YouSaid · the spoken record

Wolff

lines on the record: 404
first: 2006-12-12
most recent: 2010-07-06
sittings or episodes: 47
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

“In addition to the daily suffering of Iraq's population owing to the ongoing violence, approximately 2 million Iraqis have fled the country and another 1.7 million persons have been internally displaced. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees launched a $60 million appeal to fund its work over the next year to assist that vulnerable population. The insurgents, extremists and terrorists remain capable of and intent on carrying out attacks against Iraqi civilians, officials and security forces. The three- month period marks a continuation of violence in the country, although there has been a downturn recently in Baghdad violence, as I noted earlier. Al-Qaida continues to focus its attacks in order to destabilize the Iraqi Government and force the withdrawal of the MNF-I.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“While we must be cautious about drawing conclusions regarding results of the new Baghdad security plan, there has been a decrease in violence in the Iraqi capital since the number of Iraqi security forces there was increased. Lasting stability in Iraq requires more than a security element, and the Baghdad security plan includes increased economic, political and reconstruction efforts to improve the Government's ability to meet the needs of its people and assist with security. The Iraqi Government will spend $10 billion on infrastructure and reconstruction projects, creating jobs for the Iraqi people. The United States and other Governments have announced assistance plans to support Iraq's reform and development. Assistance is also needed to address Iraq's grave humanitarian situation.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“Active participation by regional and global partners in the International Compact with Iraq will be critical to assisting Iraq's development efforts. Although progress has been made on the electoral and economic fronts, overall violence and the resulting instability continue. In response to the ongoing attacks in Baghdad, Prime Minister Maliki announced in January - and the Council of Representatives approved - the Baghdad security plan to renew the efforts of the Iraqi security forces to lead operations and secure Baghdad from insurgents and militias. The plan includes a commitment of elements of nine additional Iraqi army battalions to the operation. Announcing a new way forward on 10 January, United States President Bush committed an additional 21,500 United States troops to the Iraqi-led effort, with 4,400 committed in early March.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“On 23 January, the Council of Representatives passed a law that established the Independent Higher Election Commission. The establishment of the Commission is a key step in preparing for Iraqi provincial elections. On 26 February, the Council of Ministers approved the draft hydrocarbon law; its passage by the Council of Representatives, together with complementary legislation, will ensure the national control and equitable distribution of Iraq's oil wealth. During the United Nations-hosted International Compact meeting tomorrow, the final Compact document will be shared with members of the international community. The Compact is a key component of Iraq's efforts to complete its transition to financial self-sufficiency and integration into the regional and global economy.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Iraqi Vice-President Abdal Mahdi for attending this meeting. His presence in this Chamber underscores the Iraqi Government's clear international engagement on behalf of its people. Likewise, I would like to welcome back Special Representative Qazi. As requested by the Security Council in its resolutions 1546 (2004), 1637 (2005) and 1723 (2006), I am pleased to report on behalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq (MNF-I) regarding the Force's progress towards fulfilling its mandate. Despite the sobering scale of the violent attacks, the Iraqi Government and people continue to pursue their political and economic development and security goals. Towards that end, some important steps have been taken since the start of the year.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“In addition, we must continue to work with regional organizations and with the international financial institutions, as well as bilaterally, to improve coordination and interoperability, build a shared understanding of our responsibilities and develop means for collaboration and burden-sharing. In closing, I wish to state that the United States will continue to support effective multilateral cooperation in confronting the challenges of internal conflict and State collapse. We are convinced that such coordination and cooperation are central to the success of any security sector reform effort.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“Building police capacity must be integrated with assistance to the judicial and penal systems. Without such an integrated approach, policing becomes nothing more than an extension of peacekeeping functions, rather than a vital precursor to peacebuilding. To that end, it is of paramount importance that the rule of law be rapidly established throughout the territory of the post- conflict State. This is essential in order to prevent the emergence of political corruption, organized crime and the activities of other criminal and terrorist elements that wish to obstruct the peace process. We appreciate the ongoing efforts by various United Nations departments, agencies and programmes to address the various dimensions of complex emergencies and peace operations.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“We firmly believe that an effective United Nations police operation is a major component of crisis management and post-conflict reconstruction - one that can help serve as a bridge to democracy. In the wake of war, there is often a rise in criminal activity, particularly in the immediate post- conflict period. While military peacekeepers can help stabilize a country, establishing a competent, impartial and adequately resourced law enforcement system is no less critical for the continued maintenance of security. Police are essential in re-establishing local and national public security institutions and the rule of law. We must take a comprehensive approach, however, that incorporates not just policing, but also the entire public security and justice system.