YouSaid · the spoken record

Valdivieso

lines on the record: 816
first: 1999-08-25
most recent: 2003-01-14
sittings or episodes: 123
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

“It is necessary, first of all, to guarantee the participation of all communities in the 17 November elections. We understand the concerns voiced by Kosovo Serbs, both those remaining in Kosovo and those who have taken refuge abroad, and we consider that a priority for UNMIK and KFOR in the coming months is to put in place security guarantees that will provide that community with freedom of movement within Kosovo and that will permit the return of refugees and displaced persons. In any event, they must be afforded full participation in the electoral process. We believe that the problem of detainees and of individuals who have disappeared demands priority attention. Its resolution is among the key elements in building trust among the parties. Another of the greatest challenges for the future is the problem of the city of Mitrovica.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“The breadth of our meetings enhanced our understanding of the conflict and gave us a better perspective for taking the decisions that the Council will have to adopt in the future. Let me make a few specific comments about the mission. I want to highlight the work of UNMIK and to acknowledge KFOR's valuable contribution. The responsibility and commitment shown by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Hans Haekkerup, and his team as they work to implement resolution 1244 (1999) are admirable and deserve our full support. UNMIK's achievements over the past two years are obvious, and constitute a realistic option for attaining the coexistence that is necessary in a multi- ethnic society. Considerable challenges face UNMIK and the international community.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“We endorse the planned appointment of a deputy special representative of the Secretary-General to head that structure. Open meetings on Security Council missions are very useful for us, enabling us to join with all other States Members of the United Nations in assessing the fulfilment of mandates and in hearing first-hand views of the consequences of conflict. I thank Ambassador Chowdhury and congratulate him on the excellent way in which he led the mission. Thanks to his dedication, the mission attained its goals in record time. The 15 members of the Security Council reviewed compliance with resolution 1244 (1999) and, with the various actors, assessed at close hand UNMIK's achievements and the challenges facing it, including through meetings with President Putin and with President Kostunica.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My thanks go to the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, for his presentation. The varied support of Mr. Guehenno's department, including the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (S/2001/565), made a most significant contribution to the success of the Security Council's mission to the region. We share the voiced in the report of the Secretary-General that effective law and order is a high priority in UNMIK's work. We are pleased to see that the police and justice pillar of the Mission has been erected. With the cooperation of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), this will enhance UNMIK's effectiveness.”
2001-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4335 (2001) · source
“This is why we should note that, in our opinion, one of the indicators of success in the activity of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be the emergence of a political class with new or transformed players whose attitude and behaviour contribute positively to the development of society. In conclusion, I would like to express our support for the proposed renewal of the Mission's mandate for another 12 months.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“In the Secretary-General's recent reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina, a recurrent problem has been flagged: the lack of cooperation on the part of the political class in the implementation of the reforms proposed by UNMIBH and the Office of the High Representative. We must again appeal to the political leadership to cooperate in the work of the international community, because without such cooperation it will be very difficult to establish mechanisms and institutions that are viable in the long term. This topic is mentioned repeatedly in relation to the plan to further professionalize the police force, as the report points out. In any case, it must be depoliticized.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“We would like to know what the response of the High Representative was when this problem was presented to him and if there are any additional measures that UNMIBH can take to make sure that these problems do not impair the performance of the police force. One of the greatest challenges of the international presence today is establishing an effective and transparent judicial system. Without that, it would be impossible to consolidate the rule of law, which is a Vital prerequisite for sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We hope that all efforts undertaken in this direction will produce better results in the future. In this judicial matter, we must insist on the need to increase cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“This programme of work allows for ongoing self- assessment of the work that is being carried out, making it easier to identify potential problems so as to be able to find timely solutions to them. It also useful to the international community for assessing the Mission's effectiveness step by step. We hope that this will serve as a model for the implementation of the mandates of other United Nations missions. We also highlight the achievements of the Mission with regard to the reform and restructuring of the police. We are, however, concerned by the problems that have been pointed out, particularly the low salaries paid to members of the police force and their housing problems, because these clearly have an impact on the development of the general programme that the Mission has set itself.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We are grateful for the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) over the past seven months. We are also grateful for the information provided by the Special Representative and head of Mission, Mr. Jacques Klein. The achievements of the mission presented in both reports are quite positive, and they demonstrate the commitment of the international community and of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina to comply with the provisions of the Dayton Peace Accords. We would like to highlight the comprehensive strategic framework that the Mission has set itself in order to fulfil its mandate within the established dates.”
