YouSaid · the spoken record

Vassilakis

lines on the record: 733
first: 1994-04-21
most recent: 2006-12-20
sittings or episodes: 111
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

“In that respect, we support the measures proposed by Mr. Egeland as well as the 10-point platform for the protection of civilians that he presented to the Security Council in 2003, and we call for its early implementation. We also believe that regional organizations can play a very important role in that respect. This is particularly true for the African Union and its role in the Darfur crisis. We fully subscribe to the call for an urgent increase in the capacity of the African Union on the ground in the latter case.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“Forcible recruitment of children into armed forces and child abduction are gross violations of international humanitarian law and continue to be major problems. Displaced persons and refugees is another major humanitarian concern. The Secretary-General has, in his report, underlined the need to address these issues together with his Emergency Relief Coordinator. Mr. Egeland earlier made an interesting presentation on most of the aforementioned issues and gave us a bleak picture of the serious problems that humanitarian workers and other vulnerable groups are facing today in conflict situations. It is also clear that the suffering inflicted on the civilian population is aggravated by restrictions on humanitarian access. All of the foregoing indicates the urgent need for effective measures of protection.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“In adopting resolution 1593 (2005), and in referring the situation in Darfur to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Security Council took a proactive attitude toward putting an end to impunity for the war crimes committed in Sudan. That is a first step in combating a culture of impunity, which will help the consolidation of peace, security and justice in our societies. The question of humanitarian access to those in need, and the removal of obstacles that prevent humanitarian workers from delivering humanitarian assistance and protection to the civilian population are of high importance. The security of the humanitarian workers is another issue that raises serious concerns. The protection of women and children during armed conflict is a major concern for the international community.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“It emphasizes the need to prevent atrocities against the civilian population and to ensure that the international community acts promptly when faced with massive violations. In the same context, the report makes reference to the Security-General's five-point action plan to prevent genocide. We support this action plan and call for the ratification and the implementation of all treaties relating to the protection of civilians. We believe that the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts is a matter which falls under the responsibilities of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“Thank you for organizing this debate on protection of civilians in armed conflicts. It is an issue of great importance to the world community and has been at the centre of the United Nations' attention in recent years. I also thank Mr. Egeland for the comprehensive, informative presentation. It was very good that he mentioned particular cases. We associate ourselves with the statement that the Permanent Representative of Luxembourg will make at a later stage on behalf of the European Union. The protection of civilians in armed conflict has been identified as a high priority in the United Nations Millennium Declaration. Rightly, special attention has also been given to this issue in the recent report of the Secretary-General entitled "In Larger Freedom". The report raises various important aspects of civilian protection.”
2005-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5209 (2005) · source
“That could serve as a precedent for avoiding similar situations in the future. We wish you every success, Mr. Minister. As you have just heard, I believe, the representatives of the Security Council will stand with you.”
2005-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5203 (2005) · source
“Mr. Vassilakis (Greece) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to welcome the Minister of Justice of Burundi, Mr. Kiganahe, and to thank him for having travelled to New York to express the views and decisions of his Government. Our sincere thanks go also to Assistant Secretary-General Zacklin for his very clear and succinct report. In establishing a judicial commission of inquiry, we always face a dilemma: we need to punish those who have committed crimes without endangering the reconciliation process within the country, in which all must be involved. We support fully the recommendations to create a truth and reconciliation commission as well as a special chamber. We congratulate the Government of Burundi and the Burundian parties, who had the courage to take this decision to establish justice in the country and to put an end to impunity.”
