YouSaid · the spoken record

Yamamoto

lines on the record: 197
first: 1993-09-15
most recent: 2019-12-16
sittings or episodes: 18
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 commitments made in Brussels, as well as the Afghan National Peace and Development Framework and the Citizen's Charter provide an essential opportunity for progress in that regard. This is, however, neither an easy nor a simple process. The efforts of the Afghan Government will require the continuing, well-coordinated support of international partners. More focused action on governance, social services and private sector development to promote equitable growth will be necessary. We must work hand in hand to make a discernible change in the lives of all Afghans so that they feel the upwards lift of economic and social progress. Developing a nation while fighting an insurgency is an uphill struggle.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“This will require the strong support of the Afghan Government, civil society and international partners. Let me elaborate on the issues of development and economic growth. It is imperative that growth strategies start to deliver concrete results. In part due to the worsening security situation over the past two years, service delivery has become increasingly difficult. We have witnessed some downward trends in key indicators, such as access to health clinics and education facilities. Nine million people, or close to one-third of the population, live below the poverty line, and given population growth, per capita gross domestic product is expected to go down. We need to act now to reverse this course.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“However, rebuilding trust in the electoral process will be challenging. I am hopeful that all stakeholders will invest in an inclusive process and build the broad political support necessary for improved elections. Thirdly, just two days ago, on International Women's Day, the Government launched the Women's Economic Empowerment National Priority Programme. The plan recognizes women as key economic actors whose contributions to Afghanistan's future are essential. While this is an important step forward, Afghanistan remains one of the most difficult places in the world to be a woman. For many women, the story is one of discrimination, poverty and oppression. If that story is to change, women must be allowed full participation and leadership and be respected as decision-makers at all levels.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“That will require political leadership and strong determination. I have the pleasure to inform the Council that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will launch its first anti-corruption report, entitled "Afghanistan's other battlefield: The fight against corruption", very soon. The report highlights the Government's achievements in addressing corruption and recommends options for further progress. Secondly, the Government has committed at the highest levels to hold parliamentary elections that are seen as fair, inclusive and transparent by the Afghan people. The commissioners of the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission are appointed. It is encouraging to see them making preparations for elections and pushing the electoral reform agenda forward.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“As the Afghan Government redoubles its efforts to tackle these challenges, strong international backing - political and financial - is required for the work ahead. Allow me to highlight three areas where the Afghan Government has made visible steps forward. These areas include anti-corruption, the electoral process and women's economic empowerment. First, the Government is making a break with the past by taking new steps to address corruption. The Anti-Corruption Justice Centre is now prosecuting cases. In parallel, the Government has taken steps to address corruption through a range of institutional reforms, such as efforts to restore integrity to the management of public services. We need, however, to acknowledge that much remains to be done, including addressing corruption in the security institutions.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: The National Unity Government is almost halfway through its five-year term. We have seen some of the fruits of its efforts, and yet much remains to be done. Fortunately, the ground is being prepared to make Afghanistan a success. Internationally, Warsaw and Brussels set the stage for steady progress. Domestically, the National Unity Government has introduced programmes to improve social services and promote growth and development. Now is the time for action to deliver concrete outcomes that will improve Afghan lives today and for the future. A major challenge is at hand. The Government has to pursue both an inclusive peace process and economic growth against the backdrop of an intensifying insurgency and worsening security.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“There are many possible areas of cooperation and steps that they can take to improve the prospects for peace, such as increased consultations, exchanges of information and people-to-people contacts. I am encouraged by the positive messages of support for an Afghan-led peace process from the countries of the region, and I look forward to seeing them produce positive results. We, the United Nations, remain committed to working for peace in Afghanistan in cooperation with all concerned.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“I am encouraged by their active efforts to assist Afghanistan with its social, economic and human-resources development. Impressive investments are being made in regional infrastructure development. The progress in that area was reflected in the outcome of the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar, where we also saw the countries of the region concur on improving cooperation on their counter- terrorism efforts. But can we not collaborate and cooperate more in order to put an end to the conflict and long-standing human suffering in Afghanistan? I urge every country of the region to ask itself what else it can do to help create an environment conducive to peace in Afghanistan and the region.