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“But ad hoc responses to crises, while sometimes necessary, are rarely sufficient. Individually and collectively, we must continue to develop integrated approaches to address crises rapidly. From the very first stages of response to elements critical to sustainable security in post-conflict environments. Specific areas that require our attention include: transitional security and rule of law; good governance and democratic participation; humanitarian response; and economic reconstruction. The United States is prepared to work with other Member States and to play an active role in this regard. Already, the United States is one of the largest contributors of United Nations police to United Nations peacekeeping.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“We too, Sir, would like to commend you and your Government for selecting security sector reform as the topic for open debate during Slovakia's first presidency of the Security Council. The United States is in full agreement that the multidimensional nature of today's complex emergencies and peace operations requires a carefully coordinated and cohesive international response. Security sector reform is a critical component of that response. Failing, failed and post-conflict States often present similar challenges to global security and prosperity. If left unattended, they can provide breeding grounds for terrorism, crime, trafficking, humanitarian catastrophes and other threats to our common interests. The United Nations and Member States can play a critical role in mitigating and responding to these threats and related crises.”
2007-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5632 (2007) · source
“The Security Council must be united in insisting that Syria and Iran abide by their obligations under Security Council resolutions to respect Lebanese sovereignty and end their support for armed militias.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“It remains critically important for the future stability and political development of Lebanon that all those involved in the terrorist attacks in Lebanon since October 2004, including those responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri and, most recently, Minister Pierre Gemayel, are held accountable. We support the efforts of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission, and look forward to the timely establishment of a tribunal of international character, which will help ensure that justice is done. We remain concerned about reports of continued shipments of arms to Hizbollah and other armed groups, and all on all States to observe the arms embargo established by resolution 1701 (2006) and the related arms provisions of resolution 1559 (2004).”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“The 7 February incident along the Blue Line underscores the need for the parties to exercise restraint, to cooperate with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in accordance with its mandate, and to avoid actions that could further exacerbate tensions, in particular the initiation of the use of force. On the eve of the anniversary of Rafik Hariri's death, the United States calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to use peaceful and constitutional means to debate the political issues before them. We strongly condemn today's terrorist attack in Beirut, which can only be seen as an attempt to silence and intimidate those like Mr. Hariri who struggle to realize the vision of a sovereign, independent and democratic Lebanon. Allow me to express my condolences to the victims and to their families.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“All parties should ensure that conduct and rhetoric regarding those activities are appropriate and respectful. This is a delicate issue that requires moderation and a clear understanding of the facts. In that regard, we welcome steps by the parties that can help reduce tensions and ensure transparency. We reiterate that there is no justification for the use of violence by protesters. Any discussion of fostering greater peace in the region must include Lebanon. The United States remains committed to a sovereign, democratic and prosperous Lebanon and continues to call for the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions pertaining to Lebanon, including resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680 (2006) and 1559 (2004).”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Moreover, we will continue to assist the parties as they work on day-to-day issues, such as security, movement and access. In that regard, Saudi King Abdullah's efforts to bring an end to the violence between Palestinians is commendable. We continue to assess the outcome of the meetings in Mecca and we will be looking closely at implementation to ensure that the three principles enunciated by the Quartet are met. While those developments are encouraging, the situation in the region remains delicate. That can be seen in the strong reaction to the construction of the ramp at the Temple Mount, or Haram Al-Sharif. As always, we urge all parties to exercise great care when deciding whether and how to engage in any activity near sensitive religious sites.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“She and her Quartet counterparts will meet again in Berlin on 21 February to assess the situation. Prior to that meeting in Berlin, Secretary Rice will travel to Jerusalem, the Palestinian territories and Amman. She will hold bilateral meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as a trilateral meeting with President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert on 19 February. In Amman, Secretary Rice will meet with King Abdullah of Jordan and other members of the Jordanian Government. The United States strongly supports the bilateral dialogue between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas. We anticipate that the upcoming discussions, in particular the trilateral meeting, will focus on advancing our shared goal of a two-State solution to the conflict, in accordance with the sequence of the road map.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“Since our last meeting, there have been a number of significant developments. As members know, Secretary Rice had a productive series of meetings with Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas during her January trip to the region. Both sides reiterated their support for the road map. My capital then hosted a meeting of Quartet principals on 2 February. Recognizing the critical need to end the Palestinian-Israel conflict, which would contribute to security and stability in the region, the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations issued a statement that reaffirmed the Quartet principles and support for efforts aimed at realizing the two-State vision. Secretary Rice subsequently discussed the situation with her Quartet counterparts on 9 February.”