2005-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5203 (2005) · source
“It is our hope that Kosovo will one day become an equal participant in the region's stability and prosperity - an integral part of the enlarged European family. Therefore, no less than complete implementation of all the goals in the standards plan is a prerequisite.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“The invitations by both President Tadic and Prime Minister Kostunica to, respectively, President Rugova and Prime Minister Kosumi, are a welcome initiative and deserve our full support. Just as we urge Belgrade to engage in dialogue with the provisional authorities, so we must now make clear to the Provisional Institutions that there can be no avoiding a direct dialogue with Belgrade. Greece has undertaken a series of diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue among the parties based on the principle of the peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiated settlement. In this context, the Prime Minister of Greece recently visited the region, including Belgrade and Pristina.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“On balance - a very fine balance - we share the Secretary-General's view that we could move on to the launch of the comprehensive review. This new stage in the process will not, however, mean that the standards implementation goal has been achieved. On the contrary, for the Provisional Institutions it should mean shifting into a higher gear. The international community's expectations will not remain at their current level but will increase as time goes by; the deliverables from Pristina should match that. The resumption of dialogue on practical matters between Belgrade and Pristina points the way to the future. We expect that such dialogue will resume soon at all levels.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Nevertheless, internal bickering and tension have continued, along with incidents of violence, which are a by-product of that kind of atmosphere. If the situation is allowed to deteriorate, this will inevitably influence future developments. The creation of a democratic society in Kosovo is a fundamental prerequisite for the future stability of the whole region. That cannot be overlooked. Bearing in mind the progress in all aspects of the strategy proposed in November 2004 and the efforts undertaken by the Provisional Institutions, the Secretary-General has concluded that a comprehensive review should be initiated this summer. The review is to be conducted in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999) and the relevant presidential statements of the Security Council.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“In that respect, the goals of economic cooperation within the South-East European Cooperation Process and the question of how these can include Kosovo should be further explored and pursued. Greece, as part of the region and as current Chairman of the South-East European Cooperation Process, is actively engaged in promoting the deepening of cooperation in the region. The internal political situation in Kosovo remains a real concern. The Kosovar people showed remarkable political maturity when former Prime Minister Haradinaj was indicted and surrendered voluntarily to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Since then, a new coalition Government has taken over; the transition was smooth and orderly.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“But the integrated transport system has yet to become a reality; the zero-tolerance policy for acts that threaten this freedom needs to be implemented urgently and fully. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the signing of the memorandum of understanding on the reconstruction of Serbian Orthodox religious sites damaged during the May 2004 riots. That constitutes an encouraging sign of public outreach by Kosovo's leaders to the Kosovo Serbs. Some good steps have also been taken in the direction of economic reconstruction. Progress in the privatization process is long overdue but is nevertheless very welcome. Let us hope that the pace of recovery will increase as the necessary structural reforms are being completed. The regional perspective should be fully exploited.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Yet we all know - and the Secretary- General's report makes it clear - that it is a key measure in building the new Kosovo. It remains so regardless of the standards, a number of which would actually be facilitated by its completion. In that respect, we welcome the participation for the first time of Kosovo Serbs in the relevant working group. On the important front of returns, no significant progress has been reported. There can be no alternative to success in this area. Evidently, efforts have to be strengthened. Also, let us repeat once more that Kosovo Serbs need to re-engage in full dialogue on all levels with the Provisional Institutions; they have to demonstrate their commitment to integrating into Kosovo society. According to the report, improvement has been achieved in freedom of movement as well as in the security situation.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“In other words, since our last meeting on this item, in February (see S/PV.5130), things have been moving. Overall, the picture remains mixed: some more progress, but still some delays; headway being made, but serious lags in some areas. As the Secretary-General points out in his report, none of the standards has been entirely fulfilled and serious deficiencies remain in key areas. A great deal of work lies ahead of us. Let us go into this process with our eyes wide open. Decentralization, to a large extent, holds the key to success in restoring confidence and promoting returns. And yet it has been allowed to slow almost to a halt. An easy excuse can be offered: it does not feature formally as one of the eight standards to be implemented.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“We thank the Secretary- General for his report on the situation in Kosovo (S/2005/335). We also thank his Special Representative, Mr. Jessen-Petersen, for his informative and, I have to say, candid briefing. I wish to welcome Mr. Covic, President of the Coordination Centre of Serbia and Montenegro and of the Republic of Serbia for Kosovo and Metohija, to our meeting today. Greece associates itself fully with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Luxembourg on behalf of the European Union. I am sure that all members know what the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: "Ta panta rhei - Everything in life is in flux". In recent years, we have often heard the expression "road map". Reading the report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/335), we believe that both expressions could apply to recent developments in Kosovo.