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

  1. I thank you, Mr. President, for guiding our meeting today. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Fernandez-Taranco for his briefing. Germany aligns itself with the European Union statement to be delivered later on. On many occasions, we have deplored the political stalemate in the Middle East. We have consistently urged for efforts to find a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be intensified. Therefore, we very warmly welcome the Jordanian initiative in support of Quartet efforts to facilitate direct contacts between the parties with the aim of resuming direct and meaningful negotiations. Our primary goal remains a just and lasting peace.

    2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source

  2. My third point relates to the recent announcement of the Secretary-General to relocate United Nations staff to Somalia and Mogadishu, in particular UNPOS. My delegation has always favoured the swift relocation of United Nations staff from Nairobi. We understand that the process is difficult and involves personnel and administrative challenges. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the move will further help UNPOS to support the Somali people and provide access to the situation on the ground.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  3. In the interests of the people of Somalia, further progress needs to be made in such core areas as constitutional reform, basic security, political outreach and reconciliation, good governance and institutional reform. At this stage, we believe that another extension of the transitional period is neither in the interests of the Somali people nor of the international community. The Somali people and the international community must now agree on what succeeds the transitional arrangements. The discussion among Somali stakeholders in Garowe in December and the principles agreed there are a first step on that path. We welcome the upcoming London conference to be convoked by the British Government as an opportunity to hold further discussions concerning the immediate future of Somalia.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  4. The successful training of Somali security forces by the AU training mission in Somalia and their subsequent deployment, and especially the liberation of almost all of Mogadishu and other parts of the country, contrast clearly with the continued lack of political progress. Although the Garowe meeting had positive results and some provisions of the road map have been implemented, we are worried about the considerable delays in other areas and about the renewed infighting among some of Somalia's political players. We call on the Transitional Federal Institutions to make the best possible use of the remaining months until August in order to move the transition process forward at last.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  5. We welcome the continued commitment of the AU and its member States to the Mission, and we commend Uganda and Burundi for contributing troops to the peacekeeping force. We express our sympathy for the losses they have suffered, and we appreciate the arrival in Mogadishu of the first troops from Djibouti. We also took note of the communique of the AU Peace and Security Council of 5 January, which endorses the increase of the AMISOM. troop level to a strength of up to 17,700, including troops from Djibouti and rehatted Kenyan forces. We are ready to work constructively with other Council members to consider enhancing the support for AMISOM. Let me now turn briefly to my second point * AMISOM's recent military achievements.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  6. Let me focus briefly on three points, namely, first, the future posture, composition and support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); secondly, the political state of play and the way forward, especially after the end of the transitional period; and thirdly, very briefly, the relocation of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) to that country, specifically to Mogadishu. First, I would like to reiterate our strong support for AMISOM. The African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia provides an excellent example of an African response to an African crisis and deserves our continued political, strategic and financial support. We took note of the new AU strategic concept for AMISOM. operations that was recently shared with us (see S/2012/19, annex).

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  7. At the outset, let me welcome you, Madam President, and thank you for convening today's meeting and presiding over it. It is an important meeting that we are having today on Somalia. I would like to join others in thanking Under- Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe and Ambassador Lamamra for their briefings. By the same token, I would like to welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kenya, Mr. Moses Wetangula; the Minister of Defence of Uganda, Mr. Crispus Kiyonga; and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov.

