YouSaid · the spoken record

Urbina

lines on the record: 774
first: 2007-10-23
most recent: 2010-03-19
sittings or episodes: 103
sources: un-security-council

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“With reference to economic and social development, it was evident to the mission that the current levels of extreme poverty - 80 per cent of the population live on less than $2 per day and 50 per cent on less than $1 per day - are incompatible with the goal of establishing stability in the short term. The Haitian interlocutors indicated how important it is to continue working with the international community to implement a reconstruction and development strategy in the country. They acknowledged the importance of the poverty reduction strategy paper and the post- disaster needs assessment.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Food security is still one of the greatest concerns in the country. Members of the Council received information on the difficult situation of the farming sector in Haiti. The Permanent Representative of Japan, supported by other members of the Council, expressed concern at the low productivity in a sector that employs more than 50 per cent of the population and that meets barely 48 per cent of food needs. Members of the Council encouraged the Haitian authorities to adopt agricultural policies designed to boost production. Additionally, they urged the Government of Haiti to display its commitment to establish goals that can be attained in reasonable time frames - all of this in order to contribute to stability of the country.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Members of the mission expressed concern at the limitations on economic, social and cultural rights in Haiti, a state of affairs that has been aggravated by the humanitarian situation caused by natural phenomena in 2008, the world food crisis and the deterioration of the international economy. With respect to the humanitarian situation, Haiti is particularly vulnerable when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms from the Atlantic. Members of the Council saw the effects of the flooding caused by last year's hurricanes in the city of Gona'ives. They were also made aware of the efforts to prevent disasters, to reduce risk and regulate water basins. The mission visited a labour-intensive project to reduce vulnerability by terracing, constructing small dikes, reconfiguring watercourses and renovation canals.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Despite these successes, the country is still awaiting the establishment of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, the consolidation of the Office of Citizen Protection, legal inspections, the execution of the strategic plan for prison expansion in the country and a general review of the current condition of prisoners in preventive detention. The limited capacity of the judiciary to administer justice quickly has led to a sharp rise in the prison population living in overcrowded conditions and whose fundamental rights are being violated. Both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Justice expressed the desire to improve justice sector capacity and recognized the support of MINUSTAH in this area. Haitian authorities emphasized the respect for civil and political rights in the country, particularly for freedom of expression.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Progress has been made, inter alia, in professional training for officials, the increase of its institutional capacity and the development of infrastructure with a view to achieving the goals set out in the plan for police reform. The ambitious programme requires the support and cooperation of the international community. The mission noted the successes achieved in the reform and strengthening of the rule of law and its institutions in Haiti. Council representatives who attended the inauguration of the School for Magistrates noted the advances in the organization of the judiciary with the implementation of three important laws: that establishing the Superior Council of the Judiciary, the Statute of the Magistracy and the law supporting the system for the training of judges.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Council members visited the MINUSTAH naval base in Fort Liberte, where they examined the operational plan for maritime patrols together with the United Nations police and the Haitian National Police. The mission was shown that the joint naval team at Fort Liberte also takes part in a weekly border patrol by land, sea and air. With respect to the rule of law and human rights, from the conversations with the Minister for Justice and Public Security, the Secretaries of State for Justice and Public Security, the Director General of the Haitian National Police and the Director of the Prison Administration, as well as the Force Commander and Police Commissioner of MINUSTAH, it became clear that the priority for Haiti is to strengthen the capacity of its National Police, which is essential for national ownership of the matter of security.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“The mission noted the permeability of and free movement in the border area between Haiti and the Dominican Republic and noted that progress had been made on infrastructure. Members of the mission heard explanations of the preparation of key legislative documents on border management drawn up by the Government in collaboration with MINUSTAH. Members of the Council encouraged the national authorities to continue enhancing the customs data system, intensify land patrols and open new control points to increase the collection of income, which is an important aspect of the State's fiscal resources. Similarly, members of the Council were informed of the reactivation of the joint Haiti-Dominican Republic Commission, which should lead to the drawing up of a work programme dealing with issues of common interest.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“The Council mission was able to note that the Government and MINUSTAH work together in broadening the State's capacity, both on the ground and in enhancing its ability to administer the country and offer basic services to the population. National authorities highlighted legal progress against corruption, the approval of a customs code, a statute for parliamentary staff and administrative and financial rules for the workings of the legislature. However, the Government and the local administrations face limitations when it comes to providing essential services to the people, such as health and education. During the visit to Ounaminthe, the Council mission observed progress in the integrated border management programme.