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“The peace agreement with Hizb-i Islami shows that the Government is prepared to negotiate on key issues such as the release of prisoners, the lifting of sanctions and the group's integration into the political life of Afghanistan. The fact that the agreement was reached is a demonstration of its serious intentions, and its successful implementation should address any remaining doubts and help to unite Afghans, and could pave the way for further peace agreements. I welcome the Government's assurances that the rights of Afghans, including victims of gross violations of human rights, will not be compromised in the implementation of the peace agreement. Peace and stability in Afghanistan are not in the interest of Afghanistan alone; other countries in the region will also benefit on both the security and economic fronts.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“That basic agreement on fundamental principles should make it possible to reach a peace agreement, as long as countries in the region are prepared to play their part in a positive, supportive way. It takes courage to enter into a peace process. It is not an admission of defeat. It is a recognition of reality. An endless war will ruin the country and harm its people. The only path to a meaningful peace is through an intra-Afghan dialogue. The eventual process must be inclusive, involving Afghans from every stratum of society, including women and young people. Women in particular can play a crucial role in helping to shape a lasting peace.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“The Taliban leadership must reconsider the notion that their objectives can be achieved only on the battlefield. At stake is the future of the Afghan people and the country. Are the differences really irreconcilable? Are compromise and accommodation really not possible? All Afghans must come together and work through their problems and find ways to accommodate their differences, for their own joint future. There are issues of mutual interests and high priorities to all parties, such as lessening the number of civilian casualties. Identifying such common interests could be a starting point for dialogue. The vast majority ofAfghans believe that their country should be a sovereign, united, Islamic country, free from interference by any foreign Powers.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“In 2016, thousands and thousands of Afghans have been killed in the conflict, and tens of thousands more have been wounded. Such human suffering and tragedy are unacceptable. The conflict also erodes the living conditions of people and deprives the country of opportunities for development and growth. This year, we saw a decrease of approximately 50 per cent in economic investment, which is needed to achieve a sustainable future. The international commitments for development will not be able to deliver their full potential in the absence of peace. Financial resources that are spent on the conflict could be utilized for the economic prosperity of Afghanistan. We all know that the conflict in Afghanistan has no military solution. Once again, I call upon the Taliban to commit to direct talks with the Afghan Government, without preconditions.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“I also wish to acknowledge the work that is being undertaken by the Government to put in place programmes that will enable both displaced persons and returnees to integrate into the economy and with their host communities. The longer-term needs of integration must be addressed with urgency if we are to prevent more people sinking into absolute poverty. The scale of return will require further international support and flexibility in the use of existing funding mechanisms. Meanwhile, we must make greater efforts to ensure due recognition of the voluntary nature of return, and for the process of return to be undertaken with dignity and respect. Refugees return to Afghanistan with hopes. Despite all the efforts by the international community and the Government, a better future is not possible without peace.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“In the past six months alone, the country has received hundreds of thousands of returnees, from both Pakistan and Iran. While those returnees are being welcomed back to Afghanistan, they face an uncertain future, alongside the internally displaced persons, including half a million newly displaced just this year. Over 1.5 million people are on the move this year. It is likely that the coming year will likely see similar numbers of people. The sheer scale of that population movement will necessarily bring with it strains and pressure on the economy and on social services and could further swell the number of those seeking employment. I welcome the swift response of the international community to the United Nations appeal for the provision ofimmediate lifesaving assistance for displaced persons and returnees.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“The significant international financial commitments, in both security and development terms, allow Afghanistan to achieve greater stability and self-reliance. I welcome the reconstitution of the electoral management bodies, which must advance electoral reforms and preparations for elections. It is essential to restore public confidence in the democratic process in Afghanistan, which provides an important opportunity to take steps in that direction. The commencement of prosecutions by the Anti-Corruption Justice Centre shows the Government's seriousness in tackling corruption. The Citizens Charter was adopted to enable a more systematic approach to eradicate poverty and provide services to the people of Afghanistan. Afghan citizens are returning home in record numbers.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: The National Unity Government marked its second anniversary with a continued effort towards advancing its reform agenda and enhancing public services. Despite security challenges and some political volatility, I continue to see opportunities and hope in Afghanistan. The Afghan Government demonstrated unity at the recent Warsaw Summit and at the Brussels Conference, while stressing its shared commitment to security, development and reform priorities. Afghan leaders have continued working to overcome their differences in order to advance the Government's reform agenda. The message from the international community sent at the highest level was clear: Afghanistan will not stand alone.