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

“The European Union will work with Arab countries and the League of Arab States. We will encourage them, separately and jointly, to bring home to Saddam Hussain the extreme danger of miscalculation of the situation and the need for full compliance with resolution 1441 (2002). We support Turkey's regional initiatives with the neighbours of Iraq and Egypt. In this regional context, the European Union reiterates its firm belief in the need to reinvigorate the peace process in the Middle East and to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We continue to support early implementation of the roadmap endorsed by the Quartet. Terror and violence must end; so must settlement activity. Palestinian reforms must be sped up. In that respect, President Arafat's statement that he will appoint a prime minister is a welcome step in the right direction.”
2003-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709 (2003) · source
“This must include the provision of all additional and specific information on the issues that have been raised in the inspectors' reports. Baghdad should have no illusions. It must disarm and cooperate immediately and fully. Iraq has a final opportunity to resolve the crisis peacefully. The Iraqi regime alone will be responsible for the consequences if it continues to flout the will of the international community and does not take this last chance. The European Union recognizes that the unity and firmness of the international community, as expressed in the unanimous adoption of resolution 1441 (2002), and the military build-up have been essential in obtaining the return of the inspectors. These factors will remain essential if we are to achieve the full cooperation we seek.”
2003-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709 (2003) · source
“The European Union's objective for Iraq remains full and effective disarmament from weapons of mass destruction in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, in particular resolution 1441 (2002). We want to achieve this peacefully. It is clear that this is what the people of Europe want. War is not inevitable. Force should be used only as a last resort. It is for the Iraqi regime to end this crisis by complying with the demands of the Security Council. The European Union reiterates its full support for the ongoing work of the United Nations inspectors. They must be given the time and resources that the Security Council believes they need. However, inspections cannot continue indefinitely in the absence of full Iraqi cooperation.”
2003-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709 (2003) · source
“The European Union reaffirms the 27 January conclusions of its General Affairs and External Relations Council, as well as the terms of the public demarche of 4 February 2003 to Iraq, which remain valid. The European Union believes that the way the unfolding of the situation in Iraq is handled will have an important impact on the world in the coming decades. We are determined to deal effectively with the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We are committed to the United Nations remaining at the centre of the international order. We recognize that the primary responsibility for dealing with Iraqi disarmament lies with the Security Council. We pledge our full support to the Council in discharging its responsibilities.”
2003-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709 (2003) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The acceding countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, as well as the associated countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, declare that they align themselves with this statement. The European Union is deeply concerned about the situation in Iraq, as evidenced by the extraordinary meeting of the European Council held yesterday to discuss the ongoing crisis over that country. On that occasion the members of the European Council also met with Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Pat Cox.”
2003-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709 (2003) · source
“Having touched upon the areas for which benchmarks have been established, I would like to reiterate the European Union's strong commitment to the stabilization and association process for the western Balkans as the cornerstone of our relevant policy. Enriched with knowledge drawn from the recently completed enlargement process, the stabilization and association process, which is aimed at strengthening the accession-oriented dimension, explores ways to introduce the aim of economic and social cohesion into European Union policies and to assess priorities, eventually leading to European integration.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“The European Union welcomes the extension of direct administrative authority by UNMIK in northern Mitrovica as an important step towards the future normalization of the situation in Kosovo. It is a fine example of the positive impact that close cooperation between UNMIK and the authorities in Belgrade can have on handling the many issues facing the region. We welcome that cooperation and urge its further enhancement in the future. We also believe that the cooperation between Belgrade and the elected representatives of the people of Kosovo will be instrumental in creating conditions of security necessary for the stability and development of the whole region. All parties need to demonstrate that they can carry out their commitments within the existing framework. It is unacceptable for anyone to unilaterally decide Kosovo's status.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“We have repeatedly said in the past that United Nations authority throughout Kosovo is unconditional. There can be no mono-ethnicity and no parallel structures. We support UNMIK's intention to transfer further competences to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. With power comes responsibility, and responsibility means, among other things, compliance with international obligations, including cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. On 25 November 2002, UNMIK took over the north Mitrovica building that once housed the parallel municipal administration in an effort to dismantle the parallel structures which had been established there.