YouSaid · the spoken record

Wehbe

lines on the record: 606
first: 1997-03-06
most recent: 2003-09-04
sittings or episodes: 78
sources: un-security-council

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

“We welcome the accelerated return of refugees despite misinformation and propaganda campaigns and hope that all obstacles in the way of the return of those refugees will be eliminated. We fully understand that the future of East Timor can be guaranteed only by full reconciliation among all Timorese. We believe that this is crucial to the stability of the country. We also believe that development can be achieved in East Timor through such national reconciliation. The United Nations experience in East Timor is a success story by any standards and we hope that all the aforementioned efforts will be crowned with success and ensure the best possible future for the people of that country.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“We are satisfied at the increasing role being played by the Administration in East Timor in governing the daily affairs of that country. We also express our appreciation for the encouraging results achieved by the Administration in economic and social development, particularly in generating income, improving the situation of poverty and unemployment and reforming the country's infrastructure, while stressing the need to focus on the role of women in peace and development in East Timor. We stress the references in the report to the urgent need for resources to provide the necessary technical support for the development of the judiciary and the Police Service, as well as to international security assistance, which has a crucial role to play in promoting stability locally and regionally.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“We welcome the elements in the report on progress achieved towards independence, particularly concerning constitutional and legislative measures, security conditions, the implementation of policies to encourage economic and social development, the issue of relations with Indonesia, East Timor's closest and historically most important neighbour, and steps taken by both parties to build mutual relations. We would express our appreciation to the Indonesian Government for its determination to fulfil its commitments and for the measures it has taken to that end. In this regard, we believe that special relations should be fostered between Indonesia and East Timor, focusing on the best possible future for the peoples of both countries.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“Syria has followed the long road taken by the parties concerned towards 20 May 2002 and wishes to express its appreciation for the roles of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and of the Constituent Assembly through its decision to convene direct presidential elections on 14 April this year. We believe that this is an excellent initiative and a decisive step on the road to East Timor's independence.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“Mr. Wehbe (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, allow me to thank the Secretary- General for his report on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). We also welcome Ms. Louise Frechette, Deputy Secretary-General, and Mr. John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, to today's important debate. We also wish to express our satisfaction at the excellent work undertaken by UNTAET in East Timor. Allow us further to convey our thanks and appreciation to Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and to all the staff of UNTAET for their efforts to implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We cannot fail to welcome Mr. Jose Ramos- Horta, Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of East Timor.”
2002-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4462 (2002) · source
“We hope that the Security Council and the United Nations will not fail to assist Africa to contain and manage its crises in order to promote peace and security in that great continent, particularly since there are many resolutions, mechanisms, declarations and programmes that we believe to be adequate to address African crises. However, this will require genuine political will. A number of valuable proposals have been made this morning and this afternoon that we feel should be set out in a single list for the consideration and follow-up of the Security Council, which might devote a special meeting to making it an operational reality.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We share the opinion that peace is an essential prerequisite of economic and social progress, which in turn is necessary to a life of peace and stability in Africa, so long as the root causes of African conflicts are addressed and development prospects are found that can lead to the necessary solutions to the problems of poverty and disease and to economic growth. In conclusion, we hope that this important exchange of opinions today will give new impetus to efforts to rebuild a continent of such promise, wealth, resources and potential on the basis of peace, cooperation, sustainable development and non- marginalization so that it may join the mainstream of globalization and benefit from it.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We were very pleased in that regard by the participation in today's meeting of Ambassador Ivan Simonovie, President of the Economic and Social Council, who made an important contribution to the drafting of the Declaration and is now responsible for its follow-up. The commitment of the international community, in addition to that of African leaders to achieving the objectives they set for themselves, are two essential preconditions for meeting the challenges of peace and development in Africa, which are complementary and interlinked. In that regard, we believe that the establishment of the African Union is a promising opportunity to rebuild the African continent on a firm and methodical basis, allowing it to join the mainstream of globalization.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Fifthly, we believe that the commitment of African leaders to the New Partnership for Africa's Development deserves the full support of the donor community. It offers an appropriate opportunity to analyse and assess the prospects for development and to set agreed objectives. We believe that the success of such an initiative requires the serious support and commitment of the international community to providing resources and necessary expertise. The Economic and Social Council stressed this issue at its most recent substantive meeting in Geneva through the Ministerial Declaration issued at the high-level segment from 16 to 18 July 2001, which was presided over by the Permanent Representative of Cameroon.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We hope that progress will be made in promoting subregional initiatives for peace and development, for institutional linkages and confidence-building and for complementary policies in the political, humanitarian, development and security fields. Fourthly, there is an urgent need to consider appropriately the negative repercussions of long-term economic sanctions imposed on African countries that are among the poorest and least developed in the world. We do not believe that the imposition of such sanctions can contribute positively over the medium- and long-term to the eradication of the causes of conflict or towards stability in these countries. On the contrary, we believe that they will only increase poverty and tension.