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“It is my fervent hope that, as winter approaches and the tempo of the conflict slows, the Taliban will show their willingness to enter into talks with the Afghan Government. The agreement being negotiated between the Afghan Government and Hezb-i-Islami shows that the Government is sincere about negotiations. Experience shows that peace processes can take months and years. Measures should be taken to build confidence between the Government and the Taliban in order to prepare the way for substantive talks. The sooner a process is started, the less Afghans will suffer. I would therefore urge both sides to come together to find lasting peace for Afghanistan. Afghanistan has an opportunity to build on the achievements of the past 15 years and to move towards stability and self-reliance.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“The recent signing by the President of the legislative decree on electoral reform is a constructive development in that regard. The international community is deeply committed to supporting the National Unity Government and would be reassured by continued stability and its effectiveness. Peace for Afghanistan is a necessity. Without peace, Afghans will continue to suffer and economic growth and prosperity will not materialize. The Taliban has still not demonstrated explicitly a clear commitment to a peace process, despite the many offers of engagement by President Ghani and the international community. The intensive fighting this summer has shown the conflict to be an endless cycle of gains and reversals, of destruction instead of development, and of continued suffering for Afghan civilians.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“A way forward must be found through a realistic and flexible compromise and a show of true statesmanship. The leaders need to come up with a solution that will allow for the effective functioning of the Government, in both the short and long terms. Afghanistan cannot afford political instability. The leaders must show the people of Afghanistan and to the international community that they are able to govern effectively. As the second anniversary draws near of the 2014 political agreement that established the National Unity Government, the political opposition has increasingly challenged the legitimacy of the Government. The political agenda must progress constructively, political stability must be maintained and elections must take place.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“That would require far greater amounts of assistance and would place an overwhelming strain on already overstretched health and other social services. Unless measures are taken soon, many thousands of families will face the prospect of winter with inadequate shelter or support. No effective policies are possible ifthe Government is internally divided. Tensions within the Government have surfaced, with public criticism by Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah about what he views as the incomplete implementation of political agreement of 2014. The two leaders have met several times since then to try to identify the issues and to seek solutions. Efforts are still under way and further meetings are expected. The National Unity Government is at a defining moment.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“I must once again remind all parties to the conflict to strictly abide by their obligation under international human right and humanitarian law to always place the preservation of human life above any other consideration and to give a measurable effect to their commitment to the protection of civilians, women and children in particular. Accountability for violations of these commitments remains weak and must be strengthened by all parties. The numbers of people newly displaced by conflict have been swelled recently by a massive increase in the number of Afghan families returning from Pakistan. If current trends continue, Afghanistan will have to meet the needs of at least 1 million people on the move.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“It is with a heavy heart that I must report that yet again, year on year, civilian casualty figures are trending upwards. Nowhere is this trend more apparent than for children, among whom there has been an 18 per cent increase in casualties, with 388 children killed in six months. The attack claimed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant against a demonstration in Kabul on 23 July was a particularly gruesom incident, with 85 civilians killed. The Government promised to investigate in full. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan will share the findings of its own investigation with relevant stakeholders.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“The National Unity Government faces fundamental challenges, both from outside and from within. Security and political stability are the most fundamental of those. On the security front, it has been another difficult year for Afghanistan. Intensive fighting continues in hotspots around the country. While Kabul has been the target of a series of horrendous suicide attacks, several provincial captials, including Lashkar Gah, Tirin Kot and Kunduz city, have been under serious pressure, but none has fallen. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have been able to display more effective responses compared to last year, and coupled with tactical operations, they have been able for the most part to hold their ground. The impact of the conflict on civilians remains severe, however.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“The Government's attention to poverty reduction at the recent JCMB meeting was widely appreciated. Decades of conflict have left many women widowed and vulnerable, and as President Ghani noted at the JCMB, the face of Afghan poverty is female. Serious attention to poverty reduction therefore requires dedicated efforts to empower women in both peacebuilding and development. Government planning in those areas is progressing and a side event at Brussels will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss the plans in depth. Similarly, we look forward discussions in Brussels focused on promoting regional cooperation, which is key to the stability and prosperity of the region. Success in Brussels would mark another important step for Afghanistan towards self-reliance.