    2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source

  8. As one element of the transformation of the provincial reconstruction teams before they are phased out, Germany has decided to place its team under civilian leadership, the Faizabad team being the first last week. Let me end by underlining once more the gratitude of the German Government for its Afghan partners, particularly President Karzai, Foreign Minister Rassoul, Deputy Foreign Minister Ludin and Ambassador Tanin here in New York, for their outstanding cooperation in preparation for the Bonn Conference. Germany highly values its close friendship with Afghanistan and will continue to exert influence in support of the bright future Afghanistan deserves.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  9. Reminded by the report presented today, we strongly call for respect for the humanitarian space in which those who come to help the most vulnerable operate. Before concluding, I wish to offer some remarks on security. We remain concerned by the overall volatility and the continued high level of violence. The shocking Ashura attacks against innocent worshippers this month are the latest example. However, despite an increase in the visibility of attacks, the overall security situation shows clear signs of stabilization. We believe that a negative trend might have been halted. While transition progresses, the international engagement needs adaptation.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  10. Finally, the central role of the United Nations in Afghanistan found much support and appreciation in Bonn. While we are optimizing the United Nations footprint in view of transition, Germany shares the view expressed by the Secretary-General at the Conference that the United Nations was active in Afghanistan well before 2001, and will be needed in Afghanistan long after 2014. As my delegation has repeatedly said in this Chamber, it is our common responsibility to ensure, in the best possible way, the safety and security of United Nations personnel, working under significant risks and at the cost of personal sacrifice. Germany condemns in the strongest of terms the attack against the United Nations compound in Kandahar in late October and, once more, expresses its sincere condolences.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  11. The permanent stabilization of Afghanistan requires an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process that combines the legitimate interests of all groups within Afghan society, including those Taliban who want to break with their past. In that context, Afghanistan and the world community have defined seven clear principles for such a process, showing unequivocally that peace cannot be had at any price. However, participants were very clear that the outcome of a peace and reconciliation process based on those principles needed to be respected and supported by the region. Regional support remains essential - and a functional relationship with its closest neighbour, Pakistan, even more so. The German delegation is fully supportive of the new Istanbul Process to gradually build and renew trust and confidence in the region.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  12. The international community stands by Afghanistan. We will make sure that the important achievements over the past decade will not be reversed and that much-needed reforms and capacity-building will remain priorities, for the benefit of all Afghans. Terrorists must not be allowed to find a safe haven in Afghanistan again. In all of that, sustainability, including fiscal sustainability, is a key concern. One example is that the Afghan Security forces have almost reached their target size. The focus must now be on further qualification and empowerment of lasting Afghan- owned structures. Bonn also underlined the international support for a political solution.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  13. Petersburg, Afghanistan is on its way to full sovereignty again. The transition is starting to show its first results. As announced by President Karzai, soon more than 50 per cent of Afghan territory will be considered to be transition areas. By 2014 the Afghan Security Forces will have full responsibility for Afghanistan's security. The truly remarkable message from Bonn is clear: the international community renews its partnership with Afghanistan and defines a clear and reliable long-term perspective, based on firm mutual commitments. For its part of the agreement, the Afghan Government commits to continued progress in all key areas, such as democracy, human rights and governance, and reaffirms its international obligations in that regard. More generally, the so-called transformation decade of 2015-2024 emphasizes a strategic consensus.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  14. Jan Kubis. My delegation wishes to congratulate him on his new position and assure him of the full support of the German Government. His vast political experience will serve the United Nations Mission very well. I would also like to assure him of the strong support of my country and, I assume, of the Council, for which Afghanistan is a high priority, as has been proven by the high degree of consensus displayed over time. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union. Mr. Kubis is going to Kabul at yet another defining moment in modern Afghan history, only days after the International Afghanistan Conference in Bonn on 5 December, which, as Mr. Ludin said, was a historic milestone. Ten years after the first conference, in St.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  15. I would like, at the outset, to acknowledge the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Ludin here in the Chamber. We thank him very much for joining us today and for his remarks. We also thank Under-Secretary-General Ladsous for his comprehensive briefing. Germany thanks Mr. Staffan de Mistura wholeheartedly for his enormous contribution to United Nations support for Afghanistan and for his personal dedication in one of the most challenging positions that the Organization has to offer. The new Italian Government's choice of Mr. De Mistura for his important new position there is ample proof of his outstanding qualities. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and welcome the incoming Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and the new head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr.

    2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source

  16. Resolution 2023 (2011) sends a clear political message to Eritrea that it must stop all activity that destabilizes the region, and it must cooperate with its neighbours. In return, we call on the neighbours of Eritrea to cooperate in good faith with that country. In this respects, all forums and platforms - first and foremost, the regional organizations - should be used. We encourage IGAD to swiftly decide on Eritrea's request to reactivate its membership.

