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

“We echo the Secretary-General's disappointment over the absence of common ground in the positions of the two parties. We support his call for greater flexibility and a spirit of compromise. We continue to believe that the best outcome will be one that is reached through a negotiated and mutually acceptable settlement. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Finland.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We have on many occasions stressed here the need for reconciliation as an absolute requirement for the creation of a peaceful and secure future for all the communities in Kosovo. Reconciliation, however, presupposes the involvement of both the Kosovo Serbs and the Kosovo Albanians. We therefore reiterate the need for the Kosovo Serbs to engage, as the only way to serve their own best interests, with the Provisional Institutions. We kindly urge Belgrade once again to encourage and not to hamper the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the Provisional Institutions. Regarding the ongoing political process for the determination of Kosovo's future status, we reiterate our full support for the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General and the Vienna process.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We are concerned by the lack of progress in the key areas of decentralization, as well as in other crucial and sensitive areas such as returns, dialogue, and cultural and religious heritage. It is regrettable that, as the Secretary-General mentions in his report, high- level outreach by Kosovo Albanian leaders to minority communities has decreased during the reporting period. The security situation remains far from satisfactory. We join others in condemning the latest violent incident last month in Kosovska Mitrovica and reiterate the need for all such incidents to be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. We also condemn the increase in incidents of vandalism of Serbian orthodox churches, which undermines the progress made in the reconstruction of religious sites damaged during the violence of March 2004.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The Secretary-General's report clearly indicates that over the past few months the provisional authorities have continued their efforts towards progress in the implementation of standards. There is now concrete progress in some areas, especially on a number of the 13 priorities identified by the Contact Group. This is a positive development which we welcome. We note once again, however, that additional efforts will be required for all 13 priorities to be implemented. Furthermore, implementation of the rest of the standards - those not on the list of 13 priorities - remains of equal importance for the creation of a multi-ethnic, stable and democratic Kosovo.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Greece. I welcome the presence of the President of the Coordination Centre for Kosovo and Metohija, Ms. Sanda Raskovic-Ivic. I would like to join others in welcoming here for the first time Mr. Rficker, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General. I thank him for his presentation. I would also like to welcome, among the delegation of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Ceku, Prime Minister of Kosovo. Greece associates itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. I will therefore limit myself to a few brief remarks.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I thank Mr. Rucker for his briefing. I give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, President of the Coordination Centre of the Republic of Serbia for Kosovo and Metohija.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Members of the Council have before them document 8/2006/707, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. I shall now give the floor to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Joachim Rficker.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Raskovic- Ivic (Serbia) took a seat at the Council table; the representatives of the other aforementioned countries took the seats reserved for them at the side of the Council Chamber The President: In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Joachim Rucker, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. It is so decided. I invite Mr. Rucker to take a seat at the Council table. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security 2 Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Albania, Finland, Serbia and Ukraine in which they request to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the consideration without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. On behalf of the members of the Council, I extend a warm welcome to Her Excellency Ms. Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, President of the Coordination Centre of the Republic of Serbia for Kosovo and Metohija. At the invitation of the President, Ms.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We believe that the Council must intensify its efforts to resolve the present crisis and use all the tools at its disposal, including the mechanism provided for in resolution 1591 (2005). At the same time, all members with influence should spare no effort to bring about a solution, which should be directed primarily at saving lives and ensuring the necessary humanitarian access to those in need. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.10p.m. 06-51559”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“Therefore, any fears as to the real objectives of the resolution are unfounded and should be dispelled. In addition, the presence and the reinforcement of AMIS are of the utmost importance, not only to address the present crisis, but also to prepare for a United Nations deployment in January 2007. In that context, we look forward to the decisions to be taken by the AU Peace and Security Council on 18 September here in New York. Finally, in the coming weeks, efforts should be made to persuade the non-signatories to get on board and sign the DPA. The DPA, despite its shortcomings, is the only agreement on the table that includes the vital components for a long-term solution of the Darfur crisis. It must therefore be implemented in its entirety, not selectively.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“Eleven days ago, the Council adopted resolution 1706 (2006), which provides for the expansion of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) to Darfur. Regrettably, the Government of the Sudan has not accepted the resolution and continues to publicly oppose it. The ongoing diplomatic efforts should continue and intensify so that the Government of the Sudan is persuaded to reverse its decision. In that respect, consultations with other stakeholders, such as the AU, the Arab League and the OIC, are also particularly important. 22 The main objective of resolution 1706 (2006) is to protect civilians in Darfur and to assist the people of Sudan in implementing the DPA, thus contributing to the restoration of peace and national reconciliation in the country.