YouSaid · the spoken record

Verbeke

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455

first

2007-01-08

most recent

2008-05-06

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73

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un-security-council

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1. “It is clear from events in past months that the threat from Al-Qaida and the Taliban has not diminished. Within the United Nations efforts, the Committee is committed to continuing, in cooperation with Member States, to assume its share of responsibility in this global endeavour. To this end, the Committee looks forward to further guidance from the Security Council, inter alia, through the resolution to be adopted in June.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

2. “Pursuant to paragraph 29 of resolution 1735 (2006), the Committee met yesterday with representatives of Denmark, Liechtenstein, Sweden and Switzerland for an in-depth discussion on relevant issues. This exchange of views has been, I think, of mutual benefit. I would like to take advantage of today's briefing to encourage all other interested Member States to meet with the Committee. I would also use this opportunity to sincerely thank the experts of the Monitoring Team for their invaluable support and contribution to the work of the Committee. In addition to their visits and various outreach activities, their input and proposals for all issues on the Committee's agenda have been highly appreciated and have undoubtedly contributed to the progress made so far.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

3. “Further enhancing the dialogue with Member States and increasing the transparency of its work remain one of the primary concerns of the Committee. To that end, I gave an open briefing to all interested Member States on 18 December 2007. Country visits are another way to interact with Member States. As Chairman, I recently visited Mauritania, Senegal and Mali. Several incidents that occurred in their region during the months prior to the trip had underlined once more that the terrorist threat in the Sahel region is real. Whereas all three countries had a good understanding of the sanctions regime and demonstrated their strong commitment in the common efforts to counter terrorism, authorities also clearly expressed their need for assistance to further strengthen their capacities.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

4. “The Committee further considered the issue of the criminal misuse of the Internet for terrorist purposes. The Committee shares the concerns expressed over the fact that the Internet constitutes a powerful medium and instrument for Al-Qaida, the Taliban and their associates. Although this is a complex issue, of which certain aspects clearly go beyond the Committee's mandate, it was agreed to continue the discussion in the future. This week, the Committee is starting its consideration of the eighth report of the Monitoring Team, submitted to the Committee in accordance with resolution 1735 (2006). The report will shortly be transmitted to the Council, and the Committee intends to prepare a report reflecting its position on the recommendations contained therein.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

5. “Pursuant to paragraph 21 of resolution 1735 (2006), the Committee continued its discussion on the identification of possible cases of non-compliance with the sanctions measures. With the objective of improving the effectiveness and implementation of the sanctions regime, the Committee first discussed each possible case of non-compliance mentioned by the Monitoring Team and, secondly, derived horizontal recommendations from this empirical analysis, aimed at preventing the occurrence of such cases. I reported to the Council on the Committee's consideration of this matter in a briefing held on 24 April 2008. Identifying possible cases of non-compliance constitutes an ongoing exercise, and the Committee will continuously follow up on that.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

6. “During the last six months, most of the Committee's activities have been derived from its consideration of the seventh report of the Monitoring Team and the follow-up thereto. Different discussions were held on the issues related to the three sanctions measures: assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. The Committee has also been exploring ways to further improve its procedures. As a result, a standard form for de-listing has been developed and is now available in the de-listing section of the Committee's website. The Committee is also examining the procedures for removing the names of deceased individuals and considering the further revision of its guidelines with regard to exemptions to the assets freeze and to the travel ban, with a view to providing further guidance to Member States.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

7. “Let me take this opportunity to emphasize that it is the prerogative, but also the collective responsibility, of all of us to bring to the Committee's attention any information that one believes should be included in or deleted from the list. Our common objective should be to have a dynamic list reflecting the evolution of the threat posed by Al-Qaida and the Taliban. In this respect, and given the increasingly strong links between terrorism activities and illicit drugs, I would like to underline once again the possibility to submit for listing the names of drug traffickers involved in the financing of Al-Qaida and the Taliban, as provided for in paragraph 12 of resolution 1735 (2006).”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

8. “Allow me to simply highlight the main elements contained in my more comprehensive report prepared for the Council. That comprehensive version has been distributed and will be posted on the Committee's website. At the outset, I would like to underline that the sanctions regime established under resolution 1267 (1999) is a powerful tool in the fight against Al-Qaida- and Taliban-related terrorism. The measures taken against individuals and entities on the consolidated list are universal in nature and hence can complement measures taken at the national, regional and subregional levels. Improving the quality of the consolidated list continues to be at the core of the Committee's work. In that regard, I would like to stress that the Committee relies on the information provided by Member States.”

