YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Walsum

lines on the record: 588
first: 1999-01-21
most recent: 2000-12-12
sittings or episodes: 88
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

“Later in this debate, the representative of Portugal will make a statement on behalf of the European Union, which my delegation endorses. In addition to that statement, we would like only to make an observation of a more general nature. I believe we all support the Djibouti peace initiative because no one wants Somalia to disintegrate beyond repair. We want Somalia to be reborn as one State, because we subscribe to the doctrine of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on the sanctity of borders. Our support for that doctrine, however, is not entirely unqualified. Inviolate borders are a blessing if they enclose a country where fundamental rights are respected. If not, the borders themselves can become an instrument of coercion.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“We would like to thank you, Sir, for calling this open meeting on Somalia, Under-Secretary-General Prendergast for his briefing and Ambassador Roble Olhaye for his extensive oral report on the Djibouti peace initiative. The Netherlands is certainly not surrendering to cynicism with regard to Somalia. To use Sir Kieran Prendergast's words, we are not giving up on Somalia, and we applaud the initiative of the President of Djibouti. Meanwhile, we are aware that we are dealing with a country that has been without the structure of a state for several years. If we expect such a country to readopt statehood, it has to be a good State. Ambassador Olhaye made the same point, and we agree with him. We are not calling for statehood at any price.”
2000-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4166 (2000) · source
“As Ambassador Fowler supported my request, I will now support Ambassador Fowler by stating that the Netherlands expects a serious briefing to the Council on the security situation in East Timor before final decisions on downsizing the military component of UNTAET are taken. I have one more question, concerning the elections. If the period of August to December 2001 is meant to be the period for elections, I would like to ask Mr. Vieira de Mello if that also means that independence will then immediately have to follow. Let me put it this way: does Mr. Vieira de Mello feel that the elections are the final stage to be followed immediately by independence?”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“There are few instances in the world where the United Nations has assumed such total responsibility for a territory. We should not withdraw prematurely. Mr. Vieira de Mello described East Timor as a "country at peace". But how safe is East Timor? Because the question may be asked, how safe is West Timor? It cannot be denied that in the vast territory of the Republic of Indonesia there are instances where the authority appear unable to check spontaneous - or less than spontaneous - violence. Ambassador Holbrooke has elaborated enough on this matter, so I will simply state that I agree with everything he has said.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“Also, the armed attack on a post of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) last week, reportedly with rifles and hand grenades, is a matter for concern. We understand that UNTAET has conducted an investigation, and we are interested in the latest information. Our question is, what does this mean for UNTAET's analysis of the security situation in East Timor? We agree with what was said by Ambassador Fowler and Ambassador Greenstock, implicitly in reply to Ambassador Holbrooke, when they said that any downsizing of UNTAET's military component must take account of the risks inherent in the West Timor situation. There should be no pressure on UNTAET to downsize its military component on account of the many other crises in the world.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“It is clear that if we manage to absorb the Falintil into a self-defence force it would considerably lessen the risk of some of them taking a different path. And considering that we are dealing with frustrated armed men, anyone can imagine what path I have in mind. Finally, the security situation: we believe that it still gives rise to concern. The suspension by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of activities in three camps is worrisome. Incidents in Noelbaki, Tua Pukan and Naibonat probably involved militia members. The question is, what are the effects of these incidents on the return of refugees? We would be grateful to have information on that.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“We should not resist this; we should manage it. United Nations involvement will provide the opportunity to ensure that an East Timorese force will conform to the standards of civilian oversight, democratic accountability and international human rights norms and standards. It would also go a long way towards solving the Falintil issue. Their participation in such a force should be possible. Their background points in the direction of a military career. I would like to point out that, obviously, it is not our idea that we would establish a self-defence force precisely in order to solve the problem of the Falintil; these are two separate problems. But we do not see any reason why it should not be possible to make the solution of one problem coincide with the solution of the other.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“Vieira de Mello said in his statement that some short-term provisional measures were required to address this problem, but it goes without saying that if the dissatisfaction of the Falintil fighters should ever boil over, we would experience a radical change of scenery in East Timor. It is clear that everything should be done to keep that from happening. This brings me to the question of a self-defence force for East Timor. We have stated before that the establishment of such a force cannot be the only measure to strengthen the security of East Timor; but it is a necessary one, if only because the United Nations cannot indefinitely provide for East Timor's security. Moreover, it is clear that such a force will be established whether we like it or not. East Timor wants it, and has the right of self-defence under the United Nations Charter.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“We have consistently emphasized that this was essential both as a way to give the East Timorese people a sense of ownership of the reconstruction process and as a necessary ingredient of the preparation for independence. We are also pleased about the broadening of participation in the National Consultative Council with the inclusion of women, youth representatives and others. It is important to do what we can so that no important group will feel it has been left out. In that respect, Mr. Vieira de Mello mentioned one important group with a strong and acute feeling of frustration; the same group was also referred to at Lisbon by Mr. Gusmao: the Falintil fighters. Mr. Gusmao said that they were living under difficult circumstances and were "almost in a state of revolt". Mr.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“We too would like to thank Mr. Vieira de Mello for his informative briefing, but especially also for everything he and his people are doing in East Timor. Later in the debate the representative of Portugal will make a statement on behalf of the European Union; it goes without saying that my delegation fully subscribes to that statement. I will therefore raise only a few matters that are not dealt with in the European Union intervention. We subscribe to Mr. Vieira de Mello's positive assessment of the Lisbon conference. It was in Lisbon that Xanana Gusmao observed that participation by the East Timorese was increasing. The Netherlands welcomes that development.”
