YouSaid · the spoken record

Vassilakis

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

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The growing importance of the regional dimension of humanitarian crises has also affected the Security Council in its conduct of work. The promotion of inter-mission cooperation is a clear example. According to many Africa analysts, crises of governance, often coupled with natural disasters or pandemics, are the main root of humanitarian disasters on the continent. Counterproductive economic policies and a lack of political will to address the problems created by these policies are common phenomena. Zimbabwe, for example, is facing a critical economic situation involving food shortages and a ballooning budget deficit, together with inflation, unemployment and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Approximately 20 per cent of the population is infected with AIDS, while there are 1.5 million AIDS orphans.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source
“The examples of both Sudan and northern Uganda highlight the regional implications of conflicts and the humanitarian spillover that they often create. For example, since the conflict in Darfur began in early 2003, more than 200,000 Sudanese have fled over the border to Chad, while the LRA has been operating in three countries - Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These examples underscore the need for regional cooperation in order to target humanitarian crises and address the root causes of the conflicts. They also demonstrate that individual States cannot be indifferent to the problems facing their neighbours. Regional partners have come to understand the importance of regional and transborder cooperation, as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region clearly demonstrates.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source
“The situation in Darfur continues to be a source of great concern and presents additional challenges on the humanitarian level. According to the Secretary- General's November report on Darfur, 3.4 million people are affected by the crisis, while the number of internally displaced persons is 1.75 million. In this respect, we welcome the recent launching of the 2006 work plan for Sudan, which has called for $1.7 billion in resources to face the enormous humanitarian recovery challenges in the country. In northern Uganda, the horrific war waged for the last 18 years by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has targeted civilians, especially children. During the course of the conflict, over 25,000 children have been abducted, while 1.7 million people have been displaced.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source
“Until recently, conflict and, usually, civil strife were the most important factors causing humanitarian disasters in Africa. Fortunately, however, remarkable progress has been made in this domain in the past decade. Conflicts have ended in Angola, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Burundi, to name a few. In addition, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after decades of war the country is now in a transitional phase and is rigorously preparing for national elections, while in Sudan the 20-year civil war ended this year with the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement. Nevertheless, our efforts are not as successful as we would have liked them to be, and there are still a number of ongoing conflicts that have created protracted humanitarian crises.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source
“Like others, we wish to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Jan Egeland, for today's enlightening and detailed briefing. We welcome this discussion and we thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the humanitarian situation in Africa. Humanitarian crises in Africa, as elsewhere, are multifaceted. They are often the result of different but mutually reinforcing factors, such as conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, poverty and bad governance. Like many processes that lead to death and destruction on a large scale, humanitarian disasters often undermine States as the basic unit of the international system and have a wide range of regional repercussions.”
2005-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5331 (2005) · source
“In conclusion, the draft resolution, which is still being negotiated, offers a good opportunity to improve and strengthen the tools at the disposal of the United Nations for more effective protection of the safety and the well-being of civilian populations in armed conflict. We have to seize that opportunity and try to elaborate a text that responds to the protection concerns and challenges of our times. We will cooperate and contribute to that end.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We believe that future peacekeeping operations should have a clear mandate and the necessary resources to better facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. Lastly, we believe that regional organizations can play a critical role in the field of protection. That is particularly true of the African Union and its role in the Darfur crisis. However, we agree with the Secretary-General that the recent escalation of violence in the Darfur region underscores the particular constraints faced by the African Union. We fully subscribe to the call for adequate support for that regional organization.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Likewise, we support the Secretary-General's suggestion that peace agreements should include commitments concerning the cessation of all attacks on civilians and of forcible displacement; the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex- combatants; the facilitation of humanitarian access; the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons; and the safety of humanitarian personnel. In our view, the draft resolution should take the same approach. Humanitarian access to those in need and the removal of obstacles that prevent humanitarian workers from delivering humanitarian assistance or protecting the civilian population constitute another important aspect of civilian protection that is tackled in the text of the draft resolution being discussed.