    2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source

  17. Moreover, Eritrea continues on its path to self- isolation, and has halted its cooperation with the United Nations and other organizations, such as the European Union. The Security Council and its Committee established pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) discussed at length and in great depth the necessary reactions and the scope and content of a reinforced sanctions regime. Resolution 2023 (2011), which has just been adopted, bears in mind the fate of the people of Eritrea. It is calibrated and takes into account the difficult humanitarian situation in the region. It does not impose new economic sanctions or increase the burden of the Eritrean people; rather, it demands more transparency from Eritrea and calls on 3 those doing business with the country to make sure that funds are not used for illegitimate purposes.

    2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source

  18. The situation in the Horn of Africa region and the role of Eritrea therein led to the adoption of resolution 1907 (2009) in December 2009, imposing sanctions on Eritrea. These sanctions have never been an end in themselves, and have not aimed at punishing the Eritrean people. Their purpose has always been to engage Eritrea in finding a peaceful solution to its problems with its neighbours. Unfortunately, Eritrea has failed to comply with the main provisions of resolution 1907 (2009), as outlined in great detail in the report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea (see S/2011/433) and confirmed by the representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) this morning. We are concerned that the country continues to support armed opposition groups throughout the region, especially in Somalia.

    2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source

  19. Focusing only on its working methods resembles a band-aid approach to a more structural issue that, in our View, can be addressed only by making the membership of the Council more representative of the world we live in today.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  20. We also believe that the Council should be more open to an enhanced relationship with the Human Rights Council, not least because of the role that the independent commissions of inquiry established by the Human Rights Council play in several situations on the Security Council's agenda. Lastly, we welcome the initiative of Member States in presenting concrete proposals for reform of the working methods of the Security Council. As I mentioned before, we support many of the ideas contained in the initiative proposed by the so-called group of five small nations. However, Germany strongly supports improvement of the Council's working methods as part of a comprehensive reform of the Council.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  21. Important progress has been made in enhancing the relationship between the Security Council and thematic Special Representatives of the Secretary- General, such as those for children and armed conflict and sexual violence in conflict. Similarly, the briefings provided by the Executive Director of UN-Women and representatives of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have been important to the Council's work. In our view, the Council has greatly benefited from their analyses and reports. The same holds true for the briefings provided by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Germany supports regular participation by these Offices in briefings and at consultations of the Security Council.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  22. The relationship between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) has become more interactive and dynamic. The chairpersons of the PBC country-specific configurations now regularly brief the Council when a particular country's situation is under consideration. They bring to the table a different perspective that can complement the Council's assessment of a given situation. In this context, their participation in Council consultations should also be envisaged. There is also still potential for improvement in ensuring that the Council can and will draw on the PBC's advice on broader peacebuilding perspectives.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  23. These are but two examples of how the Council can better satisfy the legitimate interests of the broader membership in enhanced transparency and accessibility of the Council in its work. We fully agree with the goal expressed in your concept paper, Mr. President, preparing for today's debate, of improving involvement by all stakeholders such as concerned non-members of the Council and relevant regional organizations. Concrete steps could include more frequent use of the Arria-formula meetings or giving troop contributors and other stakeholders the opportunity for joint input in Council consultations. We also share the goal of enhancing the role of the Military Staff Committee. We appreciate the current practice of regular informal meetings of the Committee open to all 15 members of the Council, and encourage its continuation.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  24. An open and transparent relationship between the Security Council and the wider United Nations membership remains crucial for the political acceptance and relevance of the Council, as well as for the implementation of its resolutions. As President of the Security Council for the month of July 2011, Germany drafted the introduction of the annual report of the Security Council to the General Assembly (A/66/2). In preparing for the compilation of the report, we built on the good practice of holding, together with Nigeria and Portugal, an informal meeting with the wider United Nations membership. We also asked the presidency to separate the debates on the annual report and on the issue of Security Council reform in order to allow for a more focused debate on both issues.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  25. There is also some discussion on the selection procedure and the accountability of the expert panels established to support the sanctions committees in their work. While a discussion on this issue may be warranted, it is our view that this should neither result in excessively delaying the beginning of the work of new experts, nor lead to any infringement on the independence of such experts in the implementation of their mandate. It is precisely their independence, combined with their expert knowledge, that provides the added benefit not only to the Security Council but also to the wider United Nations membership. We thus are strongly in favour of their reports, as a general rule, being made public.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  26. They also allow the Council to be more flexible and responsive to evolving situations on the ground, contributing also to a stronger preventive role of the Council. Among the Council's subsidiary bodies, the sanctions committees have become a major field of activity for the Council and its members. Here, too, the working methods have become more efficient and transparent over the past years. The establishment of a focal point for delisting, and, in the case of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, of an Ombudsperson in particular are important innovations with direct benefit for the wider United Nations membership.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  27. Mr. President, I, too, should like to thank you for having initiated today's open debate. It provides a good opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved so far and where improvements could be made. Much has been achieved. Discussions at this year's retreat for the incoming newly elected members were also dedicated to ideas and suggestions on how to improve the work of the Council and make it more transparent and efficient. The regular briefings by the Department of Political Affairs are an important improvement, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring. These briefings have allowed for discussions on matters of international peace and security that have not yet become formal agenda items.

