YouSaid · the spoken record

Wolcott Sanders

lines on the record: 182
first: 2006-03-20
most recent: 2007-06-22
sittings or episodes: 29
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 current negotiations between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army seek an end to the 20-year conflict, which has produced 2 million internally displaced persons and seen roughly 25,000 children abducted by the LRA. Children abducted by the LRA are often forced to participate in acts of extreme violence, including beating or hacking to death fellow child captives who had tried to escape. Girls as young as 12 are given to commanders as "wives". Some abducted children have managed to escape, while others have died from disease, mistreatment or combat wounds. Although child abductions are down because of the decrease in LRA activity in northern Uganda, many of the abductees remain under the control of the LRA.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source
“In the Sudan, Government forces and various armed groups continue to recruit and use child soldiers in armed conflict. In camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Darfur and in refugee camps in neighbouring Chad, we have seen the tragic recruitment of young men and boys by various parties to the Darfur conflict. Also in Darfur, rape continues to be used as a weapon of war against young women and girls. The Government of the Sudan, which is a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Right of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, must accept responsibility for the widespread problem of the recruitment and use of child soldiers and take immediate steps to halt such practices.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source
“Child soldiers are also used in ethnic armies. We encourage Burma's neighbours to provide protection to any child soldiers who desert the national or ethnic armies and to allow international relief organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNICEF, to provide humanitarian assistance to resettle and reintegrate them into society. The military forces of the Government of Burma also use the systematic rape of women and girls, particularly of the Shan, Karen, Karenni and other ethnic minorities, as an instrument of armed conflict. The United States encourages Members, parties, States and international organizations to provide all appropriate protection and assistance to victims of such atrocities.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source
“Burma's military regime has acknowledged the recruitment of child soldiers and claims to have taken action against five officials involved in the forced recruitment of child soldiers since 2003 and to have set up a committee to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers. Nonetheless, evidence continues to emerge that the practice of recruiting child soldiers has not ceased. A September 2006 report issued by the Thailand-based Human Rights Education Institute of Burma stated that little had changed with regard to Burma's forced recruitment of child soldiers and that the regime had done little to protect children from being recruited into the military. The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers estimated that 20 per cent of the Burmese army and ethnic insurgency forces - about 90,000 persons - were under the age of 18.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source
“The Secretary-General's report describes the terrible circumstances in which the use of child soldiers continues and highlights its current issues of concern: child victims in the Middle East and the Great Lakes region of Africa. The United States fully supports the request for all parties listed in the annexes to the report to halt recruitment and use of child soldiers. We believe that the current plight of child soldiers is particularly dire in Burma, the Sudan and parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Uganda, where the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) operates. According to some reports, Burma is thought to have the largest number of child soldiers in the world. Human Rights Watch has documented the widespread forced recruitment of boys as young as 11 by Burma's national army.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting today. I wish also to thank the Secretary-General and Special Representative Coomaraswamy, as well as UNICEF Executive Director Ann Venamen and the non- governmental organization representative for their statements this morning and for the report on children and armed conflict. It is important that the United Nations, the Security Council and our Governments keep the issue of children and armed conflict in our focus, particularly in the light of the alarming estimate that some 300,000 children are today involved in more than 30 conflicts worldwide.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source
“The United States provides significant humanitarian assistance to affected populations in Darfur and to Sudanese refugees in Chad. We also have funds in place to respond effectively should current refugee and IDP populations dramatically increase. In the last fiscal year, we provided over $500 million in humanitarian assistance in Darfur and eastern Chad. We are supporting numerous non-governmental organizations and international organizations that are providing assistance. These humanitarian activities range from food aid to psychological assistance for victims of trauma. However, we remain convinced that this is not enough. In order to end the suffering and save lives in Darfur, an effective peacekeeping operation, as elaborated in Security resolution 1706 (2006), should be deployed under United Nations command and control.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“We are pleased that the international community has begun using the cluster approach in efforts to address the humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern Uganda. However, we believe better coordination is needed among Governments and agencies involved in these efforts. Ending the violence in Darfur remains one of the highest priorities for the United States. We will continue to work closely with the United Nations, the African Union and our international partners to end the violence in Darfur, to hold individuals accountable for atrocities that have been committed and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian relief. We hope the consensus reached at the 16 November meeting in Addis Ababa will lead to peace and security for the people of Darfur.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“We urge adherence to the Agreement as a step towards a peaceful solution to the longstanding conflict in northern Uganda. The United States is providing considerable assistance to communities affected by the conflict. This has included $71 million this year to address the humanitarian crisis, peace initiatives, rehabilitation and development needs in northern Uganda. Much of this aid is food aid. The remainder focuses on HIV/AIDS programmes, antimalaria initiatives, education, training, and improving agricultural productivity. We will continue to assist the region, particularly as the internally displaced population returns home. Pending a successful peace agreement, we will support reconstruction efforts as well.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“I too want to thank Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland for his briefing on some of the continuing critical humanitarian challenges in Africa. We are grateful for his firsthand report on the initiative mediated by the Government of Southern Sudan to bring an end to the mayhem perpetrated by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). We also thank him for his report on the precarious situation in Darfur. We appreciate Under-Secretary-General Egeland's intensive efforts to draw attention to these problems, including the restrictions imposed on those trying to deliver humanitarian assistance. The United States supports the Juba peace process. We welcome the 1 November 2006 signing of the renewed Cessation of Hostilities Agreement first formulated on 26 August.”