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Organized crime in particular is a scourge for the region, threatening the very foundations of all our efforts there. It nourishes corruption and ethnic conflict, impedes the building and normal functioning of democratic institutions, the rule of law and the market economy and finances illegal armed groups. Its elimination is of vital importance if any stability and development is to be achieved. Respect for and the protection of cultural monuments and religious sites is another challenge that we have to deal with. The European Union unequivocally condemns all religious vandalism and supports all efforts aimed at preserving and restoring the cultural monuments and religious sites which are the common heritage of the peoples of the region, irrespective of their ethnic affiliation or religious beliefs.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Efforts should also focus on the real issues facing the province: economic development, tackling unemployment, attracting foreign job-creating investment, privatization, education, health and the fight against organized crime. The EU supports the objectives of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Steiner, in tackling these challenges: laying the foundation for economic progress; establishing a political culture based on the rule of law, including the fight against organized crime and violence; and building a fair and just society with dignity for all. The EU calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR in pursuing those objectives.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“That constitutes a major humanitarian, social and political challenge for all of us. Achieving the genuine and sustainable reintegration of minority returnees is an indicator of political and democratic maturity, as well as of compliance with internationally accepted standards. A Kosovo in which members of minority communities are oppressed will face a bleak future of self-isolation. All regional actors must spare no effort in establishing the appropriate security and legislative conditions which will make the returns feasible and in allocating resources to ensure their sustainability and the inclusion of the returnees in the economic recovery process.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Nevertheless, there is also no doubt that there is still a long way to go before the province achieves the goal of establishing stable and truly functioning multi-ethnic and multicultural democratic institutions which will allow full minority participation. The full implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) remains the cornerstone of the EU's policy on Kosovo, and the "standards before status" policy provides the benchmarks which form the basis for Kosovo's future. Responsible self- administration and the consolidation of a climate of peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups are of paramount importance in building a multi-ethnic and multicultural Kosovo. Despite the settlement of 1.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons in South-East Europe, more than 1 million people still remain displaced.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“We would also like to express our appreciation to Ambassador Kolby of Norway for his comprehensive report on the Security Council mission to Kosovo (S/2002/l376), which took place towards the end of last year. For the European Union, it is reassuring to know that the Security Council is continuing to closely follow the situation there and is still interested in and very much committed to safeguarding its stability and monitoring its development. It is only with the active involvement and continuous help of the international community that the area will manage to deal with its many and pressing problems. There is no doubt that the situation in Kosovo has moved forward since the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“I should like first to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of your new duties and to offer you my best wishes. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The acceding countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, the associated countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the European Free Trade Association country member of the European Economic Area Iceland align themselves with this statement. We welcome the participation in today's meeting of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Mr. Steiner, and we thank him for his statement.”
2003-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4702 (2003) · source
“Including child protection staff in peacekeeping and peace-building operations is a promising new element. We would welcome a comprehensive assessment of the scope and effectiveness of the response of the United Nations, including recommendations for strengthening, mainstreaming and sustaining activities related to protecting children in armed conflict. The promotion of peace is the overriding responsibility of all countries, as well as of the Council. But as long as armed conflicts are a reality, we have a duty to promote the protection, as well as to defend the rights, of their most vulnerable victims: the children. The United Nations system as a whole has a strong role to play in this regard, and we owe it to the children of the world to mobilize its full potential.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We believe that the funds and programmes, as part of their assistance programmes, can contribute significantly to promoting the rights and the protection of children, as well as to ensuring the rehabilitation of children affected by armed conflict. The needs of children in conflict situations are many. At the same time, we should recognize the unimaginable resources that children and young people possess even in the most difficult of circumstances. Apart from being victims, they also have the potential to contribute to reconciliation and conflict resolution. The European Union wants to welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General, and of the Council itself, to integrate the protection of children into the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping and peace- building operations.