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“The draft resolution under discussion devotes special attention to the physical protection needs of civilians in armed conflict, particularly those of women and children and of displaced persons and refugees. It condemns in the strongest terms sexual violence, the forcible recruitment of children and child abduction and calls on States to bring the perpetrators of such horrendous acts to justice. It also invites the United Nations to better address protection concerns in its peacekeeping mission mandates. We fully support that approach.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“However, if that State is unwilling or unable to protect its civilians from such crimes, we believe that the Security Council has the political and moral obligation to take effective action and alleviate the human suffering. In this respect, we would like to underline the importance of the relevant paragraphs of the World Summit Outcome document concerning the responsibility of the international community to protect populations from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing. The draft resolution should reflect these developments. In this respect, we want to emphasize the importance of early warning mechanisms in preventing the commission of such crimes.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Indeed, the fight against impunity, both at the national and international levels, can prevent the commission of serious crimes against civilians in the future and can help societies come to terms with past abuses. Domestic justice mechanisms are critical in pursuit of accountability. However, if national authorities are unwilling or unable to prosecute violators, the role of the international community is vital. The referral by the Security Council of the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court is a bold step towards putting an end to impunity and consolidating peace, security and justice in that society. We believe that the draft resolution should incorporate the elements to which I have just referred. The early prevention of atrocities against civilians is an obligation of the State concerned.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We wish to comment on some of these issues, which are also elaborated upon in the Secretary-General's report. We firmly believe that respect for international humanitarian law, human rights law, refugee law and international criminal law provides the best protection for civilians in situations of armed conflict. Governments and non-State actors have the obligation to comply strictly with these laws. It is, however, disquieting that many States have not yet ratified all the treaties relating to the protection of civilians, particularly the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977. As the Secretary-General points out in his report, the restoration of law and the tackling of impunity are vital in preventing further violence.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Another disturbing fact is the continuing denial or obstruction of access to vulnerable populations by United Nations humanitarian personnel. This has serious implications for the protection and survival of thousands of people in need. All this indicates that the current level of protection of the civilian population needs to be enhanced by developing and improving existing means. The draft resolution that you, Mr. President, took the initiative to pursue, which we fully support, is an important document. It addresses a complex range of current protection issues and identifies key areas of action by Member States, the United Nations and United Nations bodies that would ensure better protection and respect for the civilian population.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“It reflects all the developments and achievements in the field of civilian protection since the adoption five years ago of the last Security Council resolution on the subject, resolution 1296 (2000). It also identifies gaps in the existing framework and makes concrete and realistic recommendations that, if implemented, could effectively meet current protection needs and concerns. The facts contained in the Secretary-General's report are particularly alarming. During the past five years civilians not only continued to be caught up in violent conflicts, but targeted attacks, forced displacement and sexual Violence, particularly against women and children, have become some of the most disturbing features of these conflicts.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Thank you, Sir, for organizing this debate on an issue of great importance to this Organization, one addressed recently by the heads of States and Governments at the world summit. I also wish to express my appreciation to the Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Jan Egeland, for his presentation of recent problems and challenges concerning the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Before making my national comments on this issue, I would like to associate myself with the statement that you, Mr. President, will make later on behalf of the European Union. The fifth report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2005/740) is of high quality.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“It would be a pity if a whole country were allowed to remain hostage to the present situation. We had hoped that the tenth anniversary of the Dayton accords would give Bosnia and Herzegovina the necessary impetus to soon become a member of the Partnership for Peace, with a launched stabilization and association agreement. There is still some time for that vision to come true. We continue to hope that this opportunity will not be missed. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve the better future that these prospects for a new era would bring them.