YouSaid · the spoken record

Wenaweser

lines on the record: 709
first: 2002-07-25
most recent: 2023-12-07
sittings or episodes: 107
sources: un-security-council

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“The Security Council does not have the competence to adopt and interpret international treaties, and by attempting to do so, it weakens the system established by the Charter. Those arguments, which have been presented in this Chamber and elsewhere since last summer, are still valid, of course, but the Council should also take into account the developments that have taken place since the adoption of resolution 1422 (2002). Most important, the General Assembly has elected an excellent and diverse bench of Judges and has entrusted the post of Prosecutor to an internationally renowned jurist. If the numerous and carefully drafted safeguards provided for under the Statute against frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions were not convincing enough to some, the competence and integrity of those senior officials should be.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“We thus wish to reiterate our principal points of concern regarding resolution 1422 (2002) and to emphasize that, to our mind, there must be no automaticity of renewal of a resolution that we consider deeply flawed. Resolution 1422 (2002) invokes Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations without making a determination of a threat to international peace and security. That implies the notion that the ICC constitutes such a threat. Further, the resolution purports to be consistent with article 16 of the Rome Statute while in fact violating both the letter and the spirit of that provision. Article 16 was never intended as a tool to grant a priori immunity to a whole category of persons. This latter point also leads to the broader question of the undermining of the international treaty- making system.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“My delegation wishes to thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council for convening this open debate on a matter of utmost importance. We are also most grateful for the presence of the Secretary-General and for the comments that he offered this morning. As a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Liechtenstein took the floor last year in the debate preceding the adoption of resolution 1422 (2002) and expressed its concerns regarding the implications and indeed the legality of that resolution. A renewal of the resolution for a further year has been proposed to the Council, and we understand that the Council will take action on this matter shortly.”
2003-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4772 (2003) · source
“It is the obligation of the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to all these established standards, in particular those regarding the prohibition to target or otherwise abuse civilians and the obligation to grant full access to humanitarian organizations.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Government of Liechtenstein decided earlier this week to give a total of more than $100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and an additional contribution may be forthcoming shortly. We are thus ready to contribute to the joint effort of the international community to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people. While we can contribute to that end, it is only the warring parties that are in a position to prevent the suffering of the civilian population. The strict observance of international humanitarian law, and the Geneva Conventions in particular, will go a long way towards securing this goal.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We realize that the resumption of the oil for food programme has sensitive political and legal implications. But we do believe that it is the obligation of the Council to place the plight of the Iraqi people at the centre of its considerations and regain quickly its unity, which will also be essential for securing a central role for the Organization in shaping a peaceful future for Iraq, based on the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. We would be in a very difficult position to explain a lack of unity in the Council with regard to humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people and are therefore encouraged by the progress that was made in consultations on the issue. The humanitarian situation of the Iraqi population is at the heart of our concerns.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“However, given the very concrete and urgent needs in Iraq, the Council is challenged to engage in very concrete actions at this particular moment. The challenge before the Council today consists in particular of the large-scale humanitarian crisis that is unfolding at frightening speed in Iraq. While international humanitarian law is clear on the responsibility for the civilian population in the current situation, it is also our view that the United Nations must play an essential role in this respect and that humanitarian assistance should be coordinated under its authority, as soon as the circumstances on the ground allow for such coordination. Against that background, we thus welcome the initiative of the Secretary-General for an early resumption of the oil for food programme for the benefit of the Iraqi people.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“On earlier occasions, we have expressed the opinion that it is the obligation of the Council to exhaust all peaceful means available before resorting to the authorization of the use of force and that only the Council can bestow legitimacy on an armed intervention. We thus deeply regret that military action has been initiated without explicit authorization by the Council. At the same time, we are not of the view that this constitutes a failure of the Council, much less of the Organization as a whole. As a small State, we are particularly concerned that the Council and international law have been bypassed on a question of such magnitude, and believe that this has wider ramifications, which will and must be discussed.”