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“However, Council members received assurances that objections will be dealt with through legal mechanisms and there will be support for the electoral process as a means for clearing up political disputes. With respect to extending the State's capacity, members of the Security Council became aware of the weakness of the Haitian system of institutions. For example, the State can provide education to only 10 per cent of registered students, which is already a low percentage of persons of school age. In addition, the State controls neither the content nor the quality of private education, which is responsible for a very high percentage of education in the country. The same thing is true of other sectors of the institutional structure that do not provide basic services to the population.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“For its part, the Electoral Council reiterated its commitment to ensure free, fair and inclusive elections in order to ensure the credibility of an electoral process that is threatened by the non-participation of one of the most important political groups, which has been excluded on legal grounds. The Council mission said that everything possible must be 3 done to deal with the perception of exclusion that is felt in particular sectors of the population. During their meeting with representatives of political parties, Council representatives were able to verify attitudes that undermine the legitimacy of the forthcoming elections, such as suspicions of fraud and pronounced State involvement.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“In the meeting with the President of the Presidential Commission for the Reform of the Constitution, Council members expressed the need to enhance coordination between the executive power, Parliament and civil society in order to avoid splits and political paralysis that could hamper the reform process in the country. Members of the Council also had meetings with the President and judges of the Provisional Electoral Council. Future electoral processes impose an electoral period that will be spread out over the next 36 months, during which voters will go to the polls eight times. The Council mission received information on logistical support provided by MINUSTAH to the Provisional Electoral Council as well as on the security assistance provided.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“The arguments in favour of a revised Constitution are gaining ground among political leaders, who agree on the general issues relating to the cumbersome administrative structure resulting from the 1987 Constitution, the costly schedule of elections and other limitations that must be changed. Members of the Council were aware of the tight schedule for constitutional amendments and acknowledged the importance of reforming the Constitution to bring about better governance in the country. Here, the mission passed on a message to be pondered by Haitian political leaders in order to achieve the necessary consensuses for the appropriate constitutional reform process.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“09-27342 The mission received information on the political dialogue and the electoral processes from the President and the Prime Minister, who provided details on the five committees established by the President to gather input from political parties and civil society for an ambitious institutional reform programme. During its visit, the Council held conversations with the national coordinator of these committees and those leading the committee on constitutional reform. The Haitian interlocutors agreed on the need for significant reforms, although there were differing nuances in the various points of view. There was agreement on the general views on the division of powers, excessive decentralization and the multiplicity of electoral processes.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Progress has been made possible through quick-impact employment programmes, with intensive use being made of labour forces. This has contributed to stabilizing marginal city areas that were until very recently considered lawless. The mission also gauged the Haitian State's lack of capacity to control its borders and territorial waters, which could potentially encourage illegal activities. The commencement of maritime and air patrols by MINUSTAH, with support from the National Police, should improve the situation. These patrols should, however, be complemented by other bilateral and regional initiatives, as these problems are regional in nature and MINUSTAH does not have the mandate to carry out such operations or to carry out interdiction operations.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“The police force is now being strengthened through professional training for its personnel and the enhancement of its operational and institutional capacities. The goal of having 14,000 members in the police force and thereby reaching an acceptable rate of one officer per 1,000 inhabitants, taking into account real needs, is making solid progress. The original number, 3,000 members, has now been tripled. In addition, recruitment and verification are being carried out successfully. The Council mission was able to assess the community violence reduction programme during one of its field visits. This project has been made possible thanks to cooperation between MINUSTAH, its Government counterparts, the National Disarmament Commission and the United Nations team in the country, led by the United Nations Development Programme.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“09-27342 The members of the mission gathered updated information and assessments of important aspects of the situation in Haiti, in particular concerning the general security situation, political dialogue and the elections, the extension of the State's authority, the rule of law and human rights, social and economic development, and regional cooperation. The mission was able to note the progress made in terms of security after five years of MINUSTAH presence in the country, in particular that resulting from the support provided to the National Police aimed at increasing its capacity. The greatest improvements can already be noted in a drop in crime and the people's growing confidence in the police force.