YouSaid · the spoken record

Yelchenko

lines on the record: 1,640
first: 1997-12-19
most recent: 2019-07-16
sittings or episodes: 226
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

“We agree with the point that the future structure of the entire region can be substantially affected by the future of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. What we should therefore avoid now is putting this country in such a position that will impede it from becoming democratic and integrated into the European family of nations. I would also like to reiterate our support for Mr. Bildt's view that any long-term strategy for stability and peace in the region is based on the successful pursuit of the comprehensive reform of all societies devastated by conflict, the reintegration of the region into the European and global infrastructure, and reconciliation between all the States and nations of the region. Undoubtedly, the issues of refugee returns and economic reconstruction remain central to the entire process of ensuring regional stability.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“Bildt that the future of Kosovo should one day be settled through an arrangement and agreement between Serbia and Kosovo, thus making peace in the region possible. This is the only viable scenario. At the same time, we are not convinced that there cannot be any dialogue to that end with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under its current leadership. Such a dialogue should be sought for the sake of peace in the region and for the future of this country. In our view, the increasing tendency to exclude and isolate the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from the regional framework is counter-productive, because this country remains a key player in a final settlement of any existing problems and disputes in the Balkans.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“At the same time, the dangerous developments in the situation in Kosovo remain a source of grave concern to us, and are a constant threat to international achievements towards peace in the whole region. My country is deeply disturbed by the increasing upsurge of ethnically related violence against non-Albanians. This must be stopped by any means. We cannot be satisfied with Kosovo's steady movement towards independence. We were pleased to take note of Mr. Bildt's remark made at the South-East Europe high-level conference held in Tokyo last May. We can affirm the similarity of our assessments that a regional political framework for Kosovo is possible only if there is an international consensus on what we are trying to achieve there. It is difficult to disagree with Mr.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“Bildt reinforces my delegation's conviction that the establishment of a lasting and self-sustaining peace in the Balkans can be achieved only by addressing all the existing problems of a regional dimension, and with the participation of all the countries of the region. We totally agree with Mr. Bildt's view on the need for a political framework that provides stability for the entire region, since to contain or to solve the tensions in one part ofthe region will not suffice. Today it seems that all of us are largely satisfied with the remarkable progress achieved by the post- conflict peace-building efforts in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and the absence of inter-ethnic violence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“I would like to warmly welcome both Mr. Bildt and Mr. Solana, and to thank Mr. Bildt for his comprehensive briefing. Mindful of the concept to hold today's meeting in the form of an interactive dialogue with the Special Envoy, I would like to limit my remarks to the following several points. After decade-long efforts to bring about lasting peace and reconciliation to the Balkans, the situation in this part of Europe still requires constant international attention and involvement. In responding to different conflicts in the Balkans over the years, the international community - with the United Nations at the forefront- has acquired a long record of both successes and failures. What we have just heard from Mr.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“According to that formula, the President of the Council - in response to a written request from the representative ofthe Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - invites that representative by name to address the Council in the course of the discussion of the item before it. At the current stage, we do not see any grounds to abandon this practice, which has been in existence for nearly eight years. These are the reasons why my delegation will vote in favour of the participation of Mr. Jovanovie in today's open meeting ofthe Security Council. Finally, I would like to place on the record that this position of Ukraine is without any prejudice to the status of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“Furthermore, I must recall the important provisions of Article 32 of the Charter of the United Nations, under which any State that is a party to a dispute under consideration by the Security Council has to be invited to participate in the discussion relating to the dispute. It is impossible to deny that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia de facto remains a party to every track of the peace process in the Balkans. Since September 1992, the Security Council has adopted a special form of invitation when faced with a request for participation from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“I am deeply convinced that the Security Council as a whole derives considerable benefits from this tendency, which enhances its actual influence on the situation on the ground. In this regard, my delegation sees an inconsistency between this tendency and the request for a vote on the participation in the Council's meeting of the representative of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. First of all, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia remains a participant in the peace process in the Balkans. It is a signatory to the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement. It is a host country of the international presence in Kosovo. It is a party to the settlement of the Prevlaka dispute. We believe this provides sufficient grounds to allow this country to participate in the discussion of the Security Council on the situation in the Balkans as a whole.