2003-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Given the potential and actual dangers the fight against terrorism poses to established human rights, this Organization is called upon once again to live up to its role in upholding the rule of law in this common fight.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“The balance that needs to be struck between the enjoyment of human rights and security concerns is certainly difficult to assess in each individual case and is all the more delicate when it comes to dangers of unprecedented magnitude. Nevertheless, it must be borne in mind that there are existing legal standards that address this dilemma and that there is even extensive legal practice on questions of the protection of human rights in times of terrorism. As the recent past has made very clear, the United Nations plays a unique role in upholding the rule of law and in providing legitimacy to action taken with regard to situations that threaten international peace and security.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“Since the Council last met in an open format in October, the General Assembly has pronounced itself on this very matter by unanimously adopting its resolution 57/219, on protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. That text was drafted under the able leadership of the Mexican delegation, and we were very happy to sponsor that important resolution. The resolution recalls that certain human rights are recognized as non- derogable under any circumstances and that measures derogating from other rights must be exceptional and temporary in nature. It also gives an important role to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who has already made a very important contribution in his presentation to the CTC and also through his strong overall commitment to this cause.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“We would be pleased to see the CTC further strengthen its role in the United Nations system through the innovative and dedicated work which thus far has granted the CTC such an outstanding position in the fight against terrorism. The Security Council has declared that States must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism must comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular human rights and humanitarian law. The relationship between the fight against terrorism and the observance of human rights standards remains a high priority for us, and I wish to reiterate our conviction that human rights must never fall victim to the fight against terrorism.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“Transparency has been an important feature of the work of the CTC in the past and a crucial element of its success. Consistent with that approach, the Committee should therefore establish guidelines based on the principle of equal treatment of all Member States, which provide for a gradual and phased approach in ensuring compliance. Such guidelines should also draw from the experience of other international and regional bodies active in the area. The forthcoming special CTC meeting, on 7 March, with representatives of international, regional and subregional organizations will be an ideal occasion to exchange ideas and benefit from the experience of others with regard to best practices. Liechtenstein stands ready to make its contribution to such compliance-enhancement efforts with our expertise in relevant areas.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“It is clear that the CTC has been very successful in helping States identify gaps and shortcomings in their national legislation, thereby contributing to the visibility and acceptance of global standards on combating terrorism. The further the CTC goes in that way, however, the more pressing the question of the actual implementation of those standards becomes. Combating terrorism does not end, of course, with the universal ratification of all relevant conventions. Legislation is a necessary tool, but it can never be sufficient in itself. Therefore, the CTC must address the issue of compliance enhancement, in order to ensure a lowest common denominator of application, and, to that end, it must identify benchmarks that all States must meet.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“Liechtenstein, by way of example, has already submitted its third written report to the Committee, thereby proving its commitment to a serious dialogue with the CTC and its experts. As a further expression of its willingness to contribute to the international fight against terrorism, the Government has submitted to Parliament a legislation package on countering terrorism, which will be discussed shortly. That package includes important amendments to the criminal code and will lead to the ratification of the last outstanding relevant international convention, the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“We also believe that such efforts have to build on global leadership, as provided by the Security Council and especially by the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). The declaration annexed to resolution 1456 (2003) also states that the CTC must intensify its efforts to promote the implementation by Member States of all aspects of resolution 1373 (2001). After almost a year and a half of effective and transparent work under the most able guidance of Ambassador Sir Jeremy Greenstock, the CTC today finds itself at a crucial juncture. The vast majority of States have cooperated with the Committee in its endeavour to monitor the adoption of legislation covering all aspects of the resolution, and to monitor national efforts in preventing and suppressing the financing of terrorist acts.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“We became aware only this morning of your seven-minute time limit, Mr. President, but we have made every effort to shorten our speech; a fuller version will be distributed to members of the Council. We View this meeting in conjunction with the high-level meeting of the members of the Council of one month ago and, of course, against the background of the declaration adopted on that occasion, annexed to resolution 1456 (2003). That declaration calls on all States to take urgent action to prevent and suppress all active and passive support for terrorism, and to comply fully with the relevant resolutions of the Council, in particular resolution 1373 (2001). We agree with the Council that efforts at the national level have to be redoubled.