YouSaid · the spoken record

Verbeke

lines on the record: 455
first: 2007-01-08
most recent: 2008-05-06
sittings or episodes: 73
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

“I would like to avail myself of President Tadie's presence to reaffirm once again the Belgian and European position that the future of Serbia and the Western Balkans in general lies within, and not outside, the European Union. A strong and prosperous Serbia, fully integrated into the family of European nations, will contribute to stability and prosperity in the entire region. This morning European ministers met in Brussels and reaffirmed this position. We encourage Belgrade to resolutely opt for a European future. Kosovo's independence is situated within a historical context that no one can ignore: the disintegration of Yugoslavia, which led to the creation of new independent States. The independence of Kosovo is part of this framework and can thus in no way be considered to set a precedent.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Belgium is gratified at the commitment expressed by the Kosovar authorities to implement the provisions of the Ahtisaari plan, inter alia, by the Kosovo Assembly's adoption of the so-called Ahtisaari laws in the days to come. Independence is not only a privilege; it is first and foremost a responsibility. In recent days the European Union has taken important decisions, in full conformity with resolution 1244 (1999). These unambiguously show that the EU itself is ready to shoulder its responsibilities and work alongside the Kosovar authorities on their important commitments towards the international community. The new European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) is concrete testament to that. Europe's commitment is not restricted to Kosovo.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Belgium's position on this matter is well known, and we have described it many times. However, on this, the day after the declaration of independence, I would like to recall several essential points. A year ago, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Martti Ahtisaari, presented us with his report and his recommendations. His conclusion - independence, supervised by the international community - was supported by a very wide range of the members of the international community, including the Secretary- General and the European Union (EU). Belgium has always felt that the Ahtisaari plan was the only realistic and Viable option.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Despite the engagement of the two parties, Serbia and Kosovo, the Security Council and the international community as a whole, a negotiated solution could not be found. We regret this, but we cannot ignore the reality on the ground: the Kosovar authorities have declared independence in keeping with the will of a broad majority of the population of Kosovo. Belgium will recognize Kosovo. The legal process is under way. For Belgium, this independence effectively and finally sets out the necessary conditions for a lasting peace and for stability and prosperity for the entire region and its inhabitants, regardless of 08-24256 ethnic origin or nationality. It is within that essential framework that Kosovo's declaration calls into being a democratic, secular, multi-ethnic society fully respectful of the rights of all minorities.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me first to welcome the presence of the President of Serbia among us today, as well as that of the Secretary- General. Today, the Security Council is considering, once again, the question of the status of Kosovo. In October 2005, the Council supported the Secretary-General's proposal to initiate a political process that was to produce a definition of Kosovo's future status, as envisioned in resolution 1244 (1999). It was a process in which the international community, including the Council, were widely involved and a process that neither of the two parties could block unilaterally, as the ministers of the Contact Group emphasized on 20 September 2007.”
2008-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5839 (2008) · source
“Ahmed Haroun, have yet to be transferred to The Hague. Before concluding, I wish to join my colleagues in bidding farewell to our much-respected colleague from Croatia. We have greatly appreciated not only her friendship and collegiality here at the United Nations, but also her personal commitment to the cause of world peace and the well-being of humanity.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Credible and rapid implementation could convince the movements that are still hesitating to commit themselves to the political process towards a peace agreement that would be to the benefit of all parties. I cannot conclude without emphasizing once again a major priority of my delegation: the fight against impunity. Here, the Sudan has a twofold obligation: to cooperate with the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005); and to implement the restrictive measures imposed by the Security Council. Without wishing to confuse the two issues, Belgium deplores the recent appointment of Mr. Musa Hilal - who appears on the sanctions Committee's list of individuals and entities - as a Government adviser. That is in addition to the unfortunate fact that two individuals indicted by the International Criminal Court, including Mr.