2000-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4165 (2000) · source
“At the time these stories were written, they were already a bit of a caricature, but today all these special ties are completely a thing ofthe past. The European Union has really succeeded in forging a common Balkan policy. That is why it is my pleasure to stop here and subscribe to everything that has been said by the Permanent Representative of Portugal and by Mr. Solana as the High Representative for the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“That was a totally self-evident fear when Robert Schuman launched his plan exactly half a century ago. We believe that what has been possible in Western Europe should also be achievable in the Balkans. In 1991, the Netherlands assumed the presidency of the European Union- which was not yet called "Union" at the time - less than a week after the declaration of independence by Croatia and Slovenia. This may explain why my delegation feels so deeply involved in everything that has happened in the region since. Throughout our presidency, until the end of 1991, our attempts to develop a common Balkans policy were repeatedly hindered by fanciful stories in the media about hidden historical ties between France and Serbia or between Germany and Croatia, or about Britain's insular lack of interest in either of them.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“We, too, are grateful to Special Envoy Carl Bildt for his comprehensive statement. In response, we will be brief, as the European Union has spoken on our behalf. It is appropriate that the European Union as such should participate in this debate on the Balkans, for we should once and for all be finished with the notion that the countries which constitute the European Union are naturally blessed with peace, whereas those which lie in the Balkan peninsula are predestined for trials and tribulations. Let us not forget that the concept of the European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner of today's European Union, was based on the belief that a new economic and political framework was needed if future Franco-German conflict was to be avoided.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“The belief that universal criminal justice is possible and feasible is taking hold, but it continues to face scepticism and disbelief. This disbelief is also reflected in some statements heard in the Security Council. It is for that reason that the example offered by the Tribunal, to quote the report, "must be exemplary to the very end". That is why, without going into the detailed recommendations at this time, my delegation will actively participate in the work of the legal experts with a view to finding adequate solutions to the problems facing the Tribunal.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“All the same, Judge Jorda has warned us not to dramatize the problem, but he has also stated that the Tribunal has reached a turning point in its history. It is, of course, largely a matter of disposition and attitude whether one would describe a turning point as dramatic, but let us agree that the matter is of the utmost importance. During the almost seven years of its operational existence, the Tribunal has managed to form itself into a fully operational judicial instrument. It has already demonstrated that universal criminal justice is possible and feasible, and in this respect it has played a crucial role in the inception and establishment of the International Criminal Court. But we are not there yet. We should not underestimate the importance of this suspended judgment on the part of the international community.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“I believe we can all agree that the effect of the increasing number of indictments and arrests on the average trial length should be our greatest concern. The report is right in making mention of the ever- greater expectations of the international community. The Tribunal has undoubtedly proved itself, but the international community seems to have suspended its judgment until the most senior officials are arrested and brought before the Tribunal. By then the problems described in the report must be solved. The report rightly points out that it is difficult to imagine the senior political and military leaders of the countries involved in the conflict spending many months on remand before their trials can begin.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“We appreciate the careful attention the Tribunal has paid to the report of the Expert Group, which has conducted a review of the effective operation and functioning of the ICTY and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and we note that it has subscribed to several of its recommendations. At this time, my delegation will not go into the selected measures that could be taken to improve the Tribunal's operation. Most of these, obviously, are to be welcomed, but some require further reflection on our part. We are aware that Judge Jorda's report, presented on behalf of the judges of the Tribunal, is before the Security Council on account of its mix of potential diplomatic, legal, administrative and financial implications.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“My delegation is grateful to Judge Jorda for his briefing, for his report on the operation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and, most of all, for his inspiring leadership as President of that institution. The negotiations on the establishment of the International Criminal Court have shown time and again that the example of the two Tribunals - the one on the former Yugoslavia and the other on Rwanda - is crucial for the establishment and further development of individual criminal responsibility for universal crimes.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“But we would like to take this opportunity to recall and I will not try to conceal my delegation's growing impatience in this respect that the Netherlands has offered to contribute to the operational costs of the State Border Service, on the condition that these costs appear in the national budget. Up until now, this simple condition has not been met. The question of the State Border Service is just one instance of the sort of renewal of the institutional infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the international community is eagerly waiting for.”
