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

“Colombia attaches great importance to the protection of women and the role they can and must play in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace- building activities. That is why we firmly supported resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security and have been participating in the group of friends with a view to its implementation and dissemination. The international community has recognized that peace is inextricably linked to equality of opportunity between women and men. However, despite the efforts made to implement the commitments contained in resolution 1325 (2000), it is clear that much more remains to be done. To that end, the 136 recommendations included in the two reports constitute a valuable contribution to what should be a global strategy towards our common goal of gender equality in relation to peace and security.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to the delegation of Cameroon for convening this open meeting and to the Secretary-General for personally introducing his report. Likewise, I wish to thank the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women for preparing the report and the United Nations Development Fund for Women for preparing the independent experts' assessment. We are confident that the study and discussion of those documents will effectively contribute to improving the situation of women in the context of armed conflict and the promotion of a wider understanding of the need for their equal participation in all spheres of society.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“The point has been made that justice must work, and that the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities need to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. There is also a need for the judicial system, including the judges, prosecutors and investigators, to be capable of generating trust, and, above all, capable of producing effective results. Otherwise, we would have some bodies that are very highly qualified but ineffective, and this would give rise to greater frustration. I would like to say that a lot of ground has been covered in this respect in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And, undoubtedly, we will see how cooperation with the international community can yield results. We have great hope that the evolution will be in this direction.”
2002-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4631 (2002) · source
“For example, I was struck by the reference that he makes in paragraph 47 of the report to a "new beginning". The report then clarifies: "after these elections". In other words, these elections are a kind of point of departure. We need to relate this to the future, and we must bear in mind that the political results draw very clear attention to the theme of reform. Also, in a very general way, I would like to pick up on the emphasis the High Representative has placed on the rule of law and the establishment of reliable and efficient judicial processes. I feel bound to say that this is not just a priority for him, but his work has demonstrated it in fact. This is a very important point.”
2002-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4631 (2002) · source
“He has spoken of the creation of the position of a single Prime Minister. That would be the first time that such a post has existed since the end of the war seven years ago. It is even mentioned that two months have been granted for the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to decide whether it would create the position, based on the powers and responsibilities of the High Representative. How does the High Representative see this situation, if it is possible to hear some comments on that point? But he will understand that there is concern about what that political result could mean with respect to what can or cannot be done or what must or must not be done. The important thing, I would say, is to link the electoral result to the future, as the High Representative explained in the report.”
2002-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4631 (2002) · source
“If the agreements serve simply to put an end to the conflict, and might generate a future conflict, it is possible that such a conflict could be of even larger greater dimensions. That is why we have to be cautious in our analysis of a democratic expression of will. We cannot impose the sort of democracy that we want. We must aim for an expression of will in conditions compatible with the healthy wishes of the international community. I would thus venture to ask Lord Ashdown a question about what he himself has called the need to speed up the reforms. For example, among the reforms that have been commented on, he has an idea to develop a new structure in the central Government - to create or to strengthen the central Government. He explicitly mentions it in the report (S/2002/1176).”
2002-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4631 (2002) · source
“But even so, if the nationalist tendencies had clearly triumphed, I would say that it in itself cannot disqualify the democratic process, because democracy must work and must express itself. And if that is democratic expression, it is still an expression. The problem is what kind of signals does that send us? In what way does it alert the international community? And can that result be used to reflect on where the process originated and where it is going? Let us not forget the Dayton agreements, which have been mentioned several times. They are now seven years old or more. They are agreements that in a way impose certain conditions which put an end to conflict. But those agreements should be able to guarantee the future that the international community wishes and which the inhabitants of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve.”
2002-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4631 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank Lord Ashdown for his detailed and clear presentation. I also wish to thank Mr. Klein for everything that he did during his mandate while carrying out his responsibilities. We all know his great skill, great energy and the effective way he has carried out his task. Taking advantage of the remarks made by the rest of the members of the Council, I would like to refer to the issue of elections because in a way it is symptomatic that the elections could have been interpreted as a result that, at a certain moment, discredits the democratic processes. Everything seems to indicate that the risks of an extreme nationalism, especially in the situation we all know exists in the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, are real.”
