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 cannot regulate the one component without regulating the other. In exercising their inherent right to self-defence, countries need to use small arms and light weapons legally for their armed forces and police. Nevertheless, one cannot overlook the fact that, in some instances, although destined for legal use, small arms and light weapons are diverted to illegal recipients. A means to fight that loophole in our system is the adoption of the end-user certificate. Both the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have relevant provisions in place. We hope that that measure can be generally adopted and applied as a useful means to curb the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“It is also encouraging that, through the same resolution in 2005, the General Assembly authorized the convening of a group of governmental experts, which we hope can lead to progress towards the eventual regulation of arms brokering. Brokers, who are currently carrying out their work in most countries without any regulation, are to a great extent responsible for diverting weapons to illicit destinations, including transfers to regions of conflict - sometimes even in violation of arms embargoes imposed by the Security Council - or directing arms to States where serious abuses of human rights occur. In order to be effective, the fight against the illicit trade in small arms must be expanded to also include ammunition. Without ammunition, small arms and light weapons are useless.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“Among all the tools of war, small arms and light weapons are the most widespread. They are easily available and nearly out of control. In order to check the problem, in 2001 the United Nations adopted the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Progress has been made in some aspects of the Programme, whereas in other areas the situation is still stagnant. We therefore expect that a full evaluation of its implementation will be made during the forthcoming first review conference on the Programme of Action. The General Assembly's adoption in 2005 of the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons constitutes a significant step forward.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons has contributed enormously to the unlimited proliferation of such weapons. It is estimated that over 640 million small arms and light weapons exist worldwide. Several million of those are illegally possessed, either by transnational criminal organizations or by non-State actors. That uncontrolled propagation of small arms and light weapons results in a total of 500,000 victims annually and constitutes a significant threat to international peace and security. We have witnessed their destabilizing effects on States and, at times, even entire regions. They significantly contribute to the intensification of conflicts, obstruct relief programmes, undermine peace initiatives, exacerbate human suffering and hamper economic development.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's meeting. The fact that the Council is seized of the issue of small arms and light weapons for the sixth consecutive year is indicative of the seriousness of the matter and of the importance that the Council attaches to it. I wish to welcome the presence among us of the Foreign Minister of Peru. I also thank Ms. Hoppe, Officer-in-Charge of the Department for Disarmament Affairs, for her excellent introduction of the report of the Secretary-General, which was clear and comprehensive. Greece associates itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. However, I wish to stress the following points.”
2006-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5390 (2006) · source
“Moreover, we welcome the inauguration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, since we believe that through its work justice will be served and those who committed atrocities held accountable. The international community should and will stand by Liberia in this critical phase and provide all necessary support in that regard. Greece, with all the means at its disposal, will do its share. We believe that the reconstruction of the country should be one of the first issues that the Peacebuilding Commission should deal with as soon as it becomes operational. We now have reason to hope that the dream of the country will become reality. We wish President Johnson-Sirleaf every success in her difficult mission.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“We would like also to commend the progress made in implementing the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme and hope to see Liberia soon assuming full ownership of it. The Government of Liberia has undertaken the tremendous and difficult task of rebuilding and uniting the country, but in doing so it is also seeking justice and making efforts to address impunity. In that regard, we welcome the statement made earlier this week that the Governments of Liberia and of Nigeria are determined and committed to arriving at a solution to the issue involving Mr. Charles Taylor and his transfer to the Special Court of Sierra Leone, while at the same time guaranteeing his rights under international law.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“Let me join others in welcoming Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to New York and in expressing our warmest congratulations to her on her assumption of the presidency of Liberia. The recent elections held there and her victory signal the successful completion of the transitional process and a turning point in the country's history, as well as a symbol and a vindication of the sacrifices, the struggle and the contributions of all Liberian and other African women. President Johnson-Sirleaf's determination to promote national reconciliation, political inclusion, sustainable development and economic governance reforms, as well as her qualifications and international credentials, guarantee the success of her efforts.”