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We also recognize the importance of the work carried out by the United Nations Children's Fund, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is also worth mentioning the United Nations Development Fund for Women and its report entitled "Women, War and Peace". It is essential that the endeavours of those organizations receive adequate support from Member States - although it still remains the responsibility of Member States to implement all obligations flowing from international treaties and instruments. When discussing last year's resolution, the European Union welcomed the important tasks set out for the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We will focus on early warning of violations of children's rights, but we will also look at improving monitoring and rehabilitation activities of the United Nations at the regional, bilateral and local levels. Furthermore, we will insist on special protection for girls in armed conflict and on more effective measures to fight impunity. The European Union wishes to express its support for the work of the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. The Office has done impressive work in raising worldwide awareness and mobilizing official and public support for the protection of children affected by armed conflict.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We urge all States that have not yet done so to consider ratifying and fully implementing the Statute. At the General Assembly special session on children, children told us that they wanted us to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They are impatient, and for good reason: an enormous gap exists between the good intentions of international treaties and the real-life conditions of poverty, neglect and involvement in armed conflict. Millions of children worldwide are exploited. In spite of progress in some areas, much remains to be done. The European Union will seek in all appropriate forums to reinforce international action against recruiting and using children in armed conflict.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Last February, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict entered into force. The Optional Protocol constitutes a remarkable step forward in the international community's efforts to put an end to the recruitment of children into armed conflict. The European Union urges States that have not yet done so to ratify and implement the Optional Protocol. Another important step was the inclusion of a provision in the Statute of the International Criminal Court classifying the enlistment of children as a war crime. That covers both the conscription and enlistment of children under the age of 15 years into any kind of armed force or group and making them participate actively in hostilities.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Those children are needed to ensure the continued development of their countries. We must face this challenge and ensure that we act as swiftly as possible. The European Union was satisfied that Security Council resolution 1379 (2001) clearly reflected the Secretary-General's concise report on children and armed conflict (5/2001/852). The resolution is a valuable example of Council engagement in enhancing the rights of the child. The European Union calls on all parties to armed conflicts to respect international law relating to the rights and protection of children. Only by concerted international efforts can we ensure improved protection of the rights of the child. We also call on Member States to put an end to impunity for war crimes and other serious crimes perpetrated against children.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Many of them are uprooted from their homes, maimed or killed. Others are orphaned, abused or exploited. Girls are especially at risk of being subjected to sexual violence during violent conflicts, including rape and enslavement. Children are recruited, trained and forced to kill. Malnutrition among children increases rapidly because of falling food production and displacement. Infant and child mortality rates rise dramatically. Access to schooling is seriously restricted. This means that the lives of generations of children growing up in conflict-affected areas are hampered in a multitude of ways that hinder their physical, social and emotional growth. We risk losing generations due to conflict. This is not only a human tragedy of immense proportions; it is also a tragedy for the countries concerned.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“As this is my first intervention before the Security Council this year, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency. I would like also to extend my warm congratulations to the representatives of the new members of the Council, namely Angola, Chile, Germany, Pakistan and Spain. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding States - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia - the countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria and Romania - as well as the European Free Trade Association country of the European Economic Area Iceland align themselves with this statement. It is a cruel fact that armed conflicts affect a large number of children in many parts of the world.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“These measures will be coupled with the beginning of a political dialogue in order to enhance and consolidate the democratic institutions upon which the new South African society will build its future. The European Union expresses its deep confidence in the new period now lying ahead of South Africa. It believes that the new Government, which now represents the majority of the population, will continue to succeed in finding solutions to the harsh problems it faces through dialogue and peaceful means.”
1994-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3379 (1994) · source
“In this context, I am glad to announce that the European Union, for its part, has decided to lift the last remaining autonomous restrictive measure it had taken since 1985 against South Africa, namely the refusal to cooperate in the military field. Furthermore, the European Union recalls the decision of the General Affairs Council of 19 April 1994, in which it pledged a package of immediate measures for South Africa. These measures will focus on a dialogue centred on important sectors of South Africa, such as trade, economic cooperation and development cooperation, in order to respond to the immediate needs and aspirations of the South Africans.”
