YouSaid · the spoken record

Wittig

lines on the record: 917
first: 2010-02-12
most recent: 2014-02-12
sittings or episodes: 146
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

“Secondly, the protection of women in armed conflict from all forms of violence, especially sexual violence, is crucial. But we must also protect those who fight for women's rights. They deserve our unreserved backing. Having met with several women's organizations from different parts of the world, I know that human rights defenders often face severe risks in carrying out their work. Thirdly, women and women's organizations can also play a crucial role in the implementation of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and security sector reform mechanisms. They can also occupy a crucial role in political and constitutional reform and transitional justice efforts. To enable them to play that role, women's organizations need to receive adequate support, including financial support.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“While the need to involve women in peace processes has been extensively addressed, progress is needed in all spheres of society in order to strengthen the potential of women as agents of change. So, we again need to ask ourselves: What more can the Security Council, the United Nations and Member States do to close the gap between the normative framework and concrete action? Let me make five points here. First, today's debate and the presidential statement (S/PRST/2012/23) that was adopted on 31 October focus explicitly, for the first time, on the important role of women's civil society organizations. We very much welcome that focus, as the inclusion of women and women's organizations is not a benevolent act, but rather a key requirement of any sustainable peace.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Let me at the outset thank India for having organized today's open debate, which is important. I also thank Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson, Ms. Bachelet, Mr. Ladsous and Ms. Bineta Diop for their insightful briefings. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union (EU). At the outset, let me stress that my country unreservedly welcomes the report of the Secretary- General (S/2012/732) and especially his analysis using the set of indicators developed by the United Nations. We also commend the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) for its work in leading the mainstreaming efforts within the United Nations system. We encourage UN-Women to continue to cooperate closely with other United Nations entities.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“What is required is a structural reform of the Security Council - a reform that makes it more representative of the world we live in today; a reform that lends the decisions taken by the Council more credibility and therefore greater effectiveness. The desire for real, meaningful reform is more evident than ever. An overwhelming majority of Member States small and large, from the developing and the developed world, see true structural reform as the best way forward. Anything else would address only the symptoms and not the root causes.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“The presidency responsible for the annual report should continue to consult informally with non-members well ahead of the report's issuance, and report to Council members on the suggestions and expectations raised in those consultations. Since the monthly assessment is prepared under the responsibility of the presidency, it should allow for a more substantive reflection of the presidency's views and analysis of the Council's work during the respective month. The reform of working methods is part of a larger comprehensive reform. Let me therefore be clear. We must not stop at addressing working methods only.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“In that regard, I would like to state that Germany is ready to consider the expansion of the mandate of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, so as to also include issues relating to States' non-cooperation in the context of the Council's referrals to the International Criminal Court. On the issue of enhanced interaction in the context of open debates, Germany views such debates as an important opportunity for Council members to benefit from the input of non-member States. We therefore support the early circulation of concept notes to all United Nations Members and the delivery of concluding remarks by the presidency. Both the Council's annual report and the monthly assessments can be further improved.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“I would therefore like to provide a brief overview of where Germany stands on some of the main points. Regarding penholderships and chairmanships of subsidiary bodies, we are of the view that all Council members are eligible to fulfil those functions and that elected members should therefore increasingly be assigned penholderships. Germany is currently holding the pen for Afghanistan, as well as the chairmanship of several subsidiary organs. It has been a very positive experience. Consultations on the appointment of penholders and chairs of subsidiary bodies for the following year should take place soon after the elections of non-permanent members and before the end of the year, and they should be fully inclusive. The mandates of working groups should be flexible and open to necessary adaptations.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“For example, the participation of the Chairpersons in Council consultations should also be considered, not least to ensure a broader peacebuilding perspective in the Council. We also support the enhanced involvement of regional organizations in the work of the Council. Those organizations can play a crucial role in furthering conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding in their respective regions, and thus effectively complement the role of the Council. In that regard, I would like to recall the successful high-level meeting held on 26 September on peace and security in the Middle East (S/PV.684l), which focused on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. While much has been achieved to improve the Council's working methods, we are looking forward to the completion of work that is currently in progress.