   2008-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5886 (2008) · source

9. “Belgium assures the Council that it will continue to offer its support to this international presence, which is essential for the reconstruction of Iraq.”

   2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

10. “Secondly, assistance should be provided to ensure that political progress is accompanied by tangible improvements in the living 08-3196] conditions of Iraqis. In this spirit, and looking ahead to the Stockholm meeting, to be co-chaired by the Government of Iraq and the Secretary-General, Belgium welcomes the progress made towards enhancing the effectiveness of international humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. Lastly, I would point out that the United Nations should remain at the centre of the international presence in Iraq. We welcome the difficult and courageous work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the rest of the United Nations family, carried out in security conditions that remain difficult.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

11. “The international community must continue its efforts, while the Iraqi Government should step up its handling of the situation of its refugees and internally displaced persons. Although no one can substitute for the efforts of Iraqis themselves, the international community and, in particular, Iraq's neighbours can and should continue to provide assistance to the Iraqi people. First, regional cooperation should be increased. In that regard, the ministerial meeting held in Kuwait last week was a crucial event. The agreement on the mechanism for providing support for the implementation of its decisions, along with initiatives by specific working groups, will make it possible to strengthen dialogue in areas of common interest, including energy, border security and refugees.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

12. “This will depend on the fair and transparent sharing of natural resources through the adoption of a hydrocarbons law and the delimitation of internal borders on the basis of prior consensus. Lastly, the Iraqi authorities and leaders should make greater efforts to finalize the material and legislative preparations that the Electoral Commission needs to organize credible elections in the governorates that will further strengthen the democratic legitimacy of Iraqi institutions. The situation of the very numerous Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons continues to be a matter of concern. The countries hosting Iraqi refugees and the specialized agencies should be commended for their ongoing efforts in that regard.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

13. “Belgium urges the Iraqi authorities and the leaders of all political groups to intensify their legislative and political efforts in numerous crucial areas as they seek, with the assistance the United Nations is mandated to provide, to achieve the essential objective of national reconciliation. In the first instance, we encourage them to step up their efforts aimed at completing the constitutional review process. The Constitutional contract is indeed the only tool that will be able to foster the confidence of the Iraqi people in a State that guarantees the right of all communities to participate in a shared future. Then, they must determine how the country is to be organized.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

14. “With regard to the issue of respect for fundamental rights, we also welcome the positive developments in the matter of access to Iraqi detention centres by the United Nations and by independent observers. That is an example of transparency that we encourage the relevant authorities to continue and expand. By participating in two elections and a constitutional referendum in 2005, Iraqis at last had an opportunity to forever close the chapter on an oppressive regime and to lay the foundations for a democratic State, thereby realizing the aspirations of the country's various communities. In the context of ongoing efforts to strengthen the State, already in 2008 we can welcome the adoption of important laws in the areas of justice and transparency, amnesty, the operation of the governorates, and budgetary allocations.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

15. “In that regard, we should emphasize the efforts being made by the Government and security forces of Iraq to regain control over the whole of its territory and its monopoly on the use of force in maintaining order, in particular the operations in the south of the country at the end of March. However, those efforts should be accompanied by a strengthening of the judicial machinery and the security forces, which must be impartial and inclusive if the entire Iraqi population is to have confidence in the rule of law. In that context, Belgium joins in the appeal made by the Secretary- General to all those in a position of responsibility in Iraq to honour the obligations flowing from international humanitarian law and their duty to protect civilians.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

16. “Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his presentation, as well as Ambassador Khalilzad for his briefing on behalf of the Multinational Force. Belgium welcomes the improvement in the security situation in Iraq in general, and in Baghdad in particular. However, the situation remains precarious, and vigilance is still warranted. The improvement in the security situation should serve as the foundation for building the State to which the Iraqi people legitimately aspire - one that provides for their security and well-being and respects their fundamental rights.”

