YouSaid · the spoken record

Vieira De Mello

lines on the record: 513
first: 1999-01-21
most recent: 2003-07-22
sittings or episodes: 16
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 wish to make a final comment. Many Iraqis with whom I have spoken have expressed a sense of betrayal: that the international community did not sufficiently recognize their plight. I believe that we owe a debt to the people of Iraq, and that the best way of honouring it is through our words and deeds and through our commitment to support the rehabilitation of their country now and in the future. As the Secretary-General said, the people of Iraq deserve no less.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It is therefore essential that the Iraqi population set the agenda and that the United Nations then support its implementation, as it may be required. For that reason, much of our plan has yet to be written and will have to be discussed with the Governing Council. Before the end of the year, it is the Secretary- General's intention, as indicated in his report, to put in place a team of experts under the overall coordination of his Special Representative. They will be able to respond effectively to requests for assistance that we have received and that we expect to receive. I wish to thank my colleagues and my team in the United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq and the Secretariat for having ensured that these first weeks of our work under resolution 1483 (2003) have proceeded without major delays.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It also points out that implementation of the mandate will be a work in constant progress, with some guidelines that we will develop in the short term and others that will naturally emerge at a later date. What the United Nations cannot do is replace the Coalition Provisional Authority. Nor should it ever replace the rightful role that Iraqis must play in shaping the future of their country. What the United Nations can do is help build consensus among Iraqis and between Iraqis and the Coalition Provisional Authority. We have tentatively developed some areas of our programme of action. The reform of key institutions and the establishment of electoral and constitutional processes, for example, are essentially political undertakings with serious implications for the future of Iraq.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It is not a clear mandate, but at the same time the situation in Iraq is exceptional, and therefore it requires an exceptional approach. The lack of clarity allows for the United Nations role in Iraq to emerge and develop as the situation on the ground evolves. The report of the Secretary-General indicates a number of areas in which the United Nations can assist and proposes a structure that should be constantly reviewed as the oil-for-food programme comes to an end and as humanitarian activities wind down and reconstruction needs grow. During this new stage of United Nations participation in Iraq, particular attention will be paid to recruiting and developing the capacity of national staff. In short, the report emphasizes that we must be flexible and able to respond quickly to calls for assistance when they arise.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“The articulation of a clear timetable with definite milestones will afford them that comfort and will contribute to stabilizing the situation. Fourthly, I believe that we have reason to be optimistic about the future of Iraq. But we have little margin for error. The situation remains fragile. Iraqis know better than anyone how, when and at what pace to proceed in their own country. Our greatest contribution will be to follow their lead and, when necessary, to assist them in achieving consensus among themselves. Finally, as I mentioned earlier, the Authority must exercise its leadership to provide security and restore law and order. How can the United Nations help? Resolution 1483 (2003) provides considerable scope for the United Nations to play an effective role in Iraq.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Secondly, for it to succeed, the Governing Council will need the full support of the international community and of the Iraqi people, whose trust and respect it will need to earn anew each day. It must be empowered to deliver tangible improvements to the welfare of the population while not becoming the object of criticism because of the legal obligations of the Coalition Provisional Authority in the current situation. Thirdly, there will need to be a clear timetable, laid out as soon as possible, for the earliest possible restoration of Iraqi sovereignty. I have stressed that point before, but it is worth repeating. Iraqis need to be aware that the current stage of affairs will soon come to an end. They need to know that stability will be restored and that the occupation will end.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“That afforded a further opportunity to review all such concerns with relevant officials. In short, I have expressed the imperative need - and the Coalition Provisional Authority has agreed, of course - for the coalition forces to demonstrate through their actions the importance of exemplary compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Anything less must not prevail in today's Iraq. (spoke in Spanish) By way of summing up, let me make the following comments on what remains to be done and how the United Nations might help. First, I believe that the Governing Council possesses credible executive authority and that it is broadly representative of the various constituencies existing in Iraq.