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“Since the beginning of this year, we have witnessed quite a number of important new developments in the Council's working methods and procedures, the most important of which is the tendency towards the increased participation of non-members of the Council in the discussions of this body. Let me recall one of the latest events in support of this assertion: the meetings of the Council with the participation of the members of the Political Committee of the Lusaka Agreement, held on 15 and 16 June. I would like to emphasize that this was the first time in the history of the United Nations that the Security Council had at its table representatives of rebel movements, who participated in the Council's discussions. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Ukraine attaches particular significance to this important tendency.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164 (2000) · source
“Finally, I would like to mention yet another matter that we consider to be an important part of the effective operation of the Tribunal, which is the need for a wider dissemination of information regarding the activities of the Tribunal and its role in establishing the rule of law and promoting reconciliation in the Balkans. We welcome the launch last fall of an outreach programme with a focus on countries of the former Yugoslavia. At the same time, we would like to encourage the Tribunal to broaden the activities of that programme to other countries of the region and to make it more public-oriented.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“Another important aspect that is worth mentioning in the context of the report before us is that, when considering ways to improve the operation of ICTY, the Security Council should in no way create the impression that the similar problems now facing the International Tribunal for Rwanda are less important or pressing. I think that the changes contemplated for ICTY would be difficult to approve without adopting the same approach to the problem of the workload of the Rwanda Tribunal, and these two issues should be considered in conjunction.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“While this question, as of now, remains in the hands of the General Assembly, we think that this situation should be addressed. Can anyone imagine the Rwanda Tribunal without African judges? The non- election of the only Eastern European candidate to the ICTY last year was indeed disappointing. A wide representation ofjudges from all regional groups in the Tribunal, as in the case of practically all United Nations organs, including the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda - is important for the effectiveness and credibility of that body. We believe that this issue should be taken into account when considering the proposed changes in the Tribunal's statute.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“The questions raised in the report are rather complex and, apart from the proposals to introduce a new category of ad [item judges and to delegate a large part of pre-trial work to senior legal officers, include such issues as the long-term plan of the Tribunal's activities, the length of its mandate and its future relations with the International Criminal Court. My delegation welcomes this forward-looking analysis undertaken by the Tribunal and supports a thorough, action-oriented examination of all these issues by the Security Council in an appropriate agreed format. The potential financial implications should, of course, be examined too. While looking forward to that review, I would like to indicate one issue of concern to my delegation: the absence of judges from Eastern Europe in the Tribunal.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“No less important is the Tribunal's role in the process of reconciliation and restoring peace in the region. It is therefore imperative for that judicial institution to maintain the highest standards of impartiality and to remain free of any political considerations in its activities, although, as we can see, that is most difficult to achieve. It is from this perspective that any proposed measures to expedite and rationalize its proceedings should be looked at in the first instance. We recognize the huge workload facing the Tribunal. Of course, the need for changes is obvious. Based on the perspective that the Tribunal will complete its task by the year 2016, I should simply like to ask a rhetorical question: Could one have imagined that the Nuremberg tribunal would end its work in 1968, 23 years after its creation?”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“I would like to welcome Judge Jorda, the President of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 (ICTY), to the Council and to thank him for his comprehensive briefing. We found his comments very interesting and useful, as are the proposals contained in the report on possible ways and means of improving the operation of the Tribunal and streamlining its working procedures. Previous discussions in the Council on the work of the ICTY, including the most recent briefing of the Tribunal's Prosecutor, undoubtedly underscored the important role the ICTY plays in meting out justice and healing the wounds caused by the human tragedy that shook the former Yugoslavia and continues there.”