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Progress in implementing the many recommendations within the United Nations that the Secretary-General referred to in his above- mentioned report will surely improve prospects for solving a larger number of conflicts in Africa. Thirdly, there is a need for regional and subregional strategies in dealing with many conflicts having a regional dimension. Perhaps the challenges confronting the Mano River Union countries point this out rather well. The issues of refugees, illegal trafficking in small arms and DDR programmes are all inter-linked in the region. Failure to tackle these issues comprehensively carries the threat of widening conflict among the States of the region.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Secondly, there is an urgent need for the greatest possible coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU when dealing with conflicts in Africa, as well as for regular consultation between the two organizations. We believe that there is a need to continue promoting African capabilities in the maintenance of peace with a view towards building an effective partnership with the United Nations. We are pleased that cooperation with the OAU and subregional organizations in the prevention, management and settlement of conflicts has had positive results in West Africa, the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Even when peace accords are reached, there is still need to mobilize and coordinate the efforts of international institutions and donors in peace-building. Failure to provide the necessary financial resources and to achieve economic revival carries grave dangers, namely, a return to conflict. Perhaps the problems faced by many African countries in the beginning stages of peace-building - demobilization and reintegration of former combatants and the absence of necessary financial resources - are the best proof of that. This morning we heard the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo express his country's grave concern. We also heard many comments on the importance of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) in other countries.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“First, dealing with disputes in the African continent requires a comprehensive methodology based on preventive diplomacy aimed at peacekeeping and peacemaking, In this context we agree with the Secretary-General's statement in his periodic report entitled "The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa", which he presented to the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly, that the United Nations should move from a culture of reaction to conflict towards a culture of preventing conflict. We believe that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and that long-term strategies are required to prevent conflict and to build peace. We believe that such strategies should take into consideration the root causes of conflict and the link between sustainable development and peace.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We would also like to express our satisfaction at the progress made in the comprehensive peace Agreement signed in Algiers in December 2000 between Eritrea and Ethiopia. We look forward to the outcome of the deliberations of the Boundary Commission, which is to issue its ruling on the delimitation and demarcation of borders between the two countries at the end of next February in order to put an end to their border dispute. At the same time, however, we believe that more efforts ought to be made in other regions. There are other disputes to be defused, since they threaten to spread to neighbouring countries. On this subject, we believe that the following methodology should be taken up.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We cannot deny that in the past few years the international community has achieved concrete success in dealing with conflicts and peace-building; nor can we ignore the grave challenges that African countries - among the least developed in the world - continue to face: sustainable development, peace- building in post-conflict situations, the prevention of new conflicts, negative repercussions due to sanctions, and refugees and internally displaced persons. This month there have been many items pertaining to Africa on the Security Council's agenda. We are pleased to note that the peace process in Sierra Leone has achieved concrete progress, with the end of the disarmament process, and progress in the legislative and presidential elections to be held next May.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The strategies for resolving the disputes besetting many countries in Africa must take into consideration the true causes of such conflicts, as well their economic and social dimensions. All this is in addition to efforts to establish security and build peace in Africa, including the challenges of abject poverty and the problems of deadly epidemics, such as AIDS and malaria. It is also necessary that fair solutions be found to the burdensome problem of external debts in many of these countries.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Amara Essy, Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), in our meeting today, as well as a number of high-level African representatives. We believe that this truly reflects the utmost importance of promoting cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU in the framework of the efforts of the international community to resolve the many problems afflicting the countries of the African continent, as well as of giving due consideration to the specifics of these problems and their diverse dimensions. Today's meeting and the high-level ministerial participation reflect the Security Council's commitment to seeking durable solutions to the many grave problems facing the African continent. We believe that dealing with these problems requires a multisectoral approach.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Wehbe (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Allow me at the outset to express to you, Sir, our great pleasure at seeing you preside over the deliberations of this important session on Africa. Allow us to congratulate your friendly country of Mauritius on its presiding wisely over the deliberations of the Council this month. I must also pay tribute to your Permanent Representative and the members of your delegation for their intensive efforts and excellent performance, especially for the initiative of holding this meeting. My delegation would also like to express its satisfaction at the participation of Ms. Louise Frechette, the Deputy Secretary-General, in this important debate. Let us also express our satisfaction at the valuable opening remarks she made. My delegation also welcomes the participation of Mr.”