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Successful, just prosecutions would go a long way towards boosting public confidence. I also wish to acknowledge the Government's continued progress on other reform and mutual accountability commitments, in particular with regard to preparing the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework and successfully negotiating a new International Monetary Fund programme, after a strong performance in the area of the staff- monitored programme, including with respect to revenue collection. These achievements establish a firm foundation for the Brussels Conference. By demonstrating the Government's commitment to development, economic growth and stability, they can build confidence that development funds will used for credible, effective plans. I particularly welcome the inclusiveness of the Government's vision for the Brussels Conference.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Afghanistan is now preparing for the Brussels Conference, at which the equally vital question of support for Afghan development will be considered. In Brussels, the Government will have an opportunity to secure ongoing development assistance at or near existing levels through 2020. At the meeting of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) on 4 September, the Government demonstrated that its preparations for Brussels are well advanced. I welcome President Ghani's comprehensive, long- term approach to tackling corruption, which seeks to develop the architecture needed to prevent corruption, as well as hold those responsible for corruption to account. The referral of the first cases to the Anti-Corruption Criminal Justice Centre demonstrates the Government's resolve.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“A way must be found to ensure stability in the Government for the long-term. As one of the world's most aid-dependent countries, it will be difficult for Afghanistan to achieve self- reliance as long as there is conflict. The conflict diverts resources that would be better spent on developing Afghanistan and helping its people. Peace is therefore a requirement. It is imperative that avenues for peace be explored with the utmost urgency and seriousness. Let me briefly talk about positive efforts under way that give cause for hope. Sustained international support to Afghanistan is vital. The Warsaw Summit sent a message to the Afghan people, including anti-Government elements, that the international community will continue to support the security sector at the current level until 2020.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: As I look at the situation in Afghanistan today, I see opportunity and hope, but also formidable challenges. The progress made by the Afghan people over the past 15 years provides opportunities for further advances. With opportunity comes hope. The challenges derive from almost 40 years of war. Despite very real progress, Afghanistan still has a long way to go to meet fully the needs of its people. The upcoming Brussels Conference could provide the time and space for the Afghan Government to move towards stability and seif-reliance. The Government should seize this opportunity. In order to meet its challenges, the Government must be able to act effectively. The current precarious political situation, including the tensions between the two leaders of the Government, must be brought to a resolution.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“We also extend our appreciation for the support this has received from our colleagues in the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations. Let me underscore to Council members the commitment of the United States to the goal of peace and security in the Great Lakes region and throughout Africa. We call on the Council to continue to invigorate its leadership and cooperation in ensuring a peaceful and secure Democratic Republic of the Congo after the elections this year and a new and vibrant Burundi, and to support the struggles against the negative forces that Rwanda faces each and every day, as well as the struggles and challenges faced by Uganda. We should all stand together, working together, to face the needs of the refugees and the internally displaced persons in the Great Lakes area.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We also stand witness to the devastation and human suffering caused by the negative forces, armed groups and militias. Over 425,000 refugees, and a larger number of internally displaced persons, underscore for each of us the unfinished task that lies before us in the Great Lakes region. The United States commends in the highest terms the Governments and the peoples of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda for their faith, trust, dedication and commitment to working together in the Tripartite Plus One Commission. Each of those four countries are making a difference, not only for their own people, but also in preparing a more secure and prosperous Great Lakes region.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“To the people of Guatemala and to the families of the Guatemalan forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we extend our prayers and condolences, and, above all, our gratitude for their service. We also honour those innocent victims who have died and continue to die in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda each and every day. We deplore the violence and condemn the hostilities of the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), the Lord's Resistance Army, the Forces nationales de liberation and other negative forces and militias that continue to operate in the Great Lakes region. For over a decade now, the FDLR and those negative forces have remained a threat. How many more years must be wait? How much longer must we stand witness to the continued violence and threats from these negative forces?”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Madam President, the United States commends you and your Government, the United Republic of Tanzania, for your important work on the draft resolution on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region (S/2006/51). The United States applauds the critical work of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and we share with the new United Nations Peacebuilding Commission a commitment to sustain political and economic development for fragile States. We stand in solidarity with Ambassador Swing, General Gaye, General Cammaert and the men and women who courageously and heroically serve in the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“I would like to conclude my statement by assuring the Security Council of the firm intention of the Government of Japan to continue to fully participate in these joint efforts.