2006-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5571 (2006) · source
“We are concerned that Syria is not abiding by the embargo on unauthorized weapons shipments into Lebanon imposed by resolution 1701 (2006). The challenges before the United Nations, the international community and the countries in the Middle East demand a serious, realistic approach, and not political posturing. The people in the region deserve no less. The United States remains committed to working with those who can rise to these challenges and who have the courage to reject stalemate and polemics.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“A rearmed Hizbollah could nullify efforts to restore and maintain peace, so it is vital to implement all the provisions of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), especially the creation of a zone between the Litani River and the Blue Line free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as the embargo on the sale or shipment of weapons except as authorized by the Lebanese Government or UNIFIL. Syria's political and material support for Hizbollah's continued existence as a militia was made clear during last summer's hostilities in Lebanon, despite the call for the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon in Security Council resolution 1559 (2004).”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The United States continues to call for the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004), 1680 (2006) and 1701 (2006), particularly the provisions regarding the disbanding and disarming of the militias. We are alarmed at indications that Syria is working with Hizbollah and other Lebanese allies to destabilize the democratically elected Government of Lebanon. We are pleased with the Government of Lebanon's significant progress in deploying the Lebanese Armed Forces to the south of the country for the first time in almost 40 years, as well as the historic deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces along the eastern part of the Blue Line and along Lebanon's border with Syria.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The Quartet has welcomed efforts by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to form a government committed to Quartet principles, and the United States stands ready to renew engagement and assistance to a Palestinian Authority committed to peace. In Lebanon, on 12 July, Hizbollah launched a conflict that caused enormous suffering and destruction in both Lebanon and Israel. This highlighted the risks of acquiescing in a status quo in Lebanon that permits militias to remain armed and unchecked. We call once again for the immediate and unconditional release of Israel Defense Forces soldiers Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, kidnapped on 12 July. The United States supports the efforts of the democratically elected Government of Lebanon as it expands its sovereignty over all its territory.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The United States remains committed to diplomatic efforts to engage moderate leaders, help the Palestinians strengthen and reform their security sector and support Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts to come together to resolve their differences. Last week, Assistant Secretary of State David Welch met with his Quartet counterparts - European Union, the Russian Federation and the United Nations- to support implementation of the Road Map. We will continue to work closely with our Quartet partners and our friends in the region to create an environment that will facilitate progress toward the realization of President Bush's two-State vision.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“It is the responsibility of the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority Government to prevent terror, stop attacks from within Gaza and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. Progress towards peace requires a Palestinian Government that disavows terror and violence and accepts the Quartet principles: renunciation of terror, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements. More terror, whether directed at Israel or at the United States, is not the solution. Nor will it enable the Palestinian people to achieve their aspirations. In fact, the opposite is the case. We again call for the immediate and unconditional release of Corporal Gilad Shalit. The Road Map and the principles contained therein remain the only agreed international basis upon which to move forward towards the two-State goal.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“Regrettably, none of this frenetic activity has made a constructive contribution to the reinvigoration of the Road Map or progress towards the two-State solution. Hastily-called meetings and polemical resolutions are no substitute for determination by the parties to undertake the hard work needed to take steps toward peace. We urge Member States to reject diplomatic theatrics that fail to serve the interests of peace or advance the aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples for a more secure, stable and prosperous future. Since taking the reins of power in January, the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority Government has failed in its duty to the Palestinian people to lead responsibly and take the steps necessary to create a better future for its constituents.