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Council members also met with leaders of political parties and members of Parliament from the opposition and held conversations with representatives of the private sector and civil society in Haiti. The meeting with MINUSTAH involved the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his deputies, the MINUSTAH Force Commander and the Police Commissioner. The United Nations team was led by the Resident Coordinator. Lastly, the representatives of the Council undertook working visits to Gonaives, Fort Liberte, Ouanaminthe and Cite Soleil.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“The Council's mission subsequently held a meeting with the President of the Republic and his Prime Minister in order to hear their views on the situation, receive information on their programmes and gather their impressions of the work carried out by MINUSTAH. Representatives of the Council received additional information on the plans of the Haitian Government during a subsequent meeting with the Prime Minister and the Ministers for Planning, Interior, Agriculture and Rural Development, Public Works and Transportation. Moreover, Council members held meetings with leaders of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the chairs of the Justice and Security Committees of both legislative chambers and the minister responsible for relations with Parliament.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“On behalf of the members of the Council, I should like to thank the Haitian authorities for their hospitality and openness. I would also like to express our gratitude to the Permanent Representative of Haiti, Ambassador Le'o Me'rores, for having accompanied us and for his contribution to the success of the mission. I must also recognize the impeccable organization carried out by the Secretariat, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hedi Annabi, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) teams and United Nations representatives in Haiti. They should be commended for their work. The mission's visit began with two successive meetings with MINUSTAH leaders and the United Nations team in Haiti.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“Mr. Urbina (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): The Security Council mission visited Haiti from 11 to 14 March 2009, in accordance with its mandate, as set out in document S/2009/l39. The mission was able to assess first-hand the situation in Haiti at a time when there seems to be a window of opportunity to reinforce stability and undertake a process of sustainable development. I would like to start by expressing my thanks to the representatives of Council members for their 2 interest in the mission and their active participation in all its activities. Members of the Council demonstrated the concern that exists regarding the situation in Haiti. I fully believe that our future discussions will benefit from the knowledge acquired during this visit.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6093 (2009) · source
“In the last analysis, what we are building is not a link that will result in preferential treatment for one particular organization; rather, we are bolstering multilateralism and the international collective system of security in our world.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Everyone knows that financial cooperation issues will be the most difficult to resolve. Our previous meeting on this issue identified potential significant differences in that regard. Such differences are inevitable. My Government is carefully considering the recommendations made by the panel in that connection. We look forward to the Secretary- General's recommendations in order that we can contribute to developing greater cooperation with the African Union. Despite the fact that the report clearly establishes the need to build this ad hoc relationship without creating a precedent, my delegation believes that strengthening the relationship with the African Union must go hand in hand with the construction of more flexible and effective models for cooperation with other regional and subregional organizations throughout the world.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“We must move ahead with identifying responsibilities and modalities for cooperation. To that end, it is necessary to increase and improve the quality of communication at all levels. It will not be an easy process; nor will it produce results very quickly. Costa Rica appreciates the report of the joint panel as a tool to identify goals and make recommendations, which must now be the subject of a great deal of consideration, analysis and dialogue. In order to arrive at the needed answers, we must continue to build up experiences and learn lessons. A detailed examination of the experience of the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur and of the process launched by resolution 1863 (2009) on Somalia will undoubtedly contribute to the consideration of this issue.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“The attention that the international community pays to conflicts in Africa, as well as the growing desire of Africans to contribute to resolving them, albeit with very limited resources, make it very urgent for the Security Council to consider this issue. The report before us today (S/2008/813) constitutes an important step forward on a long road that requires us give up old habits and think creatively about how to solve new problems. Costa Rica firmly believes that cooperation between our two organizations must go far beyond merely agreeing on support packages to provide African forces with boots, bulletproof vests, communications equipment and light weapons, as we did recently with regard to Somalia. Cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union is of strategic importance.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Often, the cumbersome machinery of the United Nations lacks the 09-2716] necessary flexibility to act in the early stages of a conflict. In addition, it is also frequently the case that decisive action by regional and subregional organizations is successful in ending a conflict before it can have devastating effects. Those examples of the real and potential contributions of regional organizations inform our meeting today. As the debate last April (see S/PV.5868) illustrated, this is not an easy subject. However, the current circumstances and the direction that the international Organization is taking compel us to begin to design new models for cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. It is no surprise that it was the African Union that once again raised an issue that has always been on the agenda.