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Also, with regard to the issues of women, peace and security; children and armed conflict; and the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which are separate but closely interrelated, we believe the Council should address them in a coherent, more integrated manner so as to avoid any inconsistencies, confusion or duplication among the different organs that are assigned separately to carry out their duties under their respective mandates. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a task that should be addressed in all its complexity by the full array of partners, including warring parties, when necessary. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, we must continue to make every effort towards this end, even when a particular situation may seem desperate.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Thirdly, we welcome the progress that has been made so far in the area of coordination among the relevant departments of the Secretariat, as well as other organs of the United Nations system, which makes it possible to address this important issue more effectively. The Government of Japan believes that such coordination should be further strengthened and continuously reviewed. For example, in our view the application of various points in the aide-memoire to each peacekeeping mandate requires closer, more detailed and constant coordination between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Secondly, it is important that the outcome of the deliberations on this issue be mainstreamed in other work of the Security Council, in particular when dealing with peace and the security of specific countries and regions. In this regard, it is highly desirable that actual peacekeeping operations be conducted along the lines suggested by the aide- memoire. Again, the efforts to promote dialogue among all parties concerned are very important. In this connection, we need to have a credible roadmap that can translate the recommendations of the Secretary-General into practical measures applicable on the ground. We therefore welcome the provisional version of the roadmap contained in the report of the Secretary-General as an initial step in the right direction and we are ready to participate in the work of further elaborating it.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Also, we are of the View that all Member States need to be fully briefed on what the Security Council has produced on this issue, including the aide-memoire, and in the future it is hoped that interested Member States will have an opportunity to express their views before the deliberations of the Security Council lead to some new outcome. In this connection, the Government of Japan welcomes the initiative that the mission of Norway and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have taken to set up a support group on the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which would serve as a forum for an exchange of information and views among interested parties.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It also identifies new challenges, such as sexual exploitation, commercial exploitation and terrorism, as well as their impact on the protection of civilians. I would now like to make three brief comments on this important issue. First, in our View, information on the activities at Headquarters should be widely disseminated to all regions of the world, while at the same time the views of partners from various regions should be duly reflected in the activities at Headquarters. Through such interaction, we would be in a better position to develop more practical and effective ways of protecting civilians in armed conflict. In this regard, my Government welcomes the workshops that have been held in South Africa and in Japan and looks forward to additional workshops that, we understand, will be convened in other regions of the world next year.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“First of all, I wish to welcome the decision of the Security Council to convene this open meeting on the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as this is an issue of great concern to all Member States. I would also like to commend the work of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in preparing the third report of the Secretary-General on this issue. This report provides us with insightful analyses and practical observations on the subjects of access to vulnerable populations, separation of civilians and armed elements, as well as rule of law, justice and reconciliation, based on the actual experience of the various departments and organs of the United Nations that have been engaged in protecting civilians in armed conflict.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The chair's statement issued at that meeting welcomed the adoption of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) as a manifestation of the commitment of African leaders to effective leadership and accountability. NEPAD reflects the principles of global partnership and ownership. I would like to emphasize the importance of these principles in the context of addressing the illicit exploitation of natural resources and the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2001-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4437Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This will require a comprehensive and integrated approach. I would thus like to underline the importance of convening an international conference on peace and development in the Great Lakes region, as recommended in the addendum to the report, as well as the acceleration of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This will help create a conducive environment in which the countries concerned can discuss ways of securing their borders. Finally, the ministerial meeting in preparation for the Third Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD III) was held in Tokyo on 3 and 4 December.”