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Salim Ahmed Salim, to persevere in their efforts to convince the movements that the Government would find them a credible interlocutor if they pursued common objectives. Belgium regrets in particular that the Justice and Equality Movement of Mr. Khalil Ibrahim continues to favour a military solution over a political process. Peace in the Sudan is indivisible, and the question of Darfur is intimately linked to the overall peace process in the Sudan. Let me only say how much Belgium welcomes the outcome of last autumn's governmental crisis; we once again encourage the parties to continue and hasten the concrete implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The implementation of the Agreement could serve as an example for Darfur.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“For the process to have a real chance at getting under way, it is imperative that hostilities on the ground end immediately. As a matter of urgency, all parties to the conflict must commit themselves to a lasting ceasefire. It is unacceptable that the parties should hold the civilian population hostage by pursuing agendas that have no room for genuine peace. I listened very carefully to Mr. Eliasson's briefing on the most recent developments in the political process, which we hope will be inclusive and credible. Like Mr. Eliasson, I deplore the fact that several rebel movements are not prepared to engage in this process, and I encourage him and his African Union counterpart, Mr.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“But it is imperative that the Sudanese Government commit itself further to keeping President Al-Bashir's promise to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to accelerate the deployment of the mission and to resolve all outstanding issues related to that deployment. We are told that the tension in the refugee camps is increasing; it is time for UNAMID to be set on a solid footing and to be able at last to do its work. There is hardly any need to recall that UNAMID must restore a minimum level of security to Darfur, which would facilitate humanitarian assistance. But it should also permit progress in the ongoing political process; Mr. Eliasson has briefed us on the latest developments in that process, which are unfortunately not particularly encouraging.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Jean Ping as Chairman of the African Union Commission, and urges them to do their utmost to ensure the success of UNAMID, including by bringing their full influence to bear on the Sudanese Government to make the smooth deployment of the mission possible. We welcome the statement made earlier by Mrs. Ratsifandrihamanana, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, in which she recalled the Union's firm commitment to discharging its responsibilities. Belgium notes that the tripartite negotiating mechanism with the Khartoum Government has borne some fruit, including in negotiations on the terms of a status-of-forces agreement.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Belgium welcomes the forthcoming deployment of the Egyptian and Ethiopian contingents, along with that of Thai and Nepalese units, which will finally enable us to move from the re-hatted African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) to a new hybrid mission, as mandated by the Council. We regret, however, that the deployment of non- African units has been so difficult; we cannot accept the authority that the Sudanese Government claims over the admissibility of the contributions of countries to the Council-mandated force. The UNAMID hybrid mission is unprecedented and thus an innovation; we are organizing it jointly with the African Union. Belgium congratulates the new leaders elected by the African Union, in particular President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete as African Union Chairman and Mr.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Normalization of relations between the Sudan and Chad is thus in their common interest, and we earnestly hope that we can count on the active commitment of Khartoum and N'Djamena towards emerging from the current negative situation. In that context, Belgium reaffirms its firm commitment to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) and to the European Union operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR Tchad/RCA). We hope that they will be deployed, as planned, as soon as circumstances on the ground allow, which we hope will be in the coming days. The full and effective deployment of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) remains a considerable challenge to the international community.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Jan Eliasson, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for their briefings at the outset of our debate. Also, we listened carefully to the statement of our colleague, the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations. Let me begin by stating Belgium's grave concern at recent events in Chad. There is no chance that peace will return to Darfur unless the Sudan and Chad, with the support of all countries of the region, work urgently to normalize their relations. Internal developments in the Sudan and Chad are a reflection of their bilateral relations, and vice versa. The constant movement of rebel movements back and forth across the border can only exacerbate tension between the two countries.”