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“Also, the briefings provided by the Department of Political Affairs represent a particularly important improvement, and we call on all Council members to consider conducting one such horizon-scanning during their respective presidencies. We also welcome the increased use of modern technologies, such as video teleconferencing, in enhancing the timeliness and efficiency of the Council's actions. An interactive and dynamic relationship with a multitude of interlocutors, such as thematic Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, is crucial to the fulfilment of the Council's mandate, and the interactive dialogue held earlier this year of the Council with the Chairpersons of the Peacebuilding Commission's country configurations clearly highlighted the potential for further cooperation between the two bodies.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling today's open debate and for the useful concept note (S/2012/853, annex). We are also very grateful for the work undertaken by the Chairman of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, the Ambassaor of Portugal, as well as for his presentation today. Germany welcomes the increased efforts of the Council to interact with and seek input from a broad range of relevant actors, including the wider United Nations membership. Open debates, Arria Formula meetings and the holding of interactive dialogues are regularly and successfully used formats to ensure communication and the exchange of information that are vital for the Council's functioning.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“In the past few years, however, the international community has achieved a lot with regard to the fight against piracy. It must continue to coordinate, operate jointly and support regional efforts to tackle the root causes and effects of piracy.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“The effective prosecution and imprisonment of those responsible for piracy and armed robbery has made progress, but remains a challenge. It is the primary responsibility of the States concerned to prosecute, sentence and imprison pirates operating from their shores. As pointed out again in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/783), the Somali judicial system and its prisons still face a number of challenges. Capacities must be enlarged, and conditions further improved. Germany commends and actively supports all initiatives in that respect, especially those of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Development Programme. In conclusion, let me stress again that modern piracy remains a considerable challenge.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“We call on Member States, but especially on the shipping industry, to contribute to the Trust Fund, which finances critical projects in various sectors of counter-piracy, ranging from prosecution and detention efforts to projects that focus on hostages. The private sector also has a role to play when it comes to the prevention of hijackings. The use of best management practices launched by the International Maritime Organization and developed by the shipping industry has been crucial to the decrease in successful attacks. We therefore reiterate our call on shipowners and shipowners' associations to further engage in the promotion and implementation of the best management practices. My third and last point concerns the prosecution of convicted pirates.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“We also welcome the efforts of regional actors to define and implement regional polices and strategies in the fight against the scourge of piracy in Africa. In that regard, we commend the initiatives taken by the States in the Gulf of Guinea region, aimed at fostering cooperation with a view to enhancing maritime safety. We encourage the international community to support those efforts. Concerning Somalia, the activities of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and the Trust Fund supporting the Group's initiatives are the most useful contributions in that regard. We have therefore decided to make a new contribution of $2 million to the Trust Fund.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“Such a strategy needs to combine elements for building State capacities based on the rule of law and on functioning law enforcement structures, as well as social and economic circumstances that provide for the livelihoods of the people on the ground. It is obvious that the international community is called upon to continue its support in that regard. On my second point, the role of the division of labour, it is primarily the responsibility of the States concerned to prevent criminals from launching attacks on vessels off their coasts. It is therefore important that those States build the necessary police forces and coast guards, with international support where that is needed. Furthermore, we welcome the joint political and military efforts undertaken by the international community to secure the waters off the States concerned.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“On the first point, we welcome, as have others, the substantial progress made in the fight against piracy, reflected in the sharp decline in the hijacking of vessels, especially off the coast of Somalia, and the lower number of hostages currently held in Somali waters. That certainly reflects the success of the international naval forces jointly patrolling the waters off Somalia and better self-protection by the shipping industry. Nevertheless, piracy continues to pose a serious threat, since seafarers and vessels continue to be held hostage and piracy attacks in other regions, particularly the Gulf of Guinea, have been on the rise. We are convinced that, in the long term, the fight against piracy can only be won on land, by addressing the factors facilitating piracy in an integrated and strategic manner.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“Let me join previous speakers in thanking the Indian presidency for organizing this important open debate, and Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson for his very insightful briefing. Today I would like to make three points, first, on the lessons learned in dealing with piracy in various regions and the approach that follows from that; secondly, on the role of the various actors in counter- piracy activities; and thirdly, on the prosecution of convicted pirates. At the outset, I would like to align myself with the statement to be made later on by the observer of the European Union, which will provide an overview of the activities of the European Union (EU) in combating piracy. Germany actively participates in those efforts.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865 (2012) · source