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“Tellingly, during the past few weeks, the number of gross violations of human rights, including rapes, has risen to emergency levels. The number of internally displaced persons has risen by 50,000, while humanitarian access has been severely restricted owing to the fact that humanitarian workers are targeted; in July alone, nine humanitarian workers were killed. The members of the Security Council stand united in believing that that situation is unacceptable and that it must be urgently addressed. The response by the Council, but also by the international community as a whole, should involve persuading Khartoum to accept a United Nations deployment, reviving the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and applying pressure on the non-signatories to participate in the DPA.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“On the one hand, the Government of the Sudan is building up its military forces for a possible wider offensive. As we have stated on other occasions in the Council, any attempt to implement the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) by force will inevitably aggravate the situation. On the other hand, the non-signatories of the DPA appear determined to seek a military showdown with the Government. It is therefore no surprise that the political process has stalled and that no serious political dialogue is taking place between the two sides. The situation just described, compounded by the already dire humanitarian situation, has brought Darfur to the brink of total collapse, touching what some have called the Rwanda threshold.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my national capacity. I wish to express my sincere thanks for the kind words addressed to me and to my fellow members of the Greek delegation by other Council members. Many thanks to the Secretary-General for the statement he made earlier, which accurately depicts the critical situation in Darfur. Today's discussion has once again highlighted the need for the Security Council to act immediately to avert an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with potential spillover effects on the whole region. I welcome the participation of the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). During the past few weeks, we have been witnessing the serious deterioration of both the humanitarian situation and the security situation.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“I invite those Council members who would like to make comments or raise questions in response to the briefings that we have heard to so indicate to the Secretariat.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Abdul Wahab, Permanent Observer of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the United Nations.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Yahya Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2006/591 and Addendum 1, which contain the report of the Secretary-General on Darfur. I wish also to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2006/683, which contains the text of a letter dated 21 August 2006 from the Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Permanent Mission of the Sudan to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council. It is my pleasure to welcome the presence of the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, at this meeting, following the pe'riple he has made since last week's meeting. I invite him to take the floor.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan Report of the Secretary-General on Darfur (S/2006/591 and Add.1) The President: Pursuant to the invitation extended by the Council under rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Sudan to participate in this meeting. Pursuant to the invitations extended by the Council under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Yahya 2 Mahmassani, Permanent Observer for the League of Arab States to the United Nations, and His Excellency Mr. Abdul Wahab, Permanent Observer for the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the United Nations, and Her Excellency Mrs. Alice Mungwa, Charge d'affaires ad interim of the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“Expression of thanks to the retiring President The President: As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of September, I should like to take the opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Nana Effah-Apenteng, Permanent Representative of Ghana, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of August 2006. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Effah-Apenteng for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“Today marks five years since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, when 2,973 innocent people lost their lives in the cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. Today we pay tribute to those who perished and praise the families they have left behind, who have been forced by tragic fate to confront life without their loved ones. We pay our respects to the people and the Government of the United States of America, who solemnly honour their heroes today. I call upon the members of the Security Council to observe a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the 11 September attacks. The members of the Security Council observed a minute of silence.”
2006-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5520 (2006) · source
“In closing, I can assure members that Greece will be very helpful with regard to the smooth implementation of this resolution.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“Notwithstanding the above, the resolution does not mark the end of the road; rather, it constitutes a significant step in the right direction and towards a new beginning. The resolution contains the important element of the consent of the Government of National Unity to the deployment of UNMIS to Darfur. It offers the Government of the Sudan the opportunity to cooperate with the Council in implementing the resolution. In that respect, resolution 1706 (2006) should be seen as part of the Council's continuous engagement with the Government of the Sudan to advance cooperation with it and to persuade it to reconsider its position. Continuous consultations with other stakeholders, such as the African Union, the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, is also particularly pertinent in that regard.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“Greece voted in favour of resolution 1706 (2006) because it believes that, given the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Darfur, the Security Council had to shoulder its responsibilities and act swiftly. As we have argued on this and on other occasions, when the Council is faced with a humanitarian crisis it has a moral duty to act expeditiously to stop human suffering. The resolution provides for the immediate strengthening of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and the expansion of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) to cover Darfur. In addition, it contains language that ensures the effective protection of civilians and humanitarian workers as well as humanitarian access. In our view, those components are crucial to the Council's comprehensive strategy in Darfur.”
