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

“These can be seen in emerging cooperation between the two major ethnic communities in Mitrovica and Orahovac, as well as in the participation of the Serbs in the Kosovo Transitional Council and the Interim Administrative Council. At the same time, however, having noticed some positive trends towards the return of normalcy, my delegation remains concerned about the overall security situation, first and foremost as it relates to the protection of ethnic minorities and their human rights. Although the crime rate in the province has gone down, it remains high. It is absolutely clear that, unless the proper security of the national minorities is ensured and their basic human rights are properly protected, they will continue to be subject to violence and thus to feel insecure about returning to Kosovo.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“Now, it will be essential for the Security Council to build on those findings and conclusions in order to define its further steps towards implementing resolution 1244 (1999) and supporting UNMIK. With this in mind, I would like to make the following observations. First of all, it is necessary to pay tribute to the UNMIK and KFOR personnel for their courage and professionalism in discharging their duties under extremely difficult conditions. The progress achieved by all four pillars of UNMIK in their areas of responsibility over the past 10 months, in particular in establishing the interim administrative structures, providing humanitarian assistance and setting up a judicial system, should be welcomed. We consider encouraging and promising the positive signs of the implementation of the agenda for coexistence and the culture of peace.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“The visit took place at the right time, as it was carried out just some six weeks before the end of an initial 12-month authorized period of international civil and security presences in Kosovo. As regards its mandate, the Security Council delegation managed to do a great deal. It observed the activities of UNMIK, gained information at first hand about the situation on the ground and conveyed a strong message to all concerned about the need to reject violence and effectively implement resolution 1244 (1999) in full cooperation with UNMIK. It also discussed with the KFOR Commander the important issue of how to strengthen the monitoring of the implementation of the arms embargo. Against this background, we feel that the mandate of the mission was successfully accomplished.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“As one of the members of the Security Council mission to Kosovo, I would like, at the outset, to thank Ambassador Chowdhury of Bangladesh for his excellent leadership, which greatly contributed to achieving the goals of the mission. Let me also convey my appreciation to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Bernard Kouchner, and to all the staff of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the United Nations Secretariat and the Kosovo Force (KFOR), as well as to the Government of Italy, all of which greatly assisted in making the visit a success. In my view, the mission to Kosovo was an important undertaking in View of both its timeliness and its mandate.”
2000-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4138 (2000) · source
“My second question relates to what is being undertaken by the Office of the High Representative to eliminate discrimination against national minorities and returnees with regard to their social and economic rights, as set out in paragraph 82 of the report, and in particular with regard to the issuance of their identity cards, which give access to basic social services such as health care. And, what are his Views on the prospects for the establishment of the unified armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina?”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“Therefore, as a member of the Peace Implementation Council and a member of the Security Council, Ukraine will continue its support for the High Representative's activities. Finally, I would like to put a couple of questions to Mr. Petritsch on the basis of the information contained in his report. The first question relates to the implementation of property laws. The registration of property claims is largely complete in both entities. At the same time, according to paragraph 71 of the report most claimants have still not received decisions confirming their property rights, because of the lack of political will and proper funding. Could Mr. Petritsch elaborate more on the reasons for such delays? How is the Office of the High Representative going to proceed in this situation with a View to enforcing the property laws?”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“Specifically, these relate to the establishment of a permanent Secretariat of the Presidency, the adoption of the draft Permanent Election Law and the creation of a single national passport. Despite the existing problems with implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement, in our view the overall current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina seems to be more promising than discouraging. Slowly but hopefully, the country, with the assistance of the international community, is moving forward from its recent tragic past towards a better future. Activities of the High Representative and his Office continue to play a vital role in international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in this part of the Balkans.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“At the same time, it is obvious that the progress made by the entities in establishing their own State has been very slow and that the acts of obstruction persist. It is truly disappointing that the adoption of important legislation by the Parliament, or the elimination of persistent obstruction by entities officials of the implementation of the Peace Agreement, often requires decisive actions by the High Representative, as was the case in the imposition in January of a very important draft law on the State Border Service. It is with regret that we learned from the report that some of the specific commitments made by the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the New York Declaration of last November are still to be fulfilled.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“We are satisfied with the successful holding of the second municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina in April, reported facts regarding the increasing use of the convertible mark and growth of foreign reserves, progress in the implementation of the ownership concept, the increase in the number of minority returns, promotion of the comprehensive judiciary reform and the establishment of judicial training. My delegation commends the High Representative and his Office on the creation of the Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was officially proclaimed on 8 March 2000, and the appointment of its interim government, as well as the completion of the formation of the tri-ethnic Brcko District Police Service.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“We thank Ambassador Petritsch for his very comprehensive briefing and the submission of the report covering the activities of the High Representative and the developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the last six months. We appreciate the activities of the High Representative and his Office. We have taken note of a number of positive steps that have been achieved during the latest six months with the assistance of the Office of the High Representative in almost all areas of implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement.”