    2008-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5878 (2008) · source

17. “The seventeenth postponement of presidential elections should not deter us from goals that all of us know are crucial to stabilizing Lebanon and the whole of the region. We would like to reaffirm our support to the Lebanese Government and armed forces. Pending a resolution of the current issues through the resumption of a national dialogue, those institutions have been able to ensure the unity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon. We also support the efforts of the Secretary- General to implement all aspects of resolution 1701 (2006) on the basis of the deployment of Lebanese forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon south of the Litani River. The political process set out in August 2006 includes all the elements necessary to guarantee Lebanon's sovereignty and stability in an atmosphere of lasting peace.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

18. “In that regard, and given the serious humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Belgium reaffirms the readiness of the European Union to facilitate the implementation of a solution that makes possible the reopening of crossings for humanitarian and commercial purposes. I should like to conclude by saying a few words about Lebanon. Regardless of the obstacles encountered, Belgium would like to reiterate its unreserved support for the mediation efforts of the League of Arab States and its Secretary-General, Mr. Amre Moussa. We hope that in the days remaining before the holding of the Damascus summit, all parties will be able to assume their responsibilities and make a constructive contribution.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

19. “We call on the Palestinian Authority to intensify its efforts in the area of security, including by proceeding to restructure its security forces and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. With regard to the situation in and around the Gaza Strip, Belgium welcomes the peace that has prevailed in recent days, as well as the partial reopening of the crossings at Kari and Sufa. As for Hamas, which has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, the current calm must urgently be followed up by concrete steps to assume its responsibilities towards the Palestinian population, and that of Gaza in particular. We therefore demand that Hamas put a complete end to the launching of rockets, restore the rule of law, which the Palestinian people deserve, and return control of the Gaza Strip to the sole legitimate control of the Palestinian Authority.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

20. “Although they may appear to be difficult to implement, that difficulty pales in comparison with the price the Palestinians and Israelis will have to pay if the peace process becomes bogged down once again. The urgency of this matter has led the international community to become deeply involved. Its commitment was evidenced at Paris last December, and will once again be on display on the security and economic fronts at the upcoming conferences to be held in Bethlehem and Berlin. Nevertheless, those efforts will be productive only if they complement those of the parties. It is for that reason that we launch an urgent appeal to Israel to halt the expansion of existing settlements, dismantle illegal outposts and gradually lift obstacles to movement in the West Bank.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

21. “In that connection, Belgium regrets that, despite its repeated efforts, the Security Council has not been able to play its role in condemning violence and encouraging diplomacy. We welcome the first meeting organized between the parties by General Fraser. Whatever will there may be on the part of the Palestinians and the Israelis to reach a solution, we must admit that, more than ever before, the absence of progress on the ground will undermine the political process. Belgium therefore encourages the Quartet and its Representative, Tony Blair, to support and complement the efforts of General Fraser to help the parties to implement their respective commitments, beginning with those under the Road Map and the Agreement on Movement and Access.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

22. “While acknowledging the right of Israel to defend itself, my country's officials have joined the Secretary-General in condemning the disproportionate nature of Israel's response. Moreover, along with its European partners, Belgium has unreservedly condemned the terrorist attack against Yeshiva Mercaz Harav on 6 March 2008. There are reasons for both hope and despair in the current diplomatic situation. As far as the elements for hope, we should commend the political courage of President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, who, while continuing dialogue, have not allowed violence to destroy the bilateral negotiations process launched at Annapolis. While leaving it up to the parties to negotiate the parameters of a final settlement, it is incumbent upon the international community to support their efforts.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

23. “Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his introduction at the beginning of this meeting. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Under- Secretary-General for his briefing. Belgium associates itself with the statement to be delivered by our colleague from Slovenia in his country's capacity as President of the European Union. The Israeli and Palestinian peoples are living through a very trying time, which has aroused concern among Belgian officials. Given the impact of the escalation of violence on the civilian populations of Israel and Gaza, Belgium has reiterated its resolute condemnation of Palestinian rocket launches.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

24. “Through the adoption of such a text, the potential for action of the Committee and the Executive Directorate will be even further strengthened and diversified so that it can discharge its very important mandate.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