2006-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5519 (2006) · source
“At the same time, we call on the international community, in particular the Quartet, to remain actively committed and dedicated to assisting the parties in achieving that shared vision. Moreover, we encourage the countries of the region to promote ways to facilitate the resumption of dialogue among all sides and to constructively engage with international partners to that end. Greece will remain committed to the goal of achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace for the Middle East. We must re-energize the peace process as soon as possible. If we want peace to prevail, we must look to the future without recriminations or arbitrary actions, which only take us backwards without hope.”
2006-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5515 (2006) · source
“The principles that should form the basis for a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region are well known. These include all relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973); the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference, including the principle of land for peace; and the Arab Peace Initiative. In another bold and ambitious step, the Security Council, by adopting resolution 1515 (2003), endorsed the Quartet's performance-based Road Map to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and called on the parties to fulfil their obligations under the Road Map with a view to achieving the Vision of two States living side by side in peace and security. We reiterate that call here today.”
2006-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5515 (2006) · source
“Likewise, the arbitrary arrest of many senior Palestinians is a cause of particular concern, since it further undermines Palestinian institutions, which must be preserved if a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to be achieved. The long-term effects of the crisis in Lebanon on the wider region will depend to a large degree on how all the players in the region and the international community react to it and decide how to deal with it, as well as how to handle the entire problem of the Middle East in all its forms, and how to promote long-term solutions. Indeed, the current crisis can be turned into an opportunity - an opportunity for all involved to realize that causes cannot be promoted or achieved through violence and, at the same time, that security cannot be guaranteed by military means alone.”
2006-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5515 (2006) · source
“As we say in Greece, we cannot hide behind our fingers, that is to say, we cannot continuously ignore and avoid the realities and the truth. The Palestinian question lies at the heart of developments in the region. We must all do our share. The international community must not lose sight of the plight of the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspiration for statehood. Without a just and viable solution to the Palestinian question, peace in the Middle East will remain as elusive as ever. The humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories is dire and a cause for grave concern. We fully share the Secretary-General's concerns over the continued killing and injuring of hundreds of civilians, including children, in Gaza by Israeli forces.”
2006-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5515 (2006) · source
“That solution would form the basis for a lasting ceasefire and, eventually, for a lasting solution to the problems underlying the current conflict in Lebanon. In that context and owing to the complexities of the several issues at hand, it is understandable that negotiations within the Council took longer than many of us would have preferred. This crisis, however, forced all members of the Council, and the international community as a whole, to revisit and re- examine in detail the dynamics at play in this troubled region. During the adoption of resolution 1701 (2006), a number of representatives, including Greece's Foreign Minister, stressed the need to reinvigorate and relaunch in earnest the Middle East peace process, in particular with regard to the question of Palestine.”
2006-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5515 (2006) · source
“Like other speakers, I wish to thank the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, for his thorough briefing today. As Greece fully associates itself with the statement to be made later by the representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union, I shall be brief. Over approximately the past two months, we all became witnesses to an incredible tragedy in the Middle East - one with severe repercussions not only for Lebanon, but for the entire region. With the adoption of resolution 1701 (2006), the Security Council took a bold and ambitious step not only to ensure that there would be a full cessation of hostilities between the warring parties, but also, at the same time, to provide a sound framework for the achievement of a political solution.”