2000-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4154 (2000) · source
“But the Secretary-General also notes in paragraph 35 of his report that the rate of return is still unsatisfactory and far below expectations, especially with regard to areas where such returnees would now constitute a minority. In the View of my delegation, all the authorities concerned, at all levels in particular, at the local level should give the highest priority to the question of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. By the same token, the Netherlands pays tribute to the Special Representative and to UNMIBH for their commitment to this important matter. Finally, we share Mr. Klein's enthusiasm about the establishment of the State Border Service.”
2000-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4154 (2000) · source
“What we expect from the Bosnian authorities is the political will and leadership to bring this about. Secondly, with regard to the field of economic reform, we must admit that not much has been achieved. Rather, we have witnessed a continuation of the economic status quo, which seems to serve both economic and political vested interests. We believe that a breakthrough can be achieved through privatization. We therefore call for a quick, equitable and transparent privatization process. Thirdly, with regard to the return of refugees and displaced persons, the Secretary-General notes in paragraph 24 of his report (S/2000/529), that, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, minority returns quadrupled in the first quarter of this year, from 1,711 in 1999 to 7,300. In itself, this is a welcome development.”
2000-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4154 (2000) · source
“Now that reconstruction and stabilization have been achieved, all efforts should be focused on a new institutional infrastructure. The leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina must play a leading role here and should finally begin to meet this challenge. In this respect, much more could have been achieved over the past few years. It is the hope of my delegation that the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina will at last rise to the occasion and devote all of its efforts to comprehensive nation-building. In this context, let me identify three areas which require immediate attention and action. First, with regard to the political domain, as we have stated many times before, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs functioning and democratically accountable common institutions.”
2000-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4154 (2000) · source
“I, too, would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) and Special Representative Klein for his encouraging briefing. Five years have passed since the signing of the Dayton/Paris Accords, and during that time much has been achieved in terms of stabilization and reconstruction. The international community has not let the call for assistance go unheeded. It has contributed $5.1 billion to the reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apart from financial assistance, we are indebted to the indefatigable efforts of the men and women serving in UNMIBH and the Stabilization Force (SFOR). As was noted by several participants in the 23 and 24 May session of the Peace Implementation Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina today stands at a crossroads.”