1994-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3379 (1994) · source
“The adoption of this draft resolution would lead to the abolishment of the mandatory arms embargo and other restrictions imposed on South Africa by resolution 418 (1977), as well as other measures against South Africa contained in resolutions of the Security Council, in particular resolutions 282 (1970), 558 (1984) and 591 (1986). It is furthermore stipulated that the Committee of the Security Council established by resolution 421 (1977) concerning the question of South Africa is dissolved. The European Union is ready to support the efforts of the new Government to accomplish the goal of leading the country to a democratic and non-racial society in which respect for human rights, respect for the rights of minorities, the rule of law, social justice and the elimination of all forms of discrimination will prevail.”
1994-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3379 (1994) · source
“Thabo Mbeki, Executive Deputy President of South Africa, participation which testifies to the vivid interest of the new South African Government in 12 normalizing its presence among other nations of the international community. The European Union warmly welcomes the first democratic elections and the establishment of a united, democratic, non-racial Government in South Africa, which was inaugurated on 10 May 1994. We congratulate the people of South Africa and its leaders on this historic occasion. In this connection, the European Union welcomes the draft resolution before the Security Council today.”
1994-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3379 (1994) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on Nigeria's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I have no doubt that Ambassador Gambari's wealth of diplomatic experience and diplomatic skills will be of invaluable assistance in conducting the affairs of the Council. My congratulations go also to the Permanent Representative of New Zealand, Ambassador Keating, on the highly efficient and professional manner in which he conducted the work of the Council during the month of April. I wish also to welcome the participation in this debate of His Excellency Mr.”
1994-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3379 (1994) · source
“In this connection, the European Union continues to give full support to the role and the efforts of the two Co-Chairmen. Finally, we would wish to pay tribute once again to the committed work of the men and women of UNPROFOR, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and _ other humanitarian agencies, including many European Union citizens, who continue their humanitarian mission despite the appalling and unacceptable difficulties that they face on the ground.”
1994-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3367 (1994) · source
“This should be followed quickly by a general cease-fire throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would be a prelude to a political settlement involving the whole of Bosnia. The European Union expresses its full support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNPROFOR commanders and confirms its support for Atlantic Alliance forces in their underpinning of United Nations action. The European Union also calls for an intensified diplomatic effort by the international community, involving the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia, to ensure the convergence of their initiatives. It is imperative that the parties engage, as soon as possible and in good faith, in negotiations based on the European Union plan and taking into account the Washington accords and the talks on the Krajinas.”
1994-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3367 (1994) · source
“The European Union condemns the harassment and the detention of UNPROFOR personnel by the Bosnian 13 Serb forces. It calls for the immediate release of all United Nations personnel currently held, and for unrestricted freedom of movement in the performance of their mandate. Furthermore, the European Union also calls on all parties, and in particular on the Bosnian Serbs, to allow the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Bosnia, especially to Gorazde. The European Union demands that the Bosnian Serbs honour their word and obligations, and cease forthwith all hostilities. The European Union calls on all the parties, and in particular the Bosnian Serbs, to exercise maximum restraint. The effective implementation of a cease-fire agreement in and around Gorazde is the first essential step.”
1994-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3367 (1994) · source
“We are particularly concerned at the consequences of this situation on the negotiation process aimed at an _ overall political settlement. The European Union strongly condemns the continuing Bosnian Serb attacks against the civilian population, humanitarian relief workers and United Nations personnel, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law and all relevant Security Council resolutions. We call for an immediate, effective and unconditional cease-fire in and around Gorazde, the deployment of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) and the pullback of Bosnian Serb forces which threaten the security of this safe area. The Bosnian Serb party must realize that its failure to uphold its commitments is not acceptable and has considerably undermined its credibility to negotiate in good faith.”
1994-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3367 (1994) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. At the outset, I should like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I have no doubt that your wealth of diplomatic experience and diplomatic skills will be of invaluable assistance in conducting the affairs of the Council. I also wish to congratulate the Permanent Representative of France, Ambassador Jean-Bernard Merimee, on the highly efficient and professional manner in which he conducted the work of the Council during the month of March. The European Union is appalled at the ongoing hostilities in and around Gorazde, as well as in other areas of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which have resulted in the death of numerous civilians and tremendous human suffering.”
1994-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3367 (1994) · source