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

“It tests the conscience, the principles and the values of 06-43915 the international community. It is high time that the violence stop. We must return to diplomacy and create the minimum level of trust among the people of the area to allow for the development of a political process of negotiation leading to a peaceful and lasting solution. In particular, the dire humanitarian situation and the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, along with the indiscriminate taking of civilian life, require the immediate attention of the international community. It is obvious that a situation as serious as the current one cannot continue. We deplore the suffering of the civilian population, whether in Lebanon, in Israel or in the occupied territories.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“I would like to begin by paying respect to the memory of the victims of violence, whether in Lebanon, Israel or Palestine, and expressing our deep condolences to their families for their loss. As Greek Prime Minister Karamanlis said, this violence - any violence - cannot be distinguished as being good or bad. We condemn it in its totality, unequivocally and categorically. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made later by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union. The current situation in the Middle East is cause for grave concern and risks having far-reaching repercussions for the entire Middle East. Recently in Lebanon and Israel the use of force has inflicted a blow against the highest right - the right to human life.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“In the coming months, as the political process in Vienna gathers speed, the efforts by the Provisional Institutions must keep pace and deliver further results. Such results will stand as the only proof that Kosovo is ready to move forward.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“But we also think it opportune at this juncture to come back to the starting point and remind everyone of the basic rules of this exercise, as contained in the Contact Group guiding principles, which were endorsed by the Security Council last November: the settlement of status should be fully compatible with international standards of human rights, democracy and international law; the settlement of status must ensure multi-ethnicity that is sustainable; the settlement of status must strengthen regional security and stability; and there shall be no changes in the current territory of Kosovo. Those principles constitute a right that can be claimed and an obligation that should be respected for both the Kosovo Albanians and the Serbs.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“As all of us here are aware, we cannot look at the picture on the ground in Kosovo independently of what is happening in Vienna in the political process for determining future status. Talks in Vienna have so far touched upon all the basic aspects of the relationship between the Kosovo Albanian and Serb sides, but progress has been limited. It is positive that, at least, the positions of the two parties have been set down clearly and that common concerns or points of eventual agreement have been identified. We continue to believe that further progress on standards - along, of course, with the necessary political will - is one of the main factors that can provide the necessary impetus for closing the gap between the positions of the two sides.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“The increase in security-related and violent incidents over the past month, especially in the north and with victims coming mainly from the Serb minority, is real and should not be ignored or downplayed. Some of the violent attacks that have occurred may not be ethnically motivated. It is therefore all the more essential that the facts be established and that people be given all the extra reassurance they need that their concerns and fears are being taken seriously into consideration and are being dealt with effectively. As talks on political progress for the future status are under way, security on the ground - perceived, felt, monitored and achieved - acquires greater importance and should become an absolute priority for both the international presence in Kosovo and the Provisional Institutions.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Also needed is progress that would translate a decision or measure taken in Pristina into fact and reality in Prizren, anilane and Strpce, for example. Surely, complete progress in building a functioning democratic system cannot be considered to have been achieved so long as a part of the society that the system is supposed to represent refuses to participate. We cannot stress enough the value, above all to themselves, of the Kosovo Serbs rejoining the Provisional Institutions and engaging in them. Surely also, progress in reconciliation and in promoting the new democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo will be impossible as long as the prevailing atmosphere for minorities is one of insecurity and severely restrained freedom of movement.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“They include, to name but a few: the adoption of laws on languages, cultural heritage and religious freedom; completing reconstruction and the provision of compensation with regard to properties damaged as a result of the March 2004 riots; adopting a public transportation strategy for minorities; and establishing an independent media commission. Additional positive developments that are worth noting are the recent signature between Pristina and Belgrade of the Protocol on Returns and the progress reported in the preservation of cultural and religious heritage, and especially in the programme of reconstruction of church property damaged during the March 2004 violence. At this point, though, what is sorely needed - but is only just limping along - is sustainable progress on substance that would give flesh and meaning to all those reforms.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Legislative measures are being adopted, and all the right structures across the board of a new civil service are being created. Further transfer of competencies in the area of rule of law has been implemented successfully. Important legislative and other measures, however, still remain to be adopted. These should not be treated as secondary details to be dealt with at some later point. They are reflected in the 13 priorities that the Contact Group identified and communicated to the Provisional Institutions recently.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Three months on from the previous report of the Secretary-General to the Council, we are pleased to note that the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government, especially under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, have taken careful note of criticism with respect to progress in standards implementation and have responded with renewed efforts. Progress in the implementation of certain standards is now clearly discernible, as the Secretary- General concludes. We believe that the Provisional Institutions have fully realized the inescapable link between progress on standards implementation and progress in the political process to determine Kosovo's future. Functioning democratic institutions are continuously improving and growing stronger.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“I should like to start by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Jessen-Petersen, for all the work he has done over the past two years of his service as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We thank him also for his comprehensive briefing today. We welcome the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, President of the Coordination Centre of the Republic of Serbia for Kosovo and Metohija. We also welcome the presence of the UNMIK delegation, with Kosovo's Prime Minister, Agim Ceku. Greece associates itself with the statement to be delivered later by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“That is why Greece had insisted on the need to clarify, in the sixth preambular paragraph - in which the Council urges "progress towards the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement" - that it should be reaffirmed that those negotiations have to take place between the two communities.”