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“Nearly two weeks ago, the Security Council met (see S/PV.5565) and considered an unbalanced and one-sided draft resolution. Four members abstained and the United States voted no on that draft resolution. On 17 November, the General Assembly met in a politically-motivated emergency special session, adopting yet another one-sided and biased resolution (General Assembly resolution ES-10/16) that ignores the reality of the situation on the ground and does nothing to make progress toward greater peace and stability in the region. The Human Rights Council met 15 November in Geneva, continuing its fixation on Israel to the exclusion of addressing pressing human rights issues elsewhere, including in Belarus, Burma, Cuba, North Korea, the Sudan, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“The United States condemns the assassination this morning of Lebanese Minister of Industry Pierre Gemayel. This assassination is a clear act of terrorism that shows why it is critical that the Security Council support democracy and accountability in Lebanon and, in that vein, support as quickly as possible the establishment of a tribunal as requested by the Lebanese Government in the wake of the assassination of Rafik Hariri. All Member countries, especially Lebanon's neighbours, must stand against such acts of intimidation and against those groups that seek to destabilize and divide Lebanon, and must support Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will be working with colleagues to develop a text to address this situation and to strongly support the Government of Lebanon.”
2006-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5568 (2006) · source
“On police reform and EU integration, we fully support the EU and the Office of the High Representative's engagement on police reform, and we appreciate the Office's leadership on this issue. Signing a EU Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the best ways to ensure that the country continues to pursue political and other reforms necessary for a strong, stable future. Finally, on police decertification, the United States remains committed to working with the Security Council and the Office of the High Representative to reach a solution.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“On the transition of the Office of the High Representative, we continue to support the June 2007 timeline for closing the Office, and we welcome the EU's desire to establish an enhanced EU Special Representative mission. We believe that, after over a decade of peace implementation and State-building reforms, Bosnians are capable of assuming greater responsibility for the future of their country. We are committed to reviewing the decision of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board to terminate the Office of the High Representative next February to take into account the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and regional issues. However, we do not believe a lack of progress on reform is sufficient rationale to delay the return of sovereignty to the Bosnian people.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“Regarding constitutional reform, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a constitution that was shaped by the necessity to end the war, not by the need for functionality, fiscal sustainability and economic and social development. Constitutional reform will be needed to accelerate progress towards the European Union (EU) and Euro-Atlantic institutions. The United States urges early adoption of the package of constitutional amendments agreed by six political parties in March. The package enjoys widespread international support and would create more functional State structures that are better able to meet the needs of the Bosnian people and Euro-Atlantic standards. These reforms would only be first steps in a longer-term process. The United States is committed to supporting a next phase of reforms once this phase is completed.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“The United States welcomes Mr. Schwarz-Schilling to the Security Council today, as well as Prime Minister Terzie. We appreciate the very important work they are doing in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, as it is so significant, we would like to offer our thoughts on the state of affairs there. Regarding the elections and Government formation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States welcomed the conduct of the 1 October elections, but we were disappointed by the level of nationalist rhetoric during the election campaign. We call on the newly elected leaders to set aside that divisive rhetoric and form a Government as soon as possible that will move forward with urgently needed political, economic, defence and rule of law reforms.”