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“With the implementation of the defence reform, Bosnia and Herzegovina has come very close to its second goal: participation in the Partnership for Peace programme. But, as we all know, there still is one outstanding question which risks undermining all other efforts - that of full compliance with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Yet we cannot but recognize that, in this area too, the year 2005 has seen significant changes. In the first half of the year, no less than 15 indictees from Bosnia and Herzegovina were transferred to The Hague Tribunal. Still, full cooperation with ICTY means just that - full cooperation. The fact that the protagonists of the war, Mladic and Karadzic, are still at large poses an undeniable obstacle to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“The agreement creates the basis for an efficient and modern police force for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From the positive assessments presented in other areas in the High Representative's report, we must single out the progress noted in the unification of Mostar and Brcko. That progress represents a symbol of hope and encouragement for all those who have argued and fought for the dream of peacefully coexisting multi-ethnic societies. Another noteworthy development is the completion of defence reform, with the recent adoption of the Bosnia and Herzegovina defence reform legislation. Within the framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, defence reform will give the country the armed forces required for it to face the security challenges of our fast- changing world environment.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“Its significance cannot be stressed enough; it amounts to a regeneration of the country on the basis of new foundations. However, even as recently as last June - as Lord Ashdown amply demonstrated in his report - today's outcome was far from being guaranteed. We warmly welcome the recent developments that cleared the way for the opening of the stabilization and association agreement process, specifically the following ones. First, we welcome the adoption of the public broadcasting system law, which sets up one broadcasting system with three multi-ethnic services, broadcasting in all three languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are also satisfied at the progress made on police reform, with the adoption by the Republika Srpska National Assembly of an agreement which meets all relevant European Commission conditions.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“It is a happy coincidence that our meeting here today comes only a week after the most recent meeting of the European Union (EU) General Affairs and External Relations Council, at which the EU Council expressed its agreement with the European Commission's communication on the opening of negotiations for a stabilization and association agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We understand that the relevant European bodies are already working on a draft agreement, and we hope that the process will be completed in time for a decision at the next EU Council meeting. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the commencement of the negotiations on a stabilization and association agreement comes as the pinnacle of arduous efforts undertaken after successfully tackling a long list of obstacles.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“We thank the High Representative, Lord Ashdown, for his latest report on the implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/2005/706, annex), pursuant to Security Council resolution 1031 (1995), as well as for his briefing to us this morning. Greece fully associates itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Great Britain on behalf of the European Union. Since the last time - back in March - that we had the opportunity to discuss Bosnia and Herzegovina and to listen to Lord Ashdown's report on the situation, much in the picture has changed, and mostly for the better. As the tenth anniversary of Dayton draws nearer, Bosnia and Herzegovina appropriately finds itself closer than ever to the new era that will see the country finally become part of the Euro-Atlantic family.”
2005-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5306 (2005) · source
“At the same time, we organized the Athens Forum on "Gender, Peace and Foreign Policy: The EU Perspective". In that respect, we must stress the existing cooperation between the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the readiness to continue such cooperation with other international organizations and non- governmental organizations. In closing, I re-emphasize that what is required for the full achievement of the goals set out in resolution 1325 (2000) is continuous and strong political will, translated into action and accountability on the part of all players, national or international, Member States, the United Nations and civil society organizations.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“In our View, the key issue remains the better implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We need more systematic gender mainstreaming into all policies and programmes at the international and national level. We should emphasize the need for the development of national plans, building alliances, inventing new monitoring devices, and ensuring access of all those concerned to United Nations organs. Enhanced cooperation with the countries in conflict areas and awareness of key players are prerequisites. National initiatives and national plans are very significant. In that context, I would like to recall that Greece, while holding the European Union presidency, produced a paper on the integration of a gender dimension into the EU's external relations policies.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“Nevertheless, we must express our satisfaction at the significant progress made in implementing the resolution through the measures undertaken by the Secretary-General. Here I would recall that the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations has paid increasing attention to issues concerning women, peace and security and that gender concerns are being raised in all new peacekeeping operations. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes remain primarily focused on male ex- combatants, even though women and girls are also involved in armed groups. The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission should contribute to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and pay increased attention to the needs and contributions of women and girls in post-conflict peacebuilding.