2001-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4330 (2001) · source
“Therefore, we will support the text of the draft resolution, to be submitted by the French delegation, which is now in the negotiating phase and which will seek the progressive strengthening of the Mission through the expansion of its civilian staff component.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We urge arms suppliers to exercise greater control over arms sales to this region of Africa. With regard to the situation of children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we support the five-point plan presented by the Special Representative, Mr. Otunnu, and we will contribute so that its recommendations will be reflected in the draft resolution to be adopted at the end of this week. Thirdly and lastly, my delegation wishes to pay an admiring tribute and to express its appreciation to the personnel of MONUC and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the excellent work they are doing. We are prepared to authorize the extension of the Mission mandate, as proposed by the Secretary-General, with a view to a subsequent third phase.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The question of the protection of the civilian population in areas that have been or will be evacuated by rebel groups causes us concern. If protection is the fundamental responsibility of the de facto occupiers of each region, the reports that are reaching us on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law are cause for anxiety. We support the prompt deployment of human rights monitors in sufficient numbers to accomplish this monitoring task. We also note that the situation of the population has worsened as a result of the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the widespread sale of arms to violent countries and groups involved in the conflict, particularly small arms, which cause the majority of deaths and injuries among the population.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The second point is that my delegation wishes to express its deep concern about the humanitarian situation that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing, particularly caused by the massive displacement of people who are fleeing violence, the interruption of traditional sources of food supplies, the systematic plundering of the country's natural resources and the impact of the war on children's lives, as was eloquently presented by Mr. Olara Otunnu. We find totally unacceptable the figure of 16 million people who have acute food needs and difficulty in gaining access to humanitarian organizations. We must promote an agreement between authorities and rebel groups to establish a human corridor for food delivery, as proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We attach great importance to bilateral meetings between the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, with a view to ending the support provided to the armed groups that operate on Congolese territory. We are concerned about recent reports on cross-border moves of contingents of the so-called negative forces; these movements constitute a kind of repatriation without disarmament and with serious consequences. In this regard, we underscore the upcoming meeting to be held between President Joseph Kabila and President Paul Kagame in the capital of Tanzania.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this regard, non-compliance with the deadlines for the presentation of timetables for the withdrawal of foreign troops and the total demobilization of armed groups, as well as certain delays in separating forces, is naturally somewhat disconcerting to us. However, this does not mean a loss of confidence in the process, because we also see positive signs. We urge the members of the Political Committee to deliver the information necessary to move to the next phase of MONUC operations. Peace is an asset for which we must continue to strive, even in the face of strong resistance. Therefore, through this Council we will persist in peace activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but our commitment will inevitably depend on the degree of fulfilment of obligations shown by our partners.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Council members who have preceded me have highlighted various aspects of the important commitment to peace that we have with regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbouring countries. I had the opportunity to express that commitment personally to various interlocutors during our recent visit to the Great Lakes region. Therefore, allow me to make just a few comments on three points. First, my delegation shares the view put forward by the Secretariat in its report that the insufficient information from the parties to the Lusaka Agreement prevents, at this time, the formulation of a broad strategy for the next phase of MONUC operations.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation wishes to welcome Mr. Leonard She Okitundu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to express appreciation for the informative presentations of Under-Secretary-General Guehenno and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Otunnu, as well as for the presence of Mr. Annabi. The broad consensus in the Security Council on the goals and purposes that the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) must achieve in implementing the Lusaka Agreement makes it unnecessary for me to speak at length at this meeting.”
