YouSaid · the spoken record

Wetland

lines on the record: 125
first: 2008-10-14
most recent: 2012-07-25
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“The European Union's front-loading of its aid was pivotal and has helped to keep the PA's budget somehow afloat. Also, recent contributions from Saudi Arabia enabled the PA to pay, albeit with a delay, full salaries prior to the holy month of Ramadan. However, the outlook for the remainder of the budget year looks grim, unless further contributions are made. This is not the time to hold back funds and to jeopardize financial stability in the occupied Palestinian territory. Too much is at stake.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The main topic of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting will be to address the key challenges of the Palestinian economy and how to avoid an aggravated financial crisis in the short term. Immediate budgetary needs must be met as soon as possible. But beyond that, stimulating sustainable economic growth is key. The Palestinian private sector must be allowed to develop and engage in trade internally in the Palestinian territory, as well as with its neighbours. Many restrictions on the movement of goods in and out of the West Bank and Gaza are crippling economic activity and must be lifted. Opportunities for private sector development also in Area C must be stimulated. Norway commends those donors that have contributed to covering the PA's recurrent deficit.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank persists, in grave violation of international law. That illegal activity undermines efforts to resume peace negotiations and threatens the two-State solution. The scope and scale of settlements and the encirclement of East Jerusalem are the most severe impediments to peace. Those unlawful and unilateral acts, aiming at changing the situation on the ground and pre-empting the outcome of negotiations must stop. There is a grave risk that further expansion of the settlements could trigger waves of uncontrolled unrest in the neighbourhoods and lead to a breakdown of current security mechanisms. When the donor support group for the Palestinian territory meets on 23 September here in New York, it will be against that backdrop.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“As members of the Council know, Norway chairs the donor support group for the Palestinian territory. We are taking the floor today to underline the serious dangers threatening the foundations ofa viable Palestinian State. First, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is facing a grave financial crisis. This is due to decline in economic growth and a reduction of donor contributions. It could push the PA into a full financial crisis within the coming months. The PA has accumulated significant debt and faces difficulties in paying salaries. Since the establishment of the PA, and in particular since the Paris Conference in 2007, the Palestinians have achieved tremendous institutional progress towards building a viable Palestinian State. Today these achievements are in jeopardy. Secondly, peace negotiations are at an impasse.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Law enforcement cooperation is important, but there must also be sufficient focus and investment to tackle organized crime and terrorism. In conclusion, Norway proposes that the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the Task Force on Transnational Organized Crime, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization come together with the aim of working out recommendations to improve measures to strengthen border management.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“International cooperation at the regional level - such as with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, which are supported by the United Nations and the international community - could be models to build on. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has a key role in helping Member States to meet the threats stemming from transnational organized crime. INTERPOL's I-24/7 communications network and its databases of stolen passports and documents are core elements of border management. The World Customs Organization has a high level of competence in measures related to border control, and it should be a strong partner for the United Nations in building effective strategies. We need stronger political commitments from Governments in all regions in order to move forward.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The strengthened focus on transnational organized crime in the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Delivering justice: programme of action to strengthen the rule of law at the national and international level" (A/66/749), which will be discussed at a high-level meeting of the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly, is another step towards highlighting the need for effective law enforcement cooperation among countries. Close cooperation with other United Nations bodies, such as the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and Security Council working groups, should serve to strengthen the United Nations in supporting States.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The Secretary-General's renewed focus on the issue of transnational organized crime and the establishment of the United Nations System Task Force on Transnational Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking are steps in the right direction. We expect that the Task Force will contribute significantly to strategic responses with regard to United Nations peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development activities. It has the potential for helping Member States to develop border management strategies that are conducive to developing the legal trade while strengthening their hand in dealing with illicit flows.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We must ensure that our hunt for criminals does not end up hurting us all, because that is what will happen if we impose general, rigid and time-consuming controls at borders for all goods and all people. It is therefore of great importance that a border strategy include measures for detecting illicit flows before they enter actual border areas. That will require close cooperation and an international exchange of intelligence among law enforcement and customs agencies. The Schengen cooperation of European countries is a tested example whereby borders are generally open but controls and arrests can take place at points along transportation routes. That avoids choke points and delays, which damage lawful trade and productivity.