2000-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4136 (2000) · source
“We hope that its eventual adoption by the General Assembly will be followed by rapid ratification by States and subsequent effective implementation in their national legislation. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Ukraine's support for the draft resolution before us today. By adopting it, the Council takes a significant step forward in developing its policies and practices aimed at the effective protection of civilians in armed conflict. We look forward to the next report of the Secretary-General, which, we hope, will enable us to make further progress in this direction.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“At the same time, we recognize that the Convention is far from adequate for ensuring the same level of protection to categories of United Nations and associated personnel engaged in operations other than those specifically authorized by the Security Council or the General Assembly. We wish once again to put on record our support for the elaboration and adoption of an additional protocol to extend the scope of legal protection for United Nations and associated personnel. We regret the fact that during the last decade children have appeared among combatants. The recent finalization of a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the minimum age for children in armed conflict represents a significant contribution to the protection of the rights of this most vulnerable group.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“President, I wish to point out that the efforts of your country and your personal commitment serve as a valuable example and strengthen our determination to pursue this cause. I would also like to commend the elaboration of the Crimes Against Humanity Act, which makes Canada the first country to have developed comprehensive legislation to implement the Rome Statute. Let me also emphasize the importance my country attaches to the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. Its entry into force last year represents significant progress in strengthening the regime of protection of people in the service of the United Nations operating in conflict zones under the mandate of the Security Council or General Assembly.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“First of all, Ukraine fully subscribes to the recommendation contained in the report regarding the need to accelerate ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. While recognizing that the text of this document may not be perfect in all respects and that further work is needed to finalize the necessary legal framework, we view such a court as the only viable democratic mechanism of a universal character to enforce respect for international humanitarian law. By signing the Rome Statute several months ago, my country took its first step towards participation in this instrument. Recently, extensive work was undertaken in Ukraine to elaborate and eventually adopt the necessary implementing legislation that will lead to the ratification of the Statute. In this regard, Mr.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Such regulation could definitely create better conditions for unanimity among the members of the Security Council, especially the permanent ones, in a decision-making process. We would also like to emphasize that any such preventive action by the Council should be based on the Charter of the United Nations and principles of international law, including the principles of the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. It is important that the draft resolution to be adopted make explicit references to these norms and principles. A number of important recommendations by the Secretary-General relating to the legal aspects of enhancing the protection of civilians were left outside the scope of the draft resolution. We would like to comment on some of these.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Prevention of conflicts is an important part, probably the key part, of the overall strategy aimed at protection of civilians. Prevention, containment and elimination of conflicts constitute the main task of this body. Apart from the need to focus on the economic and social causes of conflicts, which is the major task of the whole Organization, we believe there is also an obvious need to elaborate a framework document to define clear-cut principles and criteria, as well as effective mechanisms for the authorization by the Council of enforcement measures to prevent armed conflicts within States at their earliest stage. We think that such a universally accepted document could substantially enhance the capacity of the Security Council for early action to avert the potential outbreak of internal armed conflicts.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“By confining itself to the recommendations related to the physical protection of civilians and deciding not to embark upon other matters, the Council left important issues for consideration by the wider United Nations membership and thus set a clear precedent for its future work in this area. The Council took this decision consciously, with due regard for many concerns that had been voiced by non-members of the Council in this regard and in consideration of the need to improve its working methods and increase coordination with other United Nations bodies. My delegation considers this particularly important, especially in view of the fact that the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit his next report on the subject in March 2001.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“The draft resolution effectively reaffirms that the Council can and will act in situations where deliberate targeting of civilians and systematic, flagrant and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law constitute a threat to international peace and security. Other provisions of the resolution define areas where the Council action is essential and establish standards for such action. I would like to mention another important feature of the approach adopted by the Security Council in considering the recommendations presented in the Secretary-General's report.