2006-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5515 (2006) · source
“In closing, allow me to recall that we have to learn from past experience. If we rushed to close down the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) - as is the prevailing sense right now - we have to be very careful and not hurry this time. Greece looks forward to working with the other members of the Council towards achieving consensus in formulating the most appropriate solution concerning the United Nations mission that will succeed UNOTIL.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“Such an arrangement would be in line with the respect we have expressed for Timorese ownership, would encourage the new Government of Prime Minister Ramos-Horta in its endeavours and would provide the necessary security umbrella for other United Nations and humanitarian actors in the field. It would thus underline the determination of the United Nations not to let a nation with teething problems go it alone. The presence of an upgraded, multidisciplinary, integrated new United Nations mission will also provide the necessary help for the reform of the police and the justice sector and would also serve to promote national political dialogue and reconciliation. It would also boost the sense of confidence of the Timorese people in view of the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held next year.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“The United Nations is in a unique position to help stabilize security in Timor-Leste, while at the same time providing aid for its economic development. There are already many United Nations agencies on the ground helping national authorities in various humanitarian and development aid programmes. What needs to be upgraded is the level and quality of security provided to them, in order for them to function in a stable environment. That can be done only by a new United Nations mission that has police and military components, as already suggested. In any case, we are talking about a relatively small force - nothing of the proportions of those that have been dispatched to other parts of the world.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“Having played a crucial role in the creation of Timor-Leste, the Security Council has, in our View, a moral obligation to sustain the viability of the country until such time as it can provide for its own security and development. As requested by Prime Minister Ramos-Horta, the new mission to succeed the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) should have a police force of considerable strength, backed by a small military force, under the command and control of the United Nations. That request is taken on board by the Secretary- General in his latest report (S/2006/628). We cannot fail to agree. Bilateral arrangements to reinforce the internal security situation, though welcome in the short term, cannot be a viable long- term solution.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“Greece once more commends the immediate dispatch and deployment of defence and police forces by Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia in response to the relevant request by the President and the Government of Timor-Leste. At this juncture, we must not relax our vigilance. The recent crisis demonstrated how fragile the stability of that newly independent country is. In many ways, the crisis itself further weakened State institutions, such as the police. Clearly, the root causes underlying the recent crisis - namely, youth unemployment and unhealed wounds of the past - may yet reappear, so a robust international security presence is needed.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“Let me start, Mr. President, by thanking you for organizing a very pertinent meeting on Timor-Leste following the critical situation the country experienced recently and with a View to a Security Council decision on a follow-up United Nations presence there. It is a particular pleasure for me to welcome amongst us Foreign Minister Jose Luis Gutteres. I would also like to thank Mr. Ian Martin, the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Timor-Leste, for his insightful briefing. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made later by Finland on behalf of the European Union. I would like, though, to make a few additional comments. We are pleased to note that the security situation has calmed down after the unfortunate violent incidents of recent months.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“It will also depend on the application of the most appropriate elements of peace consolidation. Finally, success will depend on the designing of a more effective strategy in the application of appropriate elements of regional peace consolidation.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“In West Africa, important activities in this sector should include: the transparent and accountable management of natural resources; combating youth unemployment; jump-starting the economy; wealth- sharing and the equitable distribution of resources; long-term economic growth and investment; the provision of health, social and educational services; and reform of the banking and financial sectors. The Peacebuilding Commission has to work closely with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, national authorities and the Economic Community of West African States in order to achieve those goals. In conclusion, the challenges of consolidating peace in Africa are immense, yet the benefits are truly overwhelming. Overall, success will depend on the provision of sufficient resources and the longevity and strength of political commitment.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Peace consolidation falls in between peacekeeping and development, as it addresses the challenges of the medium term, namely, to consolidate the existing peace and build the foundations for development in the future. There is a short-term aspect, however, in peace consolidation, particularly in Africa. It requires immediate and extensive financial resources and investment. In West Africa, insufficient funding remains a significant obstacle to peace and development efforts. External assistance is only a temporary, short-term tool that should gradually fade 06-4607] away, replaced by the building of solid foundations for sustainable economic development in each and every country.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“The Security Council has started to recognize this regional component and the interaction of the various efforts undertaken in each separate country. It is very important to coordinate the activities of the various United Nations missions and offices in the countries of the region so that, through common efforts, we will manage to achieve the best possible results. We hope that very soon the Peacebuilding Commission will also move in that direction and will include all the countries of the area that are emerging from conflict in a regional strategic effort of peace consolidation. The emphasis of peacekeeping is on the short term. It seeks to stabilize an immediate post-conflict situation, provide security and monitor ceasefires and peace agreements. Development policies, in contrast, have a more comprehensive and long-term perspective.