    2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source

  28. EULEX has opened a preliminary investigation, and EULEX prosecutors have met with Senator Marty to discuss his findings. The Government of Kosovo is ready to cooperate fully. EULEX has established good cooperation with the authorities in Belgrade and Tirana. EULEX prosecutors have already met twice with the General Prosecutor of Albania on the matter. We therefore do not believe it is necessary to set up an additional mechanism for investigations, in the light of the EULEX mandate. In conclusion, let me underline once more that Germany will continue to closely monitor the developments in Kosovo. We remain committed to the European perspective of the whole region. We appreciate the contribution by UNMIK to peace and stability and commend the dedication and service of its staff.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  29. EULEX has achieved further progress in recent months in its full investigation of the allegations of despicable crimes committed against Serbian nationals during, and after the end of, the armed conflict in Kosovo. With the appointment of Mr. Clint Williamson as lead prosecutor for the Special Investigative Task Force, a distinguished and capable prosecutor has been tasked to lead the investigation. This development has also been welcomed by Foreign Minister Jeremic. In particular, I welcome that Mr. Williamson has received full support from Kosovo, Serbia and Albania. We have already stated that in our view that there is no doubt that the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo has the capacities, the competence and the jurisdiction to carry out these investigations. EULEX has Germany's full support and confidence.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  30. We deplore the increase in incidents of crime, including those affecting minority communities, as described in the Secretary-General's report. Widespread organized crime remains a serious issue in Kosovo. Nonetheless, we welcome the efforts by the Kosovo authorities to address this issue. We share the observation in the report on the overall positive developments with regard to the rule of law in Kosovo and the positive impact on the everyday life of the citizens of Kosovo and the region. We also appreciate the facilitating role played by UNMIK, be it with respect to cooperation between Kosovo authorities and INTERPOL, or between the Serbian and the Kosovo Ministries of Justice.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  31. The European Union-mandated dialogue is at the core of the process that leads to peace and stability in the region. Germany actively supports the process of dialogue under the auspices of Mrs. Ashton. This open and constructive dialogue is designed to improve the daily lives of citizens in both countries, to promote the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, and to pave the way for both countries to a secure, European future. We thus welcome the new round of bilateral talks that took place on 21 and 22 November, which produced an agreement by both parties on mutual recognition of school and university diplomas. We call on both sides to build on the positive momentum and reach further tangible results in the meeting on 30 November and to ensure swift implementation of the agreements already reached.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  32. We also call on the Serbian authorities to exert their influence on those responsible for inciting and resorting to violence. We have full confidence in the work of KFOR and EULEX. All parties concerned have to cooperate fully with the international presences. Erecting barricades to restrict the freedom of movement in this part of Kosovo is unacceptable. In this context, I would like to welcome the call by President Tadie this morning on the people in northern Kosovo to dismantle the roadblocks and to refrain from violence. We explicitly welcome that call by President Tadic'. Our objective is peace and stability in the region with a clear European perspective. It is also pointed out in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/675) that the outstanding issues can be resolved only through peaceful means.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  33. Among them, two German soldiers sustained gunshot wounds from small arms fired from the sidelines of the demonstration. Let me make this point in no uncertain terms: any use of violence against KFOR or the other international presences is unacceptable. It must be condemned in the strongest terms. Both KFOR and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) are fulfilling their mandate to ensure and maintain a safe environment, including freedom of movement, and to establish the rule of law. They act in full compliance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. Attacks against KFOR are thus attacks against the integrity and authority of the Security Council. We call on all citizens in Kosovo, including in northern Kosovo, to refrain from any violence.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  34. Let me join my colleagues in congratulating Mr. Zarif on his recent appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and welcoming His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremie, Foreign Minister of Serbia, and His Excellency Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Foreign Minister of Kosovo. We view the situation in the northern part of Kosovo with great concern. The last month has seen a significant deterioration in the security situation because of provocative action by Kosovo's Serb demonstrators. Only yesterday we witnessed a new level of violence perpetrated by Kosovo Serb demonstrators against soldiers of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). While implementing their mandate to ensure freedom of movement, KFOR troops were attacked with stones, fireworks and Molotov cocktails. Thirty KFOR soldiers from Germany and Austria were wounded.