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Was not last year's tension between Thailand and Cambodia eased as a result of the efforts of their regional partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations? Was not the peace that was achieved in Kenya following the tension during the elections the result of the decisive intervention of that country's African friends? My own country's decision not to possess an army was only ratified following the intervention of our regional body to guarantee our peace and territorial integrity. The whole world of the past 50 years provides numerous examples that confirm the decisive contributions of regional organizations. In addition to their contribution in the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts, regional organizations can also play an indispensable role in focusing attention on a conflict early on.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“The first and most important contribution that regional organizations can make to international peace and security is to actively participate in establishing an environment in which rights are respected, obligations honoured and all members participate in extending international guarantees as to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. History has indisputably illustrated the value of the participation of regional organizations and arrangements in preventing conflicts and resolving them peacefully. Geographic proximity, shared history and cultural affinities have always been extremely valuable to international efforts to prevent conflict. For instance, is it not the case that peace in Kosovo was facilitated by the regional effort that led to the Rambouillet Accords?”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“The international collective security system will not be able to ensure observance of the principles of international law unless it enjoys the active participation of regional and subregional organizations. Including them in the process of creating an international environment conducive to harnessing national efforts in ensuring the development and well- being of peoples is an imperative of our day. That was the message that Costa Rica wanted to impart last November when it organized an open debate on strengthening collective security mechanisms, reducing military expenditures and increasing spending on social development (see S/PV.6017).”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Mr. Urbina (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to begin by warmly welcoming to New York the new Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. I would also like to express my gratitude for the way that you, Ambassador Dabbashi, have guided the work of the Council during the time you have been responsible for representing Libya. I would also like to welcome the participation of the Secretary-General and the presence among us of Deputy Secretary-General Migiro; the Foreign Minister of South Africa; the Chairman of the African Union- United Nations panel, Mr. Romano Prodi; and the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, Mr. Lamamra.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092 (2009) · source
“Independent of their statistical significance, we urge that the necessary action be taken to reduce the number of so-called honour crimes. We recognize the positive steps taken in the field of human rights, in particular the establishment of the Independent Commission, which we hope will serve as an instrument for the protection and promotion of such rights. In conclusion, I congratulate Iraq on its progress not only towards reconciliation and institutional capacity-building, but also in normalizing its relations with its neighbours; on the growing international recognition of its efforts to normalize its national situation; and on its efforts to improve the well-being of the Iraqi people.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Of course, we support the proposal contained in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/ 102) that the support of the international community be systematically focused on those areas in which humanitarian and development indicators register the greatest disadvantage. In our view, one area of priority should be combating food insecurity in the southern part of the country. All efforts at reconciliation must be accompanied by efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, of which the system of the administration of justice is without doubt a component of fundamental importance. Capacity-building in the judicial sector is a priority area that requires the support of an institutional framework of cooperation with other institutions competent in this area. My delegation is concerned about the persistence of human rights violations.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“My delegation trusts in the success of subsequent processes to broaden the legitimacy of the Government, further promote reconciliation and strengthen the legitimacy of institutions. My delegation welcomes the improvement in the economic situation. In this context, we believe that the financial support that Iraq is receiving should be provided in a framework that enables supervision of internal investment and promotes private enterprise at the local level. In this respect, we see the implementation of the private sector development programme under the recently signed United Nations Iraq Assistance Strategy as a positive development.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“Mr. Urbina (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. De Mistura, and the Permanent Representative of Iraq, Ambassador Al Bayati, for their statements. Like previous speakers, we are happy to see that the security environment has made it possible to carry out a successful electoral process, marked by an encouraging level of voter participation and by the absence - or by only a very small number - of incidents. In this respect, my delegation commends the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in particular the work it undertook jointly with the Independent High Electoral Commission to ensure the participation of Iraqi citizens. This undoubtedly constitutes the best of its recent achievements.”