2006-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5465 (2006) · source
“The Secretary-General is about to dispatch the Under-Secretary-General of Political Affairs to the region in an attempt to strengthen the ongoing efforts on the ground and to assess the political situation in and around Cyprus and the prospects for a full resumption of his good offices mission with the two communities. We regret to note, however, that the text adopted here today unfortunately does not convey a sufficiently clear and strong message as to the basis, the scope and the objectives of United Nations efforts for a fair and lasting settlement of the problem of Cyprus.”
2006-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5465 (2006) · source
“My delegation has just voted in favour of resolution 1687 (2006), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for a further six-month period, because it considers that the presence of the Peacekeeping Force on the island continues to be indispensable and imperative owing to the continuing presence of approximately 40,000 Turkish troops on the island and the security threat that that represents for international peace and security. There is no doubt that it is our common wish and desire around this table that a just and permanent solution be found to the problem of Cyprus on the basis of Security Council resolutions so that the island can be reunified and the two communities can enjoy a common future, to the benefit of the maintenance of peace and security both on the island and in the region.”
2006-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5465 (2006) · source
“Greece looks forward to working with the other members of the Council to achieve consensus in formulating the most appropriate draft resolution concerning the United Nations mission that will succeed UNOTIL. We also look forward to the specific recommendations of the Secretary-General. In conclusion, we hope that political reconciliation and the disarmament of all illegal groups can be achieved in the near future, paving the way for the resumption of efforts to rebuild this young nation and put much-needed development projects back on track.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“There is no doubt that Timor-Leste needs a new reinforced United Nations mission so that the defence, S/l'V.5457 security and justice institutions can regain their functional capacity and so that the East Timorese people can be guaranteed a safe and peaceful everyday life. It is also important that all those who committed the recent crimes and abuses be brought to justice. Greece has paid particular attention to the assessment of the situation presented today by Mr. Martin. We also give positive consideration to the views of the Government of Timor-Leste, especially in the context of the preparations for, and holding of, presidential and parliamentary elections next year. In the current circumstances, the main task of the Security Council is to safeguard the viability of Timor- Leste's democratic institutions.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“This clear manifestation of the fragility of the East Timorese political, security and social situation is more than worrisome, and it deserves the full attention of the Security Council. At the same time we have learned the lesson that even though we ought to be saving money, the withdrawal of United Nations forces should take place in a more cautious way. We commend the immediate dispatch and deployment of defence and police forces by Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia in response to the request of the President and Government of Timor- Leste. Furthermore, we are very pleased to see all the efforts undertaken by the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), especially with regard to easing the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, we regret that UNOTIL's mandate is coming to an end under such dire circumstances.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“I too would like to thank Mr. Ian Martin, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, for his briefing on the latest developments in Timor-Leste. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste for his presentation. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. Allow me to make some remarks in addition to that. The Greek Government deplores the unfortunate violent incidents, and expresses its deep condolences to the Government and the people of Timor-Leste on the loss of so many lives and the enormous destruction of property. We regret that such a short period of time was enough to overturn the successes and gains of the past four years.”