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“We are therefore of the view that an in-depth humanitarian assessment and an outline of the role of this Organization in a possible post-conflict situation must be essential elements in any future deliberations.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We should rather ask ourselves whether we can afford not to keep insisting on full and active cooperation through political pressure and the threat of serious consequences, short of armed intervention, in a situation where there is still room for the successful completion of the work of the inspectors. The Council must not limit itself to the sole question of whether or not it faces a situation of material breach in the terms of resolution 1441 (2002). It also has an obligation, in considering the option of armed intervention, to look at the consequences of such action. Unpredictable as some of them may be, they are certainly immense for the civilian population, for regional stability and for this Organization.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“ElBaradei for the highly professional way in which they have shouldered the heavy responsibility given to them. There has been no criticism of the way in which the inspectors carry out their mandate, only criticism of the nature of cooperation extended by Iraq. This criticism, again, is shared in all quarters, while the Council has recently also listened to the reports of improvements in cooperation. The debate is thus sometimes narrowed down to the question of whether or not cooperation by Iraq will ever reach a level that is fully satisfactory for the full implementation of resolution 1441 (2002). However, a question of such magnitude must not be limited to a controversy of beliefs.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The debate we witnessed last Friday made it clear that such unanimity does not exist at this particular moment. We share the view that the use of force would need to be authorized by the Council in a separate resolution. Furthermore, we believe that the reports submitted by UNMOVIC and IAEA do not allow for the conclusion that such a decision is warranted or, indeed, justified at this time. While the decision- making power lies obviously with the Council, its decisions must nevertheless be based on the findings of the inspections regime it has established unanimously. There is also agreement that UNMOVIC and IAEA are doing a fine job in carrying out the tasks entrusted to them under the terms of resolution 1441 (2002). At this juncture, I would like to express the gratitude of my Government to Mr. Blix and Mr.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We also recall in this context that all resolutions of the Council, regardless of their status under Chapter VI or Chapter VII of the Charter, are legally binding and that non-implementation in all cases undermines the role of the Organization, especially when it is mainly due to a lack of political will and the absence of political pressure. The other issue where broad agreement continues to exist is the need for unanimity. The Security Council as a whole has supported resolution 1441 (2002). This was a crucial element in providing the inspections regime under the auspices of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with the essential role it is playing today. Unanimity is therefore also needed for any future action the Council might consider.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“This is what makes the essence of the United Nations, and this constitutes the basis of its credibility and thus of its relevance. The United Nations is unique in that it provides legitimacy under international law. This is the standing it must maintain and this is why it must ponder its decisions carefully. The Charter imposes the obligation on the Council to exhaust all non-violent means of conflict resolution before authorizing the use of force and the Council must live up to this obligation in connection with the present situation.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“No matter what the position may be on the desirability or necessity of military action, there is a strong consensus that the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of peace and security is at stake. It has been said that only military action can make it clear that the Council is willing to enforce, if necessary, the implementation of its resolutions and that inaction will render the Council an irrelevant body and marginal player in the international arena. There is, of course, another way of viewing the credibility of the United Nations, a view which we would advocate. This is an Organization of peace, a body that was created to find peaceful solutions to conflict situations which would otherwise, in the absence of the United Nations, most likely lead to an armed conflict.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The solution to the question before the Council today will constitute a defining moment for the United Nations. Since the Council acts, in accordance with the Charter, on behalf of all Member States, such action must be based on a solid knowledge of the views of the membership as a whole. We therefore welcome the continued willingness of the Council to hold an open debate on this issue. Some three months after the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 1441 (2002), there are clearly diverging views on how to proceed with regard to the implementation of that resolution. Nevertheless, there is also broad agreement on several key questions.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“But, moreover, we would not only be destroying the future of individual children but also the collective future of the countries concerned.