2000-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4161 (2000) · source
“Other scenarios might undermine the fragile atmosphere of peace in the whole region, as well as the role of the Security Council itself. Finally, we have to admit that over the past year the presence of UNMIK and KFOR in Kosovo has remained critical and should be continued. While recognizing that there is no need today to adopt a new resolution on Kosovo, we emphasize the importance of implementing resolution 1244 (1999) in full, having agreed on certain aspects, at the conceptual and practical levels, of the United Nations strategies in Kosovo. In conclusion, I wish every success to Mr. Kouchner and his able team and to UNMIK and KFOR personnel in carrying out their extremely difficult tasks in pursuit of our common responsibility to establish a lasting multi-ethnic peace, stability and civic order in Kosovo.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“In this respect, we would prefer the issue of substantial autonomy for Kosovo to be addressed and decided sooner or later in the framework of the Council, which should never play the role of an involved observer. It is the Security Council that shoulders the primary responsibility for the future of Kosovo. One more aspect of resolution 1244 (1999) which is awaiting fulfilment is the promotion of a political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status. However unrealistic this idea might seem today, we cannot avoid the prospect of an agreement being reached on Kosovo's final status between the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanians through direct or proximity talks under international auspices. In our View, it is the only foreseeable way to settle the issue in a civilized manner.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“Furthermore, we will be creating groundless illusions, both among the local population of Kosovo and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities. Do we need this ambiguity? As far as my country is concerned, our only understanding of the relevant provisions of resolution 1244 (1999) and its annexes is that the people of Kosovo can enjoy a substantial autonomy within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected. We believe that all further actions by UNMIK and KFOR should be undertaken in full conformity with these principles and be assessed from the common positions of the Security Council members.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“President, allow me again to touch upon another key issue of the Kosovo problem relating to the mid- and long-term strategy of UNMIK and KFOR; that is, a clear definition of substantial autonomy and meaningful self-administration of Kosovo in terms of resolution 1244 (1999). By the way, this issue was raised several times before by Mr. Kouchner himself. In our View, as long as the Security Council shies away from settling this core issue or dampens it in its fine rhetoric, there will always be a threat that the efforts of UNMIK and KFOR will be counterproductive. If we do not address this issue directly, we will be keeping UNMIK and KFOR in the dark, turning them into some kind of fire brigade fighting a forest fire during a drought.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“In implementing resolution 1244 (1999), we also deem it crucial to ensure the safe return to Kosovo of the over 200,000 non-Albanians who currently remain in Serbia, Montenegro and in neighbouring countries. We hope that the recently established Joint Committee on Returns will play a constructive role in this matter. It is also self-evident that abstention from participation of Kosovo Serbs in the civil registration and municipal elections might raise a lot of unnecessary questions about their results and challenge the political credibility of the United Nations. Now, Mr.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“At the same time, ensuring safety and security of the international civilian and military personnel should remain a priority for the KFOR and UNMIK leadership, as well as for the population of Kosovo. In this context, we also assess positively the recent measures by Mr. Kouchner to stop the media's practice of publicly identifying and charging Serb residents as war criminals, as well as the recent regulation on appointment and removal of international judges and persecutors throughout the entire province. Mindful of the urgent need to enhance the security situation in the province, my Government intends to send to Kosovo its 115-strong specialized police unit next month. I would also like to confirm the preparation for deployment in July of the joint Polish- Ukrainian peacekeeping battalion earmarked for the KFOR operation.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“In this regard, welcoming all the security measures undertaken so far by KFOR and the UNMIK police with the purpose to enhance the long-term security of minority communities, we call upon them to make full use of their broad mandates to stop the current wave of ongoing terror against national minorities. A strategy of stabilization similar to that utilized in Mitrovica, such as the creation of a "confidence area", should be implemented everywhere throughout the province, especially in the small areas of Serb enclaves. It is necessary to prevent the feasible perspective of an ethnical division of the province along the Ibar River. In this respect, we also strongly believe that KFOR and UNMIK activities should be carried out absolutely impartially.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“The vivid proof of this assessment is the decision by the Serb National Council of Gracanica to absent themselves from meetings of the Interim Administrative Council (IAC) and the Kosovo Transitional Council (KTC) for one week, as well as to send a delegation to the United Nations Security Council to seek additional appropriate guarantees to ensure security and human rights of Kosovo Serbs. We believe that the Council should heed and react adequately to this desperate call on the part of the most cooperative representatives of the Kosovo Serbs.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“Undoubtedly, proper security of national minorities and effective protection of their basic human rights are the prerequisites for further progress in the long-term process of settling the Kosovo problem. In this context, we were deeply alarmed by the recent upsurge of violence against Kosovo Serbs over the past month. The most worrisome is the assessment by the Secretary-General, in paragraph 21 of his report (S/2000/538), that these attacks "appear to be orchestrated and have had an unsettling effect on Kosovo Serbs' confidence".”