the issue of post-conflict peace-building becomes very specific, and therefore permit me to make a few specific observations on two areas of post-conflict peace-building. One of the first priorities of any process towards post-conflict peace-building is mine action, which consists of demining, assistance to mine victims and the creation of mine awareness in the public at large. The implementation of provisions of international instruments regarding demining and destruction of landmines must be the first priority.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“More generally, the Secretary-General emphasized: "When conflict breaks out, mutually reinforcing efforts at peacemaking and peacekeeping come into play. Once these have achieved their objectives, only sustained, cooperative work to deal with underlying economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems can place an achieved peace on a durable foundation." (S/24IIZ, para. 57) Slovenia has expressed its agreement with this general approach of the Secretary-General and has promised support. The question before the Governments of the United Nations Member States has been and will continue to be: what specifically can they contribute to the inherently cooperative nature of efforts for post- conflict peace-building?”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“While addressing this notion of complexity, I wish to say that the complexity of the tasks in question was duly recognized by the Secretary-General in his seminal report entitled "An Agenda for Peace" in 1992 (S/24111) and in the "Supplement to an Agenda for Peace" in 1995 (S/1995/1). A more recent and more specific set of proposals by the Secretary-General is contained in his report entitled "The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa" (S/1998/318), published earlier this year and extensively discussed by the Security Council in recent months. In the 1992 report, "An Agenda for Peace", the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of cooperative projects involving two or more countries in mutually beneficial undertakings intended to stabilize peace and ensure development.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“As a result, general deterioration took place and the situation degenerated into a new armed conflict which adds to the prevailing crisis in that part of Africa. This example shows how a failure in the transition from the stage of peacekeeping to the stage of post-conflict peace-building can seriously undermine peace and security in a larger region. Therefore, the importance of efforts to succeed cannot be overestimated, and the United Nations must do its utmost to help in the process of post-conflict peace- building. The experience of past years has shown that such efforts are no less difficult than those to contain and stop the war. As a matter of fact, they are difficult in a different way, given the inherent complexity of demands in the process of transition from military conflict to durable peace.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Equally disconcerting, however, is the fact that the current deterioration has occurred after a period of progress towards peace and after some post-conflict peace-building activities had been started. I wish to recall that, at the beginning of this year, on 9 January 1998, the Government of Angola and UNITA agreed on a lO-point final timetable for the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol. That timetable contained such steps as the demobilization of UNITA, the disarmament of the civilian population, the consolidation of the Government's administration throughout the entire territory of the country and other measures of transition towards post-conflict peace-building. The objectives of that timetable were not fulfilled, mainly due to the subsequent change of mind and obstruction by UNITA.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source