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Likewise, human rights non-governmental organizations are playing a critical and helpful role in monitoring current developments. I have raised with Ambassadors Bremer and Sawers concerns regarding searches, arrests, the treatment of detainees, the duration of preventive detention, access by family members and lawyers and the establishment of a central prison database. They have been receptive and have provided me with responses on action being taken to address and resolve all those questions. Last Friday, with Ambassador Bremer and his senior colleagues dealing with the police and correctional services, I visited the main Iraqi detention complex at Abu Ghraib, which is currently under rehabilitation, as well as a nearby camp where detainees are temporarily being held.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“I thus intend to explore with the Iraqi media, as well as with the Governing Council, the possibility of assisting - as we have done elsewhere - in the establishment of a national, independent and impartial news radio station, together with international donors and non- governmental organizations. Clarity and certainty of information will be essential if peace of mind is to be achieved and frustrations allayed. Today, Iraq finds itself in an awkward situation: a post-conflict situation, but with hostilities occurring every day; awash with weapons, many legitimately present, many more not; and under military occupation. In this tense context, the protection of human rights inevitably becomes a concern. Iraqis have raised with me their current fears and anxieties in this regard, which the Secretary-General has reflected in his report.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“I urge the Governing Council to pay particular attention to developing a national human rights action plan to enable Iraqis to deal with the myriad human rights issues in a coordinated and comprehensive manner, including through the possible establishment of an independent national human rights institution. The forthcoming constitutional discussions offer a unique opportunity for integrating such human rights concerns in the elaboration of Iraq's new fundamental law. Access to information is a major problem for Iraqis today. Currently, there is no national mass media capacity that is seen to be independent, objective and comprehensive. After being denied that right for so long, Iraqis are keen for change.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Many of the issues that are being discussed, in particular the past crimes inflicted on the Iraqi people, will be painful and complex for the people of Iraq to address. Given that, and given the gravity of the crimes in question, I believe there is much merit in considering the establishment of a mixed Iraqi and international panel of experts to consider in detail the options that would best suit Iraq. The United Nations will continue to facilitate dialogue on those issues and, together with my office in Geneva, lend our experience where required. We also look forward to a visit in the near future by the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on human rights in Iraq, Mr. Andreas Mavrommatis.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“What is perhaps not so clear is their scale, for that is still emerging. What does seem to be becoming appallingly apparent, however, is that those victims who suffered the ultimate violation - the abuse of their right to life - number in the several hundreds of thousands. One can reasonably suppose that the unlawful incarceration, torture and ill treatment of others took place to at least as horrific an extent. It is for the people of Iraq to determine how to deal with those challenges. How effectively they do so will significantly affect the extent to which they will be able to achieve harmony for their future. Equally, how effectively they deal with the past will go a long way towards ensuring that such egregious crimes will never again be possible. The past and the future, as always, are inextricably linked.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“For that reason, the United Nations, together with the World Bank, is carrying out a number of sectoral needs assessments over the coming months which, in consultation with the Governing Council, will inform a donor conference to be held in the autumn on what Iraq's reconstruction priorities should be. It will not surprise members to hear that one area in which I am taking a particularly keen interest is that of human rights. There are three particular concerns: how to deal with past abuses; how to ensure that human rights are protected for all Iraqis in the future, with particular emphasis on the rights of women; and how to ensure that human rights are protected and upheld in Iraq today. All merit close attention. The human rights violations of the past regime in Iraq are well known to all.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Building on the experience acquired by the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes that have been active in Iraq for years, it has been a superb success and a model of coordination and true integration of United Nations efforts. I thank all the institutions involved for their contribution to this effort. It should become the template for such operations in the future. At the informal meeting hosted by the United Nations in New York on 24 June - in which some Council members participated, together with an Iraqi- led delegation - the international community expressed clear support for such a reconstruction effort.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“With respect to reconstruction, looking to the future, there are clearly immense reconstruction needs in the short and longer terms, not only as a consequence of the conflict but, maybe even more so, as a consequence of 13 years of sanctions and subsequent neglect and decay. As reflected in resolution 1483 (2003), this reconstruction is not only of a physical nature; it must also include public administration, governance, civil society and all the other vital elements required for a new Iraqi society. To deal with the diversity and complexity of the situation, from the first day of my time in Iraq I have had in my team representatives from the United Nations Development Programme, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, who have provided advice to me, as well as to the Iraqis and Authority counterparts.