2001-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4327Resumption1 (2001) · source
“At the appropriate time, when the Security Council carries out a comprehensive review of the situation in that country, we will have an opportunity to highlight and test that necessary compatibility. In conclusion, Colombia will participate in the scrupulous and detailed analysis of the recommendations presented to the Council by the Committee of Experts so as to ensure that appropriate decisions are taken, including on the modalities of the monitoring mechanism, its location, in either New York or Vienna, and its funding. This open meeting is the first step towards that analysis and will enable us to hear the opinions of the States concerned.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“This Organization could contribute to establishing greater harmony, coordination and compatibility among governmental and security bodies in order to enhance both horizontal and vertical coordination. My third comment relates to border activities of interest to the Security Council. In this respect, it is important to have effective and comprehensive controls on trafficking in arms and chemical precursors, including acetic anhydride, on the smuggling of goods and on other activities that might fuel or facilitate terrorist activities. My fourth comment relates to the peace process. In its decisions, the Security Council must be careful to avoid any incompatibility with the efforts of the international community to contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“It is essential for the Security Council to properly involve all the countries neighbouring Afghanistan and to obtain their cooperation in order to ensure that the monitoring mechanism is effective. In this regard, Colombia welcomes the willingness of all of those countries to cooperate with this organ of the United Nations. This is indispensable for ensuring the effective monitoring of illicit activities taking place along the borders. We believe that this is the right approach - the recommendations should be aimed at strengthening national capacities. My second comment relates to the issue of coordination - horizontal coordination among the neighbouring countries and vertical coordination among those countries, the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“Mr. Franco (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We have given careful consideration to the report of the Committee of Experts, which has made recommendations to the Security Council on how the arms embargo and the closure of terrorist training camps demanded in paragraphs 3 and 5 of resolution 1333 (2000) could be monitored. We also listened carefully to the statement made by Ambassador Valdivieso, in his capacity as Chairman of the sanctions Committee, in which he summarized the content of the report. Colombia concurs with many of the recommendations contained in the report with regard to setting up a monitoring mechanism. I should like to highlight four preliminary issues that are important to my delegation as starting points for the discussions that will follow this meeting of the Council. The first relates to the neighbouring countries.”
2001-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4325 (2001) · source
“Such a perspective would make it possible to take advantage of the strengths of each of the agencies of the Organization, as well as the participation of the Bretton Woods institutions, during the peace-building phase, which we believe that that region of Africa must arrive at.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The United Nations and the bilateral donors should be ready to offer additional resources and good offices that are required by this strategy. We should not allow the progress that has been made to disappear. The parties must respect human rights and the standards of international humanitarian law. We will closely follow the situation in this country. Thus we were pleased to hear the representative of Burundi accept the proposal for a bilateral commission with Tanzania on the refugee camps. Finally, my delegation accords special significance to the effort being carried out within the United Nations system to set the issue of the Great Lakes within a regional perspective.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Security Council hopes that the Government of that country, and all of the parties to the conflict, will fully comply with their commitments to cooperate with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In a few days, this Council will begin to review the recommendations of the Secretary-General for the new phase of operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and then we will be able to reap the benefits of having taken part in this mission. With respect to the situation in Burundi, impetus should be given to the dialogue with the rebel groups who remain outside of the Arusha Agreement and for which perhaps it is necessary to establish, in consultation with the facilitator, an ongoing negotiating mechanism based in Bujumbura.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We have taken note of the statements made by the different delegates of the African States who participated in this morning's meeting. During our stay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we were pleased to note the positive role that was played by the United Nations Mission in that country, its members, its leaders and its growing contribution to the peace process. We would like to underscore and pay particular tribute to the efforts of countries that have provided troop contingents in the current phase of operations. All of the military observers and protection units were able to be deployed in their respective sites. The reopening of navigation on the Congo River is a sign of improvement for the Congolese people.