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“Preventing and responding to that kind of violence remains one of our greatest priorities. Despite improved prevention and protection mechanisms, the response of the international community remains inadequate. In our view we should increase pressure on the parties to armed conflict to halt sexual and gender- based violence - including trafficking in persons - and to put an end to impunity for such crimes. Compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law must be ensured. Having to prevent and respond to the sexual exploitation and abuse of local populations by humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel seriously impedes our ability to achieve the goals of resolution 1325 (2000) and remains one of our greatest priorities.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“Building and sustaining peace in a coherent and holistic manner and guaranteeing a smooth and enduring transition to peace was one of the great concerns in the recent High-level Plenary Meeting. The creation of a Peacebuilding Commission, and the Peacebuilding Support Office to pave the way for that transition, gathered extensive support in the meeting. In that context, we must ensure that the Peacebuilding Commission will contribute meaningfully to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We strongly believe that the Peacebuilding Commission offers the international community a major opportunity to guarantee that a gender perspective becomes a regular part of any peacebuilding process. Gender-based violence in armed conflict is another key target of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“We must encourage and strengthen all those initiatives. The principle is as old as our world. In that connection, I would recall the anti-war masterpiece that Aristophanes wrote in 411 BC, the Lysistrata. That comedy focuses on the effects of the Peloponnesian war and the efforts of an Athenian woman named Lysistrata to stop the war and secure peace through negotiations with and the support of other women from the enemy cities of Sparta and Corinth. A major element for the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is the incorporation of a gender perspective in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. All relevant actors should do more to ensure the inclusion of the gender aspect in their reconstruction strategies and programmes.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“Resolution 1325 (2000) stresses the role of women in the prevention of conflict and the need to increase their role in decision-making in conflict prevention. There is no doubt women's contributions to preventing conflicts are particularly important in people-to-people diplomacy. Women can play a critical role in building the capacity of communities to prevent new or recurrent violence. We should assist them more effectively in that direction. We welcome the various initiatives taken by Member States, the United Nations and civil society to support and increase the representation of women in peace negotiations and to mainstream a gender perspective in peace agreements. Developing and implementing post-conflict strategies and programmes that take into account women's needs is also very important.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made on this topic by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union. Five years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000). It is a landmark. It called for women's equal participation and their full involvement in conflict-prevention efforts, peace negotiations, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration initiatives, as well as for their protection from human rights abuses in conflict situations. Since then Member States, United Nations entities and civil society actors have made significant efforts to implement the resolution. Despite significant achievements, however, major challenges remain in all areas.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for taking the initiative to organize today's open debate on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for submitting a very comprehensive report (S/2005/636) along with a detailed system-wide action plan for the implementation of that resolution. Naturally, our thanks go as well to all those who contributed to that report, among others, Mr. Jean- Marie Guehenno, Ms. Rachel Mayanja and Ms. Noeleen Heyzer. The issue of women, peace and security is of great interest and of paramount importance across the globe, especially for the many countries in conflict or post-conflict situations, and also for the United Nations.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source
“We support the Committee's ongoing efforts to establish closer interaction and cooperation with relevant international, regional and subregional organizations, with the aim of reinforcing implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Lastly, we fully support an increased cooperation and coordination between the three Committees - the 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees. We believe that those Committees should continue to function in a transparent and open way, particularly through the holding of joint briefings and by providing information on a regular basis to Member States on their respective activities.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“We must thank you, Sir, in your other capacity, as the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for your briefing on recent activities and future work. We are pleased to learn that the Committee has completed the examination of all the first reports that were submitted by 1 October. We believe that the examination of State reports is an essential part of efforts to implement resolution 1540 (2004) and reinforce the global counter-proliferation regime. We encourage States that have not yet done so to submit their reports to the Committee so that it may assess implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and consider further measures. We note with interest the steps taken by the Committee to facilitate the provision of technical assistance to States to implement the resolution.