25. “In this context, Belgium welcomes the more systematic integration and incorporation of this dimension in the Committee's and Executive Directorate's work, and endorses a continuation of dialogue between the CTC and United Nations bodies responsible for the protection of human rights, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. My delegation wishes to see all the aforementioned elements reflected in the draft resolution that will be submitted for our Council's consideration tomorrow to renew CTED's mandate.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

26. “Cohesiveness, coordination and complementarity in the actions of the various United Nations bodies are a guarantee of heightened efficiency. In this context, Belgium welcomes the strengthening of cooperation between the various Security Council committees that deal with counter-terrorism. It also welcomes the elevated commitment of CTED to the work of the task force established within the framework of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The fight against terrorism will only be genuinely effective in the long term if it takes root in legitimacy, the respect of human rights and the respect of fundamental rights. This is the yardstick against which the results of our work will be judged.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

27. “The United Nations strives to fight against terrorism in a global and holistic way, as reflected in its Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The implementation of Security Council resolutions in the fight against terrorism, which include, first and foremost, resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), are an especially important facet of Member States' commitment in this field - a commitment that the Committee must monitor and encourage. That implementation requires that States show determination, but it also requires resources and expertise that they do not always have. Strengthening the role of the Executive Directorate as facilitator for the provision of technical assistance, including by means of regular dialogue with other international, regional and subregional partners, is of course a priority.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

28. “The revised organizational plan that he has just presented, which was endorsed by the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) last month, is the result of the broad consultations he has held since he took up his functions as the head of the Executive Directorate. Belgium welcomes the directions decided on, which favour a more proactive communication and a more frequent dialogue with Member States. Those are measures that will without a doubt contribute to enhancing support for the Committee support and for the Executive Directorate itself. My delegation associates itself fully with the statement that will be made by the Permanent Representative of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union, and I would like to add a few additional comments.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

29. “Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): A few days ago, the European Union (EU) paid tribute to the memory of the victims of terrorism. Four years following the Madrid attacks, the date of 11 March has become a day of remembrance in Europe for all the victims of terrorism, whose numbers are unfortunately continuing to increase. In that regard, given that an attack can take place anywhere and at any time, concerted action by the international community is of crucial importance. The legitimacy of the United Nations in this area gives it an essential and unique role to play. First of all, I should like to express my gratitude to Assistant Secretary-General Mike Smith for his very clear, sober and effective presentation. I would like once again to reiterate to him the full support of Belgium.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

30. “The members of the Committee will be meeting in informal consultations tomorrow, with a view to considering adapting the guidelines to the newly adopted resolution 1803 (2008) and to address other questions in that regard.”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

31. “In cases when the aforementioned inspection of cargoes is undertaken, 08-27224 the Council requires all States to submit to it within five working days a written report on the inspection. I note paragraph 14 of resolution 1803 (2008) in particular, since it broadens the scope of the Committee's mandate as set out in paragraph 18 of resolution 1737 (2006), to also include the measures imposed in resolutions 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008). I wish to assure the Council that the Committee will continue to discharge its expanded mandate carefully and will, in this context, remind all Member States of the expectations of the Council regarding national reporting on the implementation measures under the three resolutions.”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

32. “In addition, the Council called upon all States to exercise vigilance in the areas of public provided financial support for trade with Iran and of banking with Iran, and, in accordance with States' national legal authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, in particular the law of the sea and relevant civil aviation agreements, to inspect the cargoes to and from Iran of aircraft and vessels, at their airports and seaports, owned or operated by two Iranian companies, provided that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the aircraft or vessel was transporting goods prohibited under resolutions 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) or 1803 (2008).”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

33. “These measures include broadening the scope of the proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities and nuclear weapons delivery systems-related embargo; extension of the assets freeze to individuals and entities listed in annexes I and III of the resolution and expansion of the scope of that measure; introduction of a travel ban on individuals listed in annex II of the resolution as well as on any additional persons designated by the Security Council or the Committee; and, finally, extension of the travel notification requirement to individuals listed in annex I of the resolution as well as to any additional persons designated by the Security Council or the Committee.”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