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“In the coming weeks, as the elements of the reconstruction plan for Iraq and the 2004 national budget are firmed up in advance of the donors' conference, we can expect that the process already under way will require some fine-tuning. In the particular case of the three northern governorates, the Coalition Provisional Authority has proposed that the United Nations transfer programme implementation to the Iraqi authorities at both the regional and the central levels, with the Authority providing support and advice at a senior level. We are preparing a strategy for implementing this handover for discussion with the Governing Council and the Authority.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“With a coordinated and determined effort on all sides, it should nonetheless prove possible. But needs will continue to exist far beyond the handover of the programme, that is, until the economy picks up and reliance on humanitarian assistance declines. In the centre and south, good cooperation has been established between the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Iraqi line ministries and relevant United Nations agencies. Work is well under way on the prioritizing of contracts. However, it should be noted that the number of contracts being adopted is much higher than initially envisaged because the humanitarian phase has been superseded by rehabilitation and recovery activities much more quickly than anticipated.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Of the $2.2 billion requested in the latest humanitarian appeal launched by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), almost $2 billion has been pledged or contributed. As the Council knows, of that amount $1.1 billion was provided through the oil-for-food programme, as authorized by resolutions 1472 (2003) and 1483 (2003). An additional $900 million has been provided through voluntary contributions. Nonetheless, additional needs remain largely unmet. The sectors of emergency rehabilitation, health and demining, including the disposal of unexploded ordnance, require particular and urgent support. With respect to the oil-for-food programme, given the sheer scale of that programme, its completion by 21 November 2003 was always going to be a challenge.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“With regard to humanitarian assistance, United Nations activities did not begin in Iraq with resolution 1483 (2003). For a considerable period of time prior to that much importance was given to this question, and impressive work has been carried out by the Organization in the humanitarian field and in the implementation of the oil-for-food programme. Immediate humanitarian needs are largely being met in Iraq today. However, there are still outstanding requirements; and more are emerging, particularly in regard to internally displaced persons. The plight of refugees, as highlighted by the recent welcome visit of High Commissioner Lubbers, also needs to be resolved in a measured but comprehensive fashion. Funding for humanitarian requirements in Iraq has, for the most part, been generously provided.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“We are also expecting a visit, at the end of this month, from our colleagues at the United Nations Office in Vienna, who will be dispatching an assessment mission to look into how best strategies might be developed to deal with different types of organized crime, and particularly drug smuggling. Again, I was speaking with my colleague Antonio Costa about this matter this very morning. We also stand ready to offer advice on correctional reform. Establishing a proper prison system that processes detainees in a timely manner and that is in accordance with all human rights obligations is an imperative. We have seconded an experienced senior colleague from the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo to assist in this area.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Although we cannot be, and do not wish to be, a substitute for the Coalition Provisional Authority in this field, the United Nations stands ready to lend modest assistance, in terms of its expertise, in the area of developing an effective national law and order capacity. We have much training experience in that area, not least in the field of human rights. I would encourage the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Governing Council to make use of it, as well as of those offers to assist with police development that I have received from a number of Member States and organizations. In the coming weeks, I intend to focus my discussion with the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Governing Council on how best that might be done so as to effectively give life to paragraph 8 (h) of resolution 1483 (2003).”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Recent attacks, one fatal, on the International Organization for Migration, are also of great concern. I have just been informed this morning that today in Baghdad a delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross was killed in an incident south of the capital. In the current context, the coalition has the primary obligation of restoring and maintaining security, law and order. The Governing Council, too, now has policy prerogatives on matters concerning Iraq's national security. Ultimately, only Iraqis can fulfil that responsibility on behalf of a national authority that enjoys credibility, respect and resources.