2006-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5389 (2006) · source
“Let me just mention that, at the London Conference, Greece pledged $5 million in development projects. In parallel, we have undertaken the restoration of the Museum of Kabul as an indication of our commitment to the preservation of the unique Afghan cultural heritage. Afghanistan and its people deserve a peaceful and prosperous future, and they have our full support on the long road ahead.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“In this respect, we welcome the Secretary- General's proposal for the continued presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan through assigning new tasks to UNAMA, in accordance with the coordination and monitoring role of the United Nations, in implementing the provisions of the Afghanistan Compact regarding security, governance, the rule of law and human rights, economic and social development, as well as the cross-cutting issue of counter-narcotics. Greece supports the new mandate and structure of UNAMA proposed by the Secretary-General and is ready to participate constructively in consultations on a draft resolution of the Security Council. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my country's commitment to continuing its political, military, economic and humanitarian involvement in Afghanistan.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“If the links among large-scale poverty among farmers, poppy cultivation, the narcotics trade, corruption and terrorists are not severed, all our efforts, including the money spent, to consolidate peace, democratic institutions, reconstruction, stability, economic growth and social development in Afghanistan will continue to be undermined. The people and the Government of Afghanistan have made remarkable progress and are determined to overcome the remaining challenges, however daunting they might be. The further engagement of the United Nations and the contributions of individual countries, as well as those of non-governmental organizations, are needed in order to meet the clear benchmarks set out in the Afghanistan Compact for the new five-year Afghan development phase.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“We look forward to the amelioration of the security situation, mainly through the further strengthening of the Afghan National Army and police forces and the launching of the programme for the disbandment of illegal armed groups. In addition, we believe that the expansion of International Security Assistance Force forces in the south and the strengthening of the work of provincial reconstruction teams will lead to improving security and facilitating reconstruction and economic development in the countryside. Of course, the underpinning of the armed attacks, violent clashes, suicide bombings and burning of schools is the narcotics industry. The Afghan Government and the international community have undertaken serious measures to tackle the problem, but so far to no avail.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“We agree with the observations made by the Secretary-General regarding the need to complete reforms in the security, administration, justice and humanitarian sectors, as well as to establish the rule of law and full respect for human rights, especially in those provinces where warlords and drug networks continue to reign. In particular, we are gravely concerned by the recent escalation of violence against civilians, aid workers, the Afghan military and international security forces, moderate politicians, Government employees and educators. If such incidents continue, all efforts and activities aimed at the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact will be at great risk.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“The holding of the parliamentary and provincial elections on 18 September and the inauguration of the new parliament on 19 December brought the Bonn process to a successful conclusion. The adoption of the Afghanistan Compact at the London Conference on 31 January, and its endorsement by the Security Council on 15 February, set in motion the new process for attaining full-fledged political and socio-economic development in a peaceful, stable and secure environment, under the leadership of the Afghan Government. UNAMA's contribution to these overall positive political developments has once again been indispensable and commendable. However, we are well aware of the many and serious challenges still facing Afghanistan.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“First, I would like to thank Mr. Tom Koenigs for his presentation of the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in Afghanistan and on the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), including its new mandate. I take this opportunity also to wish Mr. Koenigs every success in his important and demanding duties as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. Furthermore, I would like to make the following remarks. The report of the Secretary-General comprehensively covers all major developments that have taken place in Afghanistan during the past six months.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“Coming from the region, and consequently being one of the countries directly affected by the developments in the area, we feel the need to stress once more that it would be in everyone's interest to reach a successful outcome through a negotiated and mutually agreed settlement. That will, in turn, contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region. Such a successful outcome can be reached only by taking into account the situation on the ground, respect for minority rights and compatibility with the values of the European Union, of which the whole region will be part.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“In view of the upcoming meeting in Vienna on 20 February - which in effect constitutes the beginning of the status negotiating process - I wish to reiterate the two basic principles that have guided us thus far in our discussions here in the Council. First, the implementation of standards is an obligation of Kosovo's leaders towards their people and towards their future within the larger European family. Second, our goal - of which we must not lose sight - is that any status solution must aim at a new democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. To that end, no efforts should be spared. In conclusion, allow me say a few words on the status process already underway. Greece welcomed the launch of the process and the preparations by the two sides for the upcoming negotiations.