2006-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5563 (2006) · source
“In particular, on the basis of its review of States' reports, the Committee can provide useful information and recommendations to States that might be seeking assistance or to donors that might be able to provide it. We welcome the Committee's successful outreach initiatives during the past 120 days. In support of those efforts, we are pleased to be sponsoring, along with Slovakia, Denmark and Greece, a workshop of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on 8 November. It will focus on how to develop a national action plan for implementing resolution 1540 (2004). We also are proposing that the Organization of American States devote a special meeting in December to the issue of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“The threat of a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction or related materials cannot be discounted, and resolution 1540 (2004), if fully implemented, will help eliminate that menace. We urge the Committee to adopt a programme of work without further delay so that it can more fully carry out its responsibilities under resolution 1673 (2006). To fulfil its responsibilities, the Committee must review and examine States' reports and then draw conclusions. Such consideration is essential to enable the Committee to work with individual States or groups of States to facilitate delivery of technical assistance. Its purpose is not to make judgements about whether States are "good" or "bad" in relation to implementing resolution 1540 (2004).”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“Looking ahead, we urge the Committee to continue to focus attention on the issue of compliance by Member States with the 1267 sanctions regime, and we look forward to the Monitoring Team's upcoming paper on the issue. We also want to highlight progress made on fair and clear procedures for listing and de- listing individuals for sanctions. The United States has been working hard with other Member States, both on and off the Security Council, to revise listing and de- listing guidelines. We are optimistic that Council members will reach agreement soon as we all approach this matter with the seriousness it deserves. I thank Ambassador Burian for his commitment and dedication. His Committee plays an important role in promoting States' implementation of their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004).”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“The 1267 Committee is fortunate to have a highly professional and capable Monitoring Team. In the past 120 days, the Monitoring Team has held productive meetings with the heads of intelligence and security services from various regions. We applaud that initiative and believe that the networks formed and the intelligence gleaned from such meetings contribute significantly to the fight against Al-Qaida. In particular, we encourage the Committee to focus on the dangers posed by the increased activity of Al-Qaida networks and associated groups in the Sahel and Sahara region and in South-East Asia. The United States also supports the Monitoring Team's recommendation to begin regional meetings with heads of financial institutions in order to make financial sanctions more effective.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“We thank Ambassador Mayoral for his dedicated leadership in the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), and in the fight against Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Over the last 120 days, the Committee has taken important concrete actions to sanction Al-Qaida associates and entities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The geographic diversity highlights Al-Qaida's global reach and underlines the importance of the truly international efforts to combat it. We welcome all Member States of the United Nations to become active participants in the 1267 process, by submitting names for the Committee's sanctions list, and we are pleased that the Committee approved a new cover sheet that will make it easier for States to prepare requests for listing.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“Significantly, that resolution was constructed carefully to reflect first, the international community's sense that incitement to terrorism is an important issue to be addressed, and secondly, the importance of respecting free expression as protected by diverse constitutional systems. Finally, we are pleased that the Committee and the CTED are continuing their State visits and their important capacity-building work. The 10 visits CTED has completed since 2005 mark an achievement, but their success will be measured by the results they achieve. Follow-up to those visits is essential to ensure that States carry out the CTED's recommendations and receive the technical assistance they need to do so.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“We are pleased that the Committee has adopted a set of best practices, relevant to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), which we hope States will rely on for guidance. That directory refers to standards established by international technical organizations and we are particularly glad that it refers to the Financial Action Task Force's Forty Recommendations on Money- Laundering and Nine Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing. We also welcome the Committee's recent report to the Council on the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005). As the Committee continues its dialogue with States and considers what might be done in spreading best legal practices consistent with its mandate, the Committee will need to continue to reflect appropriately two aspects of resolution 1624 (2005).”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“The United States remains committed to working with the United Nations and like-minded States to build counter- terrorism capacity and to ensure that States comply with their obligations under Security Council resolutions. We strongly support the efforts of the Council's counter-terrorism subsidiary bodies to achieve those objectives. I would now like to comment briefly on each presentation. The United States is grateful to Chairman Loj, for her strong leadership and welcomes the progress the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CT C) has achieved during the past quarter. We also appreciate the dedication and commitment of Ambassador Ruperez and the Counter-Terrorism Committee's Executive Directorate (CTED).”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“I would like to thank all three chairmen for their briefings and for their leadership in the efforts of the Security Council to counter the dual threats of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The recently adopted United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (General Assembly resolution 60/288) highlights the crucial role of the Council in the fight against terrorism, as well as the need for Member States to cooperate with the Council's counter-terrorism subsidiary bodies in implementing all of the Council's resolutions relating to international terrorism. We hope the Strategy will foster concrete improvements and enhanced cooperation and coordination to maximize synergies and avoid duplication of work, both within the Council and throughout the United Nations system.”