2007-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5629 (2007) · source
“We must all recommit to supporting the Secretary General's good offices mission and to convince the Burmese leadership to respond in a concrete and positive way to these moderate and achievable goals. If the Burmese leadership chooses to take these steps, it will find the United States and other Council members ready and willing to cooperate. The problems in Burma cannot be ignored. The United States will continue to work throughout the United Nations system to try to address the deplorable conditions in Burma.”
2007-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5619 (2007) · source
“We agree on the importance of the Secretary- General's good offices mission in promoting peaceful change in Burma and on the need for the Burmese regime to take prompt and concrete action on the requests made by Under-Secretary-General Gambari in his two visits to Burma - specifically the initiation of an inclusive national political dialogue representing all parties and ethnic groups, the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the cessation of military violence against ethnic minorities and the loosening of restrictions on the work of international humanitarian organizations in Burma. We count on all Council members, including those who did not vote in favour of the draft resolution, to use all their influence to press the Burmese regime for change.”
2007-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5619 (2007) · source
“We are disappointed that today we have been unable to respond to his request. However, while Council members may have disagreed over whether this body should address the situation in Burma, there is no disagreement over the urgent and compelling need for tangible change in Burma.”
2007-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5619 (2007) · source
“On Monday, when the Council met with the Secretary-General, delegations here called on the international community - and here I borrow an expression from one of my colleagues - to "grasp the challenge of development, security and democracy and human rights in a holistic manner", and for the Security Council to act in cooperation with the other organs of the United Nations. The draft resolution we just voted on would, in our View, have done just that. The draft resolution would have contributed to stability in the region by providing its clear support for the Secretary-General's good offices mission, which is intended to provide a framework for constructive dialogue between the United Nations and the Burmese regime leading to concrete progress. Under-Secretary- General Gambari specifically asked this body for our support.”
2007-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5619 (2007) · source
“The United States is deeply disappointed by the failure of the Council to adopt this draft resolution. The draft resolution would have been a strong and urgently needed statement by the Security Council about the need for change in Burma, whose military regime arbitrarily arrests, tortures, rapes and executes its own people, wages war on minorities within its own borders and builds itself new cities, while looking the other way as refugee flows increase, narcotics and human trafficking grow and communicable diseases remain untreated. The deteriorating humanitarian and political situation in Burma affects, first and foremost, the people of Burma. Today the United States reiterates its support for them. However, we also believe that the situation in Burma does pose a risk to peace and security beyond its borders.”