    2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source

  35. In 2011 alone my country has contributed around $7 million to projects implemented by UNODC in the area of combating organized crime and drug trafficking, and we intend to continue our financial support for such projects. As a good example of such successful cooperation, I would like to mention the Global Container Control Programme, jointly conducted by UNODC and the World Customs Organization. This Programme is aimed at building capacity through training. Let us not forget that prevention is key to countering today's threats. We as Member States must build up our own capacities and help others to do the same in order to exercise our sovereignty responsibly, deal with internal dangers before they threaten others, and act collectively with other States to meet threats on a global scale.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  36. The seriousness of the problem lies in the global penetration achieved by such organizations and in the threat they pose to democracy and legitimate economic development. These problems are compounded by the fact that in many cases the capacity of States to establish the rule of law is weakened by corruption, weak judicial systems and a lack of effective policing capacity. The scale of the challenge requires a coordinated response from the international community. In that context, we regard the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime - the Palermo Convention - as one of the crucial instruments for enhancing international cooperation in combating organized crime, and we would like to seize the opportunity to appeal to all States that have not yet done so to ratify it as soon as possible.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  37. The international community may also need to look more closely into the adequacy and appropriateness of the legal and political instruments at hand, a complex task for all of us. We will also have to look more closely into the security implications of migration, which will require a comprehensive approach, including on the part of the Security Council within its work on new and emerging security threats. With a View to Durban, let me add that the worst case is not inevitable, and mitigation remains key in this regard. My third point concerns transnational organized crime. The composition and operational methods of transnational organized criminal groups have become more sophisticated in recent years, and their activities continue to pose a significant threat to international peace and security.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  38. We have to acknowledge that despite our ongoing efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change - and the seventeenth United Nations Climate Change Conference is beginning in Durban five days from now - migration has already become an adaptation strategy for people affected by climate change. The number of affected people within and across borders will clearly rise, potentially leading to insecurity and conflict, in addition to the personal plight of millions of people. Germany very much supports the approach that UNHCR is taking in this regard. We need more research into and better understanding of migration processes. We must be guided by the fundamental principles of human dignity, human rights and international cooperation.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  39. Mainstreaming health issues into peace-building activities therefore remains a key challenge that is often overlooked. My second point concerns the interrelationship between climate change, migration and security. In some regions of our planet, climate change-induced migration is a reality already today. People are migrating because their traditional homes are under threat by a rising sea level, by increasing drought and desertification, and by the increasingly destructive power of natural disasters. Climate change will hardly be the only factor in a crisis. The terrible famine in the Horn of Africa is an example of that.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  40. One such model is the Debt2Health initiative launched jointly by the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the German Government in 2007. By redirecting funds from debt repayments towards life-saving investments in health, Debt2Health has improved public health systems and strengthened partnership, including with conflict- affected countries. Besides significantly decreasing health-related root causes of conflict, there is also a need to highlight the importance of addressing health issues in the aftermath of conflict. The physical and psychological consequences of Violence, including sexual Violence, often constitute a heavy burden for stabilization, reconstruction and development in post- conflict societies.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  41. Since the first discussion of the linkages between HIV/AIDS and international peace and security over a decade ago, the Security Council has come a long way, having recently adopted resolution 1983 (2011) on that issue. Today, it is widely acknowledged that conflict situations can aggravate health problems and that vulnerable populations, such as refugees or children in an armed conflict, face higher health risks. At the same time, we know that the spread of epidemics such as HIV/AIDS can fuel conflicts by weakening the capacities of national Governments and by destroying existing social structures. We would therefore like to encourage donors, United Nations agencies and affected States to further integrate health into stabilization and rehabilitation programmes and to promote innovative models of cooperation.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  42. Our world is at the beginning of this new century facing a whole array of tremendous new challenges. Among them are poverty, infectious diseases, transnational organized crime and climate change, just to name a few. This Council recognized the challenges of climate change on security when, under the German presidency in the month of July, it adopted a substantial and forward- looking presidential statement (S/PRST/20ll/15) on that issue. Today's debate is an excellent opportunity to take a systematic look at those diverse threats and challenges. Let me briefly elaborate on three areas that deserve particular attention. First on the list is health.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  43. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your timely initiative in convening today's briefing and debate on new security challenges. We welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing, as well as Mr. Yuri Fedotov, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Antonio Guterres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Ms. Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, for their insightful briefings. Germany firmly believes that managing and resolving threats to international security without understanding their underlying causes and dynamics can at best lead only to temporary solutions.