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“In parallel, common law criminality is a major problem, not helped by Saddam Hussain's decision, in October last year, to empty the prisons - with the exception, of course, of political detainees. The potential impact of this violence must not be underestimated. It threatens to undermine confidence in the transition and to shake the resolve of Iraqis committed to leading their country through this very delicate period in its history. The United Nations presence in Iraq remains vulnerable to any who would seek to target our Organization, as recent events in Mosul - described in the Secretary-General's report - illustrate. Our security continues to rely significantly on the reputation of the United Nations, our ability to demonstrate, meaningfully, that we are in Iraq to assist its people, and our independence.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“In so doing, Iraq's neighbours will contribute significantly to regional and world peace and security. On the issue of security, the political process - which still has a long way to go - is only one of the challenges currently facing Iraq. As the Council will be aware, security in Iraq remains tenuous. Too many are losing their lives, on an almost daily basis. It is imperative that security, law and order be restored throughout Iraq as soon as possible. Without them, every area of activity will be impacted for the worse. In the run-up to the formation of the Governing Council, Iraqis cooperating with the Coalition Provisional Authority have been the subjects of attacks. Another disturbing trend has been attacks against Iraqi police. There have been virtually daily attacks on coalition forces, which have been widely reported in the media.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“I hope to be visiting those neighbours, as well as Kuwait, on my return to the region. All were concerned to see resolution 1483 (2003) implemented as quickly as possible. Some were anxious for reassurance that the Governing Council was a truly representative and independent body with genuine executive authority. All, not surprisingly, desired to see a new Iraq at peace with itself and its neighbours, and wished the United Nations to take the lead in achieving that vision. In turn, I urged all of Iraq's neighbours to play their supportive role to the full, to embrace the Governing Council and to provide it with whatever assistance it may request. As the Secretary-General pointed out, the aim must be to help consolidate Iraq's national unity, territorial integrity, stability and prosperity.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“That process cannot begin too soon, not least to serve as a tangible demonstration of intent that full sovereignty is to be restored to Iraq as quickly as possible, and that the current state of affairs is finite. As the Secretary-General emphasizes in his report, now more than ever, Iraq needs the support of its neighbours. As he just said, immediately prior to my coming here I visited His Royal Highness Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, in Taif. I also travelled to Damascus and Tehran, where I met with Presidents Al-Assad and Khatami and Foreign Ministers Al-Shara' and Kharrazi, respectively. In late June, I accompanied the Secretary-General to Amman. There, we met with Foreign Ministers Maher, Muasher and Giil - of Egypt, Jordan and Turkey respectively - as well as with Secretary-General Amr Moussa of the League of Arab States.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“These will need to be held in order, in the words of resolution 1483 (2003), for an internationally recognized, representative Government to come into being. For the constitution to be viewed as credible, it is essential that its drafting be an Iraqi-driven process. All are in agreement on that. I thus welcome the Governing Council's intention to make that an early focus of its deliberations. We stand ready, should the Governing Council so desire, to share our experience in this field. Preparing for elections is a complex, time- consuming matter. I am thus pleased that we will soon welcome to Iraq a visit by the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs to begin discussion with the Governing Council and the Coalition Provisional Authority on possible electoral frameworks and the resulting calendar.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“Al-Hashemi to hear from that delegation their vision for the transition and beyond. The process leading to the establishment of the Governing Council was complicated but bears hope for the future. It is truly unprecedented that Iraq is going through the present legal, political and military circumstances. The making of the Governing Council required intense consultations and compromise on all sides. I am convinced that this experience will stand Iraq in good stead in dealing with the many challenges that lie ahead. Iraq has many fundamental political issues on which to decide, not least determining the process by which a constitution can be drawn up, as well as the timing and precise nature of elections.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It is our firm intention to assist, advise, support and help consolidate this initial embodiment of Iraqi executive authority. I commend the Iraqi leaders on the Governing Council for their statesmanship in assuming this historic responsibility. I also commend the Coalition Provisional Authority - and in particular Ambassadors Bremer, Sawers and Crocker - for their efforts in seeking to ensure the full implementation of resolution 1483 (2003) as soon as possible. As the Security Council has resolved, the day when Iraqis govern themselves must come quickly. The formation of the Governing Council is a necessary step in that direction. I am thus delighted that the Security Council has the opportunity today to meet formally with Mr. Pachachi, Mr. Chalabi and Ms.