2002-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4631 (2002) · source
“Fourthly, it is necessary that the interests of the major and most influential participants in a regional security mechanism not run counter to the development of the regional approach. Finally, we reaffirm that it is the members of a region themselves that must identify their own needs and the partners with which they wish to work in order to create or strengthen their peace and security mechanisms. In the case of the Central African region, we believe that the United Nations is in a good position to contribute to ensuring peace. Its presence in the Great Lakes region, in Angola and in the Central African Republic, as well as the work of the Standing Advisory Committee for Security Questions in Central Africa, are paving the way for beneficial cooperation in the future.”
2002-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4630Resumption1 (2002) · source
“This will make it possible to build links in many spheres of regional life, including the economic and cultural ones, and ultimately forge a community united for the purposes of security; or, as Anglo-Saxon political scientists call them, "security communities". Secondly, regional actors need to have a positive perception of the external actors with which they wish to associate themselves in order to establish a regional security order. External actors may be other countries or international bodies that are interested in the region. Thirdly, there might be a need for a regional actor that could generate and maintain cohesiveness in the region as well as provide the leadership required by circumstances.”
2002-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4630Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Without this factor, we cannot make the move from the academic to the political level, from theory to practice, or from imagination to reality. This is the most fundamental element if the United Nations or any other agent external to the region is to associate itself with subregional peace and security endeavours. In this connection, I would like to mention some elements of comparable importance that were presented at a seminar on the regional approach to conflicts in Africa, held in August of last year as a separate event during the Colombia presidency of the Security Council. First and foremost, as was noted there, it is necessary to arrive at a definition of the scope or extent of the region itself, so that its members may identify with it.”
2002-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4630Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The joint meeting that this Standing Committee will be holding tomorrow with the members of the Economic Community of Central African States should help to tighten the relationship between the United Nations and the region. We recognize that there has been no lack of initiatives to strengthen regional security. The Non- Aggression Pact has been mentioned, as well as has the Council for Peace and Security in Central Africa, along with the initiative to set up an early warning system. But if there is one thing that appears clear from all our endeavours to establish collective security mechanisms anywhere in the world, it is the need to have the resolute political support of the States participating in such institutional arrangements.”
2002-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4630Resumption1 (2002) · source
“During our term on the Council, we have been struck by the contrast between the magnitude of the conflicts that we see in the Central African region, particularly in Angola and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in the subregion's institutional capacity to engage in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as the promotion of regional peace and security. For this reason, we are gratified to note the efforts that the United Nations has been making to promote confidence-building measures among the countries of the Central African region, as provided for in General Assembly resolution 46/37, adopted in 1991. It is thanks to this resolution that we now have a United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa.”
2002-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4630Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to begin, Sir, by applauding your initiative in organizing this debate, which has been very interesting and, indeed, unique in many ways. It is not the kind of discussion, at least, that we are accustomed to having had in the Council over the last few years. My delegation welcomes the presence of the Ministers of the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, I would like in particular to mention, the Minister of Equatorial Guinea, who is the representative of our Spanish language on the African continent. I also wish to welcome the contribution of the Economic and Social Council, through its President, and the other bodies and agencies that have made a significant contribution here.”
2002-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4630Resumption1 (2002) · source
“First, we should separate the subject of this general debate from the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue. The political motivations that underlie our positions on the two situations are substantially different. Secondly, developments in this situation and in other situations on the Council's agenda should not distract us from the fight against international terrorism, which is the biggest challenge facing today's world. Terrorism does not rest, and it has continued to show its almost unlimited capacity for causing destruction and death. We must continue facing it with renewed determination.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“Twelve years ago, when Iraq launched its terrible invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Colombia was, at that time also, a non-permanent member of this Council. On that occasion, Iraq disregarded the decisions of the Council and other means had to be resorted to, which, unfortunately, did not achieve their goal. This time we have great confidence in the statesmanship of the actors involved and their ability to ensure that we will not become involved in a political and military cycle similar to that of 1990. We, the Council members, must make a fundamental contribution, which would begin with a supreme effort to narrow differences and decide, in a cohesive, even unanimous, manner, what course to follow to resolve this critical conflict. Let me conclude with two thoughts.