2001-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4437Resumption1 (2001) · source
“But because these primary commodities are important sources of income for the nation-building efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, if the international community agrees that illicit trade in these items needs to be regulated, it should be done in such a way as not to be detrimental to revitalizing economic activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this connection, the international community should pay due attention to protecting the legitimate exploitation and trade in primary commodities in the country. As we emphasized in our statement last May, the relationship between the illicit exploitation of natural resources and the protraction of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be considered in the wider context of consolidating peace throughout the region.”
2001-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4437Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This consciousness of responsibility will provide an environment in which the international community will be encouraged to take voluntary initiatives to stop the illicit trade. Secondly, with the end of the conflict in sight, the process of demobilization, disarmament and reintegration and efforts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have begun. In support of those efforts, it is crucial that legitimate trade in primary commodities be protected. As the addendum to the report points out, those items which are illicitly exploited and traded in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not confined to coltan and diamonds, but also include gold, copper, cobalt and timber.”
2001-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4437Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Through this process, the international community has learned valuable lessons regarding the curtailment of illicit exploitation of natural resources for conflict prevention, while at the same time protecting the legitimate exploitation of natural resources for the promotion of development. With respect specifically to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan hopes that the following two points will be taken well into account when the Security Council considers the recommendations contained in the addendum report. First, producing countries and importing countries must acknowledge their responsibility and commit themselves to breaking the circle of conflict and the illicit exploitation of natural resources.”
2001-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4437Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for giving my delegation the opportunity to participate in today's discussion on this important issue. I would also like to thank the Panel of Experts for producing a well-balanced addendum to the report on the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The illicit exploitation of natural resources, not only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also in other parts of the world, is a cause of recurring open hostilities and a major obstacle to the settlement of conflicts. As Japan stressed in its statement before this body last May, it must be stopped. Towards this end, Japan has been participating in the discussions of the Kimberley process, which addresses the problem of conflict diamonds.”
2001-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4437Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this connection, my delegation takes note that UNITA has announced that it will undertake a unilateral cease-fire by 20 September and resume negotiations to achieve peace and security in Angola. I hope that this announcement is not another attempt by UNITA to deflect international pressure. In the meantime, both parties must ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need and take all necessary measures for the safety of personnel of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II) as well as those engaged in humanitarian activities.”
1993-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3277 (1993) · source
“In spite of the efforts of the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and the heads of African countries to resume negotiations to advance the peace process, no substantive progress has been made towards implementation of the Acordos de Paz in Angola during the past two months. Meanwhile, the already desperate humanitarian situation in Angola continues to worsen, to the point where more than a thousand people die every day. Responsibility for this tragic situation lies with UNITA, which has failed to halt its military actions and has refused to come to the negotiating table. Under these circumstances, the Security Council had to send a clear message to UNITA by the resolution we have just adopted.”
1993-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3277 (1993) · source