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“In this regard, we feel that the considerable progress made in establishing joint interim administration structures, in providing humanitarian assistance, promoting the sectoral economic development and democratization and in undertaking preparations for civil registration and municipal elections seems to be much less impressive when seen against the current precarious security situation in the province. The prevailing atmosphere of ethnically related violence and the crime rate, daily intimidations, assaults and threats against non-Albanians, especially Kosovo Serbs, jeopardize all efforts of the international community, be it participation of minority communities in municipal structures, be it their participation in the civil registration and municipal election process, be it the establishment of the judicial system and the rule of law.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“To address this issue it is essential to answer some crucial questions. Specifically: Are we satisfied with the results of the one-year presence of UNMIK and KFOR in Kosovo? What can be done in the immediate future to improve the situation? And what is the ultimate goal in the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999)? In our view, the current situation in Kosovo should be looked at, first and foremost, from the standpoint of accomplishing the main responsibilities of the international security and civil presences, that is, to promote the atmosphere of safety and security, to create a climate of law and order, to enable all refugees and internally displaced persons to return freely to their homes and to protect their individual rights.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“At the same time, while recognizing the undeniable progress achieved by UNMIK and KFOR in tackling the challenges of Kosovo, we should also openly admit a number of setbacks in efforts to avoid the most gloomy scenarios for the future of the province and the entire Balkans and to ensure the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). Bearing this in mind, I think that we should not engage in another exchange of political declarations, interpreting in various ways the state of affairs in Kosovo, which, I must admit, continues to be of great concern to my country too. To be able to provide clear guidelines for UNMIK, to define a mid- and a long-term strategy for it, I believe, we need to focus on concrete steps to contribute to the real improvement of the situation on the ground, which is to be considered in a time perspective.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“Over the past period, the United Nations Interim Administrative Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the international security force (KFOR) have done a lot in pursuit of their mandates. As outlined in paragraph 3 of the Secretary-General's report (S/2000/538), "Kosovo today is definitely a better place than the international community found it 12 short months ago". As a member of the recent Security Council mission to Kosovo, I had ample opportunity to witness the significant progress achieved by KFOR and UNMIK in bringing normalcy to life in the province. Therefore, as we have stated on previous occasions, the courage and dedication of UNMIK and KFOR personnel, as well as their efforts, should be fully appreciated.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“I would like to warmly welcome Mr. Kouchner and thank him for his very informative briefing. Almost a year has passed since the Security Council adopted resolution 1244 (1999), whereby it decided to set up the international civil and security presences in Kosovo for an initial period of 12 months with the View to bringing peace and stability, democracy and prosperity to the province, as well as to the whole region. Although that resolution did not bring about a final solution to the Kosovo problem, it laid down the framework for the transition process of finding that solution by launching a unique peace operation that is unprecedented in the history of the United Nations.”
2000-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4153 (2000) · source
“In our View, a panel should be set up for the purpose of investigating the reports on flagrant human rights violations and atrocities perpetrated against the civilian population in the eastern Congo.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“Before concluding, I would like to place special emphasis on the mission's recommendation for the early establishment of an expert panel to investigate the reports of the illegal exploitation of the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It should be recalled that the Security Council has already formally undertaken to take a decision on this matter expeditiously, taking into account the conclusions of its mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Finally, we, like the French delegation, are very much concerned about the human rights situation in the eastern Congo, which is proving to be really disastrous, according to a number of reliable reports. The Security Council should pay special attention to this issue.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“It is also important to acknowledge the instrumental role played by the Security Council mission in defusing the Kisangani crisis, which recalled the times of the struggle for territories in Africa and was even labeled the Fashoda of the twenty- first century. The fighting in this Congolese city should encourage the Security Council to take a stronger position on the need to put an end to the presence of foreign troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is inconsistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter. We take note of the agreement between Rwanda and Uganda to withdraw their forces from Kisangani.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“However, they do not amount to the major obstacle to the launching of the inter-Congolese political talks, which are so fundamental to achieving lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this connection, we fully support the initiative of France to convene a meeting of the Political Committee next month in New York; this might resolve some of the outstanding questions impeding progress in the peace process. We agree that more difficult issues, such as the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and resettlement of the armed groups, should also be taken up during that meeting of the Political Committee in New York.