2009-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6087 (2009) · source
“We recognize the importance of the benchmarks that have been adopted, which will enable the country to gauge future progress and will enable the Council to assess the quality and the modalities of the support that the United Nations system will have to provide to Timor-Leste in the future. Finally, I welcome the optimism about this country reflected in the Secretary-General's report. We hope that, with the support of UNMIT and the work of its people under its leadership, Timor-Leste will consolidate the foundations of peace and stability, which will enable it to achieve sustainable development for its inhabitants.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“With regard to socio-economic development in Timor-Leste, the encouraging news about economic progress and growth and the improvement in health- related aspects is somewhat overshadowed in the social arena by the growth of poverty and unemployment. We hope that the Government's activities to promote employment - which President J 056". Ramos-Horta told us about today - and other actions to improve access to food staples will reverse the increase in the poverty rate. In addition, we are confident that the medium- term strategy that has been adopted will guide the country's socio-economic, political, institutional and cultural development.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“In that context, we believe that the work being done by the electoral agencies, the political parties and the media is of capital importance. Also important is the progress that has been made in improving security and strengthening the institutions that guarantee it. The advances made with regard to the exercise and guarantee of human rights are especially satisfying. We are particularly encouraged by the actions taken to reduce incidents of sexual and gender- based violence, and we call on UNMIT to continue its support for the formulation of a national gender policy and strategy. In addition, we recognize all the efforts being made and actions being taken to build a judicial system that supports the progress made in maintaining security and promoting human rights.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/72) presents a view of the process being experienced by the citizens of Timor-Leste and of their efforts to achieve their common goals and develop the institutions that will help them to do so. But the report also describes a number of obstacles hindering that process. Above all, it expresses concern about the behaviour of some political actors who have yet to fully accept the basic principles of democracy. The international community is waiting for all political actors to display a mature attitude. Such conduct is a necessary ingredient for other actions urgently needed by Timorese society. Progress must be made in improving understanding of democratic governance and in preparing and adopting legal frameworks aimed at consolidating it.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“Mr. Urbina (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to begin by welcoming the presence of His Excellency President Jose Ramos-Horta. My Government recognizes his unceasing efforts to develop and strengthen democracy in his country, as well as his desire to promote an inclusive vision of national life. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his message and to take advantage of the presence of his Special Representative, Mr. Atul Khare, to thank him and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) for their efforts to facilitate dialogue among political actors, to lay the groundwork for development and to consolidate the foundations of democratic governance in Timor-Leste. My thanks go also to the United Nations agencies present in Timor- Leste.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“We are convinced that, although our recommendations could prolong negotiations, the final results will be much more effective in the field, and that is where the Charter asks us to be prompt and effective. The history of United Nations peacekeeping operations is, generally speaking, a success story. We are victims of our own success. Our discussion today is a step in the right direction towards achieving the proper conceptualization and implementation of what the peace operations of the twenty-first century must be.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“This perspective was identified and approved by the Council when it considered the Brahimi report (S/2000/809), and it would therefore be timely to hold an open debate on the implementation of the recommendations contained in that report. I would like to conclude by saying that we believe that it is important to deepen and strengthen our relationship with the Peacebuilding Commission. The peacebuilding component is crucial, as was pointed by Mr. Alain Le Roy. As a result, when we talk about having the timely advice of the Secretariat, we are referring not only to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, but also to the Department of Political Affairs and the Peacebuilding Support Office.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“As we have seen in many negotiations in the General Assembly, when our experts meet to negotiate a resolution we need the advice of the Secretariat to tell us, in a timely manner, the practical implications of our proposals or of our silence, including the financial and operational implications of mandates. Moreover, we must effectively follow up on the resolutions and mandates. If something is not working as it should, we have to identify and take measures to correct it. We have reached the limit of our resources. We can no longer establish mandates in the hope that our mere presence in the field is enough.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“It is also crucial to improve our interaction with the General Assembly through the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and with the Fifth Committee. With appropriate and timely information, we can produce clear, convincing and viable mandates, and with the appropriate interaction among bodies we can guarantee that we will faithfully implement the decisions of the Council in the field. We also need to have inputs from the host country and other concerned players. The Council's decision-making process on a peacekeeping operation requires more active support from the Secretariat.