2000-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4154 (2000) · source
“In any event, the Netherlands would welcome it if the special envoy could cooperate closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and devote his or her attention to missing persons and prisoners from all sections of the population.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“In the View of the Netherlands, full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999) should be continued, guided by the principles of a multi-ethnic society and respect for the human rights of all ethnic groups. At present, the international community should focus on reconstruction, successful municipal elections and implementation of the framework of local administration. The question of the final status of Kosovo should be discussed at a later stage. Finally, the Netherlands would welcome the appointment of a special envoy for missing persons, detainees and prisoners. I would appreciate learning when this appointment may be expected.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“It would seem to us that the international community could encourage the renewed Serb participation in interim structures by fostering Serb refugee return, by improving living conditions in enclaves inhabited by moderate Serbs and by including explicit guarantees to the rights of Serbs and other minorities in interim regulations for local self- government. The Netherlands welcomes the decision of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to temporarily close down the Albanian newspaper, Dita, for incitement to hatred and violence. We commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his firm action in this matter. The Netherlands is not in favour of revision of resolution 1244 (1999) or a formal extension of the mandate of KFOR.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“Although this was prompted by security concerns, which, of course, must be addressed, the Netherlands calls upon the Serb National Council of Gracanica to reconsider its recent reversal and to return to the Joint Interim Administrative Structure - this time as a participant rather than as an observer. Here, as in the question of registration and participation in the election process, we are convinced that the interests of the Serbs are best served by their active participation in the interim structures.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“The Netherlands condemns all violence and supports the efforts of the UNMIK, KFOR and the United Nations International Police to put an end to it. We equally condemn all violence against KFOR and UNMIK personnel, as well as the increased number of incidents where non-governmental organizations in Kosovo have become victims of robberies. The Secretary-General's report rightly highlights the courageous decision of the Serb National Council (SNC) of Gracanica to join the Joint Interim Administrative Structure (JIAS). This decision was taken a few months ago, and the Serb representation was limited to observers. In the meantime, much to our regret, the decision has been reversed.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“But, if I may follow the Russian delegation's example and make one observation on the Belgrade authorities myself, I would like to question the accuracy of Ambassador Lavrov's assertion that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has not refused to cooperate in the matter of detained and missing persons. Belgrade simply has failed to respond and has not done anything for more than a year. As a matter of fact, the detainees do not require any cooperation; they simply need to be released or tried in a court of law. Having said this, let me stress that my delegation is concerned about certain developments in Kosovo. I am, of course, referring to the recent upsurge of what the report calls localized violence, mainly perpetrated against Kosovo Serbs. Our concerns are heightened by the fact that this violence appears to be orchestrated.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“He pointed out that it would take years and years to build real democracy, and that it cannot be denied that there continue to be negative aspects in the current situation. But my delegation resolutely disassociates itself from those who focus so much on these negative aspects that they endlessly speak of the Belgrade authorities but cannot bring themselves to offer even the slightest hint of praise and encouragement to the courageous Kosovo Serbs who are trying to break out of the vicious circle of ethnic hatred and wish to contribute to making today's Kosovo work. My delegation has said this before. These Kosovo Serbs show both moral and political vision and deserve our undivided support.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“The majority of refugees- hundreds of thousands of Kosovar Albanians who had to flee in the face of President Milosevic's terror - have returned. The rule of law is being restored. Schools have been reconstructed and reopened; the economy is being revitalized; preparations for municipal elections are well under way. With all the critical notes we have to make about the situation in Kosovo, we should not lose sight of those achievements. My delegation pays tribute to KFOR, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the leadership of Mr. Kouchner. Without their determination and perseverance, these achievements would not have been realized. We heard Mr. Kouchner say that, at best, his briefing could be regarded as a progress report.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“My delegation, too, would like to thank the Secretary-General for his quarterly report, and Mr. Kouchner for his inspired briefing. Most speakers have already pointed out that it will be one year ago tomorrow that this Council adopted resolution 1244 (1999). Two days later, on 12 June 1999, the first Kosovo Force (KFOR) units entered Kosovo. We are all aware of what the Secretary-General's report terms, in paragraph 3, "the persistence of a number of serious concerns". But my delegation takes the view that much has been achieved in one year. After 10 years of repression, injustice and destruction, brought about by the Belgrade regime, Kosovo has now gained a new perspective. It is a multi-ethnic society under construction.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“That is why the Council and the Secretariat, the sanctions Committee and the Office of the Iraq Programme, are working so hard to implement the humanitarian provisions contained in part C of resolution 1284 (1999), hoping that the Government of Iraq will soon change its mind and accept the whole resolution for what it is - that is, the shortest way to a suspension, and ultimately a full lifting, of the sanctions.”
2000-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4152 (2000) · source
“Due to the arbitrarily reduced shelf-life and the bulk of the consignment, reallocation was not an option. The shipment, with a value of about $300,000, is presumably going to be, or has been, destroyed. Other Netherlands-based non-governmental organizations have had similar experiences. My authorities are not in a position to tell those organizations either to give up or to persevere. My personal guess is that they will keep on trying, for we all agree that the Iraqi people should not be made to suffer for the irresponsible behaviour of its leaders.”