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“The military strength of the expanded MONUC has to be strong enough to produce a real restraining effect on any attempts to threaten the safety and security of peacekeepers. The mission's report also underscores another point, which has to be addressed directly to the parties to the Lusaka Agreement. To be successful, the peace process has to move forward. The new attitude of the parties towards maintaining the ceasefire, noted in the mission report, is indeed encouraging. At the same time, the ceasefire is only one component of the Lusaka Agreement. In this context, the parties have to demonstrate more responsibility in advancing all other integral parts of the peace process. For example, we recognize that the differences over the venue of the inter-Congolese dialogue are considerable.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“Certainly, it is not enough simply to say that the peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be judged on its own merits. We have to admit that potential MONUC troop contributors will take into account the current crisis in Sierra Leone. We have to acknowledge that their judgement will also be based on the United Nations response to the developments in Sierra Leone and on the successful outcome of the United Nations actions to overcome the crisis. We agree with the mission's recommendation that the Secretary-General's final decision on MONUC deployment should be preceded by a reaffirmation by all parties of their commitment to the Lusaka Agreement. At the same time, we would also urge the Secretary-General to pay particular attention to increasing MONUC's capabilities to protect its personnel.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“Ukraine has endorsed all the observations and recommendations contained in the report prepared by the mission. I would like to make a few comments with regard to some of the major issues raised in the report. My first point relates to the issue of the deployment of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). The results of the talks of the Security Council mission's members with the leaders of the parties to the Lusaka Agreement have reconfirmed the urgency of the deployment of phase II of MONUC. In this connection, we agree entirely that one of the most compelling tasks today is to prevent the developments in Sierra Leone from having any negative impact on the United Nations presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“Like my colleagues who have already spoken, I would like to pay tribute to Ambassador Holbrooke for his leadership and determination as the head of the Security Council mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This mission coincided with very dangerous developments on the African continent. As we all know, the Security Council started its work in the year 2000 with an affirmation of its commitment to conflict resolution in Africa. Today the Council is going through another "month of Africa", which has put this commitment to a difficult and demanding test. It is from this perspective that we would like to express our appreciation to the members of the mission for their important contribution to redeeming the Council's pledge to meet this test.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“We believe that the substantial strengthening of UNAMSIL, even without giving it the task of forcibly disarming the rebels, will demonstrate to the RUF that there will be no option but to lay down its arms and fulfil its obligations under the Lome Agreement. Furthermore, the strengthening of UNAMSIL would deter rebels from further humiliating actions against peacekeepers. In conclusion, I would like to confirm Ukraine's willingness to continue making its own contribution to the United Nations peacemaking efforts in Sierra Leone. In particular, Ukraine has already been involved in providing airlift support for the needs of UNAMSIL.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“With regard to the issue of the revised mandate of UNAMSIL, I would like to recall here one very pertinent recommendation from the Carlsson Inquiry into the United Nations actions during the genocide in Rwanda. This recommendation stated the following: "The overriding concern in formulating mandates must be what presence is needed on the ground, not short-term financial constraints. The Security Council should be presented with proposals reflecting the real needs of a mission, not ones tailored to a previously perceived consensus. Mandates must be robust enough already from the beginning of a mission." (S/1999/1257, enclosure, p. 56) United Nations Member States are looking forward to this kind of proposal from the United Nations Secretariat.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“Today the membership of the United Nations is unanimous in its assessment that political measures alone are likely to fail in bringing about the desirable effect. Against this background, we believe that the Security Council should take tougher measures - that is, peace enforcement. In this connection, among the conceivable options our strong preference will be the substantial reinforcement of the current UNAMSIL by increasing its combat capabilities. This would require reconsidering the current mandate of UNAMSIL, which has to be brought entirely under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. At the same time, UNAMSIL should be properly equipped as soon as possible so as to be able to act accordingly. All forces to be involved in the operation should perform their functions under the United Nations chain of command.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“Given the current situation on the ground, as well as the real threat of recurrence of large- scale fighting, we strongly believe that it is incumbent on the organ entrusted with the primary responsibility for peace and security to take all appropriate steps at its disposal aimed at bringing the peace process in Sierra Leone back on track. Our immediate attention should be focused on the following priorities: to free all United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and other international staff detained, to stabilize the situation on the ground and to reinforce United Nations troops. We would like to express our high appreciation to the United Kingdom Government for its quick and prompt decision to dispatch a British military contingent in order to secure the strategic Lungi airport.