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“There is a disturbing humanitarian situation concerning the Iraqi population, for which the Iraqi Government is directly responsible. The oil-for-food programme established by the Council to respond effectively to that situation has shown favourable results, despite difficulties in its implementation. There are also other pending issues which must be resolved satisfactorily. We refer to the return of Kuwaiti property by Iraq, especially the national archives, on which a commitment was recently reached. Additionally, there is the matter of prisoners- of-war and missing persons who are nationals of Kuwait and other States. The discussion on the return of weapons inspectors should not distract us from those obligations of the Baghdad Government.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“Our greatest challenge is striking a balance between, on one hand, the willingness of the Baghdad Government to fulfil its obligations, and, on the other, the steadfastness and determination that the international community must maintain to prevent a repetition of the challenge faced by the Council during the last four years. Given present circumstances, this is a unique opportunity and, in any event, the only opportunity for a nation that must overcome isolation and rejoin the community of nations on equal footing. Therefore, the greatest challenge for Iraq is to demonstrate to the world that it does not constitute a threat to anyone. Iraq not only has problems relating to its potential capacity to produce weapons of mass destruction.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“It is urgent that they examine and verify the information the Iraqi Government is obligated to provide its compliance with Security Council resolutions. We are sure there will be credible, serious, respectful, professional and firm inspections, for which purpose we need genuine cooperation on the part of the Iraqi authorities. UNMOVIC, however, must arrive on site with a renewed mandate from the Security Council that validates its determinations and adapts them to the new realities. For Colombia, there are political and legal reasons that make it necessary to define with precision, firmness and clarity the parameters for the inspections. This would be consistent with the statements of Dr. Blix to the effect that it is advisable to begin activities on the ground after the Council has reached a decision.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“It was clear to the international community that its unequivocal signals that measures would be taken in the case of Iraq's non-compliance with Security Council resolutions led to a change of attitude on the part of the Iraqi authorities. We firmly support the work of Dr. Hans Blix and his UNMOVIC team, as well as that of Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei of the IAEA. Their professionalism and great diplomatic skill have been evident in recent weeks. We are certain the Security Council will continue to support their leadership so that they can achieve the objective of disarmament, which has not been possible for more than a decade. We consider it indispensable that the weapons inspectors should be able, as soon as possible, to finish the work that the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was unable to complete.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“We value the intention of Iraq to cooperate unconditionally with the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) for the return of weapons inspectors. We recognize the progress made and the practical results achieved in negotiations between the Executive Chairman of UNMOVIC and the Baghdad Government. But we note, at the same time, that the work of the Security Council and each of its members would have been considerably easier if, from the outset, the Baghdad authorities had cooperated unconditionally in applying the Security Council resolutions in accordance with Article 25 of the Charter.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“We are aware of the general dissatisfaction in the international community regarding the response the Iraqi Government has given in the past to the demands set by the Security Council following the events of 2August 1990. Up until just a few weeks ago, the attitude of Iraq towards the Secretary-General was intransigent. Its communications with regard to the Council were defiant and its views on the resolutions adopted were a source of considerable surprise. Iraq sowed doubt and mistrust in the international community and thus, in turn, well-founded suspicions were created with regard to the possibility that Iraq was continuing its programmes for the development of weapons of mass destruction.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“We trust that, at the end of our exchange, the actions adopted will confirm the Security Council as the central and indispensable actor in any international decision regarding Iraq. Colombia is participating in the consideration of this issue, motivated essentially by the need to preserve the role and effectiveness of the United Nations and the multilateral system; by the need to stress the role of the Security Council as the principal guarantor of international peace and security; by the need to have all Member States comply unconditionally with its resolutions, and by the need to reaffirm international law and the general principles that make possible our peaceful coexistence.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation endorses the statement made by Costa Rica on behalf of the Rio Group. We are also grateful also for the statements that have been made here by so many delegations during the past two days where we find a variety of perspectives on this issue that will serve as a frame of reference for further discussions within the Security Council. In recognizing the importance of this general debate on Iraq, we wish to stress the centrality of this multilateral forum in discussing this situation that has attracted enormous attention on the part of the Security Council over the past twelve years. We also stress the special importance of using multilateral means to respond adequately and legitimately to issues of global concern.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption3 (2002) · source