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“The resolution requires States to report to the CTC, as part of their ongoing dialogue, on the steps they have taken to implement the resolution. We would like to stress, however, that, in implementing the resolution, States must ensure that they comply with their obligations under international law, refugee law, and international humanitarian law. Finally, we fully support the decision of the Committee to engage in a policy discussion on how to incorporate a human rights perspective into its work. In that regard, we warmly welcome the appointment of a human rights expert to the CTED. We believe that the close cooperation of the expert with the Commission on Human Rights and the recently appointed Special Rapporteur on human rights and terrorism will help States to implement counter-terrorism measures in conformity with human rights law.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“We note with interest that the Committee has enhanced its cooperation and dialogue with some regional organizations, which may help them to build their capacity to combat terrorism. We also welcome the Committee's efforts to eliminate the backlog of reports from States concerning their implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). Likewise, we commend the efforts of the Committee to explore ways to strengthen the facilitation of technical assistance to States, with a View to better implementing the provisions of the resolution. We are pleased to hear today that the CTC has taken steps to ensure follow-up to resolution 1624 (2005), regarding incitement to commit terrorist acts, which was adopted in September 2005 at the Security Council summit meeting.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“We would like to extend our many thanks and our appreciation to the Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Loj. She gave us useful insight into the Committee's activities over the past three months, as well as updating us on its programme of work for the upcoming 90-day period. We are pleased that the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) is now fully operational. It will contribute to the better provision of assistance and guidance to States so as more effectively to implement resolution 1373 (2001). We would like to thank the head of the CTED, Ambassador Javier Ruperez, and his team, for their ongoing efforts to support the CTC.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“We believe that the Security Council should address those concerns as soon as possible, if sanctions are to be a credible and effective tool in the fight against terrorism. In that connection, during our open debates many Member States have repeatedly proposed the establishment of a review mechanism that would allow access by individuals requesting delisting. That would be an adequate response to such concerns. The probable need to revise the existing guidelines was foreseen by resolution 1617 (2005). Indeed, revision of the guidelines so as to develop more precise and detailed provisions regarding delisting procedures, based on due process requirements and humanitarian exemptions, should be a high priority for the Committee, since that can considerably enhance the sanctions regime.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Appropriate action, at the national and international levels, is an obligation for all Member States, pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), 1540 (2004) and related resolutions. We would like to express our thanks to the Chairman of the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions Committee, Ambassador Cesar Mayoral, for briefing us today on the recent activities of the Committee. The addition of 11 new individuals and one entity to the Consolidated List is a welcome development. Listing of individuals and groups has an important political and psychological impact and can function as a deterrent to the commission of terrorist acts. However, there is a growing international concern about existing listing and delisting procedures and the lack of due process requirements.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“At the outset, I would like to associate myself with the statement to be made later in the debate by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union. The recent terrorist attacks in Bali have shown once more that terrorism knows no boundaries and constitutes one of the most serious global threats to peace, freedom and human dignity. Acts of terrorism are under no circumstances justifiable on any grounds, be they political, religious or philosophical. Those who commit such horrific acts must be brought to justice. The international community must once more show its resolve and determination to collectively fight this scourge.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“In this respect, we support the development of the 10-year capacity plan of the African Union. In closing, we are convinced that the recommendations agreed by the high-level meeting between the United Nations and regional and other intergovernmental organizations concerning the institutionalization of this relationship are crucial for forging an effective partnership able to face the new challenges and threats of our time.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“In this context, the South-East European Cooperation Process is gradually showing itself to be the organized voice of the region, an efficient and results-oriented mechanism aspiring to effectively contribute to peace and stability and committed to building and sustaining mutually reinforcing and effective relationships throughout our region. This meeting offers a good opportunity to identify methods of enhancing cooperation and interaction between the United Nations and regional organizations. We believe that a closer and more effective partnership between them and a greater coordination in both policy and action is needed if we are to establish genuine complementarity. Likewise, regional organizations should further develop their organizational capacities in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Following a succession of painful conflicts and crises on a long and bumpy road, our region today stands at a turning point. We are moving away from the syndrome that the Balkans were doomed to endemic and endless crises, and we are moving closer to political and social stabilization and economic development. We have a common responsibility to rise to the challenge and turn our region into a beacon of peace, stability and cooperation, acting in solidarity for the fulfilment of the aspirations of our peoples.