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“First of all, I believe that our trip through the different capitals of the Great Lakes region and southern Africa, and the contacts that we had with representatives of the peoples and authorities of these countries, have raised expectations as regards future action to be taken by the United Nations. What should be clear to all - and this is what we said to the signatories of the Lusaka and Arusha peace processes- is that our contribution to the common undertaking for peace in Africa is given on the basis of the contributions made by the different parties to the conflicts. This means that there will not be any military solutions. It also means that there will be demobilization of the combatants and that natural resources will be placed at the service of development of the countries.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Allow me to make a few brief comments, with which I wish to underscore the commitment of this Council, and of my delegation in particular, to continue working for peace in Africa. It is worthwhile to comment on the fact that the actions taken by the Council enhance the attention that the Economic and Social Council will give to Africa this year in its ministerial segment in Geneva in July, as well as the work of the General Assembly's Ad Hoc Working Group on the Causes of Conflict and the Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa, which is currently taking place.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Mr. President, I would like to thank you for having organized this open meeting, in which Council members can inform all Members of the United Nations about the results of our mission to the Great Lakes region. The delegation of Colombia is especially pleased with the presence of friends and colleagues from the African countries that were visited by the mission. The head of our mission, Ambassador Levitte, has delivered a lucid and eloquent briefing on this topic, and thus there is no need for us to make lengthy comments. However, it is important to acknowledge, as earlier speakers have said, that the success of this mission is largely due to his personal qualities and his effective leadership.”
2001-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4323Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Here my questions are: How could a regional strategy help stop these two kinds of fatigue? What is the local capability to provide humanitarian assistance? And, finally, is it viable to think about a rapid-response capability in the region to deal with the humanitarian crisis?”
2001-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4319 (2001) · source
“Would it help to draw up an international list of arms traders, and would international weapons-control measures not avoid future expenditures on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes? My last point relates to the humanitarian crisis. There is concern about "donor fatigue" in connection with humanitarian relief in the region. Various figures have been mentioned, and there have been meetings and conferences in various countries calling for greater resources, but it is well known that donor fatigue exists. There is also "asylum fatigue" on the part of countries that take in refugees. Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire are two recent cases of this, despite their long history of taking in refugees. Furthermore, the number of internally displaced persons continues to increase with every new outbreak of fighting.”
2001-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4319 (2001) · source
“The second point I would take up is illicit arms trafficking in the region. The arms trade in itself does not in and of itself give rise to conflicts, but broad- ranging circulation of arms destabilizes Governments and aggravates conflict situations. We have noted in particular the presence in West Africa of hired fighters, mercenaries and uncontrolled militias. The countries in the region have committed themselves to a moratorium on the import of small arms and light weapons. My questions here are as follows. What contribution have the arms-exporting countries made to the moratorium? Does the Secretariat have any information in that respect?”
2001-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4319 (2001) · source
“As we said earlier, we cannot conceive of a regional approach to United Nations operations in West Africa that would not include a broad and dynamic interaction with ECOWAS. The Inter-Agency Mission has made several recommendations, mostly geared towards strengthening the institutional capacity of that regional organization in various areas, inter alia, conflict management, promotion of development and electoral assistance. On this point, I should like to ask some questions. I should like to ask the representatives of the Secretariat about the level of cooperation between each of their departments and ECOWAS. Also, how can we make the dialogue between the Council and ECOWAS more productive? Here I would highlight the very important role being played by the Ambassador of Mali.”