2006-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5457 (2006) · source
“The recent adoption of resolution 1673 (2006), which extends the mandate of the Committee for another period of two years, is a positive development that will enable the Council to focus on the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) in all its aspects. In that respect, we urge States which have not submitted their reports to do so, in order to allow the Committee to carry out its most demanding task. Finally, I would like to stress the importance of facilitating the provision of technical assistance to States which lack the capacity to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004).”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“We also support the Committee's efforts to facilitate and coordinate the provision of technical assistance to Member States. Lastly, we welcome the recent adoption by the Committee of policy guidance for the CTED on how the Directorate should take into account human rights concerns in the course of its activities. We expect that the CTED will continue to effectively implement these guidelines in its day-to-day interaction with Member States. We are certain that these measures will enhance the counter-terrorism policy of the sanctions Committees. Greece firmly supports the work carried out by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), given the seriousness of the threat that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related material poses to humankind.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“The paper contains Sll'V.5446 useful suggestions that should be thoroughly studied by the sanctions Committee. We commend the work carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED), and we fully support the three areas in which the Committee has decided to focus its future activities. The revision of the reporting system, the enhancement of the dialogue with Member States and the deepening of cooperation with international and regional organizations are key elements for better implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). Making visits to Member States is another important tool of effective monitoring and, if properly used, can be of great help in that respect. We attach great importance to proper follow-up to these visits.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“As regards the issue of procedural fairness, we are of the view that targeted individuals and entities should be notified of their listing and should be allowed to have direct access to the Committee's delisting procedures. Likewise, we believe that a review mechanism should be in place in order to consider delisting requests in case of wrongful application of a targeted sanction. In that respect, we welcome the initiatives taken by Denmark and France, each aimed at addressing, respectively, the two aspects of that problem. Likewise, we commend Germany, Sweden and Switzerland for sponsoring the recent academic study of the Watson Institute on strengthening targeted sanctions through fair and clear procedures, which we see as a new process regarding the improvement of targeted sanctions and their implementation.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“We welcome the continuous efforts of the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions Committee to bring further improvements to this regime, and particularly to its Consolidated List and to its guidelines on issues related to listing and delisting procedures. The recommendations put forward by the Monitoring Team in its fourth report (S/2006/154, enclosure) provide valuable assistance and guidance to the Committee, and we support their early adoption. We believe, however, that the Committee should further address concerns regarding the need to establish procedural fairness and an effective remedy within the current system of listing and delisting procedures. The establishment of such fair and clear procedures will, in our view, enhance the effectiveness and credibility of sanctions and will reduce their negative effects on innocent individuals.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“What is also frightening about terrorism is not only that it poses a threat against our lives, but that it also undermines the very values and principles on which our societies are founded: freedom, democracy and the rule of law. That is why we need to fight and defeat terrorism - without, however, compromising our values and principles. We must ensure that counter- terrorism measures are in conformity with international law, including human rights, international humanitarian and refugee law. The sanctions regime established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) remains a critical tool in the fight against terrorism.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“This is obvious in the light of the many devastating terrorist attacks worldwide that have inflicted mass casualties involving thousands of people. The scale of destruction, however, would be much worse if terrorists succeeded in getting access to weapons of mass destruction. This means that terrorism can be effectively defeated only through a global response, with the United Nations playing a leading role, and through the adoption of a comprehensive and action-oriented counter-terrorism strategy. In this respect, we support the Secretary-General's report of 27 April 2006 (A/60/825), which is centred on elements and recommendations that can assist the United Nations in addressing and confronting the phenomenon of terrorism in a more effective and coordinated manner.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“We thank the Chairmen of the three counter-terrorism Committees for their informative briefings today. Such briefings give the wider United Nations membership the opportunity to be informed and updated on the efforts made by the three Committees to build on the effectiveness of the United Nations system of targeted sanctions, counter- terrorism and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Greece associates itself with the statement to be made later on behalf of the European Union by the Permanent Representative of Austria. The fight against terrorism remains vitally important, as terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, as well as to the security of our citizens and our societies.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“Hasegawa and the personnel of UNOTIL for their hard work, dedication and efficiency in accomplishing the tasks of their mandate. UNOTIL, along with all previous United Nations missions in the country, has contributed to making Timor-Leste a success story of the United Nations. The people of Timor-Leste deserve a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future, and they have our full support.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Greece has carefully examined the Secretary-General's proposals, and believes that they are well-structured and are tailored not only to the challenges of organizing and holding Timor-Leste's first national elections but also to the need for further strengthening State institutions and the human-resource capacity of the country. The latter is indispensable to the viability of a new democratic State. Having considered every aspect of the needs in Timor-Leste under the present circumstances, Greece fully supports the establishment of an integrated United Nations office along the lines proposed by the Secretary-General. My delegation looks forward to working with the other members of the Council towards achieving consensus in that regard. In conclusion, I wish to express our thanks and deep appreciation to Mr.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“We are also pleased to note that the Secretary- General's report underlines all activities related to the transfer of certain UNOTIL tasks to other international actors on the ground. The question, though, is whether that kind of arrangement in providing further international assistance is sufficient for the next crucial one-year period. The President, the Government and the political parties of Timor-Leste have asked for the establishment of a new United Nations office. Upon the request of the Security Council, the Secretary-General has presented his proposals in that regard.