“This is an area in which the Security Council can, and should, define a comprehensive strategy and political vision that inspires its actions with regard to current situations and future risks. We want to draw the Council's attention to this matter because we are aware of the lack of effective results in the implementation of those sanctions. We therefore believe that careful analysis of past experiences and a new approach might serve to achieve the objective that the Council has set for itself in the establishment of arms embargoes. We have received with interest the draft presidential statement that the President has circulated among members of the Council. We trust that the text will incorporate the relevant changes stemming from the statements made by the participants in this debate, including those we have just put forward.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Our proposal is to strengthen the implementation of arms embargoes on the basis of the lessons learned from the past, in particular so as to produce effective results. In achieving that goal, we have at our disposal a wealth of inputs that merit careful consideration. The general and specific recommendations of the monitoring groups and panels of experts established by the Council also deserve our attention and very careful consideration. In this regard, I would like to refer to the sanctions regimes referred to as targeted sanctions, which are aimed at specific actors, including the Taliban, the Al Qaeda group and Osama bin Laden and his associates, as well as conflict situations such as those in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and, most recently, Somalia.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Our aim should be to find a way to have a real and positive impact on the situations under the Council's consideration that are deeply affected by the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons. In keeping with what has been agreed, and with the consent of all the members of the Council, Colombia has drafted a working document that will be made public and issued as an official document of the Council. In that document we suggest to the Council that it consider the recommendations of the Secretary- General on small arms and that, in so doing, it focus its efforts on a specific topic while not ignoring the importance of other issues and elements such as the ones mentioned by the ambassador of Mauritius regarding a comprehensive treatment of this item.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“We must also not ignore the negative impact of this issue on the peace, security and socio-economic development of many countries and regions. While today's open debate is important to the consideration of this problem, we believe that it is not enough. We have the responsibility of ensuring that the Security Council makes progress in its consideration of this item and that it does not merely limit itself to general discussions without clear goals. We also have the responsibility to add value, to find a new way of contributing and to make progress beyond what has already been achieved. In short, we must avoid covering old ground. Our proposal has been, and continues to be, to focus discussions such as this one and to define goals.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“As a member of the Security Council, Colombia has had an ongoing interest in ensuring that this body fully assume its responsibilities and makes a real difference in how it deals with issues pertaining to small arms and light weapons arising in the situations under its consideration. The report of the Secretary-General under consideration at this meeting was submitted pursuant to the Council's request contained in the presidential statement adopted on 31 August 2001 under Colombia's presidency (S/PRST/2001/21). Colombia has been particularly affected by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. This is perhaps our primary motivation in tirelessly alerting the international community to the harmful effects of the uncontrolled proliferation of, and illicit trade in, small arms and light weapons.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report to the Security Council under this agenda item. We would also like to convey our special gratitude for the useful presentation made by Mr. Dhanapala, the Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs. I would like to begin my statement by unequivocally stating Colombia's commitment to address this issue at the multilateral level. Since the 1980s Colombia, together with various friendly countries, has been a co-sponsor of General Assembly resolutions on this subject, including the first one submitted on this subject. More recently, we presided over the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, which was held in July 2001.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623 (2002) · source