2001-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4319 (2001) · source
“Perhaps here one could anticipate the work that will be done by the Organization in handling other activities and conflict situations in Africa. It states that following successful implementation of the report, similar approaches should be explored in other parts of Africa. This would certainly be very effective, and, from the budgetary standpoint, it would probably also be much cheaper. It would also be relevant to the advancement of the work of the Security Council itself. I should like to touch on three points that my delegation considers very important in the promotion of peace and security in the region. The first point is the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
2001-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4319 (2001) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to thank the representatives of the Secretariat for their important briefings. I should like also to thank all of the departments and units that contributed to the report that is before us today - that is, the report of the Inter-Agency Mission that visited West Africa last March. The contents of the report have convinced us that what is needed is a subregional approach by the United Nations system to promote peace and economic development in the countries of West Africa. The report contains a wealth of ideas and proposals which deserve to be fully analysed by the Council. They should also be studied by other agencies of the Organization and by other related institutions. Today I should like to draw attention to the last paragraph of the report, which discusses follow-up.”
2001-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4319 (2001) · source
“I wish to conclude by stating our conviction that any action by the Council on the item before us today should be part of a vigorous effort to achieve a lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a peace that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the Great Lakes region, and that also takes into account their legitimate security interests. It is in this spirit that my delegation has expressed its wish to take part in the next mission of the Security Council to that region of Africa.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“That is why it came as no surprise to us that there is an active import-export trade there. It is appropriate nonetheless to preserve the mutual benefits of that trade with a view to the future reconstruction of the economy of the Great Lakes region. Any peace conference for that region should take that aspect into account. Fourthly and finally, we have taken note of the sanctions proposed by the authors of the report. Sanctions are indeed a legitimate mechanism whereby the Security Council can effect changes in the conduct of the armed participants in conflict situations. Nevertheless, before considering the use of this mechanism, we have always advocated a respectful dialogue conducive to cooperation with the international community, such as the one we are holding today. We would hope that this will hold true in the current instance.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We favour an extension of its mandate for three months and we await with interest its final report. Secondly, we have found the information and data provided in the report on the persons, armed groups and countries that exploit and market the resources of the Congo in order to finance the conflict to be staggering. Without commenting on the evidence presented, which is under study, analysis and evaluation by our Government and our mission, we believe that the Governments and groups mentioned should proceed independently to investigate these data and convey the results of their investigations to the Panel of Experts during the following months of its mandate. Thirdly, we recognize that, for a long time now and because of its geographical location, the eastern part of the Congo has strong economic links to the neighbouring countries.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“My delegation believes that, in principle, the exploitation of the mineral, timber or agricultural resources of a country - apart from the issue of its legality or illegality - must be condemned by the international community if it contributes to creating a tragedy of such proportions. It is unacceptable that millions of persons must live in fear and poverty in the midst of their own country's natural wealth. The report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo also warrants the following comments. First, we believe that the Secretary-General followed the criteria laid down by the Council to select the Panel of Experts, presided over by Ms. Ba-N'Daw.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“200,000 deaths have been caused directly by the fighting, while the rest have been the result of famine and diseases that have afflicted the population in the inhospitable places to which they have had to flee in escaping the violence. In such circumstances, tragic events occur, such as last week's attack against the workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross, to which a number of speakers have referred. We offer our condolences to the Congolese and other families that have lost loved ones and we wish to offer thanks for the expressions of sorrow and solidarity with us over the loss of our compatriot in that incident.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We have listened with attention and interest to the statements made by the representatives of those countries, which will allow this Council and my own country's authorities to gain a clearer picture of the facts relating to the disturbing situation described in the report. The exploitation of the natural resources of the Congo is the subject of our deliberations today because of its close connection to the persistence of the conflict that continues to drain the lifeblood from that country. According to recent figures, and as has also been mentioned at this meeting, that conflict has directly or indirectly claimed over 2.5 million victims since 1998.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation congratulates you, Sir, on your wisdom in including this debate among the first actions on the Council's programme of work for this month. The subject of the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is clearly related to the establishment of an environment of peace and security in the Great Lakes region. We wish to express our pleasure at the presence of the Ministers of Burundi, the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo and Uganda; the envoy of the President of Rwanda; and the members of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which prepared the report.”