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Last month the Council provoked an unusually keen debate, with participation of the wider United Nations membership, on humanitarian aspects of its work. That debate brought to the surface several difficult but important questions regarding the role of the Security Council and other United Nations organs in considering humanitarian issues, as well as the limits on the Council and other international actors in taking action for humanitarian purposes. The draft resolution we are going to adopt today provides answers to many of those questions. It also represents a major milestone in the work of the Security Council and reflects a growing consensus among the members of the international community as to the ways and means to ensure protection of civilians in armed conflicts.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“One can hardly find any other topic on the agenda of the Security Council that has attracted such genuine and vivid attention on the part of the members of this body, and of the international community as a whole, for the past several years. Its consideration passed through several distinct stages, gaining each time more and more momentum and thus bringing the Council closer to more substantive results. In 1999 alone we witnessed several interesting debates on this issue, not to mention discussions on a number of related topics throughout the year. Preparation by the Secretary-General of his momentous report containing a body of recommendations set an important agenda and the basis for further work by the Council, as well as by other United Nations bodies.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“My delegation endorses the statement that will be made by the representative of the Azerbaijan Republic on behalf of Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova. I also wish to join previous speakers in expressing our appreciation to the delegation of Canada for organizing today's open debate and for its tireless efforts to bring it to a successful conclusion. We also thank President Kellenberger of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for his excellent presentation. My delegation had an opportunity to state its position on these issues on several occasions, and I will limit my remarks to those points that we feel particularly pertinent in the context of today's stage of our deliberations.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130 (2000) · source
“Another specific element of the draft resolution which my delegation would like to emphasize is a very clear forewarning of the inevitable repercussions on States proved to have violated the measures imposed against UNITA. The relevant provisions of the draft resolution to that effect provide strong evidence of the Council's determination to end the culture of impunity with regard to this sanctions regime. I would like to conclude by reiterating my delegation's appreciation and strong support for the efforts of Ambassador Robert Fowler aimed at improving the effectiveness of the sanctions against UNITA.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Therefore, it is incumbent on all of us to take an action-oriented approach towards those recommendations. Furthermore, by taking a decision on the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to collect information and investigate allegations of violations of the measures against UNITA, the Council is making a bold step towards strengthening its own capacities in relation to this particular sanctions regime, as well as to its overall sanctions policy. It is from this standpoint that my delegation attaches particular importance to the close connection between the monitoring mechanism and the sanctions Committee on Angola. It is also from this perspective that we acknowledge a correlative character between this meeting and important events both inside and outside the Council which took place yesterday.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The decision that the Council is about to adopt will produce a much more far-reaching effect. The direction of this draft resolution is manifold. Its main purpose consists in improving the implementation of the existing measures imposed against UNITA. Certainly, we can differentiate between groups of countries bearing special responsibility for specific areas, which, for example, could include Angola's neighboring countries, or countries involved in arms manufacture or marketing, or States closely involved with the diamond industry, as well as others. It is indeed important that the Council is attempting to make very distinct recommendations to those States. At the same time, if we bring together all those different groups, we will undoubtedly wind up getting what is called the international community.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Like my colleagues who spoke before me, I would also like to welcome the participation of the Minister for External Relations of Angola, Mr. Joao Bernardo de Miranda, in this very important meeting of the Security Council. The distinctive character of this meeting is certainly predetermined by the content of the draft resolution before the Council. Ukraine has been consistent in its position that decreasing UNITA's ability to wage war by strengthening the effectiveness of the measures imposed by the Security Council against it is a fundamental prerequisite to restoring peace in Angola. The report by the Panel of Experts on the violation of Security Council sanctions against UNITA, presented to the Council a month ago, has in itself contributed tremendously to a more serious and responsible attitude to those measures.