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“More progress is also needed in many other areas of the standards process, including those of minority rights, technical dialogue, access to justice, the fight against corruption and organized crime and access to basic public services, to name but a few critical ones. On the other hand, it is also highly regrettable that, during the reporting period, there has actually been a decline in participation in the political process by Kosovo Serb leaders. Belgrade should encourage Kosovo Serb leaders to participate constructively in the Provisional Institutions. The establishment of substantial dialogue between all of Kosovo's communities, as well as between Belgrade and Pristina, remains of crucial importance.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“There has been very little progress since the launch of the initial pilot projects, back in August. The first meeting of the two sides at the ministerial level, held in Vienna in September, was a welcome step, but nothing substantial came out of it. We hope that the next meeting, scheduled for the twentieth of this month, will produce concrete results and that the two sides will participate constructively. The security situation remains fragile. Serious security incidents not only continue to occur, but are actually increasing, as the Secretary-General notes, again with concern. More needs to be done. The impact from this, whether perceived or real, on the freedom of movement of minorities and on the return of refugees and internally displaced persons is as inevitable as it is regrettable.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“We certainly do not intend to ignore or minimize the progress achieved in certain standards areas, such as the increase in minority employment, property rights and the Kosovo Police Service. Especially noteworthy is the progress in the reconstruction of the Orthodox churches damaged during the March 2004 violence. We would like to believe that this is a sign of recognition on the part of the provisional authorities of the importance of this issue, both on its own merits and as a confidence-building measure. The final assessment of the past few months can be only that more needs to be done. More specifically, the provisional authorities need to do much more on decentralization - the one area that holds the key to the whole negotiation process.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“At the time, the Council stressed the need for increased and strengthened efforts on behalf of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government for progress in standards implementation. It was underlined explicitly - and this was repeated in the Secretary-General's latest report i that the pace of progress in standards implementation will be an important factor in determining the pace and progress of the status negotiations. Today we regret that, in his recent report, the Secretary-General concluded that progress has been too slow and that there is serious concern over delays and setbacks in most areas of standards implementation. Understandably, the overall impression one comes away with is one of disappointment.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“In respecting his memory, the Kosovo leadership will, it is to be hoped, enshrine the very same principles in their future policies. In that context, we expect that the election of Fatmir Sejdiu as his successor last Friday will contribute to the strengthening of the commitment of the Kosovo leadership to the creation of a democratic and multi- ethnic Kosovo. Today is the first opportunity for the Council to take stock of the developments that have taken place since the launch of the status negotiations process, last November. Let us recall that, at our meeting last October (see S/PV.5289), the international community set out its expectations for the period following the presentation of Ambassador Eide's excellent report and the launch of the status process. Those expectations were, justifiably, high.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Permit me to welcome President Tadic, representative of a new, democratic Serbia, and to thank him for his intervention. We thank the Secretary-General for his latest report (S/2006/45) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jessen-Petersen, for his comprehensive briefing. We welcome his presence here today, together with the delegation of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which includes Prime Minister Kosumi. Greece associates itself with the statement to be delivered later by the Austrian presidency of the European Union. Before I start, I would like to pay tribute to the late President Ibrahim Rugova and especially to his legacy of peaceful pursuit of the rights of his people and his belief in a Kosovo society based on tolerance and dialogue.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“In that respect, we would like to emphasize the central role that the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court can play in bringing to justice those responsible for serious violations of human rights, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In addition, a national accountability mechanism should be actively supported. The aforementioned elements are included in the draft resolution prepared by Tanzania, for which we are grateful and which we will be supporting. I would like to close by stating that Greece will continue to support the peace process in the Great Lakes region, both within the European community and bilaterally, to the benefit and prosperity of the peoples of the area and of permanent stability in the region.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The United Nations system in general, including the Peacebuilding Commission that, hopefully, will soon be put into action, should also concentrate on facilitating solutions to several key issues for the region, such as combating the illegal exploitation of natural resources. In that respect, we are ready to support proposals for special mechanisms, taking into account such existing initiatives as the Kimberly Process for diamonds and the European Union Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade for illegal logging. We firmly believe that ending impunity in the Great Lakes region will contribute to the promotion of peace and stability there.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We are convinced that the International Conference process represents a genuine platform for consolidating and enhancing regional peace without creating cumbersome and overlapping follow-up mechanisms. We firmly believe that, in the light of those efforts, we should persevere along the same lines. In particular, besides following closely the transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, the Security Council could also focus on the regional context by better assisting in the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement of ex-combatants, as well as by improving the monitoring and strict implementation of the arms embargo, especially in respect of small arms. It should also direct peacekeeping operations to pay special attention to strengthening border security.