“Since the Wiesbaden process continues to attract attention in many parts of the world from various business sectors, we are currently examining, along with interested parties, the scope of further cooperation in specific fields.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“We feel that an even more comprehensive and structured approach on collaboration and coordination with other actors, such as intergovernmental and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental bodies, could benefit the work of the Committee. Germany remains committed to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We continue to support the Committee's work by facilitating the working group on monitoring and implementation. In April 2011, Germany, together with the Office for Disarmament Affairs, organized a first-ever conference in Wiesbaden, an event explicitly focussed on international, regional and subregional industry associations, with a view to identifying how to advance the objective of resolution 1540 (2004).”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Attempts by non-State actors to acquire weapons of mass destruction and related material remain one of the gravest threats to global security. The Committee plays a pivotal role in addressing those issues. My country attaches great importance to the effective implentation of resolutions 1540 (2004) and 1977 (2011). We welcome resolution 2055 (2012), which has paved the way for providing the Committee with the assistance of more experts. It is our hope that the group of experts will soon be fully operational again. In our view, the provision of assistance channelled through the Committee continues to be a key priority.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Among those are enhancing the cooperation of States with the Ombudsperson for information-gathering, codifying the Ombudsperson's practice and improving transparency in procedure and substance, including disclosing the designating State and clarifying listing criteria. We further recommend extending the Ombudsperson's mandate, allowing the Ombudsperson to transmit requests for humanitarian exemptions and to assist persons or entities that are inadvertently affected by the sanctions regime, imposing time limits for all listings and administrative improvements. I am confident that there will be serious discussion among Security Council members about those proposals. Before I conclude, I should like to make a few remarks on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004).”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Ben Emmerson, has reminded us in his recent report that, while countering terrorism, "the mandate of the Ombudsperson still does not meet the structural due process requirement of objective independence from the Committee" (A/67/396, para. 35), we believe that the Ombudsperson process represents an important advance. It has increased the credibility of the sanctions regime and helps to ensure that sanctions are implemented around the globe. The Al-Qaida sanctions regime is coming up for renewal in December. Germany and the group of like-minded countries on targeted sanctions have prepared a number of proposals for the further development and fine-tuning of the regime.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“The Office of the Ombudsperson was established, in 2009, to assist the Sanctions Committee in processing applications for removing individuals from the sanctions list. The conclusions of her reports on delisting requests, previously of an advisory character, were upgraded to recommendations. The Sanctions Committee can overrule those recommendations only by consensus. However, any Committee member has the option of taking a case to the Security Council. Those review procedures introduced and element of the rule of law in the sanctions regime. While the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Mr.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Among other demands, there were calls to strengthen due process elements. Critics found remedies to listed individuals and entities insufficient. Sanctions implementation was successfully challenged in various courts, the so-called Kadi case, which made it twice to the European Court of Justice, being the most prominent. The challenge to the sanctions regime threatened to undermine the most important tool the Security Council has against Al-Qaida. There was a clear need for a determined response. In June 2011, the Security Council adopted resolutions 1988 (2011) and 1989 (2011), landmarks for the United Nations sanctions policy. Of particular importance was the Security Council's decision, in resolution 1989 (2011), substantially to strengthen the role of the Ombudsperson for the Al-Qaida sanctions regime.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Ben Emmerson, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. Mr. Emmerson and the Committee exchanged views on questions relating to the fairness and effectiveness of the Ombudsperson process. Mr. Emmerson has since published a report providing his assessment of the process, which the Committee will carefully consider. The Committee notes Mr. Emmerson's recommendations regarding the use of evidence obtained under torture and undertakes to give them close consideration. I would now like to add some brief words in my national capacity. In early 2011, Germany assumed the Chair of the 1267 sanctions Committee, which covered both Al-Qaida and the Taliban. At the time Germany took the helm, there was a clear need to reform the sanctions regime.