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Its mandate, which has been clearly set out in the presidential note adopted under the Canadian leadership, identifies a number of priority areas on which the Council will focus in the following months. We hope that sooner rather than later the work of this group will bring practical results. We look forward to participating in this very important endeavor. In our view, it should result in specific conclusions and recommendations in order to clarify the vision of sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The Secretariat should enhance its capacity to monitor sanctions and carry out analytical functions. This can be done in a number of ways, first of all through strengthening coordination between different parts of the Secretariat, without changing its structure or composition - for example, holding regular consultations, setting up task forces and working groups, and other ad hoc arrangements; through re-deployment, temporary or permanent, of staff from economic, humanitarian and disarmament units of the Secretariat to the Security Council secretariat; or through creating new posts or units within the Secretariat for these purposes. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate our full support for the decision to establish a working group to address generic sanctions issues.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“While recognizing the extent of the practical implications of the implementation of this proposal, we hope that it will remain on the table as one of the open options. In our view, the work of all Security Council sanctions committees should be assisted by a more substantive expertise on the part of the Secretariat. It should go far beyond the traditional functions of servicing of committee meetings and other procedural aspects. The problem of sanctions is generally recognized as a multidisciplinary issue. It is, first and foremost, an economic issue; it is a political issue, it is a military issue, and it is a humanitarian issue. Consequently, the Secretariat should be expected to provide expertise in all those areas, coupled with a qualified synthesis of all of them.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“We need significant technical and administrative improvements within the United Nations system, as well as among Member States, to enhance sanctions management and effectiveness. We believe that this work should start with the Security Council itself. We also consider that unless a constant forum within the Council to address these issues is established, our efforts will remain fragmental and inconsistent. This was the very idea behind our recent proposal to create a standing Security Council sanctions committee entrusted with the task of outlining the general policy in this field. We believe that such a body would become a most appropriate arrangement for the Council to deal with sanctions - if not for the immediate, but for a more distant perspective.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“One of the most recent examples is the First Expert Seminar on Smart Sanctions organized by the Bonn International Centre for Conversion. This morning many of us had an excellent opportunity to participate, at the initiative of the Canadian presidency, in a very interesting seminar on sanctions organized by the International Peace Academy. All such meetings undertake careful study of the most acute questions related to sanctions planning, management, implementation, et cetera, and produce very useful analytical reports. Nevertheless, this work should also be done in the framework of the Security Council. The focus of these activities should be shifted to the Council to debate and outline general policy in the field of sanctions. This brings me to another point I would like to make.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“More than a year ago the Council adopted the note of the President of 29 January 1999 containing a number of practical recommendations to improve the work of sanctions committees. Recently the Secretariat submitted to us information regarding the implementation of these recommendations. It clearly shows that not all of those recommendations, as moderate as they are, have been properly implemented, and there remains much to be done in this direction. We note that many questions related to sanctions policy have been addressed in a number of forums, including at the non-governmental level. Certain important aspects of sanctions have been dealt with by the General Assembly. A substantial amount of work, including various symposia, seminars and research, has been done outside the United Nations system.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“We hope that its outcome will further contribute to an effective and comprehensive approach to sanctions imposed by the Council. We need it if we want to encourage full cooperation and mutual assistance in the implementation and enforcement of sanctions regimes and other measures imposed under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. We need such an approach if we really want to minimize unintended effects of Council sanctions on both target and non-target States. And we need it, after all, to mobilize wider support by the whole international community, thus strengthening the powers and the authority of the Security Council and upholding its overriding responsibilities under the Charter.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Sanctions, however, will and must remain a necessary and an important policy instrument in the hands of the Security Council. As stated in annex II to the well-known General Assembly resolution 51/242 "Supplement to an Agenda for Peace", "An effectively implemented regime of collective Security Council sanctions can operate as a useful international policy tool in the graduated response to threats to international peace and security." At the same time, it is important to recognize that sanctions represent extreme measures. In some cases, they can potentially have effects equal to or even more severe than those of war. These are important considerations that will guide the delegation of Ukraine in further deliberations of the Security Council on this issue.