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“In conclusion, Greece believes that post-conflict peacebuilding is a major priority for the United Nations system due to its contribution to international peace and security and its preventive effects on violent conflicts. In that context, Greece, individually and as a member of the European Union, supports the proposal of the Secretary-General for the establishment of a Peacebuilding Commission. The creation of such a body will enrich the peacebuilding agenda of the United Nations and promote world peace, security and development.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“Despite many efforts, there is a lack of sustainable and adequate funding, as well as a need for improved coordination. That requires better targeted, timely and coordinated financial support and the predictability of assistance. It is our view that closer interaction and coordination between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council would be beneficial for sustainable long-term peace reconstruction. Likewise, the various departments within the United Nations - the Department of Political Affairs, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - should find ways to better coordinate their peacebuilding activities. In addition, effective United Nations involvement requires a well-designed role for the resident United Nations coordinator.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“Those strategies have to be well designed and correspond to local realities. Most importantly, they have to be long- term, since reconstruction itself is a long-term process. Rapid response is important in humanitarian assistance and human security situations, but long-term commitment is vital to securing development. Another key factor for successful post-conflict reconstruction is the provision of financial support at an early stage. International actors have established post-conflict peacebuilding funding mechanisms in order to provide financial aid to countries emerging from conflict. However, it should be noted that neither available financial resources nor existing funding mechanisms are adequate to cover reconstruction needs at their starting point.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“Furthermore, one should not forget local conditions that need to be taken into account in post- conflict peacebuilding agendas. It is essential, however, that effective post-conflict peacebuilding policies integrate institution-building, the rule of law, good governance and transitional justice, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts. That highly political process needs to be strongly supported by international actors. The United Nations, regional organizations, donors and other international actors can play a crucial role. They contribute to the implementation of peacebuilding policies. There is a pressing need for better coordination among those international actors. They have to develop more effective strategies in assessing local needs, allocating recourses and defining priorities.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“More specifically, it should integrate the key elements of human security, political stability based on the rule of law and good governance, social reconciliation, and economic reconstruction. We are convinced that a successful sustainable post-conflict peacebuilding outcome requires the active engagement of local ownership in the reconstruction process. Local actors, such as Governments, non- governmental organizations and civil society, must be involved in the political process and in setting the peacebuilding agenda. That is crucial for long-term and effective results. The capacities of local actors should be strengthened so that they can cope with future violent conflicts, enhance the commitment of local Governments to the process, and increase the presence ofa well-organized civil society.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“The Brahimi report (S/2000/809) offered various recommendations for specific peacebuilding operations, such as the creation of a fund for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. There is a growing international consensus on the importance of post-conflict peacebuilding and the need for its consolidation. As we all know, it is a multidimensional process. It aims at the consolidation of peace after the end of hostilities and the reconstruction and development of conflict-torn societies. It is the only way to prevent them from sliding back into violent conflict. Contemporary conflicts around the world require more effective peacebuilding that would address the root causes of such conflicts, particularly structural, political, sociocultural and economic factors.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“Unfortunately, violent conflicts emerged, threatening the lives of thousands of innocent people, as well as security, in many parts of the world, in particular in Europe and Africa. It soon became clear that the post-conflict rebuilding of war-torn societies is essential to prevent those countries from relapsing into conflict. The international community, especially the United Nations, took early note of that fact and strove to find ways to end that vicious circle. The concept of peacebuilding arose to bridge the gap between security and sustainable development. Those issues have now become linked. The concept offers an integrated approach for dealing with a whole range of issues that relate to peace, security and development. Many peacekeeping operations of the 1990s combined both peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“Thank you very much, Madam President, and congratulations for taking the initiative of organizing today's debate on post-conflict peacebuilding, an issue of great interest for the United Nations and of paramount importance to many nations in the world. You have been very successful in generating the necessary interest and support. The participation of your Foreign Minister, of Deputy Secretary-General Louise Frechette and of many other high officials from various countries and international organizations is tangible proof of that. We thank each of them for their participation and insights. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made by the representative of Luxembourg on behalf of the European Union. The end of the cold war created many hopes for peace and security.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187 (2005) · source