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“With the selection of Sierra Leone among its first two cases, the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission indicated the importance of West Africa in this endeavour. Nevertheless, we consider that our approach to these issues of peace consolidation will be more effective if it is formulated within a regional framework. Under such circumstances, peace consolidation in one country is unlikely to succeed if neighbouring countries remain at war or if peace efforts are not harmonized. To date, peace consolidation approaches, instruments and funding arrangements have rarely been tailored to address the regional nature of conflicts in West Africa, and separate peace efforts have not been coordinated or sequenced.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“In West Africa - if our figures are correct - 60 per cent of the population is younger than 30 years of age. It is a well established fact that such young people are frequently marginalized and unemployed and can be easily recruited for wars. In fact, we can say that for the past 10 years, in many parts of West Africa, and particularly in Liberia, the biggest job provider has been civil war. Solving this problem is a long-term challenge which will continue to hamper peace consolidation efforts. We hope that many of those challenges will be efficiently dealt with by the Peacebuilding Commission, whose overall goal is to reduce the chances of a country relapsing into violence after a peace agreement.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Their aim should be to prevent the recurrence of conflict and to establish the conditions for durable peace and sustainable development. Such efforts face significant political, policy, institutional and financial challenges, particularly in Africa - challenges that are distinct and specific to each region of the continent. In West Africa, we are faced with a very real lack of coherent peace consolidation policies and strategies, which is a key obstacle to success. Peace consolidation efforts are considerably hampered by institutional fragmentation, as well as by insufficient resources. Lack of coherence and coordination in multilateral efforts often leads to individual actors pursuing personal interests, thereby undermining the possibility of overall success.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“Allow me first to welcome you, Mr. President, to New York and to the Security Council, and to thank you for coming here personally to discuss this issue. We thank you for having taken the initiative to hold today's thematic debate, because it is truly very important to examine the situation in West Africa from a regional perspective. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their briefings. Greece fully associates itself with the statement to be made later by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. Post-conflict civilian and military efforts, by both external and internal actors, are fundamental for peace consolidation.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“In this context, we firmly support the position of the Quartet that all members of the Palestinian Government must be committed to non-violence, to the recognition of Israel's right to exist and to the acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map. It is on that basis that the international community stands ready to continue to support the Palestinians in their quest to achieve their goals of building the institutions of a democratic State and economic and social development.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“At this critical juncture, we believe that, above all, we should not lose sight of our agreed common vision for a lasting, comprehensive and viable solution of the Palestinian question, which lies at the heart of the whole Middle East conflict. Greece remains committed to the achievement of such a solution, based on all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), as well as the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace, leading to the existence of two States, Israel and an independent, viable Palestine, living side by side with each other, in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“At the same time, it is imperative that the Lebanese Government be supported so that it can take immediate and effective strong action to prevent further attacks against Israel by Hizbollah. We urge the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 06-43915 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), including the disbanding and disarming of all militias. The proposals made yesterday by the Secretary- General in his briefing to the Council constitute a good, sound basis for a sustainable solution and merit urgent consideration by the Council. The Security Council must now take immediate action, because further delays and silence will impair our collective credibility.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“However, in exercising that right, Israel must abide by its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Actions contrary to international law cannot serve anyone's legitimate security concerns. In this respect, we repeat our call on Israel not to resort to the disproportionate use of force. In our view, that will not solve the existing problems. The sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon must be safeguarded and respected. The air and sea blockade of the country must be immediately lifted, and the stability of the country, as well as of its legitimate Government, must not be further undermined.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We call upon all parties to use the utmost restraint, and we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in order to prevent further loss of human life. United Nations agencies and humanitarian workers should be allowed to have access to southern Lebanon to assess the needs of the civilian population and deliver the humanitarian assistance that is needed. In this respect, we support the Secretary- General's appeal to establish safe corridors to allow humanitarian workers and relief supplies to reach the civilian population. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers, as well as for the immediate cessation of all attacks on Israeli cities and towns. We recognize Israel's legitimate right to self-defence.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source