2007-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5619 (2007) · source
“We need, as one example, to find better ways to anticipate crises and act to prevent the outbreak of, or relapse into, conflict. Again, Mr. Secretary-General, I join others in welcoming you today. I hope you will be a frequent participant in the Council.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“Our efforts must focus on improving the ability of parties to a conflict to come to a solution, and not to make that solution more difficult or simply score political points for one side or the other. We will continue to work closely with the other members of the Council and the Secretary-General to ensure that the actions of the Council result in tangible progress on the ground in addressing the most pressing challenges the world faces today. We welcome ideas from the Secretary-General about how we might strengthen the exchange of information between the Secretariat and the Council. In conducting our business and generating the mandates that guide the Secretariat's work on our behalf, we still have work to do to make this body as effective as it should be.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“We know that terrorists still work to kill innocent civilians around the world. This body has a responsibility to meet those threats with unity of purpose and clear resolve. We must also continue to work to prevent the spread of the world's most dangerous weapons and the means of delivering them. That applies not only to terrorists that seek them but also to States that pose a threat to international peace and security. In facing those challenges and the others on our agenda, the Council must be prepared to act quickly to respond to emerging threats or developing crises. But we must act in a way that improves the situation on the ground in affected areas.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“It is also critical that the Council help countries emerging from crisis to make the transition to a more stable, long-term path of economic and political development. We welcome the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission. However, we will measure the success of the Commission on the ground - in Burundi, Sierra Leone and other countries in which it will engage - in terms of visible results promoting sustained peace, stability, reconstruction and development. Finally, we know with unfortunate certainty that the Council will continue to be seized with the issues of combating terrorism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Only last week, Al- Qaida issued an explicit threat against the United Nations and its peacekeepers overseas.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“We must also strive, together with the Secretariat, to ensure that traditional peacekeeping operations continue to benefit from more sophisticated approaches to assessment and planning. At a time of growing demand for peacekeeping, the Council needs to properly exercise its responsibilities, working with other bodies of the United Nations, to ensure sufficient oversight and effective management of peacekeeping operations. In that regard, we are very troubled by the recent reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by personnel participating in some United Nations missions, and we urge the Secretariat to take appropriate action to ensure that those reports are fully investigated and that those responsible for any such abuses are held accountable.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“Internal conflicts create unstable borders, increase regional tensions and create significant economic and social burdens. Our continued and urgent focus on the situation in Darfur is just one such example. The international community has long recognized, rightly, that a general breakdown of governance and political order, terrorism, cross-border activities by armed groups, widespread and systematic human rights violations and outflows of migrants and refugees represent a threat to international peace and security. The Council needs to be ready to identify and address those kinds of threats before they break out into open conflict or create unacceptable human or material costs.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“President, to talk about the principal mission of the Security Council under the United Nations Charter: its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. Unfortunately, as the work of the Council in recent years has demonstrated, the range of challenges facing the international community grows only more complex and more challenging. The Council must act not only to manage conflict, but also to prevent it. The disturbing reality is that a significant amount of the Council's time is spent dealing with conflict within States, rather than conflict between them. Not only does the Council need to act to protect civilian populations that are the target of their own Governments, but experience has demonstrated many times over that in today's world, events occurring in one country affect the world beyond its boundaries.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“The Secretary-General will always be welcome here, and we look forward to working closely with him and his colleagues in the Secretariat as the Council attempts to address the most serious challenges facing the international community in the twenty-first century. I should like to compliment the Secretary-General on his fast start in his first days in office. Among his many early actions, we particularly note and welcome the selection of Foreign Minister Asha-Rose Migiro of Tanzania as Deputy Secretary-General. Tanzania served effectively on this body over the past two years, and it was a privilege to work closely with its Government and its fine delegation during that period. We look forward to working with Mrs. Migiro and with all the other members of the Secretary-General's team in the time ahead. You have brought us together today, Mr.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“Let me join others in congratulating you, Sir, and your delegation on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. We very much look forward to working closely with you. We also welcome the new members of the Council, with whom we look forward to a productive, cooperative relationship over the next two years. I would also like to thank Qatar for its presidency last month and to thank those members whose terms on the Council ended in December. In addition, I would like to join others, on behalf of my entire delegation, in welcoming Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon to the Council for the first time in his new capacity.”