2000-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4152 (2000) · source
“Recently, non- governmental organizations have been prevented from supplying Iraq with humanitarian goods solely, as we must presume, on account of their being based in the Netherlands. In one such instance a Netherlands-based non- governmental organization tried to ship 72 tonnes of dry skimmed milk to Iraq. It was instructed by the Iraqi Ministry of Health to have the manufacturer indicate a shelf-life of one year, instead of the customary two years or more. Upon the consignment's arrival in Iraq, a sample was taken for testing purposes. Six months later, the non-governmental organization in question was informed that the consignment had been rejected. Counter-checks were made, both in the Netherlands and in a third country, which showed there was nothing wrong with the milk powder, but the Iraqi decision was declared to be final.”
2000-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4152 (2000) · source
“At first sight such measures may seem totally irrational, but they probably make some sense if they are seen in the light of the Iraqi Government's attempt at convincing the international community that the only way to improve the humanitarian situation in Iraq is to lift the sanctions all together. The second motive, hardly more rational it would seem, may be simply to register disapproval of a country that is trying to help the Iraqi people within the parameters of the relevant Security Council resolutions. It is as though Iraq only wants to have dealings with countries that have shown their disapproval of resolution 1284 by abstaining on it. It is surprising to see to what length the Iraqi Government will go to make this point.”
2000-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4152 (2000) · source
“In voting for this resolution, my delegation has also expressed its support for the request the Council is addressing to the Secretary-General to appoint independent experts to prepare a comprehensive report and analysis of the humanitarian situation in Iraq. We do not expect great surprises from this analysis because we know that the sanctions have a negative affect on the humanitarian situation in Iraq. But an analysis by independent experts will also shed light on some inexplicable actions on the part of the Iraqi authorities. My delegation continues to be puzzled by the Iraqi Government's recurrent practice to adopt measures that harm its own people.”
2000-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4152 (2000) · source
“Finally, I would like to repeat what I said in November: in our view, the tribunals play an important role in that they serve as a trial ground where we are learning important lessons for later use in the establishment of the International Criminal Court. For that reason, I would like to say that I wholeheartedly agree with Ambassador Holbrooke, who referred to the situation in Sierra Leone. The most important lesson that the Security Council is learning these days is that impunity is not the right solution to any problem. That is also why my delegation sincerely hopes that the United States will overcome its hesitations with regard to the International Criminal Court.”
2000-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4150 (2000) · source
“Ambassador Holbrooke too has commented on this. IfI understood Ms. Del Ponte correctly, she described gachacha as an ideal solution in view of the impossibility of eliminating the backlog through normal court procedures. We would be inclined to come to the same conclusion: that it is the only way of solving the backlog problem. But I am not yet quite sure that we would describe it as an ideal solution. I would be very grateful if the Prosecutor could elaborate on this further. Obviously, it is an ideal solution if there is no other way to solve the backlog problem, but I would be grateful for further comments, because for us it is a very unfamiliar concept and we would like to have more information on it.”
2000-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4150 (2000) · source
“It is very gratifying to learn that relations between her office and Rwanda have so improved. We were pleased to learn of the conviction of Mr. Georges Ruggiu, especially since he had played an important role in the broadcasts of Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines, because during our recent visit to Africa, the mission that visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo learned that poisonous hate broadcasts are certainly not a thing of the past. We think it is important that there be special focus on the role of Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines in this matter. I have a technical question which is of interest to my delegation: perhaps the prosecutor can inform us where Mr. Ruggiu will serve his 12 years. I would like next to comment on what the Prosecutor told us about gachacha.”
2000-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4150 (2000) · source
“We understand that there are still some problems to be resolved and that the Prosecutor does not have the access to all sensitive witnesses and information that she needs. We hope that this will be resolved, because, obviously, it would not be very helpful if the Government of Croatia accepted the principle of jurisdiction but then still withheld the essential documents on technical grounds. But we have taken note of the optimism that the Prosecutor has expressed in that regard. This, of course, means that all our focus shifts to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, if it was not there already. We must condemn Belgrade's lack of cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal. Last time Ms. Del Ponte visited us, she had not yet been to Rwanda, and she has now spent nine weeks in Arusha and in Rwanda.”