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Organized groups and networks conduct ruthless, illegal activities in search of the highest possible profit from smuggling narcotic drugs, arms, minerals, toxic waste, counterfeit products and even human beings. Such crimes undermine development, ruin lives and threaten societies. Many transnational criminals are moving between licit and illicit markets and taking advantage of safe havens and using corruption and violence as tools to reach their goals of maximum profit. The cocaine flow from Latin America that is reaching West Africa and heading towards Europe is one example of how criminals exploit porous borders and weak customs and police control. The challenge is to crack down on such criminals without hampering or reducing the legal trade.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We welcome the adoption of resolution 2043 (2012) and the deployment of up to 300 military observers and civilian experts to monitor the full implementation of Mr. Annan's six-point proposal. We hope that these efforts will contribute positively and create conditions for a meaningful political transition in Syria.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Important progress has been made in facilitating the import of goods to Gaza, thereby improving living conditions. However, more needs to be done if Gaza is to realize its full economic and social potential. Within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009), further steps should be taken to lift the closure while taking security challenges into account. Finally, I should like to say a few words on Syria. The cessation of violence remains incomplete. The discredited Syrian authorities must immediately withdraw their security forces and heavy weapons back from populated areas to the barracks. Norway fully supports Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan's efforts to stop the bloodshed in Syria and to facilitate a political transition towards democracy.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source
“This threatens the stability of the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian State-building efforts. It may trigger waves of uncontrolled unrest in the area and lead to a breakdown of the current security mechanisms. The donor support group for the Palestinian territory met on 21 March in Brussels to address the challenges to the Palestinian economy. It called for increased budget support by donors to meet the anticipated deficit in the recurrent budget. It also called on both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to implement improvements in the tax collection and transfer mechanism. The donor group also called for increased economic access for Palestinian authorities and investors in the area that is still under Israeli administration, which constitutes around 43 per cent of the West Bank.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Israeli settlements are illegal under international and Israeli law and should be demolished, as ruled by the Israeli High Court. Current actions on the ground are not compatible with the peace negotiations for the achievement of a two-State solution to the conflict. These unlawful and unilateral acts aimed at changing the situation on the ground and pre-empting the outcome of negotiations simply must stop. Both the territory and the borders are to be decided through negotiations, as are other final status issues. The settlement expansion is currently inciting the Palestinian side to respond by internationalizing the conflict. It is also increasingly provoking public opinion and contributes to isolating Israel within the region and beyond. European leaders are constantly being asked why nothing is being done to hold Israel accountable.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The absence of resumed real peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians is not tenable. Both parties have responsibilities to achieve a comprehensive, just and durable peace in the Middle East. Hostilities directed against civilians in southern Israel continue from the Gaza Strip and Sinai. This is totally unacceptable. Nevertheless, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank persists and is presently the most severe impediment to peace. Israel has to respond to the international community's continuous call for compliance with international law and to abide by its international obligations. We cannot accept the encirclement of East Jerusalem by settlements, which is cutting off any future capital of a Palestinian State and fragmenting the Palestinian territory.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We strongly encourage both the members of the Council and other countries to use the opportunity we now have to go the extra mile in supporting the efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia and the region. The new momentum that we now see in the Somali situation has in large part been created by the military achievement of AMISOM. in pushing the militant extremists out of Mogadishu. We should give them full credit for that. We therefore welcome the recent decision by the Council to expand support for this important African Mission. We must now ensure that the achievements in the military field are followed up by appropriate political measures and other measures, in order to avoid a vacuum in the areas recovered from the militants.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729Resumption1 (2012) · source
“If we are successful, it will be the start of a new and more hopeful life for the Somali people, and a major step towards ending the threat of violence, terrorism and piracy, which affects both the region and the wider international community. It is of vital importance that the international community seizes this opportunity to work together with Somali leaders and the region in their effort to ensure that this opportunity is not wasted. In addition to the humanitarian and other assistance that we have already provided - which in the past couple of years has amounted to approximately $40 million annually - Norway has decided to contribute $2 million to the new stabilization fund for Somalia. We shall also continue to support the process for establishing a new Somali constitution and electing the new Parliament.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729Resumption1 (2012) · source