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Conflicts and instability in each of the Great Lakes countries, as well as military incursions, endanger peace and stability in the region as a whole and seriously compromise national efforts for peace, security and development. In both formal and informal consultations, Greece has stressed time and time again that security sector reform, in conjunction with the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, together with concerted efforts to establish an environment of rule of law, are essential to creating the necessary circumstances in which peace can prevail. We have expressed our support for the Dar es- Salaam Declaration, which provides a solid framework for the elaboration of a security, stability and development pact to be adopted at the second summit in Nairobi.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The African Union-United Nations International Conference on the Great Lakes Region is not an event, but a regional process based on confidence-building measures, parallel efforts in security and development, and addressing common problems in synergy. We fully support it and believe it to be of critical importance to the area. We firmly believe that the upcoming Nairobi summit should continue along that regional approach. Long-term peace and stability in the region can be attained only on the basis of a genuine commitment by all the countries to respect territorial integrity and national sovereignty and to the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Despite the existence of peace agreements among the different contending parties, their implementation is far from self-sustaining. The countries of the area, as well as the international community, have gradually realized that achieving peace, stability, security and development in the Great Lakes region will entail a strong regional dimension. Indeed, over the past five years, the progress made by Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo owes much to regional diplomatic efforts, such as the Tripartite Plus Commission, as well as to concerted multilateral efforts, culminating in the signing on 20 November 2004 of the Dar es-Salaam Declaration of Principles on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Ethnic warfare in Burundi has tormented the country since its independence, resulting in waves of refugees and displaced persons. The situation in northern Uganda has had repercussions for the neighbouring countries. However, in recent years, considerable, albeit painstaking improvements have taken place. Those include a remarkable national reconciliation in Rwanda; a successful organization of the referendum in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and an overwhelming approval of the new constitution; peaceful and democratic elections in Burundi, a bright example that led to the election of a new president and Government; and the weakening of the Lord's Resistance Army and the issuing of indictments to its leaders by the International Criminal Court.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Allow me first of all to welcome you, Madam, and to thank you for taking the initiative of convening today's debate, the interest and importance of which are such that we have heard from more than 10 ministers from Africa and, altogether, 14 ministers from various countries. Greece fully associates itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. Nevertheless, I would like to add some comments. The region of the Great Lakes has been the scene of recurrent ethnic violence and interrelated crises in recent years that have on many occasions challenged the international community's capacity for crisis response and management. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 had a destabilizing effect throughout the region. Civil war has devastated the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“In closing, I should like, therefore, to commend once again the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Mr. Guterres personally for their tremendous work, which benefits millions of people.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“On the other hand, we are encouraged by recent positive indications of a decrease in the total number of refugees in past years and of an increase in the number of voluntary repatriations, especially in Afghanistan, Liberia, Rwanda and southern Sudan. We, too, believe that repatriation is the best solution, but only when linked to an environment of stability, security, reconstruction and development. We hope that the newly established Peacebuilding Commission will provide a unique opportunity to ensure, along with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the protection of refugees and their reintegration into post- conflict societies. Refugees' humanitarian needs cover the whole spectrum of protecting the essence of human life - the dignity and human rights of every person.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“Greece is very much interested and involved in this area, because every year we receive a large number of illegal immigrants and refugees. The truth is that we live in a changing, challenging and complex world. In our national capacity, we have to protect our borders and security, in particular against the threat of terrorism, while ensuring that we provide asylum protection to those who are entitled to it under international law. In that framework, and as a European Union member State, Greece looks forward to the establishment of a common European asylum system by 2010, as set out in The Hague programme.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“In that respect, my question to the High Commissioner is whether we in the United Nations system have the potential to devise and implement a mechanism for responding to crises as they emerge in order to dispatch immediately available humanitarian aid to the population under threat. I have another question regarding protracted refugee situations. Can he tell us to what extent intensifying cooperation between UNHCR and regional organizations such as the African Union, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has given, or could give, new impetus to the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees? Another significant issue is how we identify and deal with actual refugees seeking asylum.