34. “Since I last briefed the Council, the Committee has received one additional report under both resolutions, bringing the total number of reports under resolution 1737 (2006) to 88 and the total number of reports under resolution 1747 (2007) to 72. During the reporting period, the Committee received and responded to two written queries from Member States requesting clarification on certain aspects of the sanctions regime imposed by resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007). Finally, the Committee issued its annual report for 2007 (S/2007/780) in accordance with the note by the President of the Security Council of 29 March 1995 (S/1995/234). Before concluding, let me note that, just two weeks ago, by its resolution 1803 (2008) of 3 March, the Security Council adopted additional measures relating to Iran.”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

35. “During the reporting period, the Committee received three notifications from a Member State with reference to that paragraph. All three notifications related to the construction of the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran. Paragraph 15 of resolution 1737 (2006) provides for notifications by relevant States to the Committee of the intention to make or receive payments or to authorize the unfreezing of funds in connection with contracts entered into prior to the listing of persons and entities in the annexes to resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007). The Committee received two such notifications. 2 Paragraph 19 of resolution 1737 and paragraph 8 of resolution 1747 (2007) concern the submission by all States of reports to the Committee on the implementation of those two resolutions.”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

36. “This is my fifth 90-day report to the Security Council, which I am delivering in accordance with paragraph 18 of resolution 1737 (2006). The report covers the period 19 December 2007 to 17 March 2008, during which the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) held no session of informal consultations, but carried out its work outside the meeting room. As members are aware, paragraph 5 of resolution 1737 (2006) stipulates that States shall notify the Committee of the supply, sale or transfer of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology covered by documents S/2006/814 and 8/2006/815, the export of which to the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prohibited by subparagraphs 3 (b), 3 (c) or 4 (a) of the resolution.”

    2008-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5853 (2008) · source

37. “In addition to finalizing and launching the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, important decisions must be swiftly taken for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections. The international conference that France has offered to host in Paris in June should be an opportunity to assess progress made and to encourage everyone - the Afghan Government and the international community - to redouble efforts between now and then to ensure that the objectives set in London will be attained.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

38. “That is why Belgium supports the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2008/ 159), particularly with regard to the role of coordinating the international community's efforts, support for efforts to improve governance at the local level and strengthened cooperation with the International Security Assistance Force. In that regard, Belgium welcomes the participation of Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon in the international meeting on Afghanistan to be held in Bucharest on 3 April on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. 2008 should be another important stage in the process begun in Bonn in 2001 to ensure that Afghanistan will once again become a stable and prosperous State.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

39. “Only a comprehensive approach and strategy will make that possible. As we know, without security there can be no development, and without development security cannot be ensured. Unfortunately, the drug problem is an illustration of that. If we are to strengthen these two pillars of the Afghanistan Compact, namely, security and development, the third pillar - governance, the rule of law and human rights - will be just as crucial. Here, Afghans have a major responsibility. While progress has been made, particularly through the establishment of the Independent Directorate for Local Governance, much still needs to be done. Corruption remains a major problem undermining judicial, police and administration reform efforts, and progress with respect to human rights remains limited. In all those areas, the United Nations can make the difference.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

40. “The Government and the people of Afghanistan have a leading role to play; the international community, through its efforts, can only support and strengthen the elected regime. Within the framework of that partnership, the United Nations is prepared to respond to the recent appeals to assume a central role in coordinating international aid, and Belgium welcomes that. However, if it is to succeed, the Organization must be provided with the means and the space necessary to carry out that responsibility. The cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community is even more essential in the light of the interconnected nature of the challenges facing Afghanistan. Succeeding in Afghanistan means improving the daily lives of Afghans and putting in place an institutional system that can maintain the progress made.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

41. “In addition to the statement which will be made today by Slovenia on behalf of the European Union, to which my delegation fully subscribes, I would like to make the following comments on the central role of the United Nations in the comprehensive strategy in Afghanistan. A little more than two years ago, Afghanistan and the international community concluded a five-year compact in London. The objectives defined at that time are still topical. Even though there still are challenges before us, on a positive note the international community remains strongly engaged in Afghanistan, as was emphasized by the Secretary-General in his report. As in any partnership, each party, of course, bears its portion of responsibility.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

42. “Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the Under-Secretary- General Mr. Guehenno for his briefing and presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan. Let me, through you, Mr. President, welcome the presence of Mr. Kai Eide and congratulate him, on behalf of Belgium, on his appointment as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and to pledge full support and confidence of my country as he fulfils this important role. Additionally, I am pleased to see at the Council table the presence of our colleague from Afghanistan.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

43. “Belgium notes that in his report of 22 February the Director General of the IAEA concludes again that he is not able to provide assurances regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran, or regarding the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Belgium considers that this new resolution is part of a gradual approach of adopting sanctions that are proportionate, targeted and reversible; above all, we seek to urge the Iranian authorities to adopt a more cooperative and transparent position in order to restore trust. Belgium stresses that the path of good-faith negotiations remains open to Iran on the basis of the proposals made to it in June 2006.”