“Thirdly, poverty has led to violence and instability, which cannot be reversed without injecting massive, immediate aid. We therefore appeal to all donors, big and small, to disburse the funds pledged at the International Donors Conference on Haiti, held in July 2004, and at the Cayenne follow-up meeting. As we have said before, MINUSTAH is in Haiti for the long term, and its main role is not limited to security but includes helping, along with United Nations agencies in the country, to foster economic development in the framework of the international community's long-term commitment to the people of Haiti.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source
“Elections must take place according to the established timetable, and they must be free, fair, democratic and open to all political parties that publicly renounce violence. Secondly, the problems faced by Haiti are huge and deeply rooted. Solutions are not easy. No one is expecting those problems to be miraculously solved by an election process, a political dialogue or international assistance alone. Institutional reform and development, especially in the judicial and penal sectors; respect for human rights and the rule of law, especially with respect to impunity and the implementation of the rules of due process; dealing with ecological disasters; addressing urgent and basic humanitarian needs; and pursuing development goals: these demand long-term hard work and commitment.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source
“At the same time, we unequivocally condemn all attacks against it and against other international personnel, especially those with a humanitarian task. Last but not least, we should not forget the tireless efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Valdes. The report before us (5/2005/302) accurately reflects the Security Council's thoughts and observations with respect to the situation in Haiti and the way forward. I shall make only three short points. First, the political landscape in Haiti is highly complex. A truly representative and legitimate Government and the smooth transfer of power on 7February 2006 are crucial first steps towards the normalization of the situation and the stabilization of the country.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source
“I would like to express our deep appreciation to our colleague, the Permanent Representative of Brazil, for his skilful leadership of the Security Council mission to Haiti - although I was not present in the mission - at this particularly important junction in Haiti's long quest for security, political and social stability and development. It was both appropriate and necessary that the international community, through the Security Council, conveyed to the people and the leaders of Haiti its long-term commitment and continued support to their legitimate dreams and aspirations. We wish to extend our thanks to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We commend it for its stabilizing role and for the work it carries out under extremely difficult circumstances.”
2005-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5178 (2005) · source
“We would also like once again to express our support for the ongoing efforts of Mr. Mbeki and for his leading role in finding a sustainable solution to the political crisis in Cote d'Ivoire on the basis of democratic governance, respect for human rights and commitment to the economic and social development of the country. We hope that the Agreement reached in Pretoria signifies the beginning of a new era for C6te d'Ivoire. I am sure that the Security Council will provide all the assistance necessary to guarantee a success story. Finally, we congratulate the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Pierre Schori, and we trust that he will carry out his mandate in an excellent manner.”
2005-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5169 (2005) · source
“In my capacity as Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004), I would like to inform the members of the Council that the group of experts provided for in paragraph 7 of resolution 1584 (2005) has already been appointed, as of 18 April. Its members are ready to leave for the area in order to monitor the implementation of the arms embargo. It is important that the parties in Cote d'Ivoire and the other countries of the region cooperate with the experts so as to enable them to carry out their mandate. I would like to emphasize the important role that the African Union is playing in trying to consolidate peace and stability not only in cote d'Ivoire but also in the whole area of West Africa and in Africa in general. In that respect, we thank President Obasanjo of Nigeria for his efforts.”
2005-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5169 (2005) · source
“In the Agreement, the Ivorian political leaders reaffirmed, inter alia, their commitment to all United Nations resolutions on Cote d'Ivoire. We welcome that commitment. We expect that, this time, the political leaders will fully implement their obligations under resolutions 1572 (2004) and 1584 (2005). At the same time, it is important to remind all States concerned - particularly those of the region - of their obligation to report to the Committee established under paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 (2004) concerning the implementation of the arms embargo imposed by those resolutions.”
2005-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5169 (2005) · source
“We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of the upcoming May conference, scheduled to work out the details for implementing the disarmament agreements. In addition, the parties agreed to take measures aimed at holding free, fair and transparent presidential elections in October 2005. We welcome the provision relating to the presence of the United Nations in the organization of those elections. As for article 35 of the Constitution of Cote d'Ivoire, we share the concerns of President Mbeki. We fully support the determination made by the mediator concerning that article as well as his request that President Gbagbo exercise his powers under article 48 in order to give legal force to that determination.”
2005-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5169 (2005) · source
“That is the only way to end suffering, to restore peace, stability, democracy and national unity in all parts of the country and to contribute to real national reconciliation. In Pretoria, the political leaders agreed to refrain from all military actions and to engage in a political dialogue that could produce tangible results and put an end to the long-standing conflict. They also agreed on very important issues: ensuring the implementation of the national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) plan and proceeding immediately with the disarmament and dismantling of the militia throughout the territory. The meeting between the military commanders of both sides and the agreement reached at Bouake on a provisional timetable for disarmament are first steps in that direction.”