2002-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4460Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We are confident that the Security Council, which bears the responsibility to maintain international peace and security and to protect the life and future of humanity, will take into consideration, in debating the draft resolution on Iraq, the tragic humanitarian situation of the people of Iraq and the peoples of neighbouring countries. There is a strong wish in international public opinion, and particularly among Arab peoples, to lift the sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people in order to heal the wounds and put an end to suffering, so as to allow the people of Iraq to open a new page on the long road to comprehensive development - development that we all seek within these United Nations.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Furthermore, any talk of a draft resolution tabled in the Security Council on the elimination of weapons of mass destruction in the region would be acceptable if it came within a comprehensive purview aiming to transform the Middle East into an area free of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons. Therefore, this would include the need to compel Israel to place all its nuclear installations under international control. Security Council resolution 687 (1991) states in paragraph 14 that the Council noted that measures to be taken by Iraq stipulated in earlier paragraphs represented steps towards the objective of creating a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Syria looks to this Council to take into consideration, when debating and taking up the differing viewpoints on the situation between Iraq and Kuwait, the major economic difficulties that have confronted the neighbouring States as a consequence of the sanctions imposed on Iraq. The Council must take into consideration the utmost importance that neighbouring States and peoples attach to the lifting of the sanctions. These States must be able to resume a normal cycle of economic life. We hope that new resolutions in this regard will not jeopardize the sovereignty of neighbouring States with respect to land or the air.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Syria's position proceeds from the following basic factors. First, the principle of economic sanctions has proved worthless and has shown that they are harmful to international relations and therefore must be set aside. They must not be resorted to. Secondly, seeing that these sanctions have had such harmful effects on the Iraqi people and have increased its suffering, they, the sanctions, have also been harmful to Iraq's neighbouring States and peoples. Thirdly, there is a general Arab consensus against continuing sanctions with respect to Iraq. This was made very clear during the deliberations among the leaders of Arab States at the latest Arab summit in Amman.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Let me stress the need for the return of Kuwaiti properties to Kuwait in a practical framework agreed upon fundamentally between the two parties, Iraq and Kuwait, so that deliberations on these issues may have a political and humanitarian framework, thus leading to a solution. The Syrian Arab Republic supports and abides by the full implementation of the resolutions of international legitimacy. We spoke out on the need to maintain international legitimacy and the relevant resolutions in all fields, without any double standards in the implementation of such resolutions. Within the debate on the varying aspects of sanctions, Syria is not satisfied. We have repeatedly said that we are not satisfied with sanctions in principle. We have always called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We recall the constructive role played by Syria in the liberation of brotherly Kuwait, assisting our brothers in that nation by all means available to us. We continue our endeavours to help Kuwait overcome the pain afflicted upon it. The Syrian Arab Republic continues to believe that it is necessary to eliminate all the negative effects that have befallen the people of Kuwait as a result of that war. We express our attachment to the independence, sovereignty and security of Kuwait, as well as to the return of Kuwaiti prisoners of war, missing persons and others to their families and homes.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“At this stage, I would like to state that continuation of the sanctions will lead to serious repercussions for the unity of Iraq, for the security and stability of the region and for unforeseeable environmental and social deterioration, not to mention a grinding halt to development in all its forms. My delegation wishes to state that we are strongly attached to the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. Syria opposes any measures taken against Iraq outside of the purview of United Nations resolutions. We must ensure the necessary credibility of the Security Council in its implementation of United Nations resolutions. Faced with the stormy developments of 1990, the position of the Syrian Arab Republic was crystal clear.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Syrian Arab Republic is carefully following the Security Council's continuing deliberations on the sanctions imposed on Iraq. We are hopeful that the current consultations will lead to a definitive end to the suffering of millions of women, children, young people and the elderly in Iraq, all of whom are suffering from the harshness of the embargo and its destructive consequences at various levels. We are glad to note an increasing international understanding, as I heard in delegations' statements yesterday and today. This concern shows the importance of freeing the Iraqi people from its suffering after more than 10 years of the embargo, the sole consequence of which has been more suffering and frustration for our Iraqi brothers.