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“All of that is to say that the international community would be well advised to address very specific issues and details regarding children affected by armed conflict. As I indicated at the outset, it does not suffice to adopt broad norms and standards. The effects of armed conflicts on children, the different forms of child labour and sexual exploitation and the resulting special vulnerability of children to the HIV/AIDS pandemic stand out as areas where concerted national and international action is a prerequisite for successful and durable solutions. All these issues constitute large-scale crises that can be addressed only through specific and coordinated action by all of us. Nobody must be allowed to deprive children of both their childhood and their future. By permitting this we would be violating a moral imperative we all hold dear.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Those conflicts have manifold and complex consequences for all children, but specific forms of victimization are often added to the plight of girls and women. Rape, abduction, sexual enslavement and trafficking are some of the crimes perpetrated against female victims in particular. What is characteristic of such crimes is their traumatic nature and long-term effects. One figure may illustrate this point: two out of three women and girls raped during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda have reportedly tested positive for HIV/AIDS. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that the genocide continues in a silent way. True stability and security cannot be re-established for long after an armed conflict has subsided, because of the specific crimes inflicted especially upon women and girls.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Advocacy and creating awareness help to broaden the base of support and to get more stakeholders involved. In this context, the work and involvement of non-governmental organizations and civil society groups can be instrumental, especially in highlighting different aspects of the plight of children affected by armed conflict. In this context, we have taken note with great interest of two reports: first, the "1379 Report" of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers and, secondly, the study on the voices of girl child soldiers presented by the Quaker United Nations Office. The situation of the girl child is one aspect that requires our special attention in order to effectively protect the rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflicts.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Given the importance of the participation of children in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children must be given a voice, in particular in the process of post- conflict peace-building, rather than merely having their best interests represented by others. Liechtenstein has supported the work of the Special Representative, Mr. Olara Otunnu, right from the inception of his mandate. His advocacy on behalf of children in armed conflict over the past six years has been heard widely and proven effective. Worldwide awareness of children and the ways in which they are affected by armed conflict is increasing. In order to enhance the application of the legal instruments I referred to at the outset of my statement, more needs to be done to make these achievements better known.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The creation of a list of parties to conflicts on the Council's agenda that continue to recruit or use child soldiers is one measure through which to make progress in assuring compliance with international obligations. The list should be expanded to cover parties to conflicts in a global manner, not only in situations on the agenda of the Council. We welcome such practical steps and hope that the Council will again agree on a strong response to the report before us and thus ensure a follow-up based on the recommendations contained in the report. We welcome the report before the Council and its emphasis on systematically integrating child protection objectives into the mandates of peace operations, including through the deployment of child protection advisers and special training for peacekeeping personnel.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Success in standard-setting must not give us cause for complacency - quite to the contrary. While the existing standards are high, the picture continues to be very grim when it comes to their application. The rights of millions of children around the world continue to be violated in numerous and brutal ways. Children affected by armed conflict, with all its manifold and devastating consequences, are in the worst situation. We therefore agree with the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict that we must move with resolve into an era of application, which was also one of the lessons we drew from last year's special session on children. In the implementation of these existing norms, the Security Council can play a central role.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Two new legal instruments entered into force: the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Liechtenstein has signed both of these Protocols and is preparing to ratify them. Another step forward - an historic step indeed - was the entry into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Statute, among other things, provides for the better protection of children, especially but not exclusively in times of armed conflict. The inclusion of the recruitment and use by all parties to a conflict of children under the age of 15 in conflicts of both an international and non-international character as a war crime is of special importance in this respect.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Wenaweser (Liechtenstein) (spoke in French): At the outset, I should like to thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting on a subject to which we attach the highest importance. (spoke in English) Liechtenstein welcomes action by the Security Council on the issue of children and armed conflict and, in particular, the open debates, the products of which have been instrumental in creating a normative framework for the protection of children affected by armed conflict. Much to our satisfaction, the special session on children last year also placed strong emphasis on this topic. As far as standard-setting is concerned, the year 2002 was a good one for children.”