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“We maintain that the responsibility for this lies entirely with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and its leadership. We also strongly condemn the hostile actions, which are absolutely unacceptable, against United Nations peacekeepers. All those responsible should be held accountable for their criminal acts. In its official declaration issued on 6 May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine demanded the immediate and unharmed release of all detained United Nations personnel. Our delegation strongly reiterates this demand addressed to the Revolutionary United Front. Ensuring the safety and security of the peacekeeping personnel in Sierra Leone is of utmost importance. At the same time, another urgent task facing the United Nations is that of preventing the crisis from growing into a new war in that country.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“Today's emergency meeting of the Security Council is yet another clear indication of the gravity of the situation in Sierra Leone, underlining the imperative need to take rapid, well- considered, resolute and adequate action in response to the dangerous developments in that African country. Our discussion today has to have a large perspective, not limited exclusively to the situation on the ground. The larger context should underscore the overall credibility and authority of the United Nations and its role in conflict resolution. We hope that the convening of this meeting at the initiative of African States will enable us to take the right decision. Ukraine is gravely concerned over the current crisis in the peace process in Sierra Leone.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4139 (2000) · source
“Kouchner and other major international actors, I do not think that the final decision can be imposed on the parties to the conflict in Kosovo. I wish to make one final point of a general character. The reconstruction efforts in the region as a whole should be cohesive and not used as a means of political pressure. In conclusion, let me say that, as the practice of sending Security Council fact-finding missions to zones of conflict has proven its effectiveness and usefulness - and I want also to mention here the missions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to Ethiopia and Eritrea - we should utilize this practice more frequently.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Now, let me pose a crucial question which all of us, members and non-members of the Security Council alike, may want to address. I do not expect, of course, an immediate answer to the question. How do we see the future status of Kosovo? Do we really want this dubious status quo maintained indefinitely? Are we ready to answer the question: What does substantial autonomy mean? As far as my delegation is concerned, it would be impossible to tackle this issue without the real direct engagement of the parties: the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Albanians of Kosovo. Any decision, however attractive it might look to the international community, will not be workable unless it is directly negotiated and implemented by the parties themselves. With all respect for the efforts of Mr.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Needless to say, everything should be done to ensure participation in civil registration and in the municipal elections of all Kosovo inhabitants, be they currently in or outside the province. Cooperation between the UNMIK- OSCE component and the Yugoslav authorities in this respect is absolutely vital. It is also obvious that the deprival of the right of numerous Kosovo inhabitants outside the province to be part of that campaign might give grounds for a challenge to the legitimacy of its final results. We were indeed glad to learn from UNMIK that some Ukrainian non-governmental organizations, upon invitation from the OSCE pillar, were helpful in facilitating the process of registration and in evaluating access to civil and voter registration for minority inhabitants of Kosovo.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“This support is, in our view, preconditioned on the full implementation of all provisions of resolution 1244 (1999), in full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. As indicated in paragraph 16 of the report, the Security Council's mission witnessed the initial phase of the registration process in the UNMIK-Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe centre at Dobrecani in the anilane region. While welcoming the start of this campaign, we cannot but be concerned with the well-understood reluctance or refusal of Serbs to participate in it, due to inadequate security conditions and lack of progress in the return of Serb internally displaced persons.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“At the same time, most impressive was also the information on missing persons provided by Bishop Artemje and other members of the Serb National Council at Gracanica, as well as by the Yugoslav representatives at the meeting with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Committee for Cooperation with UNMIK. In this regard, my delegation wishes to place on record its support for the recommendation to appoint a special envoy of the Secretary-General on missing persons in Kosovo, assigned to learn the fate of missing Albanians and non-Albanians alike during the events of 1999-2000 and to negotiate this matter with the Yugoslav authorities or any other Government. At the same time, we are aware of the fact that the creation of this post will bring no results unless it is supported by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“In the same context, I should also like to inform the Council that the preparation of the joint Polish-Ukrainian peacekeeping battalion earmarked for the KFOR operation is under way. Now, I should like to address another issue that I believe has become the most sensitive for the members of our mission to Kosovo. Here, I refer to the problem of missing persons and detainees. I have no doubt that all of us were deeply moved by the meetings in Djakovica and other places, during which the Albanian representatives highlighted this problem to us as a major impediment to reconciliation.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Undoubtedly, all necessary additional security arrangements should be undertaken on the part of UNMIK and KFOR to reverse this situation. It seems obvious to us that, after having helped hundreds of thousands of Albanians to return to the province last year, the international community should ensure the safe return from Serbia of about 200,000 non- Albanians of Kosovo. In this connection, we welcome the recent establishment of a Joint Committee on Returns to coordinate these issues. Given the urgent need to enhance the security situation in the province, as well as to assist UNMIK Police in meeting pressing requirements for specialized units, the Ukrainian Government is prepared to send a specialized police unit of 110 members to Kosovo.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source