2007-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5615 (2007) · source
“We will also take steps under United States law to ensure that we have put in place appropriate measures against individuals and entities involved in the Iranian nuclear programme, and we will call on every other country to urgently follow suit. Finally, if necessary, we will not hesitate to return to this body for further action if Iran fails to take steps to comply. I thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council for your efforts in helping secure this draft resolution.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“We hope that the Iranian leadership comes to 3 understand that the pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability makes it less, not more, secure. In conclusion, this draft resolution provides an important basis for action. It compels all United Nations Member States to take all measures necessary to deny Iran equipment, technology, technical assistance and financial assistance that would contribute to Iran's enrichment, reprocessing, heavy water or nuclear-weapon delivery programmes. It is clear on this and not open to interpretation. We will insist on absolute adherence to its requirements. But adoption of this draft resolution is only a first step. In the coming weeks, we will work with the sanctions committee to ensure that this draft resolution is as effective as possible.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“This will be the second Security Council resolution under Chapter VII on Iran in response to that country's efforts to obtain a nuclear weapons capability, reflecting the gravity of this situation and the determination of the Council. We hope this draft resolution will convince Iran that the best way to ensure its security and end its international isolation is to abandon the pursuit of nuclear weapons and take steps needed to restore international confidence. In this draft resolution the Council has clearly affirmed its intention to review Iran's actions based on the IAEA report and to adopt further measures if Iran has not complied fully with its obligations. We look forward to Iran's full, unconditional and immediate compliance with this draft resolution. Iran's cooperation would pave the way for a negotiated solution.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“Similarly, the draft resolution prohibits Iran from exporting a range of proliferation-sensitive technologies or related equipment. This draft resolution prohibits any technical or financial assistance related to the transfer or use of the prohibited items to other countries; it requires States to freeze the assets of identified individuals and entities involved in Iran's proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or the development of nuclear-weapon delivery systems, and calls on States not to allow international travel by these individuals. The IAEA is also required to stop providing technical cooperation for such activities. The United States expects that Iran and all other United Nations Member States will immediately act under their Charter obligations to implement the requirements of this draft resolution.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“That suspension is subject to IAEA verification; a report from the IAEA Director General on the status of the suspension is due to the Council 06-68094 within 60 days. Iran is also required to provide the IAEA the access it needs to verify suspension and resolve outstanding issues. Finally, the IAEA calls on Iran to ratify the Additional Protocol. In order to persuade Iran to take these steps, the draft resolution imposes sanctions on elements of the Iranian regime involved in dangerous proliferation activities. It decides that Member States shall not engage in trade with Iran in three key nuclear areas - enrichment, reprocessing and heavy water projects - and it prohibits Member States from engaging in any trade with Iran that could contribute to its development of a nuclear weapon delivery system.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“That step was taken to convince Iran to relent from its confrontational course; consider the offer of a negotiated solution by the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and China on 1 June 2006; and avoid further Security Council action. Regrettably, Iran continues to defy the international community by its continued enrichment activities, its refusal to comply with its obligations under Security Council resolution 1696 (2006), and the requests of the IAEA. Today's Chapter VII draft resolution requires Iran to suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, and to stop work on all heavy water-related projects, including construction of a heavy water research reactor.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons capability constitutes a grave threat and demands a clear statement from this Council. Today we are placing Iran in the small category of States under Security Council sanctions and sending it an unambiguous message that there are serious repercussions to its continued disregard of its obligations and defiance of this body. Nearly four months ago, the Council sent an unequivocal message to Iran that it must take the steps required by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including fully verifiable and sustained suspension of all enrichment- related and reprocessing activities, research and development.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“At the same time, the settlement must be acceptable to the people of Kosovo. Finally, it is important for UNMIK, as well as the Pristina and Belgrade authorities, to work closely with the representatives of NATO, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and others in the international community on the transition planning needed for the period following the conclusion of the status process.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“To that end, we ask both Belgrade and Pristina to receive President Ahtisaari's report with open minds, a willingness to be flexible on the many issues under discussion, and an understanding of the importance of reaching a settlement that helps accelerate that region's Euro-Atlantic integration. As the United Nations-led status process enters its concluding stages, both sides must be realistic about the probable outcome. As the Contact Group has stated, 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. Additionally, the settlement must solidify Kosovo's multi-ethnicity and must also offer real protection for the political and cultural rights of all communities in Kosovo.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The people of Kosovo - all the people of Kosovo - deserve clarity about their future. As the Secretary-General notes in his recent report on Kosovo, the mere speculation about delay in the status process has led to a feeling of uncertainty as to the way ahead and could represent a source of instability if momentum abates. We agree with the Secretary-General's assessment that it is important to keep the momentum in the political process and achieve a status settlement soon. We thank President Ahtisaari for his leadership of the Kosovo status talks. The United States supports President Ahtisaari's decision to present his report without delay to the parties following the 21 January elections in Serbia.