“In other words, we must use this meeting to consider the draft report and convene others to analyse and comment on the Security Council's performance and our assessment of it. That is a separate matter.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“This meeting of self-criticism has been very interesting, as have been the exchanges, which should give rise to new reforms ofthe Council. In other words, the Council must do a great deal to create such opportunities, which in truth we have not always sought, to criticise ourselves and improve our work. We should have more such exercises and analyse the substantive parts of our work. Assessing the Council's performance is a very important task that we must continue to perform, as is mentioned in paragraph 16 of Ambassador Mahbubani's written text. However, I wish to make the point that, as indicated in its agenda, this meeting was convened to consider the draft report of the Security Council to the General Assembly. This meeting should not be made into some kind of wrap-up on the Council's agenda and performance.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“The next step is, of course, to listen attentively to the debate in the General Assembly and to participate very actively in it. That discussion must follow two avenues. One ofthem is the performance of the Security Council, in other words, the purely political consideration of the action and inaction ofthe Council. The other avenue of discussion will deal with the characteristics of the report. That discussion will provide the guidelines for our work in coming months. Having said that, I want to comment on the discussion during this morning's meeting. The comments made seemed very interesting. Because I was absent during the first part of the meeting, I tried to read the text of Ambassador Mahbubani's statement distributed by the delegation of Singapore.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“For example, my delegation is still convinced that the report needs a more detailed section on missions - which in recent years have been extending the presence of the Security Council in the field - including their justification, cost, scope and so on. This issue has sparked great interest beyond the Council, but it is not adequately reflected in the report, as we might have wished. There are also simple but curious questions, which appear to be the result of a very strict interpretation of the format being used. I am referring, for example, to the section on Nobel Prizes awarded - in chapter 21, perhaps in the second part, on page 285 of the English draft - where it says "Security Council missions or Groups of Experts, none". In other words, this strict format leads to laughable situations, as can easily be seen. What is the next step?”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“It is an acknowledgement of the existence of political points of connection between the two bodies. It is a report on the complementarity of the two organs. Should we understand that the process of reforming the report is now finished? In no way. This report will be submitted for scrutiny by Members ofthe General Assembly, to which we belong. Based on their comments and suggestions, it might be possible to continue to adjust the content and composition of the report. It is therefore a permanent process of creating a product suited to the demands of the Members of the Organization. It is also an attempt completely in line with the discussions on reforming the United Nations which are taking place based on the report of the Secretary-General (A/57/3 87) issued earlier this month. We will also have to reflect on aspects of its content.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“It is a lesson for future generations of Council members, applicable to other practices in the Council's proceedings. It is a lesson to both permanent and elected members of the Council that it is possible to change without creating political situations that are difficult or impossible to control. Finally, it is a lesson for the Secretariat, which early on made public its doubts on the advisability or even the viability of such a Council report. What is the benefit to the Members of the United Nations? It is difficult to speak of a concrete, tangible benefit that is created by the modified report. However, in general, the new format is a concrete sign of a collective effort towards transparency. It is a clear signal that we want to keep the General Assembly better informed.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Here we have a document that even in its size is more attractive, and which gains the necessary attention for the work of this principal organ of the United Nations. Of course, the facts are the main judge of the Council. The threats to international peace and security and the Council's response to them are what enables one to evaluate the performance of the Council. However, the report in its present format gives order to this critical vision, encourages a more informed discussion and exposes members of the Council to a constructive examination by the rest ofthe United Nations membership. Has the modification of the report been worthwhile? Yes, definitely. The efforts to improve the report, lasting many months, has proved that it is possible to reform Council practices and customs that had seemed unchangeable.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“However, the report still portrays the situation in a very formal manner, with lists of documents, communiques, resolutions, issues and so on, which take up the greatest part of the body of the report. I recognize that the introduction is a very positive step in the right direction. Here, I should acknowledge that the delegation of the United Kingdom, a permanent member, has shown great support for the process of reforming the working methods of the Council. In future, it will be necessary to intensify those efforts. What is the usefulness of the report under consideration? The report is a practical reference guide with which the Members of the General Assembly and, in a more global way, the international community can critically observe the Security Council.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I speak with great pleasure today, as we consider the report of the Security Council to the General Assembly in its new format. Colombia found it very satisfactory to participate in the initiatives aimed at proposing and reaching agreement on a new format, a process in which the delegation of Singapore played an outstanding role. This is the appropriate opportunity to present comments so as to contribute to what will be the document considered by the rest of the Member States of the United Nations, to whom we have the obligation of giving an account of our actions. In this spirit, I will offer some reflections. Does the new report reflect the work of the Security Council? In general, I can affirm that it does.”