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Wehbe (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, allow me, Sir, to express my delegation's satisfaction at seeing you preside over the Security Council for the month of June. On this occasion, I should like to assure you of our readiness to cooperate fully with you and with your brotherly country in any way possible to crown your efforts with success, efforts to promote the role of the United Nations and, particularly, this Security Council, in the maintenance of international peace and security. We would also like to express our appreciation to you for this meeting. Allow us also to express our sincere thanks to Ambassador Sergei Lavrov for his proposal to convene this open meeting of the Security Council in order to undertake a general debate on this important and timely issue.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4336Resumption1 (2001) · source
“If many Israeli parties, including Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a so-called man of religion, described Arabs as snakes to be beheaded, are we to reply in kind? Israel is built on such racist myths. Does he expect President Assad to respond to aggression, Israeli settlements and the killing of Arab children in occupied Arab lands with rose petals? I do not think so. I really do not think anybody would accept that. Israel has to realize that peace is the only path. A just, comprehensive peace is the preferred means to achieve security, freedom and dignity for all peoples of the region.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The aforementioned aggression reaffirms the need for us to support Lebanon, to stand with it, especially following the civil war that had threatened to transform Lebanon into another Kosovo. The country of Israel is based on occupation. It is a country that kills children daily. The picture of Muhammad Al-Durrah is but one of many pictures that can be seen on television screens all around the world. Is that not genocide? Israel must realize that security can be achieved only through peace. Peace can be achieved only through a full Israeli withdrawal from all Arab occupied territories to the lines of4 June 1967. If the representative of Israel cites statements made angrily in the face of Israel's behaviour, are we to reply in kind?”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Why does Israel subject its people to daily humiliation? Ought not the aggression recently perpetrated by Israel against Syrian military elements inside Lebanon, approximately 40 miles from the "blue line" drawn by the United Nations, be called by its true name? That aggression took place in the heart of Lebanese territory, against Lebanese sovereignty and against Syria. It was a threatening message to peace and security in the region. My country has repeatedly affirmed the need for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory, including Shabaa Farms. Syria is not ashamed of the agreement on cooperation and brotherly relations between Lebanon and itself.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Israel's daily behaviour in the occupied territories; its actions in southern Lebanon; its actions today in the Syrian Golan: these are genocidal actions. There is no need for the world to unmask this; it is clear for all to see. The fact of the matter is that Palestinians are trying to defend themselves with stones against the most advanced weaponry. The same is true of the Lebanese resistance, which is trying to liberate their occupied land. The occupier is Israel, but Israel blames others. In April, Israel and Hezbollah agreed on a memorandum of understanding; Israel and Hezbollah have traded secrets and information. Israel must withdraw from Shabaa Farms, whether it be Syrian or Lebanese. By Israel's own admission, Shabaa Farms is not Israeli, so why is Israel there? Why does Israel remain there?”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Council has heard many statements made by Arab and other representatives, condemning Israel's aggression and violations; these fill volumes of the records of the United Nations, quite apart from the voluminous resolutions adopted by the Organization, which go unheeded by Israel. And today, he spoke again. One must wonder about the reasoning behind this. All representatives have called for an end to Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people; they have all demanded that Palestinian civilians be protected from repeated Israeli aggression; many pictures have been painted - enough to convince the Security Council today. Israel must cease committing genocide, lest Israel itself fear genocide.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Wehbe (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): I had honestly not expected to be taking the floor for a second time this evening, but after the usual statement by the representative of Israel- the usual statement made in many forums - which included lies and false accusations against my country, I feel obliged to reply, and I beg the Council's indulgence. That representative made several allegations and offered many unsubstantiated accusations against my country. Outside the Council Chamber I expect that; I am used to it. That representative may have forgotten that his country always attempts to cover up its crimes by trying to assign blame to others by any means possible.