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“We strongly condemn the 8 December explosion of a railway line in the municipality of Vushtrri and note with concern reports of illegal checkpoints being established in western Kosovo. We call upon all sides to refrain from violence and to respect the rule of law. Individuals responsible for the 8 December explosion and other violent incidents should be brought to justice. Belgrade must also do its part to help improve the situation in Kosovo by supporting Kosovo Serb participation in local institutions, returning cadastral records taken from Kosovo and working with the international community to ensure stability, particularly in northern Kosovo. Six and a half years have passed since international community intervention brought an end to the fighting in Kosovo.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The United States joins in welcoming to the Council Special Representative Riicker, Prime Minister Ceku and Ms. Raskovic-Ivic. The United States continues to support the role the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is playing in developing meaningful self-government in Kosovo, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). We appreciate the leadership of Mr. Riicker and the work he is doing to prepare Kosovo for its future political status. The United States is encouraged by the progress Kosovo is making in implementing the Contact Group's standards priorities. Kosovo should make every effort, with the full support of UNMIK, to complete all of the priorities and to continue work on the overall standards for Kosovo, paying particular attention to respecting individual property rights.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Only that approach will serve the interests of peace and advance our collective aspirations for a more secure, stable and democratic Middle East. Thank you, Mr. President, for your own efforts to that end.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source
“The current demonstrations in Lebanon are an attempt by Hizbollah and its allies, with support from Syria and Iran, to overthrow Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's democratically elected pro-reform, pro-sovereignty Government, in a clear bid to re- establish Syrian influence over Lebanon. The recent assassination of Lebanese Minister of Industry Pierre Gemayel is especially shocking in that light and underscores the threat to the physical safety of Lebanon's remaining Cabinet members. The people of the Middle East deserve a realistic approach to fostering peace and security. For decades, the United States has remained committed to working directly with the parties. We call upon others to join us in pursuing viable diplomatic strategies rooted in a clear understanding of the underlying sources of this conflict.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source
“The conflict launched by Hizbollah in July caused enormous suffering and destruction in both Lebanon and Israel, highlighting the risks of acquiescing to a status quo in Lebanon that permits militias to remain armed and unchecked. The United States supports the efforts of the democratically elected Government of Lebanon as it expands its sovereignty over all its territory. We continue 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 call once again for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, kidnapped on 12 July.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source
“That position demonstrates that the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority Government is not interested in becoming a partner for peace and continues to fail in its duty to the Palestinian people to govern responsibly. Having mentioned Tehran, I wish to state that the United States strongly condemns the recent Iranian- sponsored conference on the Holocaust, which called into question the magnitude of the horrors of the Holocaust, and rejects in the strongest possible terms any and all efforts that seek to refute the historical fact of the Holocaust. When one considers the many aspects of this issue, it is clear that any discussion of fostering greater peace in the region must include Lebanon.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source
“The United States has worked with the international community to support the efforts of President Abbas to establish a Palestinian Government that accepts the Quartet principles of renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel and acceptance of previous agreements between Israel and the Palestinians. We commend President Abbas for his efforts to break the current impasse caused by a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority that fails to govern responsibly. We deeply regret that Hamas has walked away from a proposal for a technocratic Government that would have allowed for early engagement. We were also dismayed at the statement made by Palestinian Authority Government Prime Minister Haniya on 8 December in Tehran that the Palestinians would never recognize Israel.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source
“With Israel, the United States has pressed for concrete progress related to Palestinian access and movement within and between the West Bank and Gaza. We are pleased at the success of the European Union Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah checkpoint in Gaza, and we are working to build on that success. While we recognize that important progress in this area remains to be made, the United States remains committed to working actively on this issue with both parties in order to make real, concrete progress and to improve the lives of millions of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza. Implementation of the Road Map necessitates partnership.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source
“In the region itself, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert have reached agreement on an important ceasefire in Gaza, and Prime Minister Olmert has delivered an address making clear his interest in working towards peace with the Palestinians. President Abbas has deployed security forces to northern Gaza to try to enforce that fragile ceasefire, and Israel has demonstrated remarkable restraint in not responding to recent rocket attacks into Israel. In order to build on that progress, the United States is actively involved in efforts to reform the Palestinian security sector. We are engaged in that important effort because we recognize that, ultimately, the only way that real progress is going to be made is if Palestinian security forces are able to bring stability to Gaza and prevent attacks against Israel.”
2006-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5584 (2006) · source