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Over the past 12 months, UNOTIL has greatly contributed to providing the Government of Timor-Leste with effective assistance in building the State's capacity in all sectors. In his report, the Secretary-General clearly identifies the remaining serious challenges in the fields of defence, police, justice, human rights, public administration and border control, especially in the light of the preparations for, and holding of, next year's first presidential and parliamentary elections since the country's independence in 2002. We acknowledge and appreciate the important contributions made by bilateral donors and United Nations specialized agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme, and by institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“We are pleased to see the full operation of the Office of the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice as well as the drafting of a national human rights action plan, to be adopted this month. However, dealing with fighting impunity for human rights crimes and abuses committed in 1999 remains an open issue. We therefore look forward to the relevant report of the Secretary- General's as requested by the Security Council. On the other hand, the dismissal of nearly 600 soldiers and the ensuing demonstrations and violent incidents clearly show the fragile security situation and the need to reinforce the capacity of the Timorese defence institutions. The mandate of the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOT IL) is coming to a successful end on 20 May.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“Like others, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Hasegawa, for introducing the Secretary-General's report (S/2006/251) and updating the Council on the current situation in Timor-Leste. Furthermore, I would like to welcome His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor-Leste, Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, and to thank him for his excellent and inspiring presentation. Greece aligns itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. In the period under review, there were positive developments but also some worrisome setbacks in the overall internal situation in Timor-Leste.”
2006-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5432 (2006) · source
“We welcome the High Representative's commitment to address this problem expeditiously, and we hope that he will be able to contribute substantially to its solution. Finally, notwithstanding the impressive progress achieved so far, the new High Representative has his work cut out for him. His is the last mile, but it will not be an easy one to cover. In that regard, we pledge to him our full support and wish him the best of luck.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“The international community will continue to stand firm on this issue and expects that the progress in cooperation with the ICTY witnessed during 2005 will continue this year. We welcome the High Representative's recent decision to resolve the issue of the status of officials removed from public positions. That is a solution that takes account of more recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that takes a flexible and pragmatic approach to resolving that outstanding issue. With regard to the other outstanding issue, decertified police officers, we believe that a solution must be found. Such a solution should be constructive and to the benefit of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that context, we stand ready to support any real and pragmatic solution that will resolve the issue once and for all.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“Division of the educational system along ethnic lines cannot and does not belong in the new Bosnia and Herzegovina. Of course, there remains a significant legacy from the past, and Bosnia and Herzegovina must continue to struggle to overcome it by dealing with it decisively and effectively. More specifically, a clean break with the past requires, above all, the completion of the chapter of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). That can be achieved only by transferring to The Hague the remaining fugitives, particularly Karadzic and Mladic. Nothing less than that can guarantee the advancement of Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership in the Partnership for Peace.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“The upcoming elections will, it is to be hoped, signal the beginning of a new Bosnian State that is functional and increasingly self-sustaining. We fully agree with the High Representative that if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to offer a better future to its people, it needs prosperity and education. We therefore welcome his intention to place those two areas at the core of his work. For our part, we will continue to support and contribute to the economic recovery of the country, both through the European Union and from a regional perspective. Furthermore, we share the belief that if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to embrace its new future, it has to have the courage to overcome the past by teaching a new generation to embrace a shared identity and turn away from past hatred and prejudice.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“The year 2006 will see the completion of the next phase of Bosnia's transition. We hope that the necessary legislative action will be taken to implement the constitutional amendments in time for the October elections and that the constitutional process will continue until all outstanding issues are resolved. In the coming days and weeks, Bosnian parliamentarians will have to show leadership and Vision and assume the responsibility of taking the constitutional process forward by approving the package of measures to reform the constitution. The next milestone in the country's history will be the holding of elections next October. For the first time, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be voting to elect leaders that will be called upon to take full responsibility for governing.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“I am referring, of course, to the launching of negotiations last November on a stabilization and association agreement with the European Union and to the 18 March 2006 agreement on constitutional reform. The High Representative was right to highlight the fact that we are now in a new and critical phase. The new approach that he intends to follow is well suited to the new times and the new circumstances. The overall goal remains to help Bosnia and Herzegovina develop a stable democratic system and a sustainable and dynamic economy on its way towards integration into the Euro-Atlantic family. Ownership of the process by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the sustained assistance and support of the international community, is the key to success.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“We welcome the new High Representative, Mr. Schwarz-Schilling, and thank him for his presentation on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for his outline of the approach he intends to take. We also extend a warm welcome to Mr. Terzic, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thank him for his comprehensive and clear statement. Greece fully associates itself with the statement to be made shortly by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. Since the last time the Council had the opportunity to discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a number of developments have occurred that could rightly be considered crucial for the country; they more or less frame and determine the future course of events.”