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is our hope that it will be possible to enhance the protection of civilians everywhere, including civilians in the occupied Arab territories, and that special importance will be attached to this question, in the interest of the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“All people - especially civilian populations caught up in armed conflict and subjected to foreign occupation - attach great importance to the existence of the agreements, recommendations and international instruments that have been created to protect them; but of even greater importance is the existence of sincere political will to respect those international instruments, covenants and resolutions. Permit me in conclusion to express our appreciation for the contribution of the Security Council and its President, the Secretary-General and other effective Member States to enriching today's discussion of the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Sixthly, the Syrian Arab Republic stresses the importance of access to civilian populations in need, and of ensuring the safe delivery of relief aid. This requires that humanitarian assistance agencies and organizations act with objectivity, impartiality and humanitarian compassion in keeping with the provisions of the Charter, other international instruments and General Assembly resolution 46/182, and with complete respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and national legislation of States. Nor should such aid be used for political purposes.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this regard, we would like to emphasize the need to prosecute war criminals and perpetrators of aggression as a means of providing protection, and to prosecute those who perpetrate the crime of the forced transfer of persons, replacing them with others. Again, this is typical of the situation in the occupied Arab territories, in which the people are evicted from their homes and settlements constructed for new settlers. In this regard, we would like to recall that the recent Arab summit in Amman reiterated what had been said earlier at the Cairo summit: there is a need to pursue the creation of an ad hoc court to prosecute Israeli war criminals who have carried out, and continue to carry out, massacres against Arab civilians in occupied Arab territories.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Will patience and caution be exercised here until all Palestinians have been liquidated through the use of the most lethal and advanced weaponry? I should like to remind the Council that in the Syrian streets as well as in other Arab streets the failure by some members of the Council to provide protection to the Palestinian civilians is construed as support and encouragement for the aggressor as it perpetrates its aggression. The continuation of that situation will indeed endanger regional and international peace. Fifthly, in his report, the Secretary-General has focused on measures to enhance protection, especially through the prosecution of violations of international criminal law.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Is there anything uglier than collective punishment practised against civilians, or the closure of entire cities? Is there anything uglier than the ethnic cleansing undertaken by Israel against the Palestinian civilians and other Arabs in the occupied Arab territories? We do not understand this complete silence by the Security Council. Why is there such inaction and disregard for this grave humanitarian situation? We cannot understand the selectivity in appealing to human conscience on humanitarian grounds. We cannot understand why the Security Council has still not taken action, and what the humanitarian justification can be for the its failure to address the realities of this conflict and to respond to the need to protect Palestinian citizens in the occupied territories.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It is clear that the current escalation of tension in our region, the resort to aggression, the use of force against the sovereignty of some Arab States and the continuous threat of the use of force, constitute a flagrant violation of the Charter, as well as of international humanitarian law. We hope that in the future these benchmark reports will not disregard this chronic problem, which has been on the agenda of the Council for a very long time. Is there anything more important to the Council than the use of missiles, tank shells and bulldozers to destroy homes and evict the residents who are still inside? Is there anything more serious than striking terror into the hearts of children in order to drive them into perpetual misery and forcing peace-loving people to the brink of surrender?”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Coordination is also required among the three primary organs of the United Nations, as well as among all the agencies and main bodies of the United Nations system, with a view to ensuring efficiency within a comprehensive and integrated approach. The United Nations would thus take on the role of coordinator. Fourthly, my delegation had hoped that the scope of the response to hotbeds of tension and to violations of the rights of civilians in armed conflict, which covers areas of conflict in Africa, Asia and the Balkans, would be extended to cover the serious violations committed by Israel against the Palestinian civilians and all other civilians in the occupied Arab territories.