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In addition, the Committee is considering three comprehensive reports of the Ombudsperson, while the Ombudsperson has three cases in the dialogue phase and six cases in the information-gathering phase. The Security Council will also have to review the mandate of the Ombudsperson in December. That will provide an opportunity to continue improving the procedures related to the Ombudsperson process. Questions to be addressed may include the modalities for information-sharing between the Office of the Ombudsperson and Member States. Member States are strongly urged to provide all relevant information to the Ombudsperson, including any relevant confidential information where appropriate. On 26 July, the Committee held a meeting with Mr.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In the light of the renewal of the Committee's mandate next month, there will be an opportunity to review the procedures, possibly spelling them out in greater detail and rendering them more transparent. The Office of the Ombudsperson continues to provide an important element of fair and clear procedures to the sanctions regime. The Office plays an important role in assisting the Committee to ensure that the list of designated individuals continues to reflect the current threat posed by Al-Qaida. Since the Committee's most recent report, the Committee decided to delist six individuals and one entity on the basis of reports submitted by the Ombudsperson.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In addition, the Committee reviewed 70 entries on the list that lacked identifying information necessary to ensure effective implementation of the sanctions measures. The Committee has also completed its first round of the so-called triennial review, in which 18 names were considered. That is a periodic review of all names that have not been reviewed in three or more years. It ensures that no name remains on the list in perpetuity. Every single entry undergoes a regular assessment by the Committee to determine whether continued listing remains appropriate. The third element is fair and clear procedures. The sanctions regime benefits from increasingly fair and clear procedures.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“The Committee, together with the Monitoring Team, continues to explore ways to collaborate with Member States to support implementation efforts. Secondly, with regard to maintaining an up-to-date and dynamic sanctions list, resolution 1989 (2011) directs the Committee to undertake the most extensive and regular review processes of any United Nations sanctions regime. The various specialized and periodic reviews ensure that the Al-Qaida sanctions list is a credible and effective tool in the fight against terrorism. The Committee has undertaken three specialized reviews, as set out in resolution 1989 (2011). The Committee reviewed the list entries of 34 reportedly deceased individuals and 55 entities reported to have ceased to exist. The review resulted in 12 delistings and 24 amendments to the list.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“The Committee recalls that it remains the responsibility of Member States to ensure that the list of targeted individuals and entities accurately reflects the evolving threat posed by Al-Qaida, through the submission of listing and delisting requests in a timely manner. In that context, the Committee also emphasizes that it stands ready to receive from States the names of individuals and groups associated with Al-Qaida in the Sahel region, notably in north Mali, in accordance with paragraph 24 of resolution 2056 (2012) and paragraph 3 of resolution 2071 (2012), to be considered for designation on the Al-Qaida sanctions list. Measures adopted under Chapter VII are binding on all Member States, and the sanctions regime is most effective when States are well placed to facilitate implementation.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“After thorough consideration and in-depth discussion, the Committee has transmitted to the Security Council the twelfth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (see S/2012/729), together with the Committee's position on the recommendations (see S/2012/730). The report addressed the issue of the evolving terrorist threat. The Committee has now received the thirteenth report of the Monitoring Team and will begin its discussion of that document shortly. In the light of the continuing threat posed by Al-Qaida and its affiliates, it is important for Member States to continue to make every effort to fully implement the measures outlined in resolution 1989 (2011). The Committee remains committed to ensuring that the Al-Qaida sanctions list is dynamic and responsive to the changing nature of the threat.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Al-Qaida and its associates continue to pose a threat to international peace and security, and that threat continues to evolve. While the operational impact of Al-Qaida's core leadership has declined since the death of Osama Bin Laden and several other key leaders, Al-Qaida networks have become an ever more complex phenomenon, with an internationally diverse range of supporters and active fighters. Affiliate groups continue to be active in a number of regions worldwide, and in many cases have managed to blend regional and local issues and interests with Al-Qaida's global agenda in order to increase their appeal. Al-Qaida and its associates are working on rebuilding terrorist structures in Europe. There is a continuing danger that individual acts of terror may occur in that theatre.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In today's briefing, I would like to provide an update on the activities and achievements of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, since my most recent briefing in May (see S/PV.6767). In my remarks, I shall focus on what the Committee considers to be the most important elements: first, the evolving threat posed by Al-Qaida; secondly, maintaining an up-to-date and dynamic sanctions list; and, thirdly, fair and clear procedures. A more detailed version of this statement will be distributed in hardcopy today and be made available on the Committee's website. First, with regard to the evolving threat posed by Al-Qaida.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Allow me to remind Member States of an issue that is still unresolved - the question of immunity. In order to safeguard the footprint of the Office of the High Representative in stabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina, a sustainable and comprehensive answer to the question ofthe immunity ofpresent and former staff ofthe Office of the High Representative from legal proceedings has to be found. We hope for early progress on that issue and invite members to join us in the necessary discussions.