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“It is much easier to achieve prompt and effective results on paper if decision- making is limited to members of the Council, and even easier if the decision-making process starts with a consensus among permanent members. That is absolutely counterproductive if we seek to achieve prompt and effective results on the ground. No one around this table is unaware of the distance between those who take decisions on peace operations, those who implement them, those who allocate resources, those who have to implement the decisions on the ground, and the recipient country. That is why we have to review the way in which we establish and renew Security Council mandates. Specifically, we believe that we need to have interactive and informal meetings with the troop- contributing countries and with the Secretariat.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“The great majority of the necessary provisions have already been agreed to by the Council. The measures to be taken are included in resolutions and presidential statements that are now more than lO-years old. We need to bring together all that we have agreed upon, revise the way these decisions are implemented and incorporate elements that experience has shown to be crucial to success on the ground. We have to review our own internal logic. Despite the fact that Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations provides that the Council was established to ensure prompt and effective action in the field, we are often more concerned with achieving results on paper. The logic of achieving results on paper explains the fact that our decision-making processes are exclusive.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“People who see the United Nations flag flying on the horizon believe that a better future is at hand, hope that their grief is coming to an end, and are pleased because their security and their very existence are no longer threatened. For these people, it is difficult to understand that their security and expectations may or may not be part of a mandate and that, as a result, those who represent the Organization on the ground may not be able to accomplish what these populations are hoping for and urgently need. That is the enormous challenge that must be met by the United Nations and, in particular, the Council. We have to manage growing expectations with increasingly limited resources. That is why today's debate must be the beginning of a process of rationalizing the way in which the Security Council fulfils its mandate.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Very frequently, we persist in thinking in terms of old instruments to tackle completely new problems without making a more creative use of the range of instruments that we have at our disposal for addressing these new problems. That is why we have repeatedly advocated the concept of integrated missions that comply with the Council's duty to promote peace, and not simply to maintain it. We are convinced that that is the best way to address and possibly meet the expectations generated by the deployment of the United Nations flag. In those places where the flag flies, the formal distinctions that are of great concern to us here are irrelevant.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“The key to that success can be found in the simple elements that we all know, but perhaps it is worth reiterating them: appropriation of the processes by the recipient countries, a regional commitment to the processes, clarity in the Security Council's objectives and mandates and, of course, broad, transparent and timely communication among all the actors involved. With this experience and with some knowledge of how this Council operates, we would like to take advantage of this meeting to highlight a few points. I will begin with the obvious, because perhaps it is not really so obvious, and that is the nature of the problems that has brought about a natural evolution in the scope of peace operations. I call them "peace operations" because they go so much further than simple peacekeeping.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Mr. Urbina (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by thanking your delegation, Mr. President, and the delegation of the United Kingdom for the timely and necessary initiative to revisit this matter. I also wish to express my gratitude for the comments and questions from Mr. Le Roy, Ms. Malcorra and Mr. Annabi. I believe they are important contributions to the Council's discussion of this matter. As the Council knows, I come from a part of the world where three United Nations peacekeeping missions operated and successfully concluded their activities in Central America, verifying compliance with commitments adopted by five countries in order to restore peace and promote development in the subregion.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“We appreciate the usefulness and value of that instrument in analyzing the key issues that we must consider in attaining the objectives related to civilian protection. The list of precedents considered by the Council on that subject is an important historical memory that will serve as a swift, easy and practical guide to assist the Council and ensure that the concerns and issues related to civilian protection will be appropriately reflected in the relevant resolutions and in the establishment, review and renewal of the mandates of peacekeeping missions.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source
“Another major challenge to civilian protection is the fragmentation of the United Nations presence on the ground. We believe it is necessary to strengthen coordination among the humanitarian, military and political segments to guarantee the security of relief personnel and create the humanitarian space needed to provide assistance and an appropriate transition towards a phase of recovery and the restoration of order and the rule of law that would ensure full respect for and the promotion of human rights. Finally, my delegation welcomes the timely updating of the aide-memoire to be adopted in the presidential statement today, and we thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for the work done.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066 (2009) · source