    2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

44. “Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium voted in favour of resolution 1803 (2008), and we welcome its adoption by a very large majority. Belgium took note with great interest of the statement issued by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the support of the European Union High Representative. Belgium regrets that Iran has still not complied with the decisions of the Security Council aimed at the suspension of uranium-enrichment activities and projects linked to heavy water, or with measures set out by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”

    2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source

45. “We welcome the fact that the transfer of responsibilities in this area from UNMIT to the national police has already begun in a number of neighbourhoods in Dili. Furthermore, we encourage the Government to make full use of UNMIT's expertise with respect to comprehensive security sector review. The diversity and multiplicity of the challenges that the country faces call for renewed commitment by the United Nations. Here, Belgium fully supports the extension of UNMIT's mandate for a period of 12 months. We have every confidence that this renewed presence will be able - and here I quote the Secretary-General and paraphrase our colleague from Timor-Leste - "to support Timorese-owned solutions" (S/2008/26, para. 61).”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

46. “Another of those consequences is the high number of displaced persons; they represent more than 10 per cent of the population of the country. Beyond the material considerations, their return to their home Villages is closely tied to a sense of security and justice with respect to the 2006 crisis. But we should not focus solely on the consequences of the 2006 crisis. To avoid any further risk, the causes of the crisis must also be resolved. One of those causes, as we know, lies in the weakness of the institutions, in particular the security sector. In this framework, the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) needs to continue with training and monitoring the national police, while continuing to maintain law and order.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

47. “Impunity is not a solution. It is most praiseworthy that the Timor-Leste authorities sought to achieve the surrender of Alfredo Reinado and of his group. Unfortunately, the path of negotiations failed. Everything must be done to bring about the arrest and trial of those responsible for crimes of the past. The fight against impunity is a prerequisite for bringing about reconciliation and sustainable peace. With respect to last week's attacks also, justice must follow its course. Other consequences of the 2006 crisis persist; they call for resolute action from the Government and for the full support of the international community. The plight of the petitioners was on the verge of being resolved. We fully encourage the Government of Timor-Leste to continue the negotiations that had begun.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

48. “Belgium welcomes the fact that, despite this attack against men who embody the democratically elected institutions, the Timorese institutions have continued to operate and provide continuity. In the past, we have repeatedly underscored how important it is that the parties present a united front against the challenges the country is facing. The position of the parliament and of the opposition is, in this context, to be welcomed. We welcome the 14 February joint statement by the heads of all of the political parties, in which they condemned together the attacks of 11 February and agreed that the perpetrators must be arrested and tried. Last week's attacks are a tragic illustration of how essential it is that the recommendations of the United Nations Independent Special Commission of Inquiry on the events of 2006 be effectively implemented.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

49. “Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like first of all to express my gratitude to Under- Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno and to our colleague the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste for their clear briefings. I would also like to state that my delegation fully endorses the statement that will be made shortly by my Slovenian colleague on behalf of the European Union. With an eye to the effectiveness of our work, I will read only part of the text of my statement; copies of the full text have been distributed. At this difficult time for Timor-Leste, my delegation would like to express its full support to it in restoring stability. We would also like to pay tribute to President Jose Ramos-Horta, who has sought by all means to bring about a negotiated solution. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

50. “Finally, it is important that Belgrade and Pristina develop a strong relationship as good neighbours based on cooperation, which will enable them to jointly bring about the European perspective that is unquestionably theirs. It is important in that context that in the short term no provocation or act of violence jeopardize the possibility of attaining that goal. Kosovo's independence under international supervision, proposed a year ago by former Special Envoy Ahtisaari, is now a reality. We are convinced that its offers the best prospect for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. All of us must now contribute to achieving that peaceful objective.”

    2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source