“From the talks we had with Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali in Oslo last week, we believe that there is now far greater commitment and determination by Somali leaders to move towards lasting peace. While they bear the primary responsibility, they will also need strong support and commitment from the international community. We are now entering a critical turning point, not only for Somalia but also for that country's relationship with the international community. Together we may now have a real opportunity to bring Somalia out of the misery and political chaos that have plagued the country for too long.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729Resumption1 (2012) · source
“At their next meeting, donors must take further steps to find a solution within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009) that lifts the closure and ensures movement and access through the legitimate crossing points, while also taking security challenges into account.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Without such assistance it will be difficult to ensure the long-term viability of the Palestinian Authority and the readiness of the Palestinian institutions for statehood. Finally, on Gaza, resolution 1860 (2009) calls upon Member States to support international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza. The resolution also condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism. While important progress has been made with regard to the import of goods and the implementation of infrastructure projects, those improvements are not sufficient to provide the economic growth that would realize the full economic and social potential for the population in Gaza.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Secondly, Israel must take further steps to ease restrictions on access and movement on development, trade and exports in the West Bank and Gaza. Restrictions, in particular those in Area C, including East Jerusalem, reduce the space in which the Palestinians can sustain their livelihoods. According to the United Nations, today 43 per cent of the West Bank is essentially off-limits for Palestinian use. Palestinians must be able to utilize their natural, productive and land resources in Area C, which are crucial for a viable Palestinian economy. Thirdly, donors must continue to provide assistance for covering Palestinian recurrent costs for a transitional period in the time ahead.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“That is also why the efforts of Jordan to facilitate talks within the framework proposed by the Quartet are so important and must be supported. The donor support group will reconvene in Brussels on 21 March. The meeting will discuss how we can enhance the sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, how private-sector-led growth can be strengthened in the Palestinian economy and how the situation in Gaza can be improved. The following four points are essential. First, Palestinian revenues must be increased by a widening of the tax base and improved tax collection. Two thirds of such revenues are collected by Israel and subsequently transferred to the Palestinian Authority each month. There is scope for improving the efficiency, transparency and predictability of that mechanism.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, the Israeli occupation undermines the potential for growth. In particular, the Israeli restrictions of access for Palestinians hamper economic activity in Area C of the West Bank. Norway is gravely concerned about the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlement activity is illegal under international law and a lethal threat to the two-State solution. The parties have the opportunity to prove their commitments to a two-State solution through concrete actions on the ground. In continuing settlement activities, Israel is doing the opposite. Israel must stop all settlement construction. The deep impasse between the parties cannot endure without undermining the vision of the two-State solution.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Norway chairs the donor support group for the Palestinian territory. We take the floor today to draw attention to the dangers threatening the foundations of a viable Palestinian State and to point out that the removal of those dangers and obstacles could clear the way for the Palestine State without any further delay. In recent years, we have witnessed unprecedented progress in the quality and functioning of Palestinian institutions, high levels of growth, improved living conditions and security in the West Bank and the revival of hope for the people. Those positive trends were halted in 2011 and are now being reversed. Now, early in 2012, reduced international financial support and shrinking private-sector investment are increasing the budget deficit and creating an acute liquidity crisis for the Palestinian Authority.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The women involved in the Arab Spring have impressed us. Across the region, women have been present and vocal in the protest movements. Yet they are now facing exclusion from political processes and from constitution-building and legal reform. That is, of course, unacceptable. The United Nations must uphold universal values and call for the inclusion of women in Government in the process of transition and constitution-making. Through the political mission in Libya, the United Nations is well placed to be proactive in implementing its responsibilities under the resolution 1325 (2000) agenda. Modern constitutions that do not provide for equal rights and opportunities for men and women are not modern constitutions.