2001-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4317Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As the Secretary-General has so aptly said, it has been demonstrated that these groups misuse their power by attacking defenceless civilians and blatantly disregarding international humanitarian law. We support the prohibition and the appeal that civilians not be treated as targets and that no indiscriminate attacks be perpetrated against them.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“Thirdly, any action for the protection of civilians must be guided by comprehensive respect for refugee law, in close cooperation with UNHCR, including assistance to displaced persons. The opinion of the UNHCR representative on the effectiveness of the application of refugee law and of the recommendations of the Secretary-General found in paragraphs 34 and 35 of his report, is useful for this debate. In conclusion, it is important to emphasize, as paragraph 48 of the report has done, that armed groups must comply strictly with the relevant standards of international humanitarian law, and in particular those pertaining to the protection of civilians.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“First, we must recognize the part played not only by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, but also, very particularly, by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Thanks to their great experience, they can contribute greatly at the international political and legal level, as well as in the field. Secondly, it is indispensable that actions taken by the United Nations in this area, including the determination that a Government is not in a position to protect its civilian population, because of a lack of resources or de facto control over part of its territory, have the consent of the State concerned, in keeping with the specific circumstances in each case.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“In bringing about this level of participation, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies of the United Nations system seem to have a tremendous comparative advantage over the Security Council, as is also the case in the promotion of social and economic development initiatives in conflict areas with resources from various sources - initiatives that are directed specifically at tackling the sources of the armed conflict and the causes of its continuation. I would like to make some specific comments on topics in the Secretary-General's report that have particular relevance for Colombia.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“However, the Council must work with sufficient awareness of the national interests of each country in the region in order to avoid unnecessary political tension in handling humanitarian situations. Another appropriate practical measure would be to invite various actors in international life - Member States of the United Nations, international organizations, members of national and international civil society and private sector actors - to join in this search for ways and means of improving the protection of civilians.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“In so doing, this organ of the United Nations must consider the protection of civilians as one of the matters for which it is responsible when dealing with a situation that threatens international peace and security. The protection of civilians in occupied territories is a concrete example in which the Council could make a significant difference. Fourthly, it is necessary that the relationship between the Security Council and the regional organizations include the generation of data about available mechanisms for the protection of civilians. In this context, the Council must bear in mind that many of the regional organizations, in particular those made up of developing countries, labour under great limitations and can be operational in this field only if they are provided with the necessary means.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“Their information could, inter alia, help us define more precisely the terms of reference of Security Council missions to conflict zones, such as those that will soon be going to the Great Lakes region, Kosovo and Georgia, so that these can contribute to the creation of a political context that fosters the protection of civilians. Thirdly, the Council should recognize that, in the long term, the most effective way of protecting civilians is by means of a negotiated political solution that puts an end to an armed conflict. In each case, the Security Council should think about the potential for either contributing to or obstructing such a political solution and, therefore, the protection of civilians.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“The protection of civilians is carried out through a variety of activities, including humanitarian assistance, legal protection, and political and economic arrangements, whose implementation goes beyond the Council's capacities. But the essence of humanitarian activity is its neutrality and impartiality; the Council can make an effective contribution to the full protection of those elements. Secondly, special envoys and special representatives of the Secretary-General should make specific proposals to the Security Council on the item before us today.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source
“We do not know the real scope of the impact of all such actions on civilians and therefore believe that, in his reports, the Secretary-General could include brief, focused follow-up assessments including the concrete contributions of the Council, along with its errors, failures and limitations, always bearing in mind the views of the States concerned as a form of cooperation with the Organization. With respect to such assessments, the Security Council must not lose sight of the fact that, as a political body, it has structural constraints on the full consideration of an item that is essentially humanitarian in nature.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312 (2001) · source