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Why are we witnessing serious threats to civilians, as they are subjected to forced displacement, blockades and starvation and are denied access to humanitarian relief aid and even access to the dead bodies of their relatives for burial in their homeland? Today's newspapers carry many examples of such stories in the occupied Palestinian territories. Thirdly, given these phenomena, we believe that there is a need to discuss the two reports of the Secretary-General - the first, which was originally discussed in 1999, and the second, which is before us now. These reports must be discussed in the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and each organ should address matters in the two reports that fall within its respective purview.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This fact was mentioned yesterday in a statement made by the former President of the United States, Mr. Jimmy Carter, at an environmental conference convened two days ago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This fact requires the international community to move expeditiously towards the implementation of international instruments in order to ensure that physical and legal protection is provided under international humanitarian law. The basis for doing so is particularly strong since these instruments provide a legal foundation for the protection of civilians. Nonetheless, such instruments have not prevented brutal and atrocious attacks against civilians. A question therefore arises: if the primary objective of the Security Council is to remove threats to peace, why are civilian suffering and tragedy increasing?”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“On the other hand, the suffering and anguish of the civilian population caught in the armed conflict is increasing. Civilian victims now account for over 75 per cent of casualties, according to some reports, while other sources put that number at 90 per cent. Secondly, despite the fact that over half a century has elapsed since the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the protection of the victims of war, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and its Additional Protocols, and the fact that the vast majority of Member States have become parties to those Conventions, there is still a wide gap between their provisions and the implementation of those provisions in times of armed conflict.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this regard, I should like to refer to the Secretary-General's report of 30 March 2001; before the Security Council in document S/2001/331. The report emphasizes the promotion of a culture of protection, the parameters of protection and measures to enhance protection. It contains 14 recommendations, which complement 40 others contained in the first report of the Secretary-General on the same subject, dated 8 September 1999. If they are heeded, implemented and reinforced by Member States, these recommendations can indeed strengthen and revitalize the mechanisms provided for in international instruments in order to enhance and expand the protection of civilians in armed conflict. My delegation would like to raise some points in this regard. First, it is regrettable that the devil- aggressor is growing in its brutal power.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“What is of particular interest in this discussion is that it complements previous debates in the Council and that it follows upon the Millennium Summit, which emphasized in its Declaration our commitment to the United Nations Charter and its purposes, which are relevant for all times and all places. We will spare no effort to save our people from the scourge of war, be it within or among countries, which has claimed the lives of over 5 million people in the past decade. In the Millennium Declaration, all Member States committed themselves to expanding the scope of protection of civilians in complex emergency situations and to enhancing such protection under international humanitarian law. This will entail a great deal of work for the Council in that field.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Wehbe (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): It gives me pleasure, Sir, to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the current month and for your valuable initiative of resuming the discussion on the question of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which was first discussed in 1999. It is perhaps one of the most serious issues of global concern, especially as it relates to the core of international humanitarian law on armed conflict. I should like to thank your predecessor, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, for his stewardship of the Council last month.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to point out that danger and tension reside in Israel's continued defiance of the international community and international legitimacy and its rejection of the basis of a just and comprehensive peace. International legitimacy cannot continue to apply double standards, when it concerns Israel.”
2000-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The time has come to try the Israeli authorities responsible for such crimes. All rights of the Palestinian people have to be preserved and safeguarded, particularly their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent State on their territory with Al-Quds as its capital and the full exercise of inalienable Palestinian sovereignty over Al-Quds. Sixthly, the Council, and its permanent members in particular, should bring pressure to bear on Israel to pursue the peace process seriously, bearing in mind that no security can be achieved without a just and comprehensive peace ensuring respect for the dignity of all. Peace cannot be achieved through words; peace can be achieved only through sincere efforts aimed at implementing United Nations resolutions.”
2000-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204Resumption1 (2000) · source