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Secondly, Norway welcomes the progress made in enhancing the transparency and fairness of listing and delisting procedures here in the Council. It is clear from the number of delisting requests that the Ombudsperson has received, and the number of persons and entities removed from the list, that there is a genuine need for the Ombudsperson's mandate. In our view, the procedures for listing and delisting should be kept under constant review, and the Council should remain open to further procedural improvements in the regime, such as the establishment of an independent review panel. Thirdly, with respect to the promotion of women's rights in conflict and post-conflict situations, there can be no democracy without the participation of all citizens, and there can be no rule of law unless the law applies equally to all.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“States should establish and exercise jurisdiction over transnational criminal acts, so that those suspected of such crimes cannot evade legal proceedings. It is contrary to the rule of law and creates a profound sense of injustice when a person suspected of a serious crime is perceived as being granted impunity - outside the reach of a competent criminal prosecution. All States must abide by their obligation either to carry out a prosecution themselves or extradite the accused to another jurisdiction that is willing to do so. That must apply irrespective of personal background, family connections or wealth. There are still countries which uphold the best criminal justice systems that money can buy. They have a name, and they have shame.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“However, we remain concerned over reports, as well as judicial findings of the Court itself, that give clear evidence of failures to deliver mandatory cooperation with the ICC in the Darfur situation. We therefore continue to encourage the Security Council to assess and adopt measures that help to ensure compliance with resolution 1593 (2005), which referred the Darfur situation to the Court. It goes without saying that international courts can deal with only a tiny fraction of all cases of serious crime. Efforts to fight impunity must therefore first and foremost be rooted at the national level. In an increasingly globalized world, the successful prosecution of a criminal case frequently requires the legal cooperation of several States.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The Security Council has a particular role to play in promoting international law, both by observing it - by adhering to it - and by promoting it. I would like to make a few brief points in this timely debate. First, I want to underline the need to fight impunity. Norway remains a strong supporter of efforts to curb impunity for international crimes. Over the past few decades, one of the most significant developments in international law, and in international relations in general, was the establishment of the international criminal tribunals. Of course, the most prominent of those is the International Criminal Court (ICC). We are encouraged to note that the number of States parties to the Rome Statute continues to grow. More and more States consider the Court to be an important tool in maintaining international peace and justice.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Again in 2011, several civilians, United Nations staff members and International Security Assistance Force soldiers, including a Norwegian soldier, were regrettably killed. We honour their memory and pledge to work with the United Nations to provide safety and security for all personnel.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“On repeated occasions over the years, we have stressed that responsibility for governing and securing Afghanistan lies with the Afghan Government. We will continue to support its efforts to build a stable Afghanistan. International efforts must support the priorities of the Afghan Government. Norway has pledged $125 million annually for civilian purposes. We will provide that annual sum until 2013, and are prepared to continue providing support at a high level in the future. Finally, our profound gratitude goes to Special Representative de Mistura for his untiring efforts. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Jan Kubis as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and look forward to continuing excellent cooperation with him. The leading role of the United Nations in Afghanistan is indispensable.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Afghan security forces are one key to a stable society. Another and equally important element is the Government's ability to properly perform its functions. We have stated again and again that measures must be taken to improve good governance and its effectiveness in all parts of Afghanistan. The fight against corruption must be intensified and credible democratic institutions established. It is imperative that the Afghan Constitution be respected. Women's rights and empowerment must be honoured. Afghanistan must unfailingly respect the country's international obligations and, above all, universal and basic human rights. We find the Istanbul Process to be promising, given its increased focus on regional cooperation. That focus can improve stability and economic development in the wider region also.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“In that respect, we need a constructive dialogue with Afghanistan on civilian support and civilian presence up to and after 2014. We note with satisfaction that the Kabul process seems to be back on track and that a three-year International Monetary Fund programme for Afghanistan has been confirmed. Only a political process can resolve the conflict. We must involve all parties to the conflict, as well as ethnic and political groups, civil society and women, in particular. Arms must be replaced by politics. The Afghan Government is facing overwhelming challenges and needs further support from the international community. The terrorism threat is serious and the security situation volatile, but years of training and the gradually increasing responsibility of Afghan security forces have produced results.