2000-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4150 (2000) · source
“Del Ponte's third briefing will take place under the Dutch presidency, and we are looking forward to that. During our meeting in November, my delegation expressed its concern at Croatia's failure to comply with the Prosecutor's request to hand over documents on Operations Flash and Storm. We now note with satisfaction that the new Croatian Government has adopted a totally different attitude and accepts the Tribunal's jurisdiction in this matter. We especially appreciate the openness and transparency with which the new Croatian Government approaches this matter, as witnessed by the excellent symposium which took place in Opatija on 8 and 9 May and which was attended by, among others, Judge Jorda and several other members of the International Criminal Tribunal.”
2000-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4150 (2000) · source
“Mr. van Walsum (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I wish at the outset, Sir, to congratulate you and to say how pleased I am to see you presiding over the work of the Security Council for the month of June. I assure you and your delegation of the full cooperation of my delegation. I wish also to thank your predecessor, Ambassador Wang Yingfan of China, for the considerate and effective manner in which he conducted the Council's business during the month of May. (spoke in English) We join other delegations in expressing our satisfaction at having Ms. Del Ponte in the Security Council for a second time. The first time we had that pleasure was just less than six months ago, and my delegation considers this an ideal frequency: a brief calculation shows that Ms.”
2000-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4150 (2000) · source
“If we are nevertheless prepared to vote for the draft resolution it is because we do not want to block any avenue the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy may wish to follow in the discharge of his mandate to explore ways and means to achieve an early, durable and agreed resolution to the dispute over Western Sahara.”
2000-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4149 (2000) · source
“My delegation feels that the draft resolution on which we are about to vote does not adequately reflect the continued commitment to the settlement plan which during the Council's consultations was expressed by a large number of delegations, including my own. It is true that in the fifth preambular paragraph the Council reiterates its full support for the continued efforts to implement the settlement plan, but the abrupt addition by which it subsequently notes that fundamental differences remain to be resolved produces a somewhat disingenuous overtone which does not do justice to the importance that the Council has claimed to attach to the settlement plan for many years.”
2000-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4149 (2000) · source
“I am grateful to Mr. Annabi, and I apologize for inflicting such detailed questions on him, knowing full well that he has in fact been briefing us all day long. Mr. Annabi has now supplied us with further information on the reductions in the military component of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) that are currently envisaged. I would like to say only that, obviously, we appreciate receiving that information, but that my delegation continues to insist on a proper discussion of the military and security situation in East Timor, either in an open Council meeting or in consultations of the whole, before any of these envisaged decisions become final.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“Finally, having mentioned the military cooperation between UNTAET and the TNI, I should like also to address the issue of cooperation in the area of human rights and legal affairs on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 7 April. The Netherlands would be very interested to hear how this cooperation is taking shape in practice, in particular with regard to investigating and prosecuting human rights violations. Recently, the Indonesian Attorney- General, Mr. Darusman, stated that the first trials would take place perhaps as early as this month.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“But we should also realize that an independent East Timor will eventually establish a military force, and it is better to have this done at a time and in a manner which give the international community the opportunity to ensure that the development of that force, like that of the other indigenous East Timorese structures for security, conforms to the standards of civilian control, democratic accountability and observance of international human rights norms and standards. A measure of the extent to which those standards are met by those security structures could be included in the benchmarks which, according to Mr. Annabi, could serve to gauge East Timor's fitness for independence. Are the East Timorese leaders in full agreement with those benchmarks? Does the Secretariat intend to develop the benchmarks further?”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“When can we expect it? Apparently, there have been questions as to whether it is appropriate for the United Nations to become involved in the establishment of a military force. For its part, the Netherlands would consider it entirely appropriate and in keeping with UNTAET's mandate of nation-building in East Timor if the United Nations also dealt with the establishment of a military force for the purpose of self-defence. Of course, expert assistance by friendly countries could be sought, including perhaps that of some countries members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, and not automatically excluding Indonesia. We are very well aware of the sensitivities involved, and these should of course be taken into account.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“Today, we have not heard anything that could be described as the result of the review, but instead we have been informed of the decision to reduce the strength of the military component from 8,396 to 7,896 by October. We had expected a somewhat different procedure. If the peaceful conditions in the eastern part of East Timor allow for some downsizing, there is also the option of relocation which could have been considered. At any rate, my delegation feels that the Security Council should be given an opportunity to consider the whole military and security situation, and we are looking forward to a specific briefing, either in another open meeting or in consultations of the whole. We are looking forward to receiving the independent expert study currently under preparation on a possible national East Timorese defence force.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source