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Today, however, such policies serve instead as an impediment to the accountability of political leaders to their electorate and to their ownership of the reform process. Instead of sticking to the institutional set-up of the past, we need to focus on concepts and instruments that can initiate forward-looking developments. With the European Union perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina finally occupying centre stage, we can afford to relieve the Office of the High Representative of tasks that are better fulfilled by the European Union and its representatives on the ground. We therefore welcome the decision to suspend international supervision in the Brcko District, where the EU has instead opened a new regional office. Further progress in that regard is needed.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“The EU has both the political will and the necessary instruments to best support Bosnia and Herzegovina in that endeavour. The increased EU presence in the field and the strengthened mandate of the EU Special Representative reaffirm the European Union's commitment towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. That leads me to my third and last point, namely, the international community's engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the future. Germany wholeheartedly welcomes the contribution to peace and stability made by the High Representative and his Office over the past 17 years. After the war ended in 1995, the close monitoring and executive control of the international community were undoubtedly necessary.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“We have made clear to the political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina that they should place the interests of their country as a whole and the well-being of their citizens at the heart of their efforts by moving Bosnia and Herzegovina steadfastly forward on the reform track towards EU accession. An important step in that regard was the agreement between the political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union on a road map that identifies key requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards Europe. The most imminent of the challenges ahead remains the long overdue implementation of the Sejdie- Finci ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, on the right of minorities to be elected to the Bosnian Presidency and the second chamber of Parliament.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“With a reduced number of forces based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Althea is successfully focusing on capacity-building and training. My second point concerns the current political situation in Bosnia. Ambassador Inzko's briefing and the latest EU progress report provide a relatively grim analysis of the state of reforms in the country. It is true that there is a lack of a shared Vision for the overall direction of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the part of the political leadership, and that is worrisome. Yet we have also witnessed important signs ofprogress, particularly at the beginning of this year, such as the establishment of a new State-level Government, agreement on a national budget, and new laws on State aid and a census.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Ambassador Inzko for his comprehensive and informative briefing. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union (EU). I should like to focus my remarks on three key points today. First, and most importantly for the Security Council, the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has remained calm and stable. Since its beginning in 2004, the EU-led force (EUFOR) Operation Althea has not had to intervene a single time to restore peace. Most recently, the fifth local elections since the end of the war were carried out in a calm environment. Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have thus proved capable of dealing with threats to the safe and secure environment. Based on that assessment, the reconfiguration of Operation Althea was completed by 1 September.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Accordingly, the Security Council should avoid any reference to the apportionment of costs in possible future referrals. Both the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the General Assembly have in respective resolutions recently opened the way for the ICC and the United Nations to jointly address that issue. We look forward to a solution that is a clear expression of international support for the practice of referrals. Finally, I would like to thank again the presidency for having organized this important debate. Germany would support the holding of regular debates on this topic.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“The cooperation of States also encompasses allowing the full application of the Rome Statute, including those provisions that relate to the privileges and immunities of ICC staff in exercise of their functions, as well as to the full application of the Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. Thirdly, with regard to financing, both as a State party to the Rome Statute and a member of the Security Council, we have the strong view that when the Council, acting on behalf of the international community, refers a situation to the ICC, ensuring the expenses on the ICC side should be borne by the United Nations rather than by the State parties. We do not concur with the position taken by some Council members in that regard that implies that the pursuit of justice should be a free ride.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“But just as much as States must cooperate with the Court, the responsibility of the Security Council does not end with a decision to refer a situation to the Court; rather, the Council needs to carefully watch over all steps and measures taken by the Court and the Prosecutor in following up on the Council's requests to investigate a given situation. With regard to notifications of non-cooperation, the Council should actively take note of such a breach of States' obligation to cooperate and clearly express its views on the matter.