2008-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5832 (2008) · source
“It is especially inconceivable that certain persons in Lebanon and elsewhere are continuing to hinder the election of a presidential candidate who has already been agreed through a compromise between the majority and the opposition and who would provide the best guarantee for neutrality and impartiality. In that connection, Belgium would like to express its unreserved support for the mediation efforts of the League of Arab States and Mr. Amr Moussa, its Secretary-General. He should continue with his efforts.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“Every announcement of a postponement of presidential elections - of which there have now been 13 - seriously heightens tensions and the risk of Violent incidents such as those that broke out this past weekend. What is more disturbing is that, week after week, a campaign of terrorist attacks is attempting to destabilize the country by targeting the very institutions, and thereby the authority, of a State that we want to be sovereign, united and independent. The history of Lebanon attests to the dangers of such a destructive policy. Belgium joins the numerous appeals of the Secretary-General calling for an immediate end to the violence. It is imperative that Lebanese officials meet the expectations placed upon them.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“By forcibly taking control of the Gaza Strip, they have weakened the institutions designed to be the basis for the State to which all Palestinians aspire. The necessary normalization of the situation on the border of the Gaza Strip provides an opportunity to demonstrate a sense of responsibility, which would above all benefit Palestinians, especially those living in Gaza. In that context, Belgium supports the efforts of Egyptian authorities and President Abbas to reopen border crossings under the monitoring of the Palestinian Authority, as well as the resumption of the flows of both commercial and humanitarian goods. I would like to conclude by expressing my delegation's deep concern about the situation in Lebanon.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“That commitment will be meaningless, however, unless it is accompanied by accountability on the part of all protagonists on the ground to ensure that they meet the hopes of their peoples and dedicate themselves to providing them with a better future. The first duty of Israeli and Palestinian officials is to refrain from any measure that weakens the peace process. That duty is incumbent upon both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority, as well as all other actors, in particular Hamas. By refusing to clearly recognize Israel's right to exist, resuming the firing of terrorist rockets against civilians in Sderot and Ashkelom and rejecting the relaunching of the peace process at Annapolis, Hamas officials are continuing to fail to meet their responsibilities.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“We also welcome the commitment of the League of Arab States in reiterating its peace initiative, participating at Annapolis and working with the Quartet. The international community is also involved on the economic and humanitarian fronts through the work of Tony Blair as the Quartet's Representative, the â‚¬5 billion pledged at the Paris Conference in support of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's reform project and, just this week, the establishment of the European Commission's PEGASE mechanism for managing European Union socio-economic aid to Palestine, which is intended to channel international assistance to the Palestinian Authority.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“Well aware that the success of those negotiations will also depend upon the political context and the socio-economic and humanitarian situation of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, the international community has undertaken to strengthen the negotiations. It has done so, first, through a robust commitment on the political and security fronts by the main protagonists. We therefore welcome the ongoing efforts of the United States with the parties. In that connection, we hope that the mission given to General Fraser will usefully complement the institutional role of the Quartet as regards monitoring the implementation of the Road Map. The European Union is also more involved than ever, in terms of diplomacy and its field missions.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“Despite reoccurring crises, we refuse to give in to pessimism, and the Annapolis Conference has given rise to a process replete with hopes that continue to be legitimate. In keeping with the joint statement adopted by President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert, those hopes have resulted in regular meetings and meetings between the lead negotiators and their teams of experts responsible for finding the compromises needed to reach a final status. Although the parameters for that status are already known - to wit, resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), the Madrid principles and the Road Map - only the parties can legitimately finalize the terms.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his briefing. The Security Council is holding a second debate in a week on the situation in the Middle East. We spent numerous hours last week discussing a response to the latest developments in Gaza and southern Israel. We regret that repeated efforts to that end have been unsuccessful. However, the energy invested in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should not lead us to forget that the international community and the actors on the ground have a joint responsibility. Belgium believes that the role of the international community is to establish, on a priority basis, the most favourable environment to enable the parties to reach the peace agreement we have awaited for 60 years.”