2005-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5169 (2005) · source
“Greece welcomes the signing on 6 April of the Pretoria Agreement on the Peace Process in Cote d'Ivoire, the full implementation of which carries the prospect of a sustainable peace. It complements the Linas-Marcoussis and Accra III Agreements. We express our deep appreciation to South African President Thabo Mbeki for his intense mediation efforts, which led to the rapprochement of the Ivorian political leaders and to the conclusion of this important peace Agreement. Many thanks go also to Mr. Pahad for returning to New York a second time and presenting an informative briefing on the outcome of the Pretoria negotiations. It is now up to the signatory parties to show the necessary political will to implement their commitments under the Agreement.”
2005-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5169 (2005) · source
“We support the quarterly programme of work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and the activities that it sets out. In that respect, we welcome the recent recruitment of four experts of the Committee, who will begin examination of the first State reports.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“Another positive development in recent months has been the CTC's elaboration of new methods to determine the technical assistance and other needs of States in order to improve their counter-terrorism capacity. We support the Committee's programme of work for the next three months (S/2005/266) and the priorities that it sets out. The proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) reinforces the non-proliferation regime and aims at preventing non-State actors from gaining access to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“Over the past three months, the CTC has carried out some new activities aimed at improving implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) by means of an enhanced direct dialogue with Member States. On- site visits have already been initiated by the CTC Executive Directorate (CTED), pursuant to Security Council resolution 1535 (2004), with the consent of the States concerned. Those visits are an important way of assessing the further needs of the visited State in its implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The first such visit, to Morocco, was a most useful one. In that respect, we are thankful to the Executive Director, Mr. Ruperez, and to his team for all their work and efforts. We would also like to thank the Moroccan authorities for their openness and cooperation with the CTED.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“In our view, the names of individuals and entities should be placed on the Committee's list only if they are accompanied with identifying information and background information demonstrating that those individuals and entities are associated with Osama bin Laden or with members of Al-Qaida or the Taliban, as noted in resolution 1526 (2004). Greece welcomes the new Chair of the Counter- Terrorism Committee, Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Loj, and wishes her every success in carrying out her most demanding and difficult task. We also express our gratitude to the previous Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Denisov, for the outstanding job he did during his chairmanship.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“The General Assembly's adoption this month of the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (General Assembly resolution 59/290) is, in our View, a strong political signal from Member States that the General Assembly is the most appropriate forum for the elaboration of consensual legal standards for the global fight against terrorism. The Al-Qaida/Taliban sanctions Committee has recently made many efforts to improve the sanctions regime, and we believe that Member States should fully cooperate with the Committee and its Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, in particular through the submission of reports and new names of individuals and entities to be added to the Committee's list.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“Briefings such as today's reinforce interaction and cooperation among the three Committees and their groups of experts and provide information and transparency with respect to their work, thus enhancing the Security Council's legitimacy in the fields of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Greece strongly supports the development of a comprehensive United Nations strategy to combat terrorism that ensures strict consistency with international law, due process and human rights standards and that addresses all factors that contribute to terrorism. Furthermore, the adoption by the General Assembly of a comprehensive convention against terrorism that contains a definition of terrorism would help worldwide efforts to combat terrorism in a most effective manner.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“I too hope to follow the rule that you have set, Mr. President. I will distribute a longer written version of my statement. At the outset, I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing today's meeting, and I would like to express our satisfaction at today's joint briefing by the Chairs of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), the Al- Qaida/Taliban sanctions Committee and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I thank them very much for their precise and most informative presentations of the work of their respective Committees. Greece fully associates itself with the statement to be made later in the debate by the Permanent Representative of Luxembourg on behalf of the European Union.”
2005-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5168 (2005) · source
“We are sure that the three resolutions adopted by the Security Council this month will help to restore peace in the Sudan and the prosperity of its people.”
2005-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5158 (2005) · source
“The resolution also strengthens the authority of the International Criminal Court, which will have the chance to prove itself and show what it can do. The resolution creates certain exceptions for the specific case of the Sudan for countries not parties to the Statute of the International Criminal Court. That will create certain problems of interpretation regarding the application of the principle of exclusive international jurisdiction. In our view, the resolution does not infringe on that principle, which is firmly rooted in the Statute of the Court and in other international agreements. Despite that, we preferred to vote in favour rather than to allow violations of humanitarian law to go unpunished.”