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“At the same time, we look forward to the ratification of the Rome Statute by the greatest possible number of States so that referrals become more and more obsolete. Secondly, with regard to cooperation, just a few months ago the former ICC Chief Prosecutor expressed in this Chamber his intense frustration at the fact that the four arrest warrants in the Darfur case had not been implemented (see S/PV.6778). Germany fully shares that frustration, as the lack of cooperation seriously undermines the Court's credibility.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Syria is a case in point where not only peace and security are at stake, but where victims of daily and well-documented crimes cry out for justice. In the context of referrals, there are a number of steps that the Council, the United Nations as a whole and the individual Member States concerned can take in support of the ICC in exercising fully the responsibilty that stems from interacting with the Court. First, with regard to referrals by the Security Council, by referring the Darfur and Libya situations to the ICC, the Council has proven its readiness to incorporate that option in its tool box of measures. The Council must retain its willingness to use that tool as a last resort, as an act of political responsibility by the Council. A referral does not prejudge the findings ofthe Court and its organs.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“At the same time, we need to recognize the respective characteristics and differences of both organs, which define the essence, scope and limits of their mutual relationship. The Council is a political organ and the ICC is an independent court of justice. Therefore, despite their often complimentary functions, any notion of one organ serving the other is misguided. Furthermore, not all Council members have acceded to the Rome Statute. Some Council members have at times voiced scepticism vis-a-vis the Court. They have even questioned its role regarding the interplay of peace and justice. At the same time, the Council has demonstrated unity on such issues when referring the situations in both Darfur and Libya to the ICC. On other occasions, the Council has been deeply divided and, as a consequence, remained inactive.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“The Rome Statute of the ICC has provided the Security Council with important options to directly pursue the path ofjustice. It has expanded the range of action under the Council's mandate. In turn, the Council has repeatedly recognized the important contribution of the ICC and the other international Tribunals to the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. That was reiterated most recently when the German Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as President of the Security Council, addressed the General Assembly during the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels (see A/67/PV.3), on 24 September.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Justice itself requires accountability. Both are crucial aspects of a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and conflict resolution. The Council's recognition of that linkage has materialized through its own creation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Given their largely overlapping constituency, it is only natural that the Council and the ICC should closely collaborate. While the Council exercises its responsibility on behalf of all 193 Members of the United Nations, 121 States have now acceded to the Rome Statute, bringing the ICC ever nearer to the goal of universality. Allow me therefore to congratulate Guatemala for having become the most recent State party to the Rome Statute.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Mr. Wittig (Germany) (spoke in Spanish): I am very grateful to the presidency of Guatemala for having taken the initiative of convening this very important debate. We welcome your personal presence in the Council today, Mr. Minister. (spoke in English) I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, as well as the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Sang-Hyung Song, and Mr. Mochochoko of the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC for their briefings. Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union to be delivered later during this debate. Ten years after the entry into force of the Rome Statute, the Council and the ICC have developed an enduring relationship based on common objectives. Sustainable peace and security must solidly rest on justice, the rule of law and human rights.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“and its partners in the field of security must also translate into political progress and improvements in the economic and social situation of the Somali people. That is foremost a task for the Somalis themselves, but the international community stands ready to support them. Finally, the ongoing assessment and the strategic review of the United Nations presence in Somalia are welcome in order to further stabilize and consolidate the peace in Somalia. We believe that the challenges Somalia is facing require ajoint approach, a sound and coherent strategy, and a clear division oflabour. Let me offer assurances that Germany continues to stand by Somalia and its people.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“But also, among other things, sustainable and predictable financing should also be supported by initiatives with regard to the building the capacity of the Somali security forces. Eventually, the Somalis should be in a position to provide peace and security in their country on their own. In that context, let me reiterate that the European Union (EU) supports the Somali security sector through the European Union training mission Somalia. Since the beginning of 2009, my country has actively participated in that mission. Several thousand Somali soldiers trained by the EU's mission continue to play a crucial role in improving security jointly with AMISOM. Security remains key for any progress, and all efforts by partners in the security sector should be coordinated and should take into account the lessons learned. The achievements of AMISOM.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source