2008-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5827 (2008) · source
“The time has come for an effective implementation of commitments entered into, starting with those of the Road Map, both on the Palestinian side, in terms of security, and on the Israeli side, which means, in particular, total cessation of settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem. More than ever, the international community must look to the future and commit itself decisively together with the parties. This approach is the path that Belgium has taken together with its European partners and the members of the Quartet. In the light of the Arab Peace Initiative and the support expressed for the Annapolis peace process, we trust that the Arab countries will do the same.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“Two months after the Annapolis meeting and one month after the Paris conference, my delegation refuses to believe, however, that the dichotomy that has arisen between the diplomatic process and the situation on the ground can jeopardize the hopes legitimately born of the joint commitment of the parties and of the international community. The urgent attention required by the situation in the Gaza Strip and the south of Israel should not make us forget the concrete signs of the ongoing commitment of President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert. Apart from their regular meetings and the negotiations of experts, we were happy last week to see the beginning of a dialogue between Minister Livni and the Head Negotiator Ahmed Korei on the issues that are at the heart of the final status.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“Our duty today, on an individual basis and as responsible members of the international community, is to do everything to preserve the integrity of this process and, in so doing, to safeguard the hopes that have been raised among the Israeli and Palestinian populations, who have suffered far too long from a deadlock that has lasted so many decades already. This hope for peace cannot be held hostage by an uncontrolled escalation of violence. The worrying events of the last few days have brought us into a situation with which the Middle East peace process has only made us too familiar.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“As I said just now, the violence in and around the Gaza Strip is part and parcel of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is at the heart of our diplomatic concerns. The peace process has just been relaunched in Annapolis and seeks to establish an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian State side by side with the State of Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders. The parties to the conflict, both the Israelis and the Palestinians, have invested in this process, as have the Arab countries.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“The launching of rockets against Israeli civilians must be condemned without reservation, but that in no way justifies a blockade with the Gaza Strip that holds an entire civilian population hostage, especially when it is already in a humanitarian and health crisis. To protect civilians and assist them is an obligation that is incumbent upon all members of the international community. We therefore call upon the Israeli authorities to completely lift the restrictive measures in place so that medicine, food and fuel shipments can resume normally and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), other United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors can continue their work.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“While we recognize Israel's right to see to its security and that of its citizens, Belgium nevertheless believes that any Israeli response must respect the principles of proportionality and distinction that lie at the heart of humanitarian law. Belgium deplores the excessive number of civilians on both sides that have been victims of uncontrolled violence and calls upon the two parties to exercise maximum restraint. The humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip is very serious and is a direct result of the escalating violence. But it would not be honest to impute the responsibility for this situation on one party alone.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, like others before me, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his briefing. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be made later by the representative of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. The situation in the Gaza Strip and the south of Israel is indissociable from the question of Israel and Palestine as a whole and we cannot, of course, remain indifferent. Like the European Union, Belgium has, on many occasions, expressed its deep concern at the explosion of violence over the last few days. Belgium condemns the repeated rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.”
2008-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5824 (2008) · source
“We hope that agreement on the meeting to be held in Kuwait, on the establishment of the three working groups and on the ad hoc support mechanism will make it possible to consolidate those gains. I would like to stress the driving role played by the United Nations in Iraq despite the constraints imposed by the security situation. In that context, I would like to reiterate Belgium's full support for the Secretary-General and his Special Representative in their determination to enable the United Nations to play the strengthened role assigned to it through resolution 1770 (2007).”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“De Mistura rightly highlighted, we hope that similar progress will be achieved in other areas, such as the management of hydrocarbon resources, the implementation of article 140 of the constitution and the revision of the constitution. The Constitution is, indeed, the only tool capable of giving Iraqis confidence in a strong State that guarantees each community its right to participate in a common future. The international community must continue to encourage efforts in that direction, primarily, of course, by helping to tangibly improve the living conditions of Iraqis, but also by supporting the Iraqi Government's efforts to strengthen its cooperation with its immediate neighbours. The Sharm el-Sheik and Istanbul ministerial meetings yielded tangible results on the question of refugees and border security.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, for his first briefing and for the impact he has already had on the work of the United Nations in Iraq. I also thank Ambassador Khalilzad for his briefing on behalf of the Multinational Force. My delegation, like others, notes with satisfaction that the security situation in Iraq continues to improve. The decline in sectarian Violence and terrorist attacks is encouraging because this improvement in security is increasingly the fruit of the efforts of all Iraqi communities together, and because it was recently accompanied by political acts that could potentially give Iraqis confidence in dialogue. Following the adoption of the Justice and Accountability Law, which Mr.”
2008-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5823 (2008) · source
“That brings the total number of reports under resolution 1737 (2006) to 87 and the total number of reports under resolution 1747 (2007) to 71. All States that submitted reports assured the Committee of their commitment to implementing resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007) and to meeting their obligations as outlined therein. Finally, the Committee received a communication dated 23 November from a Member State, forwarding for the information of the Committee a copy of a letter dated 21 November, which the same Member State sent to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, transmitting, on behalf of a group of nuclear supplier countries, a list of items, end-users and procurement agents for which those countries, in their national capacity, had denied nuclear-related exports to Iran.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5807 (2007) · source
“ln paragraph 19 of resolution 1737 (2006), the Security Council decided that all States would report to the Committee within 60 days of the adoption of the resolution on the steps they had taken with a View to implementing effectively paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 and 17 of the resolution. In paragraph 8 of resolution 1747 (2007), the Council called upon all States to report to the Committee within 60 days of the adoption of the resolution on the steps they had taken with a View to implementing effectively paragraphs 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of that resolution. Since I last briefed the Council, the Committee has received two additional reports under resolution 1737 (2006) and five additional combined reports under both resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007).”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5807 (2007) · source
“This is my fourth 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 from 20 September to 18 December this year. During the reporting period, the Committee held no sessions of informal consultations, but carried out its work outside the meeting room. As members will recall, paragraph 15 of resolution 1737 (2006) concerns 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), as subject to the assets freeze. During the reporting period, the Committee received eight such notifications.”