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“After 10 years of international military presence in Afghanistan, we have moved into a new phase. The military presence will be gradually scaled down, as the Afghans take over responsibility for their own security. Norwegian combat troops will be withdrawn by 2013, but Norway will not withdraw from Afghanistan. We will remain a partner and friend of Afghanistan during the transition years and during the transformation decade and beyond. The Bonn Conference focused on civilian aspects and delivered certainty and clarity with respect to the long-term international commitments to Afghanistan. The partnership between Afghanistan and the international community is now based on firm mutual commitments. We foresee a substantial shift from military and security aspects to the political process and long-term development.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Fewer soldiers in combat gear, fewer armed vehicles and more police in the streets and in the internally displaced persons camps will certainly bring the 11-29077 Mission closer to the people, enhance legitimacy and, ultimately, make it more effective in addressing Haiti's real security and stability challenges. MINUSTAH should complement the rest of the United Nations system, in cooperation and without duplication. The integrated strategic framework should help the United Nations act as one in support of Haiti's own Government. Norway has pledged substantial and long-term support for Haiti's development. Our assistance is based on the priorities of the Haitian Government, as expressed in its national action plan. We are committed to staying the course, in close cooperation and coordination with other actors, including the United Nations.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In that regard, let me pay special tribute to Special Representative Edmond Mulet for his integrity and outstanding efforts as leader of the operations since the earthquake. The time has now come for MINUSTAH to adapt to new realities. MINUSTAH's heavy military presence no longer seems proportionate to Haiti's security challenges. In fact, the heavy military presence may undermine the country's efforts to normalize and to attract investment, so crucial to sustainable development. While the military component should be visibly scaled down, other stabilizing capacities should be strengthened. In particular, MINUSTAH could play a more central role in law and order reforms, including police reform. The fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and gender-based violence is but an example of issues that require increased attention.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Lives have been saved and new disasters avoided, even in the face of cholera and Hurricane Tomas. But much more could and should have been done, in particular with regard to the Haitian Government's own capacities. The absence of a social contract, especially between the rich and the poor, and the corresponding weakness of State institutions, unable to fulfil basic political, judicial, economic, social and cultural functions, is are the core of Haiti's problems. That fundamental observation should inform our deliberations, including here in the Security Council. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has played an important role in providing security and stability in Haiti.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Let me start by congratulating Haiti on the recent elections and President Preval for overseeing an orderly transition, which is unprecedented in the country. While the process was far from perfect, we hope that the new President, Parliament and Government will aim to transform the country by providing stability, development and justice for all. The main responsibility for that rests with Haiti's own political and economic elites. They must be willing, as well as able, to invest both trust and money in order to make national institutions stronger and more accountable to the people. Only if that fundamental willingness exists will the assistance of the international community, including the United Nations, be effective. Much has been achieved since the devastating earthquake, at least in humanitarian terms.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Jack Lang, Special Adviser of the Secretary General. The report contains certain proposals that we hope will be implemented. In 2011 Norway will allocate approximately $5 million for counter-piracy measures, including measures to strengthen the justice sector. That will also include a new contribution to the trust fund established by the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. We encourage other countries to do the same. Finally, I want to salute my former colleague Augustine Mahiga and to congratulate him on the important and decisive work he is doing for the people of Somalia.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Piracy is dramatically threatening humanitarian and commercial activities. The threat is felt both by local communities in Somalia and the hundreds of hostages on land and on hijacked ships. We all agree that a lasting solution to the problem of piracy can only be found on land and through the restoration of effective Somali State institutions. But in the meantime we need to contain the problem. It is vital that the pirates and their leaders and investors are brought to justice. To do so, we need a more coordinated effort in collecting, analysing and sharing intelligence on the financial flows related to piracy. It is important to cooperate with the relevant Somali national and regional authorities and with other countries in the region. We have taken due note of the report (S/2011/30, annex) of Mr.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The international community must act together in assisting and supporting Somalia with the means available to overcome the present hardships and achieve the peace, security and stability that the Somali people so desperately need. We welcome the recent joint regional strategy adopted by the African Union Mission in Somalia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations Political Office in Somalia to better coordinate their efforts. In that respect, let me pay tribute to the brave peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi. The absence of an effective international presence in Mogadishu and southern Somalia is an impediment to having a better picture of the political and humanitarian situation on the ground. We call for an increased international presence in the course of 201 1.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source