2003-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4684Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Resolution 1325 (2000) has given the international community an additional tool to put that idea into practice, supplementing essential legal instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and its Optional Protocol, the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary Protocols, as well as the Rome Statute. Thus, it is clear that the standards have been set and that we all now face the task of applying those standards and thus of ensuring their implementation.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“We are particularly pleased that the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court has adopted a procedure implementing the requirement of the Rome Statute that States take into account the need for fair representation of women and men when judges are elected. We would like to take this opportunity to call on States to ensure that an adequate number of female candidates are nominated for the first election of judges to be held by the Assembly of States Parties, in February. We are committed to the idea that the advancement of the rights of women is inextricably linked to the advancement of peace and security.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“Such efforts are encouraged by the legal and political incentives that the ICC provides for States to investigate and prosecute such crimes themselves. That makes the speedy ratification of the Statute by the largest possible number of States a necessity. No one, regardless of his or her motivation, status or nationality, can be allowed to enjoy impunity for the commission of crimes of sexual or gender-based violence. Liechtenstein has consistently supported efforts to end impunity, and we have been particularly committed to ensuring that a gender-based approach is taken in the administration of international justice. Of the utmost importance is the participation of women at the highest level of judicial administration, as judges, prosecutors and other court officials.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“We believe that the International Criminal Court (ICC), as the cornerstone of this emerging international effort to fight impunity, will accelerate the progress made in combating violence against women. The Rome Statute and its supplemental documents contain detailed provisions criminalizing gender-based and sexual violence committed in the context of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. While individual cases before the ICC that apply the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute will be instrumental in providing redress to victims and in advancing the law at the international level, perhaps even more important are the ongoing efforts to implement the definitions of those crimes in domestic legislation and to apply them in domestic courts.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“We are therefore please that the study before us gives due attention to this matter, which is indeed of utmost importance, and we hope that speedy progress can be achieved in this area, obviously with the help of Member States. As far as the participation of women is concerned, women as special representatives and envoys can have a major catalytic effect, and their appointment to such posts must therefore be a high priority. The Secretary-General's study clearly identifies the need for international legal action to combat violence against women, particularly in situations of armed conflict. The ad hoc tribunals established by the Security Council have greatly aided the creation of such an international legal framework.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“Against that background, we are particularly pleased that the study on women, peace and security calls on the international community to identify women's informal peace-building initiatives, to provide technical and financial support and to establish mechanisms to channel the outcome of such initiatives into formal peace processes, including Track II negotiations. We believe this constitutes a pragmatic and useful approach to help integrate women's expertise in the formidable task of creating peace. For several years, Liechtenstein has supported efforts to bring about a change in the dramatic under- representation of women as special representatives and special envoys.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“Effective peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace- building, as well as post-conflict reconstruction and the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance, are impossible without the active participation of women, who are both disproportionally affected by armed conflict and disproportionately uninvolved in decisions related to armed conflict. While it is important to sensitize everyone - men and women alike - to gender issues relating to armed conflict, and while men are also capable of adopting gender-based approaches to peace and security, it remains a fact that decision- making will continue to be paternalistic and, what is more, ineffective if decisions are made on behalf of women instead of with their active involvement.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“As a strong supporter of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), we welcome the study and report (S/2002/1154) on women, peace, and security undertaken pursuant to that resolution. We also look forward to the independent experts' assessment of the impact of armed conflict on women and of women's role in peace-building, an important supplement to the Secretary-General's efforts. We welcome what we perceive as a common thread running throughout the recommendations of the study - that is, the emphasis on the necessity for women actively to participate in all political, judicial, economic, military and other decision-making processes at the local, national and international levels.”