2007-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5807 (2007) · source
“Ould Abdallah to increase the coordination of international activities in Somalia by developing a comprehensive plan of action, in particular in support of the transition process and the security sector in Somalia. We especially support the Secretary-General's recommendation that the United Nations Political Office for Somalia be strengthened. We are also willing to listen to those who propose feasible and appropriate solutions to halting the cycle of violence and to stemming the crisis in Somalia, convinced that the international community must pursue and increase its commitment to that course.”
2007-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5805 (2007) · source
“The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) remains the sole available option for facilitating the withdrawal of foreign forces from that country. Belgium expresses its support for AMISOM. and for the countries that contribute to it. We reiterate the need to strengthen AMISOM, particularly in financial terms, and encourage the United Nations, in cooperation with the African Union, to consider new forms of support for that force, be it in technical assistance or the design of operations, and to implement them post-haste. Belgium is also committed to that approach. We are well aware that the United Nations has a responsibility to protect with respect to the people of Somalia and has to maintain its credibility in the eyes of international public opinion. Belgium therefore fully supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and Mr.”
2007-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5805 (2007) · source
“We must also find a speedy solution, together with the Somali authorities, to the thorny problem of people being made to pay for the right to cross checkpoints. We expect the new Prime Minister to reaffirm his Government's commitment to the facilitation of humanitarian assistance and to do all in his power to end impunity in the country. The essential prerequisite for lasting improvement, however, remains the stabilization of security. All parties are duty-bound to put an immediate end to acts of violence and to implement a ceasefire that will allow the launching of a genuine political process. Belgium endorses the Secretary- General's analysis that the dispatch of a peacekeeping force cannot be envisaged in the current circumstances.”
2007-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5805 (2007) · source
“The urgency of the crisis has even prompted dozens of non-governmental organizations to appeal to the international community. A growing portion of the population is dependent on assistance, which, however, is facing serious problems of access. All parties, and the Transitional Federal Institutions in particular, are duty-bound to protect the population, respect international humanitarian law, facilitate access to those in need, and promote the return of displaced persons to their areas of origin. Incidents similar to that of 4 December, when the closure of land and maritime access points to humanitarian assistance was announced and subsequently retracted, must absolutely be avoided.”
2007-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5805 (2007) · source
“We encourage the Prime Minister to invite all political forces, inside Somalia or out, that renounce violence and accept the Transitional Federal Charter as the framework for the restoration of peace in Somalia to participate in an inclusive political process. The Transitional Federal Government is primarily responsible for implementing the conclusions of the National Reconciliation Congress and for establishing a road map for completing the transitional period. That includes preparations for a constitutional referendum and for elections by 2009, in accordance with the Transitional Federal Charter. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Holmes, recently reminded the Council. There is no indication that this trend will reverse itself.”
2007-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5805 (2007) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): The situation in Somalia is grave. It poses a real threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and is causing terrible suffering among the Somali population. The situation requires an integrated approach on the part of the international community to address all the various aspects of the crisis. In that context, I thank Special Representative Mr. Ould Abdallah for his detailed report on the latest developments in that country and for his recommendations for strengthening the action of the international community. I also thank the representative of Somalia for his contribution to the debate. At the political level, the appointment of the new Prime Minister, Mr. Nur Hassan Hussein, has opened a new window of opportunity for progress in the transition process.”