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“As a member of the European Union, Greece strongly supports cooperative and effective multilateralism and fully subscribes to the EU security strategy adopted in December 2003, which incorporates, among other things, the objectives of enhancing stability, promoting the rule of law, good governance and international justice and tackling global challenges and threats. Regional cooperation is a key priority to an agenda for peace, stability and development. In South- Eastern Europe, it is also a key element for the fulfilment of our common strategic goal, which is integration into the larger European family - itself the most successful example of regional cooperation - in close synergy with the United Nations, as well as with other regional organizations, for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Today, more than ever, regional organizations have a vital role to play in conflict prevention and management, as well as in post-conflict peacebuilding. Geographic proximity and close historical and cultural ties among their members give regional organizations comparative advantages to better understand the root causes of regional conflicts and to find peaceful solutions to these problems. Recent peace-support operations of the United Nations have been carried out in close cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. Successful and sustainable peacebuilding also requires the active involvement of regional and subregional organizations, in particular as regards implementation of post-conflict reconstruction policies.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“In our view, the decision of the high-level meeting to convene on an annual basis to monitor developments in international security, to promote the goals of the United Nations and to have these meetings coincide with those held by the Security Council with regional organizations is a most important decision in terms of achieving better coordination and complementarity of agendas. While stressing the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, I wish to emphasize the complementarity of regional and subregional organizations in facing new threats and challenges and in promoting peace and stability, as I said in my statement at the aforementioned high-level meeting, speaking on behalf of the Security Council during the Greek presidency last July.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Allow me to remind Security Council members that the need for a closer and more structured relationship between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations was also recognized by the sixth high-level meeting between the United Nations and regional and other intergovernmental organizations that was held on 25 and 26 July 2005 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the participation of 20 organizations. In his opening statement, the Secretary-General called for, among other things, a common vision of a global architecture of peace and security, with interlocking capacities, based on comparative advantages of the global and regional institutions. Participants at the meeting endorsed proposals and agreed on measures aiming at a more structured relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“They also recognized the important contribution to peace and security by regional organizations, as provided for under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter. At the same time, they expressed their resolve to strengthen and expand cooperation between our global and regional organizations and to ensure that regional organizations that have the capacity for preventing armed conflict and for peacebuilding consider the option of placing such capacity in the framework of the United Nations.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“It is a genuine mechanism of regional cooperation that springs from the countries of the region themselves - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Greece, as well as Croatia as an observer. This timely debate is taking place in a year that is crucial for the United Nations, just a few weeks after the High-level Plenary Meeting of world leaders in September 2005, where important decisions were taken to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations so as more effectively to meet the security challenges of our time. The heads of State and Government recognized the importance of multilateralism in addressing those challenges.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Mr. President, thank you for taking the time to come to New York to preside over this important debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. I would also like to welcome the representatives of regional and subregional organizations. Greece fully aligns itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom on behalf of the European Union (EU). Today, it is a particular honour for me to speak on behalf of the South-East European Cooperation Process, the chairmanship of which is currently held by Greece.”
2005-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5282Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The inquiry into the oil-for-food programme provides us with valuable information as to how we can improve the workings of this common Organization. I am confident that all of us will take those findings into serious consideration in our shared desire to ensure that the optimum effectiveness of the Organization in all areas - especially in the fields of management, transparency and accountability - is being realized as we all strive to do in our respective countries.”
2005-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5256 (2005) · source
“One should not forget that, as the Committee states, the programme served well the nutrition and health needs of the Iraqi people, which were disregarded so much and so continuously by Saddam. At the same time, the programme prevented Saddam from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. I suspect that much of what is contained in the report reflects essentially the nature of the beast - that is, the nature of the United Nations itself. We must not forget that the United Nations is a unique Organization, unlike any other in the world. It is the sum of all its parts, and its parts include, inter alia, 191 sovereign Member States and countless different bodies, specialized agencies, commissions, and so on.”
2005-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5256 (2005) · source