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Recent studies in this area show that the majority of the sanctions regimes imposed by the Security Council during the 19905 have had predominantly moderate to low, or even zero, political effectiveness. The time has come to carry out an analytical review of the existing policy and practices in the field of sanctions, to address specific issues of sanctions management and their effectiveness and to formulate general approaches to future decision-making on sanctions. Ukraine shares the View that sanctions should not be a substitute for the established and recognized measures used for settling international disputes and resolving conflict situations. We believe that imposition of sanctions should follow, not precede, other peaceful means of settling disputes as provided under international law and the United Nations Charter.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“I would like to start by expressing our satisfaction at seeing you, Sir, the Foreign Minister of Canada, a country which is a good friend and partner of Ukraine, presiding at a meeting of the Security Council. I would also like to express our appreciation to you and to the Government of Canada for your initiative to hold this important debate on the general issues of sanctions. Let me assure you of the full intention of my delegation to support you in bringing this discussion to a meaningful result. The question of how to improve the work of the Council in the area of sanctions is not a theoretical one. The increased number of sanctions regimes and, as a result, the growing diversity of their forms and purposes make us take a critical look at the experience gained.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“We also urge the members of the "six plus two" group and other mediators to resume their efforts to find a way leading to a final solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“It contains a clear and resolute demand that the Taliban cease its abuses of human rights, including the rights of women and girls; halt fighting and hostilities; start negotiations with the aim of achieving peaceful reconciliation; stop rendering support to international terrorism; and comply without delay with resolution 1267 (1999). It also carries the important message that further non-compliance by the Taliban will leave the Security Council with no choice other than to consider the imposition of further targeted measures. We thank the delegation of the Russian Federation for its initiative and its efforts in the preparation of a comprehensive document. Finally, we once again urge the Afghan parties to cease hostilities.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“Here I would like to stress that we need to use all possible means at our disposal to respond properly to the test created by the conflict in Afghanistan in order to bring the parties to peaceful reconciliation and to provide a safe and secure environment for the civilian population. We are thus convinced that it is very timely to reiterate strongly the Council's position with regard to the situation in Afghanistan. We welcome the draft presidential statement, which conveys the Council's grave concern at the current situation in various fields.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“The international community has several times expressed its grave concern over such practices and has condemned them. Unfortunately, no signs of improvement in the current situation can be seen, and the prospects are rather bleak, considering reports that both parties are preparing to resume fighting. The result of that could be easily foreseen: new heavy losses of human life, increased suffering by the civilian population, new flows of refugees and internally displaced persons, destruction and a further decline in the social sphere and in the economy of the country - which is practically non-existent. Needless to say, the hostilities create insuperable difficulties for the implementation of the international community's humanitarian programmes in that country and pose a threat to international humanitarian personnel.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“Today's additional emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, together with the very informative briefings by Ambassador Listre and by Mr. Renniger, enable our deliberations to be comprehensive. We note with great concern that the general situation in Afghanistan and the humanitarian situation in particular continue to deteriorate. The Secretary-Generals report provides an alarming picture of the Taliban's continued policy of flagrant violations of human rights, maltreatment of the civilian population, forced displacements, summary executions, deliberate abuses and arbitrary detentions, violence and continuing discrimination against girls and women, separation of men from their families and the use of child soldiers.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“Foreign Minister, that your personal participation in the work of the Council during this month will provide a fresh outlook to our deliberations on this and other important issues. During recent decades, the international community has gained bitter experience and seen proof that the primary harmful impact of any armed conflict is on the most vulnerable parts of society. On the other hand, ongoing human suffering is a contributing factor to instability and further conflict. The current situation in Afghanistan is yet further proof of this. Last month, in informal consultations, the Council thoroughly examined the situation in Afghanistan, including mediation efforts and prospects for the peace process, as well as drug-trafficking-related problems and their impact on the whole region.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“I would like to join my colleagues in expressing deepest condolences to the delegation of Tunisia on the passing of former President Bourguiba. My delegation is pleased to see you, Sir, presiding over the Security Council at this very important meeting. We are aware of the important place that issues of human security occupy in the foreign policy of your country. The problems of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, humanitarian relief programmes for refugees and the protection of women, children and the elderly, who suffer most during conflict, have become an integral part of the Council's agenda due, in part, to the efforts of Canadian diplomacy and of your delegation here in New York. We are convinced, Mr.”