    2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source

  44. Let me conclude by emphasizing that we fully support the extension of the mandate of EUFOR and Operation Althea for another year, to be decided by the Security Council tomorrow. The mission provides an important contribution to the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It epitomizes our joint commitment to the peaceful, democratic and prosperous future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people. Such a Bosnia and Herzegovina, willing and able to conduct the EU accession process on its own strength, is the best guarantee for peaceful development in the region. Germany will continue to support all efforts to advance that goal.

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

  45. Further steps must follow. The European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU perspective should become the only game in town. That will include the continued reconfiguration of EUFOR and Operation Althea. In addition, we are of the view that the Office of the High Representative should be downsized and relocated abroad. Its staff levels should be commensurate with its remaining tasks. Thirdly, in order to save the footprint of the Office of the High Representative in stabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina, a sustainable and comprehensive answer to the question of immunity from legal proceedings for present and former staff of the Office has to be found. We intend to initiate a more thorough discussion on the issue and to invite members to participate.

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

  46. Given Bosnia and Herzegovina's history, close monitoring and far-reaching supervision by the international community have undoubtedly been necessary in the past. But that approach has not succeeded in creating incentives for local politicians to choose the route of compromise over advancing their nationalist agendas. In fact, the international community's approach at times serves as an impediment to political leaders' accountability to their electorates and to their assumption of ownership of the reform process. We should not continue that way. Our focus should be on employing instruments that are better suited to initiate positive developments. Obsolete approaches should be discontinued. Decoupling the High Representative and the EU Special Representative and endowing the latter with a sound mandate was an important step.

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

  47. That brings me to my second observation, namely, what the international community can do to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's resumption of the reform process, and thus also its return to the path towards Europe. It is up to Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders themselves to place the well-being of their county as a Whole, and that of all of its citizens, at the top of their agendas, to form a new State-level Government as a matter of urgency and to tackle the outstanding reform projects. That should happen without further delay. Since Dayton, however, the international community has often ended up rectifying shortcomings in the domestic political processes. That cannot continue.

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

  48. There are no indications of violent destabilization. Looking back less than two decades, when Bosnia and Herzegovina was on the brink of violent disintegration, this positive development deserves explicit recognition. Against that backdrop, the European Union has decided to reconfigure EUFOR and Operation Althea. The mission's main focus will be directed towards providing capacity-building and training to Bosnia and Herzegovina's armed forces so that they can themselves maintain peace and stability. However, the continuing political paralysis gives us a reason for concern. The recent EU progress report highlighted the stalemate in the reform process. The lack of a shared vision of the political leadership on the overall direction of the country is particularly worrisome.

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

  49. Let me, at the outset, thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina for his comprehensive and informative briefing. We welcome the contribution to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the High Representative and his Office have made in the course of the past 16 years. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union. I would like to offer three brief observations on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. First, the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be calm and stable. The European Union Force (EUFOR) and European Union Operation Althea and the preceding military operations, namely, the Multinational Military Implementation Force and the Stabilization Force, have never had to intervene to restore peace.

    2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source

  50. Regarding implementation, Germany would like to see the Committee, assisted by the Monitoring Team, take a more proactive role in working with Member States to ensure the full implementation of measures.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source