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It means that we now have a formal body of senior and distinguished Iraqi counterparts, with credibility and authority, with whom we can chart the way forward. For decisions of national importance to be authoritative, they must be seen to be the product of Iraqi decision-making of as representative a nature as is possible. With the formation of the Governing Council, we now enter a new stage that succeeds the disorienting power vacuum that followed the fall of the previous regime. On my return to Baghdad, I intend to sit with the Governing Council to see how best we might develop together the areas of activity the Secretary- General outlined in his report, as well as in any other areas it believes we might be of assistance.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“As the report of the Secretary-General outlines, that body has been invested with significant executive powers, agreed jointly between the members of the Governing Council and the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), with particular but not exclusive emphasis on foreign affairs, finance, security and the constitutional process. The Governing Council will soon be appointing Iraqi interim ministers and, importantly, designating Iraqi representation in international forums. We now have an institution that, while not democratically elected, can be viewed as broadly representative of the various constituencies in Iraq. As such, its establishment is a welcome development for the international community and for the United Nations.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“They want to see the establishment of permanent, Iraqi, representative and credible institutions that operate in their service. In all these areas, they - including those who are critical, even resentful of what they perceive to be the United Nations past record in their country - unanimously call for an energetic, centre-stage role for the Organization. These are the traumas, the anxieties, the aspirations and the frustrations of the Iraqi people with which we all must empathize and to which we must respond if we are to succeed in this endeavour. The formation on 13 July of Iraq's Governing Council was a significant step towards that goal.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It was to speak with as many Iraqis as possible to find out what it was that they wanted for themselves and how it was that they saw we might be of assistance in realizing these aspirations. I have thus spent the past weeks travelling the country and meeting with a wide array of Iraqis: politicians, civil society leaders, lawyers, spiritual leaders, doctors, journalists, artists and human rights activists. From my preliminary discussions, a number of consistent themes emerge. First, they want to see themselves back at the helm of their country. They also want to see the arrival of security and of the rule of law. Equally, Iraqis want to see the restoration of basic services: reliable electricity, clean water, schools back up and running, hospitals functioning and so on.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It is the cornerstone of the Secretary-General's approach to the work of the United Nations in Iraq, as outlined in his report to the Council, that everything we do must be for the benefit of the people and country of Iraq; must be decided on by or in consultation with them; and must be aimed at enabling as soon as possible the full restoration of Iraq's full sovereignty and return to the community of nations. The United Nations looks forward, as quickly as possible, to welcoming back one of its founding Members. (spoke in English) With respect to the political process, for me, on arriving in Iraq at the beginning of June and not being an expert on the country, only the first step was obvious, as the Secretary-General just pointed out.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“This should be and is a source of pride to the Iraqi people - a pride that is today deeply hurt. Iraq is something other than a past repressive regime; it is something other than a pariah State; it is not simply the scene of conflict, deprivation and abuse. It is a country with a singularly rich history. That its immediate past has been so terrible is a tragedy on which we all must reflect. The Iraqi people deserve far more than their recent years have afforded them.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“I shall aim to provide a picture in words of the current situation in Iraq, brief the Council on the latest developments with regard to the political process currently under way and outline those areas in which the United Nations, now and in the immediate future, can help in the implementation of that resolution. Before I commence my briefing proper, however, let me begin by paying tribute to the extraordinary people of Iraq. In recent weeks, my colleagues and I have been awed by the evocation of the history of a great country. Babylon was described by Herodotus as far back as 450 BC, when it was already thousands of years old, as being unparalleled in its magnificence. Iraq's contribution to our understanding and appreciation of law, of science and of art - indeed, its contribution to human civilization - has been immense.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“It is an honour to be briefing the Council today under your stewardship, Madam, only three days after our meeting in Baghdad. In addressing all present, I wish particularly to greet those three who are in this room representing the Governing Council of Iraq. I am here today to introduce the Secretary-General's report on the work of the United Nations in implementing the mandate accorded it under resolution 1483 (2003). My focus will lie particularly on those aspects of the mandate outlined in operative paragraph 8 of that document. In this briefing, I shall seek to complement, not duplicate, the text of the report.”