2007-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5805 (2007) · source
“Gas and oil income provide the Government of Timor-Leste the keys for fruitful investment in the country's development and the future of its people, including in the socio-economic conditions of the country. My delegation intends to look to the future resolutely. In that connection, the mission's report contains some proposals that have garnered our full attention. The Council's support continues to be more necessary than ever. It is in that spirit that my delegation will approach the negotiations on the renewal of UNMIT's mandate in February 2008.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“However, as the report states, the process of reconciliation cannot take place to the detriment of the need for justice, as both go hand-in- hand. My delegation is especially concerned about the issue of displaced persons, which, as we know, affects about 10 per cent of the population. Everything should therefore be done to enable their return. That of course entails many material aspects, but it also depends upon people feeling safe in their places of origin and upon the feeling of justice being done vis-a-vis the 2006 crisis. The challenges facing the new Government are certainly numerous, but it has a major asset, namely, the existence of significant natural resources.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“Whether as regards Major Reinado and his sympathizers, displaced persons or the petitioners, it is crucial to prevent the aftermath of the 2006 crisis from leaving a permanent mark on Timorese society. As the visit revealed, those three issues are intrinsically linked and continue to be unresolved 18 months following the crisis. Although it was certainly difficult to resolve them during the electoral campaigns, it is now up to the new team to resolutely address those sensitive problems. It is good to note that there is a move towards an acceptable solution to the issue of petitioners by all concerned. It is also commendable that the Government is seeking a negotiated solution to the matter of Major Reinado.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“The Council's mission also noted that another of the causes of last year's crisis continues to prevail, namely, the weakness of institutions, the security forces in particular. Strengthening those forces is precisely one of the major components of UNMIT's mandate. The Council's mission also took note of the tensions between UNMIT and the national police. The national police should understand that it is in its interest to be recognized by the population and that the process under way, far from calling it into question, is precisely designed to strengthen it and its democratic legitimacy. Allow me now to move from the causes to the consequences of this crisis.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“It is precisely on the causes and consequences of that crisis that I wish to dwell further. The division within the leadership was one of the major causes of the 2006 crisis. Now that legislative and presidential elections are over, a new chapter is opening for the country. The main opposition party, FRETILIN, informed the Security Council mission of its determination not to use violence and is participating in parliamentary meetings. That positive attitude should be welcomed, but national unity needs to be bolstered. The country continues to face an identity crisis. As the report before us quite correctly points out, national consensus is required to resolve the serious problems confronting the country.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“Mr. Verbeke (Belgium) (spoke in French): I should like to start by thanking our South African colleague for his briefings of last Thursday and today on the mission to Timor-Leste. I commend him on the professionalism he demonstrated in his leadership of the visit. I also wish to affirm that my delegation fully supports the statement made by our Portuguese colleague on behalf of the European Union. My statement will focus on certain additional aspects. One of the main conclusions drawn by the Security Council mission to Timor-Leste is the fact that, despite the important work done by the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the authorities of the country over the past 18 months, both the causes and the consequences of the 2006 crisis persist.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“That is an excellent basis for the work of the Security Council. Belgium is prepared to take an active and responsible role in that essential discussion.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“That is especially true of fugitives accused of the most serious crimes, including Radovan Karadzic, Ratko Mladic and Felicien Kabuga. We call on all States concerned to fully cooperate with the Tribunals, as they are obliged to do, in order to apprehend those persons and transfer them to The Hague. Belgium takes note with regret of the information provided by Ms. Del Ponte today regarding Serbia's deteriorating cooperation with the Tribunal. We urge the Belgrade Government to do everything possible to fully cooperate with the Tribunal. Finally, the residual functions that must be carried out following the closing of the Tribunals as they are currently constituted must be addressed without further delay. The joint study carried out by the Tribunals clearly identified the various residual functions.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“As it did in June, my delegation calls upon senior officials of both Tribunals to continue their efforts to ensure that, to the extent possible, the work is completed within the deadlines referred to in resolutions 1503 (2003) and 1534 (2004). My delegation appreciates the problems caused by the departures of some highly qualified Tribunal staff, as well as by other administrative and organizational matters referred to here by the representatives of the Tribunals. Moreover, we recognize that the Security Council cannot ask the Tribunals to complete their work within certain deadlines without providing them with the reasonable resources needed to complete their work. The Tribunals will not be considered as having properly rendered justice if indicted fugitives are not tried.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source