2002-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635 (2002) · source
“Given these questions and the magnitude of what is at stake, it is of crucial importance that the Council acts with the broadest possible unity and the strongest possible support from the membership as a whole. This - and only this - can provide for the necessary political legitimacy.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“It is the Security Council that provides for the terms for the inspection regime, and the Council is therefore the arbiter of compliance and implementation, based on the findings of UNMOVIC. In accordance with the Charter, it is also the Council that must authorize the use of force. There are clearly enormous consequences of the use of armed force in Iraq, which the Council has to weigh carefully before making such a decision. First, there is the risk of further instability in an already deeply troubled region, the existing instability being caused not least by the non-implementation of Security Council resolutions. But there is also the question of what involvement or action the Council foresees for the time after a possible armed intervention.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“Furthermore, these rules must be designed in a manner that ensures that the inspection process remains credible at all times. If ensuring full compliance with its decisions is indispensable for the Council's credibility, the Council is, at the same time, also facing another challenge: as an Organization designed to promote peace and, in particular, to provide for the peaceful settlement of disputes, it must do everything possible, and be seen as doing everything possible, to ensure compliance with and implementation of its decisions without resorting to the use of force. Military action should, therefore, only be contemplated if all other means have failed and non-compliance by Iraq has been clearly established.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“It is thus imperative that the Council act with common resolve to enable the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) to resume the work that the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was never able to finish, and that Iraq extend unconditional cooperation and provide full and unrestricted access to all sites and facilities UNMOVIC chooses to visit. The destruction and removal of all weapons of mass destruction, as mandated by the Council 12 years ago, must finally be carried out. While a new resolution to this end is not strictly needed from a legalistic point of View, it is at this point certainly a political necessity. Given the implications of the present situation, clarity of the rules governing compliance by Iraq will be of the essence.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“Like many other speakers before us, we welcome this open debate on an issue that is of singular importance for global security as well as for the future of this Organization. It would hardly be appropriate to say that discussions on the topic before us have never been held before - quite the contrary, every aspect has been covered from every possible angle. But not in this format and not in this room, and this is what is needed, since any action of the Council on this issue requires the broadest possible consensus. There can be no doubt that all Security Council resolutions, on Iraq or otherwise, must be implemented in full. Defiance and non-compliance with legally binding decisions undermine the effectiveness, as well as the credibility, of the Organization as a whole and must, therefore, not be accepted.”
2002-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4625Resumption2 (2002) · source
“The Security Council, more than any other body, is called upon to respect those rights. In particular, it must ensure that there is never a conflict for States between their obligation to fully observe human rights standards and their obligation to implement decisions of the Security Council.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“While the danger posed by terrorism is certainly unprecedented in its magnitude, existing standards nevertheless provide a balance between the enjoyment of human rights and security concerns in that they allow for the limitation of some human rights under clearly defined circumstances. At the same time, there is also a set of irrevocable human rights. Those solid human rights achievements must not be touched. It is not only States that are called upon to uphold the rule of law at the national level. Indeed, the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, are challenged to live up to their obligation to uphold the rule of law at the international level. Individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist activities must be guaranteed the minimum standards of protection accorded to them by international law.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source
“My Government has offered our expertise to the Counter-Terrorism Committee in the past, and our offer still stands. The rule of law has become a predominant theme in the overall fight against terrorism. We remain convinced that human rights must never fall victim to the fight against terrorism. Our common fight against terrorism must notjeopardize the existing human rights standards, which are among the greatest achievements of the Organization. If we were to curtail human rights in the name of the fight against terrorism, we would be making a fatal concession by sacrificing some of our most fundamental values, the very values that terrorists set out to destroy.”
2002-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4618Resumption1 (2002) · source