2003-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4791 (2003) · source
“I am still awaiting, as I said, a clear, tangible and credible reply from the RDC-Goma. I have not had any contacts with the Union des Patriots Congolais and therefore I cannot tell you whether they are prepared to do so or not. Your last question was Whether there is any chance of identifying those political leaders who provide cover for violence against women or the exploitation of children, in particular with regard to their respective war efforts. I believe the answer to your question is yes. Mr. President.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“This is possible in that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has ratified the Rome Treaty, and therefore it could bring matters before the ICC if it wished to do so. In any event, the establishment of a commission reconciliation seems to me to be part of the range of measures that are desirable in order to put an end to the climate and culture of impunity. As requested by the representative of Cameroon and the Council President. 1 will make the written report available to the Council as soon as possible. (Spoke in English) Finally, with regard to your question. Mr. President, as to whether the parties are ready to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mr. Guehenno has already answered that. On the basis of my own contacts on the ground. I believe that at present, the Government and the MLC seem to be prepared to do so.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“(Spoke in French) The representative of Cameroon asked what measures could be taken by the international community so that those responsible for these many abuses will not, or no longer, enjoy impunity. First, we spoke of an international commission of inquiry. The second step is to establish a special jurisdiction during the transition phase, which I think is absolutely possible and desirable. The third is something referred to by the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo himself, which is creation of a jurisdiction similar to that which now exists in Sierra Leone. Lastly, the representative of Cameroon asked me what I thought about bringing cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“As I said, I have provided the names of those high-ranking military officers to the RCD leaders with whom I met in Kisangani last January. Turning now to questions put to me by other members, in particular by the representative of Spain- (Spoke in Spanish) She asked how to get access to the vulnerable populations. I think the answer is simple, but it is difficult to implement. The first element is cooperation by the parties, especially by the rebel movements, so that they allow access by the humanitarian organizations under conditions of security for their workers. Secondly, if possible, there should be a mandate and a greater capacity on the part of MONUC to provide military protection to our colleagues from the humanitarian agencies.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“On 27 December the Conseil operational de guerre, meeting in Kisangani, had a short trial of a small number of military and police officers alleged to have masterminded the massacres of 14 May 2002. Quite apart from the questionable legitimacy of such courts and proceedings, the list of the accused did not include any of the well-known high-ranking military officers that eye-witnesses and human rights groups had identified as having directed or led the massacres. Nor did it include any high-level civilian officials. Instead, those arraigned were mostly persons accused of genocide or attempted genocide or incitation to ethnic hatred in connection with the killing of a small number of Rwandans in the early stages of the events.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Bemba to accept responsibility for the actions of his military forces on the ground. However, as far as my Office is concerned, I would find it difficult to observe the proceedings of a military jurisdiction that is established by a rebel movement, which therefore lacks legitimacy. I fear that if we were to do so - I am speaking for my Office now - we might lend credibility and validate those proceedings, which I do not think is within my competence. I was also asked whether there had been any follow-up action by the RCD-Goma to calls made by my predecessor, and indeed by this Council. What I can report is that the RCD leadership promised to prosecute all suspects. According to the chief of its department of external relations, the trials would be open and suspects would have the right to defend themselves.