2006-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5412 (2006) · source
“Finally, we firmly believe that both peoples have a true desire for peaceful coexistence and that their leaderships will respond to that desire and act accordingly. The international community should stand ready to encourage and assist any steps in that direction.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“They should also refrain from taking any and all unilateral actions that threaten to prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations and which undermine efforts to build confidence on the ground. Over the past couple of months, Israelis and Palestinians alike have had the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and to elect their representatives. The results of the Palestinian legislative elections, however, gave rise to a number of concerns for the international community. We want to reiterate that it is in the interest of the new Palestinian Government to commit itself to the three principles set out by the Quartet in its statement of 30 January. It must renounce violence and disarm, recognize Israel's right to exist and respect all previous agreements and understandings, including the road map.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Greece remains committed to the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), as well as on the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace. We remain committed to the realization of a two- State solution - Israel and an independent Palestine living side by side within internationally recognized borders in peace and security. In that context, it is important to reiterate that the road map remains the framework of our efforts and that both parties should strive to fulfil their relevant respective obligations and commitments.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Greece deplores the disproportionate nature of Israeli military activities, which cost - or, in any case, endanger - the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians, and calls upon Israel to fully respect and comply with the Fourth Geneva Convention. We call upon both parties to exercise maximum restraint and we expect them to demonstrate political maturity and wisdom and to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric. As tensions are running high, it is necessary that both parties do their utmost to curb attacks and counterattacks, including extrajudicial killings, so as not to allow a return to the vicious circle of violence that has beset the region for so long.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“Greece fully associates itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. It is with grave concern that we have noted the escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied territories in the past few days. Greece firmly and unconditionally condemns all forms of terrorism, including rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza and senseless suicide bombings, like today's in Tel Aviv. We call upon the Palestinian Authority to take firm action against such unjustifiable acts and their perpetrators. We recognize the right of Israel to defend itself and protect its citizens. We underline, however, that this right has to be exercised within the boundaries of international law.”
2006-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5411 (2006) · source
“We expect ail concerned to demonstrate political maturity and wisdom, to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric and to seize the opportunity so that the fate and future of their respective peoples may finally be one of peace, optimism and prosperity.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“The international community expects the new Hamas-led Government to renounce violence and to disarm, to recognize Israel's right to exist and to respect all previous agreements and understandings, including the road map. The Palestinian Government will be held accountable against these standards, not only by the international community, but also by the Palestinian people themselves. At the same time, we call upon the new Israeli Government that will be formed in the coming days to adhere to Israel's obligations under the road map and to refrain from any unilateral actions that may prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations and render the two-State solution physically impossible to implement.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“Greece remains committed to striving for the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), as well as on the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace. We remain committed to the realization of a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is evident that in order for there to be a negotiated peace, both sides need credible interlocutors who are willing to approach talks in good faith and on the basis of mutual respect and recognition. In this regard, we would like to emphasize that all democratically elected Governments should adhere to certain fundamental, universal principles, which include, above all, adherence to the rule of law.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Kalomoh for his comprehensive briefing today. Greece fully associates itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union, and thus I shall be brief. It is clear that recent developments in the region, most notably the January elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council and Tuesday's elections in Israel, may mark the dawning of a new political era in the Middle East. All stakeholders are well aware of the challenges and also of the opportunities that this new era holds.”
2006-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5404 (2006) · source
“The Council should spare no effort to stop the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as to identify potential links between their illicit trade and the illicit exploitation of natural and other resources. Zero tolerance for smugglers must be the rule, since smuggling rekindles conflicts through their illegal financing. Needless to say, countries should exert restraint when exporting to areas of conflict, even if an arms embargo has not yet been imposed. It is our common duty and responsibility to help regulate and control the trade of those weapons of choice in so many conflicts around the world. In closing, we are in favour of adopting a relevant draft resolution and we hope that the negotiations will soon be completed and that the Council will be able to adopt it.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“We support the Security Council's recently increased attention to the issue of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex- combatants into their societies. The negative humanitarian and development impact of the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of small arms and light weapons will be greatly reduced through the adoption of DDR measures, which would greatly contribute to the stabilization of conflict-torn societies. Therefore, DDR should be introduced as an integral part of post-conflict peace agreements and development strategies. Measures also have to be taken to ensure strict compliance with United Nations embargoes and sanctions in conflict areas.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source