2006-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5538 (2006) · source
“Enhanced cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations can be valuable especially when they share lessons learned and information about peacekeeping missions. We should encourage the Security Council and the Secretariat to consult with appropriate regional actors when necessary, to exchange information and to search for ways to better utilize their expertise in conflict resolution and prevention. However, we believe in general that this should be informal and should not detract from the important relationship among the Member States within the United Nations. We must be careful about imposing any requirements that would limit our ability in a time of crisis.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“The activities of regional organizations, when properly planned and capably implemented, can strengthen and reinforce a variety of critically important objectives, such as the resolution of conflict and the maintenance of peace, promoting democracy and human rights, strengthening international security cooperation, countering terrorism and transnational crime, and even supporting economic development. Regional organizations can bring unique and important connections, knowledge and experience to any effort to address problems and conflicts in their regions. A cooperative multilateral approach between the appropriate United Nations organs and the appropriate regional organizations has the potential to create valuable synergies and to significantly increase the probability of successful interventions.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“We welcome the presence here of you, Sir, and your Foreign Minister to preside over the Council's debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. This topic is timely and of growing importance as the agenda of this Council grows ever longer and the issues of peace and security grow more complex. We share your interest in exploring ways to enhance that coordination and burden-sharing as part of our continuing joint efforts to identify efficient and effective methods to help international peace and security. We welcome in particular the opportunity that today's debate represents to review cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, as well as ways to increase the impact of such cooperation on advancing Security Council objectives.”
2006-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5529 (2006) · source
“Kosovo must remain multi-ethnic, and the settlement must be acceptable to the people of Kosovo. Additionally, there will be no return of Kosovo to the pre-l999 situation, no partition of Kosovo and no union of Kosovo with any other, or part of another, country.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“United Nations Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari continues to enjoy our full support, and we look forward to future Security Council consultations with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General. It is incumbent upon both Pristina and Belgrade to enhance their cooperation with President Ahtisaari. After eight months of negotiations on technical issues, both sides must now make difficult compromises on decentralization, protection of religious and cultural heritage and community rights. As noted by the Contact Group in January, all possible efforts should be made to achieve a negotiated settlement in the course of the year 2006. Delay on resolving Kosovo's status benefits neither side and creates further instability. Both sides must be realistic about the outcome of the status process.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We call upon all sides to reject any form of violence, and we note the importance of bringing to justice the individual or individuals responsible for that crime and other violent incidents in Kosovo. We also note with concern recent political developments in northern Kosovo and call upon all parties to act with restraint and in coordination with UNMIK and President Ahtisaari in seeking solutions to the longstanding tensions in the region. Belgrade must also do its part to help improve the situation in Kosovo. In particular, the Government in Serbia should take immediate steps that would support Kosovo Serb participation in local institutions, return cadastral records taken from Kosovo and rescind its directive instructing many Kosovo Serbs not to accept salaries from Kosovo's Government.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“While the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2006/707) notes progress in that area, more must be done to make Kosovo a place where all communities can live freely and safely. While we applaud Prime Minister Ceku for his Government's completion of several of the Contact Group's priority standards, ongoing efforts to complete the remaining items must be intensified, with particular attention paid to passing internationally accepted laws on languages and cultural heritage and implementing the comprehensive rental programme for housing currently administered by the Kosovo Property Agency. We strongly condemn the 26 August incident in northern Mitrovica that resulted in injuries to several civilians.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The United States welcomes new Special Representative Rucker to the Council. We are pleased that Mr. Rucker has been appointed by the Secretary-General to lead the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) at this critical time. Mr. Rucker has done an admirable job as the Head of UNMIK's Pillar IV, particularly in advancing the privatization of Kosovo's former State-owned enterprises. We look forward to supporting his efforts to help UNMIK build meaningful self-government in Kosovo, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). We also look forward to working closely with UNMIK and Kosovo's Provisional Government in furthering progress on standards implementation.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We support the Secretary- General's recommendation that reconciliation be a key element in responding to such crimes. Timor-Leste's own institutions should be the primary planners and implementers of reconciliation efforts, with the United Nations facilitating and lending its good offices. The critical work of the expert advisers placed in key ministries and offices of the Government must continue so that Timor-Leste's friends and partners can help the Government to develop the expertise it requires. Finally, the work of the electoral unit will be a vital element in assisting the Government and people of Timor-Leste to hold free, fair and transparent elections in 2007. The Electoral Assistance Division should lead that effort.