“It is alarming that the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) are lagging far behind in their efforts to deliver on what is expected of them before the expiry of their mandate, in August. We deplore the untimely decision by the Transitional Federal Parliament to unilaterally extend its mandate for another three years. Action is urgently needed to lay the ground for a broader political platform and a more inclusive political process, including with the regional administrations, in order to build a basis for a more peaceful post-transition process. The TFIs cannot afford another internal power struggle; rather, they must focus their efforts on addressing the pressing challenges for Somalia and its people.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source
“As a founding member of the International Contact Group and Chair of the Group of Friends of Somalia here in New York, Norway is deeply engaged in the peace process in Somalia. Norway will continue to assist in areas such as peace, reconciliation and training police capacity. We will cooperate both with the Transitional Federal Government and with those regional administrations that are functioning. We have also recently decided to provide approximately $30 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia in 2011. As the fighting has intensified, a severe drought has also exacerbated the already grave humanitarian crisis in large parts of the country. There is an urgent need to improve access for the provision of humanitarian assistance to all parts of Somalia.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Two decades after the Madrid peace conference, a real sense of urgency is overdue, and decisive action should not be too much to ask for. Not only should the parties return to the table; they must act rapidly to rescue the two-State solution.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Both sides know perfectly well what they have to do and what they must not do to create an environment conducive to negotiations. For one, maintaining security for all is a key factor for the parties to build confidence and trust in each other as partners in peace. Moreover, it is imperative to refrain from actions that are illegal under international law and that are gradually eroding the ground on which the two-State solution is to be built. In that respect, we take note of the Security Council's draft resolution on Israeli settlements submitted yesterday. Current policies in the occupied Palestinian territory are simply not sustainable, and time is running out. If international donors lose sight of the two-State solution, it will no longer be possible to take their tireless support for granted.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The bottom-up approach to Palestinian State-building is in itself not sufficient. Questions will arise in earnest concerning its sustainability beyond 2011 if a decisive top-down push is not brought to bear. If the Palestinian State-to-be is to break out of structural donor dependence, it will need political and economic conditions to do so. Restricted access to resources and markets in Area C and East Jerusalem, as well as to foreign markets, is a major barrier to economic growth in the private sector. This potential must be tapped to fuel the drive towards independence. The peace process is in a fragile state. Norway is deeply concerned, and so we call on the parties to urgently return to negotiations in good faith.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“As Chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC), Minister Store also expressed his confidence that the international donor community will do its share to make this happen. At the AHLC meeting here in New York last September, we were greatly encouraged by the World Bank conclusion that the Palestinian Authority stands ready to establish a State in the near future. We have no doubt that, at the upcoming AHLC meeting in April, to be convened by Norway and hosted by the European Union in Brussels, major donors will recommit to help the Fayyad Government bring the State-building project to completion by the August deadline. However, by September 2011, we will need to see a substantial breakthrough on the political track.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The year 2011 will clearly be a critical crossroads in the Middle East peace process. By August, Prime Minister Fayyad's Government is set to complete its two-year plan for Palestinian State-building. The agreed timeframe of the currently stalled Israeli-Palestinian negotiations will also come to an end. In other words, the time to seize the opportunity is now. Failing to do so will not merely result in yet another lost opportunity; the very prospect of a negotiated two-State solution is at stake. That is why we must all stand firm behind the stated goal of negotiating a framework agreement on permanent status and a subsequent comprehensive peace treaty, within the agreed timeline. This was a main message voiced by the Foreign Minister of Norway during his visit to the region this month.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Encouraging progress has been made and we look forward to continuing to work with other States and regional organizations on this matter.”
2010-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6313 (2010) · source
“Realizing the paramount importance of the security issue in Somalia, we commend the efforts and sacrifices of the African Union and others, particularly the countries contributing troops and police to the African Union Mission in Somalia - Uganda and Burundi - in assisting the attempts of the TFG to stabilize the situation in the country, and we urge other countries that are in a position to do so to follow their lead. Peace and stability in Somalia are important not only to the Somalis themselves, but also to the entire Horn of Africa and far beyond. Norway has also been very active in countering piracy off the coast of Somalia. We have deployed a frigate to the region and chaired the last meeting of the Contact Group. Norway is also a substantial donor to the Trust Fund established here at the United Nations.”
2010-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6313 (2010) · source