2000-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4124 (2000) · source
“We sincerely hope that the case of Guinea-Bissau will vividly exemplify the success of the consolidated efforts of the people of that country and the international community at its best, and that the other countries in Africa which have yet to overcome their political and security difficulties will follow suit.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“There is no time like the present for the international community to extend a helping hand to the people of Guinea-Bissau. The Security Council's approval of the revision and extension of the mandate of UNOGBIS for a year, starting from March 31, is an appropriate and essential step in this direction. However, political support alone cannot suffice; financial backing is also necessary in order to focus on the major needs of the country in the social and economic areas, and in this respect international donors must play a crucial role.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“We are most gratified at the fact that the commitments by the signatories to the Abuja Accord and other related agreements are being translated into meaningful steps towards restoring democratic rule and constitutional order. Following the transitional period, the new Government of Guinea-Bissau will be facing new and pressing challenges in various spheres, including the consolidation of democracy, the promotion of the demobilization and reintegration of the military into civil society, the strengthening of a fair judicial mechanism for those detained following the events of May 1999, and the energizing of the economy. The creation of social and economic conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons should remain among the priority tasks for the young constitutional Government.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“The political controversy in the country has been resolved, and credit must be given to the efforts of the people of Guinea-Bissau, to the demonstrated political will of the parties involved, to the neighbouring countries, to the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), and to the outstanding work of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). The recent political developments in that country clearly demonstrate the strong will and the ability of the people of Guinea-Bissau to vote for change and to take the path of democracy, national reconciliation and unity.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“We would like to thank Sir Kieran Prendergast for his report, which offers solid grounds for hope that the concerted efforts of the people of Guinea-Bissau and of the international community have not been in vain. We all recall the time of hardship in Guinea-Bissau, when the country was plagued by political tensions that sparked a brutal civil war. The United Nations was there at that time, ready to help the country to create an environment conducive to the restoration of peace, national reconciliation and democratic principles.”
2000-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4121 (2000) · source
“We sincerely hope that the recent appointment of Ambassador Vorontsov as the coordinator for these highly sensitive human issues, as well as for the return of property and archives seized by Iraq, will expedite our common efforts to this end. We look forward to hearing a briefing from the coordinator as soon as possible.”
2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120 (2000) · source
“We would also like to hear more about the state of cooperation between the United Nations agencies in Iraq and the local and central authorities of that country. Finally, we would like to suggest that all the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his report, as well as those made by the delegations during this debate, should be carefully considered by the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990). In conclusion, I cannot but mention another aspect of the humanitarian problem, which is not directly related to today's discussion, but constitutes one of the essential parts of resolution 1284 (1999). I refer specifically to section B of the resolution. which relates to the issue of the repatriation or return of all Kuwaiti and third country nationals or their remains.”
2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120 (2000) · source
“One can just imagine what degree of misery and suffering the Iraqi people would have sustained if this programme had not been launched. But this in no way means that it cannot be criticized in terms of its implementation, shortcomings and bottlenecks originated by its creators. It would be unfair not to mention the years-long efforts of the programme's officers in the field, who provided its practical implementation on day-by-day basis and who experienced on their own all its disadvantages and limitations. Here, I cannot but mention the recent resignation of the Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, Mr. Von Sponeck. We note that, in the Secretary-General's report, there are a number of critical remarks addressed to the Government of Iraq. We believe that Iraq, too, should draw very serious conclusions on its part.”
2000-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4120 (2000) · source