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“The United States appreciates the work being done by the Special Commission of Inquiry. We hope that the Special Commission will address both individual and institutional accountability, as well as factors contributing to the violence, including allegations of illegal arms distribution by former and current officials. We strongly support reactivation of the Serious Crimes Unit to complete investigation of the atrocities of 1999. The United Nations and the international community should also consider what assistance they might give to the judicial systems of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to bring to trial those arrested since the Special Panels for serious crimes were closed, or who may be brought to trial in the future. The judicial and legal sectors in Timor-Leste need our support, and we urge Timor's partners to respond to that need.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“The international force is in place, is well equipped and well staffed, and is prepared to respond if there should be any need for military action. The United States supports a strong United Nations police operation in Timor-Leste, engaged both in law enforcement and in training. That is a critical issue, both for security and to build a police force which respects the rule of law and is responsible to the elected Government. We note that credible policing is only one element in restoring tranquillity and creating an atmosphere in which people feel safe to return home. The social and political issues which underlie the violence must also be addressed. We fully agree that there must be accountability for the crimes committed in Timor-Leste during the violence last spring.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“We thank Mr. Martin for his presentation and would like to express our appreciation for his efforts to bring about reconciliation in Timor-Leste. We also welcome Foreign Minister Gutteres to today's proceedings. The recommendations of the Secretary-General take a comprehensive and detailed approach addressing the root causes of the crisis in Timor-Leste. The United States particularly appreciates the recommendation that United Nations advisors work closely with the Timorese Ministries of Defence and Interior to ensure that there is an integrated approach to the armed forces and police. That will be critical in building a democratic security sector. We remain unpersuaded that there is a need for United Nations troops. Security concerns in Timor- Leste are internal.”
2006-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5512 (2006) · source
“The United States will remain actively engaged in the spectrum of efforts to consolidate peace in West Africa. We are pleased with the decision of the Peacebuilding Commission to include Sierra Leone in its initial efforts, and we look forward to its recommendations.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“The growing number of countries in Africa, including West Africa, that are demonstrating their resolve to meet those conditions is heartening. Ghana is a prime example. Just last week, in a signing ceremony in Washington, DC, witnessed by President John Kufuor and Secretary of State Rice, the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed its largest grant to date - more than half a billion dollars - for anti-poverty programmes in Ghana. We also believe that a commitment to human rights will help to consolidate peace. Continued efforts throughout the region to develop more democratic and professional security forces are needed. Individuals must be held accountable for their crimes. The commendable efforts of West African leaders to bring Charles Taylor to justice were an important step in that direction.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“International aid, of course, is a part of the mix, as is private investment, but aid works best and investment will almost certainly follow once freely elected Governments put in place policies of good governance, transparency and rule of law. It is for that reason that we were encouraged by the commitment shown by Liberian President Johnson-Sirleaf to the Governance Economic Management Action Plan. We hope that regional organizations, and especially the Economic Community of West African States, will find more ways to promote those values. As further incentive to good governance, President Bush proposed in 2002 the Millennium Challenge Account to serve as a concrete mechanism for linking development assistance to developing countries that rule justly, invest wisely in their people, and encourage economic freedom.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“We have taken note of and agree with many of the points that have been made about how to sustain the peace. We would underscore as well that now is not the time for complacency. While there have been some substantial improvements in West Africa, there is important work to be done. International support is still essential for those nations in a variety of areas, including security sector reform, governance, development and financial stability, and in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. We believe that lasting stability and development in West Africa are most likely to be achieved through the link of democracy and economic freedom.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“The United States applauds the contributions made by the United Nations in West African countries, including Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. United Nations efforts in those countries - both its carrots and its sticks - have been essential to the resolution of conflict and subsequent developments that have taken place. We also commend the United Nations continuing efforts to support the peace process in Cote d'Ivoire and urge the Ivorian parties to take all necessary steps to move that process forward. Many in the international community have contributed money, troops and other means to international efforts supporting the transition to stability and democratic rule in the region. For our part, the United States will continue to support that critical work.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source
“My delegation warmly welcomes you, Sir, and the other ministers here to New York and to the United States. I join others in commending you on this useful initiative of exchanging ideas in the Council on the topic of peace consolidation in West Africa. I also wish to add my thanks to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ould-Abdallah and Executive Secretary Ibn Chambas for sharing their thoughts on this complicated issue. West Africa has come a long way from the social chaos and civil war experienced throughout much of the subregion not very long ago, as others here have pointed out. The positive developments in West Africa during the past few years have been remarkable. It is, for many, many West Africans, a better and safer place.”
2006-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5509 (2006) · source