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“We support the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and deeply respect the dedication of its staff, many of whom have even sacrificed their lives while carrying out their tasks in perilous circumstances. Armed conflicts in general result in the creation of large numbers of refugees seeking asylum in other countries, mainly neighbouring ones. We have seen this scenario of human suffering play out again and again throughout the world. Africa has a considerable share of conflicts, tensions and victims. The Sudan is the most recent example, with more than 200,000 people fleeing the country and almost 2 million internally displaced persons in Darfur. UNHCR'S assistance is vital because it is lifesaving.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome the High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres, who has been on the job a few months now. I wish to thank him for his very informative and comprehensive briefing on the important issue of refugees and internally displaced persons. As we all know, the Security Council is paying particular attention to these issues, which form part of all the crises that we have on our agenda. We all are committed to the need for the survival and absolute protection of refugees from attacks, forced recruitment and sexual violence, especially against women and children.”
2006-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5353 (2006) · source
“We ought to consolidate the achievements in Timor-Leste, and not compromise their success, at this crucial stage. We will favourably examine the proposals to be submitted by the Secretary-General. I also wish to join previous speakers who have called upon the United Nations and the international community to continue their presence and to assist Timor-Leste in achieving full self-reliance in the near future. Greece will continue to actively participate in all relevant bilateral and European Union efforts and activities. Finally, I should like to extend to the President of Timor-Leste my Government's best wishes for the speedy fulfilment of all the goals of the Timorese people for the stable and prosperous future they deserve.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“We are pleased to note that the Secretary- General's report refers to the preparations under way for the successful transfer of certain tasks to other international development actors. The Secretary- General has also identified a number of serious remaining challenges in the areas of justice, finance and border control. To those one could add the preparations for and holding of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections. In that context, the recent request made of the Secretary-General by Timor-Leste's Prime Minister to establish a special United Nations political office deserves our particular attention. We believe that providing further United Nations assistance through that well-coordinated format is suitable in the current circumstances.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“There are of course still major challenges to be addressed, especially as regards the difficult economic situation in the country. In that respect, the work of various United Nations specialized agencies - such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Monetary Fund - must also be commended. The assistance of the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) to the Government and people of Timor-Leste has been invaluable. UNOTIL advisers have demonstrated ability, dedication and effectiveness in transferring knowledge and skills, coordinating various activities and settling border incidents by facilitating communication and contacts between Timorese and Indonesian border-patrol forces. The mandate of UNOTIL will end on 20 May 2006.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“We hope that the report of the Secretary-General on justice and reconciliation for Timor-Leste, including a practical and feasible approach as requested by the Security Council, will be an important additional contribution to that end. It is to be hoped that the entire process will allow the two peoples both to face the crimes of the past and to promote reconciliation, which will pave the way to a better future for them and for the entire area. Greece welcomes the signing, a few days ago, of the agreement with Australia on equally sharing revenues from the natural resources of the Timor Sea. We consider that the agreement will greatly contribute to much-needed sustainable economic development and that it will enable Timor-Leste to attain the Millennium Development Goals.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“In addition, we very much appreciate the improving relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, which led to the establishment of the bilateral Commission for Truth and Friendship, as well as the progress made in the negotiations to finalize the delineation of the remaining 4 per cent of the land border between the two countries. That is a very good example that should also be taken into consideration in other conflict areas. The establishment and work of the Commission for Truth and Friendship indicate the resolve of both countries to achieve accountability for crimes and human rights violations committed in 1999. We recognize the significance of the entire endeavour and hope to see tangible results in the fight against impunity for those serious crimes, something that is of the utmost importance for the Timorese people.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“It seems that sufficient progress has been made towards further developing the capacity of Timor-Leste's democratic State institutions in the justice, human rights and national police sectors. The report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, which President Gusmao presented to the Secretary-General last Friday, is just one such example of that progress. The successful holding and completion of local elections, the preparations for the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held in 2007 and the adoption of key legislation demonstrate that the process of creating a functioning democracy is on the right track, in a country that gained its independence just a few years ago.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“Like others, I too would like to welcome the presence among us of the President of Timor-Leste. I would also like to thank him for his thoughtful statement, which I think should make others think as well. I would also like to thank Mr. Sukehiro Hasegawa for his introduction of the Secretary- General's report (S/2006/24) and for his briefing. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union. I shall therefore limit myself to some additional comments. We are all encouraged by the significant positive developments described in the report of the Secretary- General.”