2002-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4616 (2002) · source
“The report contains a series of recommendations that must be taken into account by both the Palestinian Authority and Israel, including the obligation to respect international humanitarian law and the applicability to the occupied territories of the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Catherine Bertini, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General, assessing the humanitarian situation in the territories. That report is worrying and confirms what we all feared. The lack of mobility is having an impact on the people, as they are unable to get to work. Their health has deteriorated, in addition to the fact that in some emergency situations ambulances have been denied access. Education has also been affected, as neither teachers nor children can get to the schools. The lack of income is causing a food crisis, and approximately 300 localities have no regular water supply. In the words of the report, there is a serious and growing humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“It means recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to self- determination, as acknowledged in many United Nations resolutions. The last phase of the Quartet's plan provides for direct negotiations between the parties with a View to reaching a definitive solution. Both the reforms and the political process must be accompanied by measures implemented by Israel to improve the living standards of the Palestinian people, thereby making it possible for economic activities to resume, facilitating the movement of goods and peoples and lifting blockades and curfews. Both parties must make a great effort to avoid being overwhelmed by the violence, or, rather, not to give way to the extremists who see violence as the only course of action. A few days ago we received a report from Mrs.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“The Quartet, with the participation of other States, has also established some working groups to assist the Palestinian Authority in making reforms in various areas. There can be no doubt that acts of violence and terror impede this process, as do actions taken to undermine the Palestinian Authority, which fly in the face of the forces for change supported by the international community. The elections in Palestine scheduled for early next year will be a decisive moment. The leadership chosen in those elections should enjoy the international community's support, as it will be responsible for implementing the next phase of the plan - the establishment of the Palestinian State. The establishment of the Palestinian State is not just an option, it is a necessity.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Israel's excessive use of force and the siege of Arafat's headquarters do not contribute to establishing the political climate necessary to overcome the stalemate in a process that began two years ago. The members of the Security Council have supported the diplomatic activities of the Quartet, of which the United Nations is a participating member. The Quartet's plan, put forward about a week ago, is comprehensive and includes various aspects that will have to be developed in parallel with one another. As we have said previously in this Chamber, the political, security, economic and humanitarian aspects must be addressed simultaneously. While the first phase of the Quartet's plan touches on all these aspects, we must ensure that one will not prevail as a precondition for the others.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We are meeting in this Chamber once again to lament and reject the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. Following a few weeks of relative calm, the enemies of peace have once again achieved their aim. There has been new bloodshed and renewed terrorist acts, leading to scenes of horror. The Israel Defence Forces are again laying siege to the headquarters of President Arafat and imperilling not only his life, but the very possibility of reform in the various components of the Palestinian Authority. Let there be no doubt that Colombia rejects terrorist attacks in Israeli territory and the recent attack against a school in Palestine.”
2002-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4614 (2002) · source
“We are pleased that the number of candidates has grown, especially among those representing minorities. We shall all look forward to a transparent campaign leading to a positive result in terms of the consolidation of democracy. Likewise, we support the efforts of UNMIK to facilitate participation by Kosovo Serbs in the elections to be held in Yugoslavia.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“In that regard, we call on the Serb community to think hard about the idea of a protest march to the Kosovo-Serbia border to exert pressure in favour of a massive return of refugees. The safety and security of refugees and displaced persons must be taken into account, thus promoting a returns policy guaranteeing personal safety, as UNMIK has been doing. Colombia has always attached great importance to joint efforts at cooperation and dialogue between UNMIK and Belgrade, and we call upon the Belgrade leadership to continue working to find a final solution for Mitrovica. It is necessary to put an end to parallel structures in the region in order to guarantee the establishment of democratic institutions that will ensure the rule of law. I wish finally to mention progress towards the holding of municipal elections.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“Here, we reaffirm that there can be no security without justice and that, without security, there can be no foundations for the building of a multi-ethnic society. We therefore appeal to UNMIK to pursue its work in that direction, and we call upon the leaders of the Administration to support its activities without politicizing justice. Secondly, let me turn to the problem of refugees and internally displaced persons. We are pleased to learn that the number of returns has increased under the UNMIK policy of encouraging individual rather than mass returns; people must be able to return to their homes in Kosovo with assurances of the safety, security and freedom of movement they need to return to a constructive life.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“Let me comment on a few points raised by Mr. Annabi. First, as others have consistently done today, we reiterate that it is necessary to strengthen the rule of law. The events of recent days relating to UNMIK's arrest of members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and to the reactions to those arrests give cause for concern. The appeal to the community by Assembly President Daci and by Prime Minister Rexhepi to cease demonstrations and comply with UNMIK decisions has been very useful. It is all the more noteworthy considering that their initial reaction had been negative. UNMIK and the new institutions must be able to establish the machinery needed to take appropriate measures to strengthen the rule of law, which can guarantee the consolidation of democracy in Kosovo.”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source
“Mr. Valdivieso (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I too, Mr. Minister, wish to begin by welcoming you to this meeting of the Security Council, especially as we are today addressing a subject of great significance to your region. In that connection, let me say that we appreciate the ongoing interest that Ambassador Tafrov and the rest of his delegation have taken in matters concerning the Balkans. I also take this opportunity to thank Mr. Annabi for the information he has provided. Although there have been some moments of tension, on the whole we are pleased at the positive developments we see in Kosovo. Yet again, we reaffirm our support for and recognition of the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Steiner, and the personnel of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
2002-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4605 (2002) · source