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“(Spoke in English) The representative of the United States asked if my Office had been requested by the parties to offer advice and technical assistance on the creation of new institutions under the Pretoria Agreement. The answer is that I did not receive such a request, but I certainly made the offer to all of them, and in no uncertain terms I repeat that offer here today. I believe Mr. Guehenno has answered the second question, regarding the present and future role of MONUC. On the question of the military court to be established by the MLC in Gbadolite,the United States expressed disappointment that my Office cannot help. I think Mr. Guehenno has indicated that we must be flexible, for reasons that I certainly understand in terms of monitoring the proceedings of that court, and in terms of acknowledging the willingness of Mr.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“As for the other special rapporteurs referred to by the representative of France, there is indeed a request by the Commission on Human Rights which goes back to 1997, that the special rapporteurs for summary executions and for the Congo and for the Working Group on Disappearances go together to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But that has not yet been possible, for security and financial reasons. I do not have the funds necessary to finance such a mission. But, obviously, I hope that improvement in the situation on the ground, and the implementation of the Peace Agreement, will make it possible to send this mission as soon as possible.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“The truth and reconciliation commission is essential, in my opinion, as part of this new justice structure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Finally, I would say on this question that we must demand that all the parties allow humanitarian agencies access to populations in need. In my opinion, this is not a negotiable matter. As I said, this is not possible at present, particularly in rebel-controlled areas and in trans-boundary activities between rebel-controlled areas. (Spoke in French) Answering the questions from the representative of France, I wish to inform him that the special rapporteur for the Democratic Republic of the Congo will, on 27 February, start a 12-day trip to visit Kinshasa, Kisangani, Gbadolite and Goma.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Certainly here the task is immense. With a clear mandate, we can achieve a great deal, provided the parties fully cooperate. I would also add, as I did in my statement, that suspects who have been clearly identified and who I name in my report must be suspended from their military duties and must be arrested. The early establishment of a transitional, special jurisdiction - the nature of which is not for me to suggest, but I will come back to that when I answer the questions from the representative of Cameroon - to tackle the many gross violations of human rights over the years - on the basis of evidence provided by ourselves, MONUC, other sources, and a possible special commission of investigation - is clearly another means of achieving these goals.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Well, you have all answered by stating that peace is a pre- condition for peace to be truly achievable, and therefore the Pretoria Agreement must be implemented by all the parties to the inter-Congolese dialogue. Neighbours must also fully contribute to this. The Ituri peace commission agreement that was recently reached between President Kabila and President Museveni could serve as a test. As Mr. Guehenno has just said, MONUC and my Office will continue to work in total cohesion, but for them to be more effective they must receive a clear mandate and the means for the implementation of all the human rights-related provisions in the Pretoria Agreement. This was clear in some of your statements, as well as in what Mr. Guehenno has just said. Many such provisions are obvious, in different articles of that agreement; others are implicit.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Mr. Vieira de Mello: Completing what my colleague Jean-Marie Guehenno has just said, in answering specific questions addressed to me let me first of all thank all the members - and yourself, Mr. President - for the unanimous support that you have given to human rights protection and to justice and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as fundamental pillars of the durable peace process which we all hope is in motion in that country - as anywhere else, needless to say. The representative of Pakistan - and here I will also be answering questions put to me by the representatives of Bulgaria, the United Kingdom and Spain - asked how we can secure such objectives. I presume he meant in the short to medium term.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source
“Perhaps all of them have such a dimension, and a clear mandate from the Security Council would undoubtedly strengthen my officers' and MONUC's ability to play fully their role in bringing about, in a Democratic Republic of the Congo which is at peace, democratic institutions that are solidly grounded in the rule of law, accountability and human rights for all.”
2003-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4705 (2003) · source