2006-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5351 (2006) · source
“In closing, I would like to ask the Belgian Chairman-in-Office a number of questions. He mentioned that the three main dimensions of the OSCE have so far received unequal treatment, and that during his chairmanship he intends to deal more substantively with the economic and environmental dimensions. I would like to ask him what that would encompass. Are there more detailed plans for achieving such a rebalancing? How would the targets be better defined? By what practical means would the goal be achieved? I would be grateful for more details.”
2006-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5346 (2006) · source
“Despite those difficulties - or perhaps because of them - one thing has become clear, especially in the past year: the OSCE has not outlived its usefulness, and ongoing concerns about questions of stability and security in the whole of Europe make clear that there is still a need for a strong, efficient regional organization that has successfully reinvented and reoriented itself. A pertinent example of that is the extensive experience and important input of the OSCE in the Balkans. Its activities cover the fields of institution-building, good governance, the rule of law and election monitoring. It goes without saying that the cooperation of the OSCE with the United Nations in various crisis areas contributes not only to peace and stability, but also to a better division of labour, which can have only positive results.”
2006-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5346 (2006) · source
“He will certainly have the full support of Greece. Thirty years after the Helsinki Final Act and the creation of what is now the OSCE, Europe is a new continent, broadly at peace and fully engaged in the development of new cooperative structures. The contribution of the OSCE as the largest regional organization on security, encompassing and joining countries from Vancouver to Vladivostok, has been central in the construction of the new European security architecture, as well as in ensuring the protection of human rights and addressing many other issues to which other speakers have referred in detail. Over the past few years, the OSCE has been trying to redefine itself in order to better adapt to a fast-changing and ever more complex environment, and that accounts for the recent difficulties that the organization has had to face.”
2006-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5346 (2006) · source
“I would like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Belgium and to thank him for having made the effort to come to New York to brief us today on the comprehensive programme of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for 2006. It is a particular pleasure for me to welcome him here, and not just because our countries have close relations: it happens also that I studied in Belgium. It is true that he will have to confront a great many challenges in the coming 12 months. It sounds from what we have heard today that the OSCE is ready to tackle all of the problems and challenges facing it with renewed effort, fresh ideas and sincere commitment. We wish Mr. De Gucht success and hope that his efforts will be rewarded. The OSCE, given its important role and unique cross-dimensional mandate, certainly deserves that.”
2006-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5346 (2006) · source
“Greece will contribute its share, commensurate with its possibilities, and we will consider positively the steps proposed by Mr. Egeland. The three pillars of development, security and human rights are especially relevant in addressing humanitarian problems. In this approach, the role of the Security Council as guarantor of international peace and security is of vital importance.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source
“It is obvious that Zimbabwe is in urgent need of international humanitarian assistance in order to face a real emergency affecting a large section of the population. We welcome the fact that the United Nations is making significant efforts to address the situation. We welcome Mr. Egeland's recent visit to Zimbabwe, as well as the agreement signed by United Nations agencies and the Government of Zimbabwe for food assistance and HIV/AIDS programmes. We also note the exchange between the Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations over the need for assistance with shelter. Today's discussion once again demonstrates the need for the United Nations to have a comprehensive approach towards resolving humanitarian crises.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source