2005-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5158 (2005) · source
“The issue of violations of humanitarian law is one to which my country attaches very great importance; that is why we are a party to the International Criminal Court. We would have preferred a resolution text without exceptions, but we were guided by our concern that it would be far more important to have a resolution that took into account certain differing views than to have no resolution at all and to allow violations of humanitarian law to go unpunished. When we address issues in which moderation is given top priority, we achieve positive results. It is in that spirit that we voted in favour of the resolution. We believe that it strengthens the authority of the Security Council in its efforts to promote peace, security, international justice and law in all societies, particularly those in conflict.”
2005-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5158 (2005) · source
“Mr. Vassilakis (Greece) (spoke in French): In the first three months of the year, the Security Council addressed the issue of the Sudan on several occasions. The collective wish of the Council was to see the implementation of the Naivasha Comprehensive Peace Agreement as swiftly as possible. We also succeeded in adopting the resolution establishing the United Nations force to monitor the implementation of the Agreement. In addition, the Security Council reached agreement with regard to the situation in Darfur. Thus, we adopted a resolution on specific measures that, we hope, will help to find a political solution in that region, which has suffered enough. The last issue that the Security Council had to address was the violation of humanitarian law. It is the issue of impunity, which we must never allow to go unpunished.”
2005-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5158 (2005) · source
“The existing institutional gap in the international system can be bridged through the establishment of a peacebuilding commission, as proposed by the Secretary-General and the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. We believe that that is an idea whose time has come. In conclusion, the promotion of lasting peace and security in Africa - which in turn will be conducive to sustainable economic and social development - constitutes one, if not the principal, major challenge that we, as members of the Security Council, continue to face. The year 2005 is no exception; on the contrary, it is, as many have declared, the year of Africa. The Security Council's Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, under the chairmanship of Benin, may be very fruitful and productive in that regard.”
2005-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5156 (2005) · source
“It is indeed a crucial matter, not only for reasons of principle, namely, upholding the rule of law and justice. It also has a very powerful practical aspect, being a strong deterrent for those who resort to violence to promote their political agenda, and it is a necessary element in any peace and reconciliation effort. No matter how hard the international community tries, one often gets the feeling that, unless Security Council intervention is combined with long-term development plans, its efforts will be to no avail. Persistent violent conflict is the cause, but also the result, of poverty. Therefore, if we wish to be effective in tackling either of the two, we must tackle both.”
2005-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5156 (2005) · source
“The Security Council's cooperation with all of the regional organizations is therefore of paramount importance. Sanctions are a fundamental tool available to the Security Council in its efforts to ensure peace and security in the world. No one should think that the members of the Security Council are eager to impose sanctions or that they do so easily. Such a decision should be taken with extreme caution and consideration for the population, whose well-being has to be secured. Violations of sanctions are, unfortunately, a common trend in many African conflicts. Lack of compliance with sanctions is indeed a problem, and the Security Council must work hard in that respect in order to devise ways and seek methods of making them effective, workable and just. A great deal of discussion is taking place on the question of impunity.”
2005-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5156 (2005) · source
“This is an encouraging factor that has already proved extremely helpful in the work of the Security Council. We commend the African Union for its actions. It has emerged as a true partner for peace, assuming responsibility and on numerous occasions exercising leadership in dealing with the many conflicts that have affected Africa. In the context of regional organizations, I would like to emphasize the very important role that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is playing in the West African region. Equally important is the role of other regional organizations in other parts of Africa, such as the Inter- Government Authority on Development (IGAD) in eastern Africa, the three regional initiatives in the Great Lakes region, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in southern and central Africa.”
2005-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5156 (2005) · source
“It is unfortunate that the embargo is systematically being violated and that there is still no consensus with regard to the different elements that could contribute to achieving its effective and thorough implementation. Most often the problems tackled by the Security Council have regional and even global dimensions, yet almost all of them affect Africa disproportionately. Greece is of the opinion, therefore, that the Security Council should continue to pay particular attention to these issues. In trying to resolve these problems, some common trends should be considered. The Security Council should take into consideration those that emerge from our work concerning Africa, which include the following. First, the African Union (AU) has emerged as a reliable and active player.”
2005-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5156 (2005) · source